Community Forums

RV-Michigan · 03-03-2012, 01:20 AM

I am looking for information about buying a Class C. I have never owned a motor home of any kind. I was on the web searching for books on RV buying guides. I was getting ready to buy one when a member of iRV2 posted that the best information he got was from here. I will be traveling in allot of Mt areas. I know nothing about motor homes. Are there any books you would Please suggest to get me started?
Thank you!

RV Wizard · 03-03-2012, 03:53 AM

Hello and

. We are glad to have you join us and we look forward to assisting you into the RVing scene. I am sure you will enjoy the website and forums here. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.
Can't think of a book to educate you on this vast topic and bring to light all the potential problems one could have. First, (if you have not already) I would recommend you rent a unit for a week and go use it to determine if you like the lifestyle. Second, understand how you will use the coach (type of camping and hobbies enjoyed). Find a floor plan that fits you wants and needs. Narrow the makes and models down and do research on the manufacturers quality. If you are buying a used coach always get a qualified technician to do an inspection before you buy. The biggest thing is to take your time and do lots of homework. There are a lot of units on the market and if one does not meat up or falls through, there are ten more units to replace that one.

Steve N Sal · 03-03-2012, 04:03 AM

Howdy and welcom to the forum. Hope you enjoy the site and find it helpful. I think your best bet would be to post some questions you have in the "Class C" section to get some answers. Another source would be to "google" questions about them and see what is available. If there is a rv show in your area I also would suggest to attend one if possible. This will give you an on hand experience of different floorplans, fit and finish etc. There also should be some qualified people to answer questions you may have. Hope you get the info you need and have a great shopping experience. Be safe and Happy Motoring!!!

EelKat · 03-03-2012, 08:34 AM

When I was first getting started, I found this book to be very helpful: Complete Guide to Full-Time RVing: Life on the Open Road

It's an old book and a bit dated on stuff like where they debate on the validity of getting a cell phone when "no one else" owns one of these things they predict to be nothing but a passing fad 'and beside there are pay phones on every corner of every town". They later say the same thing about that "new invention known as the computer". LOL! I think the first edition was written around 1985 or so. The new edition is 2003, I think.

Anyways, those little offhanded comments aside, this book is a huge resource of info on "how to get started", including what to look for if you are a first time RV buyer/owner, what to expect when moving in, things you can expect on the road, how to handle issues with laws/registrations/getting mail, income while traveling, etc. They cover everything you could possible imagine. It's a pretty big book too - 561 pages. It's just filled with loads of info.

The couple that wrote it are fulltimers in a 5thwheel, but their advice apllies to part-timers, vacationers, and motorhome owners as well. I've read dozens of similar RV books, and this one is by far the best book out there on getting started with an RV.

John H... · 03-03-2012, 08:48 AM

Welcome to the forum. Also, if you have a dealer, close by, just browse through some and check out floor plans for something that would suit your needs. As far as mountains go, I am on my third V-10, 6.8 and it is plenty of engine to get you up and down the hills. Do a lot of researching and reading.

bsirby · 03-03-2012, 09:04 AM

Welcome RV-Michigan! Our Class C did great in the mountains. IRV2 has been our main source of help and information. There are so many experienced people on here who are always willing to answer questions. We have a Class A now and I read alot of the post on here every day. I am always learning something new. Good luck on your search and hope you can be on the road by spring. Safe travels.

SarahW · 03-03-2012, 09:04 AM

Howdy and welcome to the forum!

Bruce C · 03-03-2012, 09:09 AM

ghoststories · 03-03-2012, 09:35 AM

Hello and welcome to iRV2.

MSHappyCampers · 03-03-2012, 10:00 AM

Hi and welcome to IRV2! Sure glad to have you join us! You'll find tons of useful information here, you just have to post your questions in the appropriate areas for the best answers! Have fun & God bless!

historyljc · 03-03-2012, 08:22 PM

Hi Michigan, welcome to the forum. Good Luck on your search.

okmunky · 03-03-2012, 08:37 PM

Forget the books! I wasted $ on them. Read the posts here, ask questions and go to RV shows in your area. Search for RV show Michigan. Walk thru all the ones you like, sit down, see what feels comfortable. I had never spent a night in an RV until I flew to Chicago to pick mine up. The learning curve is really steep and the folks here will help every step and mis-step along the way. This is LIVING!!

Izzyblueye · 03-04-2012, 08:12 AM

I totally agree with okmunky. Most how to books are written by people that stay home and write books. Follow this forum crowd and ask lots of questions, you will get the real world point of view.