Never owned and RV--need advice in a big way--Thanks!

[Noob2RVs]

This is my first post, so please be kind...

I have never owned an RV, but I am strongly considering one at this point.

I am an airline pilot and want to be based in Miami FL again, but I do not want to live there--I am just going to commute into town and sleep in the RV about 8 nights per month.

I have done my homework and come up with the following:


#1, The RV must, and I repeat must, be no larger than a cargo van (or at least not much) so that it fits into a normal parking space.

Why? I have a gated mini storage place near the airport with razor wire and 24 hour human security and they want store anything bigger (I have an airport car that I will drive to the storage facility and swap out with the RV and drive away.



#2 It must, and I repeat must, have, or be able to accept a self contained generator and air conditioning system (its Miami, I will need it running every minute I am in the vehicle) because I will not normally have access to AC power.

Why? The casinos in the area allow "FREE" overnight parking if I "gamble" for even a few minutes, and since I like to play poker anyway, this will be easy. The problem is I will need to run the AC system on a self contained generator--not an external portable.

#3 I want to buy one of the models with one of the moist trouble free and bulletproof engines out there.....I am going to need this thing for 20 years. Gas or diesel is fine, does not matter, I will be driving regularly, but probably never put more than 20 miles a week on it aside from an occasional overnight fishing trip to the Florida Keys.

Apart from the above, I am very flexible, I won't be spending much time in it except for sleeping after getting in from a trip and the night before going out the next day on one.

I have run the numbers many times, and for the remain gin 20 years of my career this is BY FAR the most cost effective solution--but I need one that will stand the test of time....I will take care of her and do my part, but I can't afford to buy one that will fall apart on me (motor or chassis).

With that said, please chime in with your advice and experiences.....so far I have seen Dodge, Mercedes, and Winnebagos that would fit the need, but none with self contained generators that I have seen.

Thanks in advance!

[Noob2RVs]

almost forgot....

Budget is less than 100k, preferably 75,000 to 85,000

[Scottybdivin]

A lot can change in 20 years. Are you saying it will be a 2nd home away from home?

[NLOVNIT]

Hi & welcome to iRV2. Glad to have you here.

It sounds like you're looking in the Class B style of RV. Those are certainly nice & compact for fitting into where you want. I'm not sure of just how many come with a generator though. One that I know of is called a Sportsmobile. You can see one near your price range on their website. HERE. Social Knowledge (the owner of iRV2) has a dedicated forum for that make of RV where you might get specific details on that brand.

Happy hunting. Shopping for the RV is half the fun.

Lori-

[BuzzWolfAR]

Your size requirements clearly make it a Class B. Look them up online and you should.find what you are looking for.

[Noob2RVs]

Yes, a class B is what I need.

Do any of you guys own / have experience with a particular make and model that you can give a thumbs up or thumbs down to?

Right now I am looking at buying the Mercedes Sprinter because I like diesel, but if there are some gas engines with good long term reliability I would consider.

Right now the base price on a new (I would prefer to buy used) Sprinter is

44,000 for the 19 foot

and

46,000 for the 23 foot

Obviously, that is without the rear interior when is done by an aftermarket company.

Again, getting that generator in there and done right to power the A/C is my top priority apart from the quality of the vehicle and motor.

Thanks!

[C.Martin]

Hymer Aktiv Class B Campervan

Or

http://www.roadtrek.com

Sounds like something like this...

[petrel]

Pleasure-Way Plateau, seems to meet some of your requirements. Good luck!

[Noob2RVs]

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

A lot can change in 20 years. Are you saying it will be a 2nd home away from home?

I agree a lot can change, but I feel comfortable with a 20 year old Mercedes......i still have my Mercedes 1981 300d as an airport car--288,000 miles, engine still hums right along!

[Sudsy]

Are you talking about buying an empty van and having it converted to meet your exact specs? If so just forget it. I suggest you go to an RV Show near you and see whats out there. There is something out there that is perfect.



2018 RV Shows: Dates, Times, Locations




Sudsy

[Noob2RVs]

Originally Posted by C.Martin

Hymer Aktiv Class B Campervan

Sounds like something like this...

I really like these vans!

Only downside I see so far is closest dealer is 4 hours away.

Not a deal breaker though! Thanks!

[Noob2RVs]

Originally Posted by Sudsy

Are you talking about buying an empty van and having it converted to meet your exact specs? If so just forget it. I suggest you go to an RV Show near you and see whats out there. There is something out there that is perfect.



2018 RV Shows: Dates, Times, Locations




Sudsy

I agree. For what I need this for, I don't need to go to that expense or trouble.....I really want to find a low mileage used one.

[plasma800]

The problem you're going to run into is your generator is only going to run for about 24-36 hours before you need to get more propane... You would better off keeping the unit at a local by the month campground with full hookups.

Not to mention, you'll be emptying the water and poop out of it often.

Now, on the van listed above, it says the A/C unit runs on regular 110 volt, so any extension cord would keep your AC running without the need for the generator operating, but with a 22 gallon grey tank, shave a couple of time, use the sink some, brush your teeth, and you're emptying it every 2 days.

[Freqz]

Unless you DIY, having a bare van fitted will likely exceed your budget by a not insignificant amount. Class Bs aren't any cheaper, they're just smaller. Used is about the only way you'll make your budget work.

Gas vs. diesel wouldn't be my top line make/break item. Diesel will hold resale better but doesn't really like to sit...

At some point in a 20 year life, you'll probably want to refresh the van at least once.