I see discussions all the time with people buying New Motor-homes or just new to the lifestyle and do not know yet what components an RV should have. So my list below is an attempt to try and generate food for thought!
My intent with this list is not to show what I know or do not know, but as a discussion to get a consensus on what to look for today whether used or new. (Disclaimer
Not mentioning brand names of coaches, up to individual buyer to decide.
1.
Floor plan most important you have to live in it and like it
2.
New or Used up to the buyer
3.
Gas or Diesel up to buyer
4.
Power generation: Pure Sine Inverter/Charger (2000 watts or larger) (Some will say modified Sine is fine and cheaper; disagree for new technologies of the future)
5.
Automatic Generator Start (AGS) (either by battery levels or coach temperature) Great safety feature for your coach and potential to keep pets safe.
6.
Automatic Mechanical slide locks must have IMOP, just push the in or out and be done. Nothing to remember to do.
7. Good
fluid level monitors for fresh water, Grey water, Black Water Power and Propane if applies. Brand to be determined by your research. Good one are sometimes sacrificed to keep cost of RV down
8.
Batteries and the
number. Deep Charging, AGM or others. (AGMs are costly but seem to be well praised) Need Coach and Chassis batteries. (two high starting amp batteries for Chassis and six plus batteries for coach seem to be common)
9.
Battery Isolation Monitor (BIM) and
Energy Management System key to Happy Camping. BIRD system in older Coaches before 2010 I believe.
10.
Automatic Leveling Jacks (Hydraulic or Air and some even have both now)
11.
Comfort Drive with Independent Front Suspension is ideal for me
12.
Electrical Reels (Electric and Water power rewinds) a time saver
13.
Macerator Toilets or
Maceration discharge system for dumping
14.
Back up Camera with a good voice system to hear Ground Guide behind coach and driver
15. Some might say:
turn signal with cameras, I rely on my mirrors
16.
Automatic Awnings for unforeseen winds (Either you love them or you don't)
17.
Sound system in Coach while driving, you start off not really caring about quality, then realize your driving many hours on the road.
18.
USB ports and additional
110 outlets seem popular today
19.
Hydronic Heating: (Oasis and Aqua Hot seem most common) I love mine.
20.
Number of AC units: 1, 2 or 3. Two seems most common. If you only get two make sure at least 15,000 BTUs.
21.
Fantastic Fans: 1, 2, or 3. One for Galley and one for each for bathroom.
22.
Appropriate AMP electrical surge protector: Permanent or mobile (argument with mobile is ensuring you secure surge protector so as not to walk off by thieves) (I would recommend Progressive Industries; mainly due to life time warranty and reputation. (Must have receipt or bill of sale other wise a $100.00 plus to get repaired)
23.
Recessed Docking lights: (Do not have and wish I did)
24.
Satellite coverage: Direct TV Satellite coverage over Dish in my area is the preference and ease of use. (You have Stationary and In-Motion) Not used my in-motion yet beyond stationary.
25. Comfortable
Captains Chairs for Driver and Passenger Seat up front. Ensure you get at least the six function electric adjustment for comfort, to many miles to drive and not be comfortable.
26. Good quite
generator that is of appropriate size to run your designed coach. Onan seems to be very popular, however, I am seeing some RV'ers also have one or more little portable Honda generators. Some coaches have generator on slides and some are fixed. I prefer the generator on a slide for more options.
27. All
electric Coaches seem to be popular, still love my propane for cooking. Argument is more battery space if all electric, due to no compartment needed for propane. Maybe even a little more storage space.
28.
What can your coach carry after buying; have coach weighed before buying. Know your axle weights so you do not over load with what you will desire to carry.
29. If
buying used: Must have good current maintenance records. Buyer to buyer preferred over buyer dealerships for the best prices.
30.
Insurance: Prices vary; most costly is with lower deductibles and replacement cost. Do not forget to ask about windshield replacement.
31.
Spare Tire: Most agree to have a good plan instead of carrying a heavy where to put tire. Have a protection plan instead that will provide assistance. My Insurance plan covers but I also have another one as backup.
32.
Length of Motor Home. Many say over 37 feet you become limited to many state parks. I have 43 feet and run into very little problems so far.
33.
LED lights throughout Coach, upgrade to give better lighting and less demand to batteries and power needs.
34.
Full Wall slides (FWS): Normal slide operate as expected, FWS by manufacturer must follow directions and will differ in most cases to their small slides. FWS equate to more living space generally speaking only.
35.
Convection Microwave: Quick easy way to cook. The most acclaimed microwave I have seen discussed so far on IRV2 is the GE Advantium. Bought one and have no regrets. On the pricey side though.
36.
Residential Refrigerator: I will never go without one again. Also I do not plan to boondock either. My Samsung refrigerator works awesome and makes ice like I have never seen. Also, I have the refrigerator/freezer outside within one of my storage compartments on a slide out. Must have for me, love having it but only used twice in 18 months. If you full time, I would venture to say an almost must have.
37.
Entertainment center: Up to buyer on the quality you desire, I put it here for you to at least look at and do not take it for granted, some are very disappointed in the quality after the fact. Surround System, HD TVs, DVRs, AMPs ect..
38.
12 volts vs 120: understand the difference. Inverter/converter is there to assist (change battery power to 120 or vice versus), most coaches only need to invert power from batteries to run your refrigerator and some other small electrical items. More batteries/larger inverter/converter can increase capability and make a difference, again based on your needs.
39.
Battery Charger: Generally speaking only: Magnum Inverter/Charger is very common and can get power from Coach Engine when running, generator and shore power. (not only does it invert but also converts as well)
40.
Chassis: Ensure you research the many types out there and many function differently based on desired weight that needs to be carried and the level of comfort a buyer is looking for. (I say that very generally) Let your research give you information to hone into a coach that fits your personal needs.
41.
Money: Availability of funds is probably the most key factor on what you go after. Also the age of RV can assist in getting cost down and open up options. Brand New and having a company work with you on its design is premier if you can afford. In my reality though, used is my option and have no regrets.
42.
HD TV: Many have Wine Guard with Batt Wings and a booster. HD TV so far is free as long as a local channel so to speak. There are more robust systems you can buy.
43.
Towing weight of RV bumper and Coach Towing capacity: many RV'ers tow a vehicle. Know what your coach can tow by weight, also know your car. Not all cars are able to be towed either four wheels down or tow dolly (two front tires up on dolly normally). Total Car carriers are expensive so research before you buy either car or coach.
Going to stop here. I hope this information can be enhanced and this list that can be added to or reduced. I know there are strong feelings on IRV2, so if I got something wrong I apologize now, but almost everyday the membership and visitors are looking for recommendations. So hopefully this discussion will provide a good list for RV'er now and in the future that can used.
Nice job!
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