Community Forums

NotNow · 10-08-2012, 07:20 PM

Looking at retirement in the next few years and we want to "see the country". Had a TT for about five years while the kids were young, now thinking of a class "A" for months on the road at a time.

Are we biting off more than we can chew? Any suggestions?

KIX · 10-08-2012, 07:30 PM

Personally speaking I think you will enjoy traveling in a Class A much more than a TT. If you can afford it I recommend a diesel pusher. And not just because that's what we have but because they are much more relaxing to drive than a gasser. They are a little more expensive to maintain unless you can do a lot of the maintenance yourself.
So, if you're healthy and enjoy traveling, go for it.

NotNow · 10-08-2012, 09:29 PM

Thanks Kix. We started looking for a class C. DW immediatly was drawn to the 30+ gas class A's. I believe that if we go that far we might as well go DP and a little more length.

By the way, I also have an 04 Rubi (will be toad) and we are in Jax.

BT-III · 10-08-2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX

Personally speaking I think you will enjoy traveling in a Class A much more than a TT. If you can afford it I recommend a diesel pusher. And not just because that's what we have but because they are much more relaxing to drive than a gasser. They are a little more expensive to maintain unless you can do a lot of the maintenance yourself.
So, if you're healthy and enjoy traveling, go for it.

Could you elaborate on the maintenance cost?

Swansonia · 10-08-2012, 10:56 PM

Welcome!

We have a 32ft gasser and it has been a good choice for us just for weekend travels, but at some point before retirement we do plan to go a little larger and possibly diesel... I've been researching the Allegro RED. It has a 34, 36, and 38ft floorplans. You may want to check them out...

Bruce C · 10-09-2012, 05:44 AM

Welcome to the group. You'll enjoy the space difference in a class a, gas or diesel is a choice you'll have to make yourself based on your likes and dislikes. I have owned both and currently based on the amount of time we have to go it's a gas 35 footer, and it has been trouble free and we enjoy the space we have in it. The diesel as mentioned, I did my own maintenance but it two was enjoyable. It was expensive to have in in the shop, but held a higher resale value. It's all a matter of choice. Good luck and I'm sure you'll find what really fits your needs. Read the forums and ask questions. Good luck.

John H... · 10-09-2012, 05:59 AM

I would say go ahead and jump in , the water's warm and welcome to the froum...

1200bruce · 10-09-2012, 06:56 AM

Welcome to the board!

KIX · 10-09-2012, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BT-III

Could you elaborate on the maintenance cost?

An oil change for my deezle is doe either @ 15,000 miles or annually.
A gasser is done @ 5,000 miles.
So, if you only drive 5,000 miles per year the gasser would be cheaper as far as oil changes go.
Tires need to be replaced every 5 - 8 years. Lots of differing opinions on this subject. Lots of gasser tires are about $175 ea. Deezles tires are usually larger and more expensive at abut $550 ea.
Shop time for gassers is about $100/hr. Deezle shop is about $125/hr. Then deezles seem to take more time to do things that gassers.
Deezles mostly have air brakes and the dessicant dryer cartridge needs to be renewed every 2 - 3 years. Gassers don't have air brakes.
Diesels usually have less ground clearance to be able to do maintenance yourself. To get under a deezle you'll have to have some way of safely creating more space to get under it. There's expense in that.

All that stuff is my opinion and YMMV. If you were to specify a specific gas model and operating miles per year vs. a specific deezle and operating miles per year you could probably get much more accurate numbers. In my case the pluses of diesel operation outweigh any additional operating expenses over gas.

Triker56 · 10-09-2012, 09:43 AM

If you can't afford the small difference in cost between a gas & DP maintenance.

Then you may be better off not getting a MH to begin with.

I do my own maintenance and for the 122 months I have owned my DP.
The average cost per month for maintenance including all fluid & filters is $30.16
Tires(8 so far) $22.70
Repair/Replace parts chassis/engine with labor $19.40

I have no problem with clearance getting under my DP to grease it or do any other maintenance job.

MSHappyCampers · 10-09-2012, 04:25 PM

Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join the bunch here! We pulled a 5er for 11 years before going to a Class A just a few months ago. It was a shocker for a while, but I've about learned my way around the monster now. Just do a lot of research before buying a Class A. It can be a really expensive mistake! Good luck & God bless!

harv12 · 10-10-2012, 08:14 AM

Welcome to the forum! As you can see there are a lot of knowledgeable and helpful folks here. We rented a Class C for about a month before ever buying anything. Almost a year later, after doing a lot of research and shopping around, we bought our Class A, DP.
Putting the time in to decide what will fit your lifestyle and budget will be well worth it.
Best of luck and let us know what you end up with.

NotNow · 10-10-2012, 06:13 PM

Thanks guys. Lots of research to do yet. We will be going to Daytona in November to look at the new rigs. Luckily, I have time to save money and learn!