Community Forums

IBNY · 09-02-2018, 07:07 AM

Greetings fellow enthusiasts. This is my first post on IRV2, and yes my name really is IRV!

My wife and I have decided that we would like to buy our first RV. We are a 5-7 years away from retirement, and agreed that when the timing is right, we would like to pull up anchor and explore our beautiful country by RV. I am a technology executive by profession, but also have a passion for automobiles and have a full mechanics workshop in my garage and am fairly skilled at restoring classic cars as a hobby.

Now, here's the dilemma, should we get a "starter" RV to acclimate ourselves for family trips and short/medium haul long weekends at the shore (we live in Eastern PA. A turnkey unit or an older unit to customize. What size is best? I am only interested in Diesel pusher class A units based upon my research. 36' seems to be a great size with many having washer/dryer capabilities. The big boy tag axel configurations are gorgeous, but are somewhat scary for a first time buyer who has never driven one before.

Opinions and advice would be most welcome and appreciated!

Thanks in advance...Irv

david.howard · 09-02-2018, 07:28 AM

Welcome Irv!!

Do not allow emotions justify your purchase. Find something you really like and go for it! Life is short and since you have narrowed the field already go ahead and move forward.

You will find many opinions on this forum and most are completely valid. We started with a small travel trailer and now are in a Class A Gasser.

Enjoy life as we only get one time around.

Have a great day Irv!!

Ancabuild · 09-02-2018, 07:38 AM

Welcome to the rv lifestyle. Since you say you are handy and have a shop, I would look for an older class A, you probably pay a fraction of a new one and there will be all kinds of bugs to work out in either case. I bought used and have never had it in the shop waiting in line for repairs, my repairs get done as they come up and done to my strict standards right away. A new coach will have all the warranties but you will put it in the shop and will have to wait until they decide to get it done. I have read in this forum of nightmare waiting times and poor repairs on new coaches, that makes me wonder why buy new and put up with not being able to enjoy your big investment. But... you asked for opinions and that is mine.

MSHappyCampers · 09-02-2018, 08:50 AM

Hi Irv!

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Better get busy, you've got a lot of tire kicking to do!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

**TonyDi** · 09-02-2018, 11:51 AM

Glad to have you here in the forum with us. You're gonna like it here.

My first MH is the current one. 43' with a Tag axle. I quickly learned it and now I'm glad I went with this length. Gonna go to 45' next. Don't let it intimidate you.

Happy Trails!!!

momdoc · 09-03-2018, 05:56 AM

Welcome Irv. Lots of good folks here with good info to share. Read the various threads and ask questions as they come up.

Usually your first RV is a "trainer" and not your final rig. Look for a good used DP that fits your needs (floor plan, size etc) and after a period of time with it you will realize what works, what does not work, and what you don't have but want/need. Then start looking for your "final" rig. This process time can vary from individual to individual. Being a handy mechanic will certainly help.

Good luck and enjoy the adventure.

KennyGolub · 09-03-2018, 06:06 AM

Welcome !!

Since you are handy with mechanics, I would suggest a high end used class A.

If at all possible, I would first rent one for a week or two to get an idea of your likes and dislikes.

Good luck and happy "searching"....

slemnah · 09-03-2018, 06:15 AM

My advice is to buy your last RV first. I bought a starter one, paid $50k for it and ended up losing money when I bought my current one. Depending on how you will use it, I found I wanted Aquahot, large engine, tag axle, residential refer, 42’, 4 slides. That’s what my current MH has. Driving it is easy once you learn how to use your mirrors and your rear camera even when towing.

Fiesta48 · 09-03-2018, 07:30 AM

On my third Class A. 1st 2 were gassers. So far wasted over 60 grand trading and upgrading to a DP.
I'd never have a diesel.... until going west and pulling a car. Won"t go back.
Found I could work on a diesel and with the ride, handling, luxury and room we love.

IBNY · 09-03-2018, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david.howard

Welcome Irv!!

Do not allow emotions justify your purchase. Find something you really like and go for it! Life is short and since you have narrowed the field already go ahead and move forward.

You will find many opinions on this forum and most are completely valid. We started with a small travel trailer and now are in a Class A Gasser.

Enjoy life as we only get one time around.

Have a great day Irv!!

Thanks for your reply. I am starting to put together my RV toolkit. I found stackable integrated tool boxes and bins the the home depot from rigid. I am hoping to get my rig sooner rather than later, to as you say, work out all the kinks, and get familiar with it and the onboard systems. ...Irv

IBNY · 09-03-2018, 07:59 AM

Thanks for responding. I am going to the big rv show in Hershey PA this month. Hoping to get ideas. Not sure if they sell used units at this show, but I will be on the lookout, kicking tires and getting ideas.

yeloduster · 09-03-2018, 08:12 AM

Hello Irv,

Welcome to the RV life and IRV!

I got my first RV when I was 23. Now almost 50 years later I am still at it!

My thoughts are you should definitely rent units of various sizes to determine what suits you. I find that living in RV parks does not suit me. I prefer boondocking. If you stay east that may not work for you but out west it is a great way to RV.

I was an electrical engineer and I am still a gear head. I have a couple special interest cars, a Jeep, two ATVs, two fully modern sedans and a motorhome to keep me busy. I find that I miss my shop when on the road too long. 3-4 weeks is my limit!

Before your big investment you need to find your limit!

IBNY · 09-03-2018, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeloduster

Hello Irv,

Welcome to the RV life and IRV!

I got my first RV when I was 23. Now almost 50 years later I am still at it!

My thoughts are you should definitely rent units of various sizes to determine what suits you. I find that living in RV parks does not suit me. I prefer boondocking. If you stay east that may not work for you but out west it is a great way to RV.

I was an electrical engineer and I am still a gear head. I have a couple special interest cars, a Jeep, two ATVs, two fully modern sedans and a motorhome to keep me busy. I find that I miss my shop when on the road too long. 3-4 weeks is my limit!

Before your big investment you need to find your limit!

You and I will be getting along just fine. My buddy and I are long time mopar enthusiasts. we meticulously restored this 73 340 Duster (my first car), and are in the process of restoring this rare 72 twister barn find.. literally pulled it from a barn in the west Virginia mountains. INitially aside form 1,2 trips a year, I want to get used to RVing with trips to the shore or down south. Down the road, tips out west boondocking are in the cards.
I like the larger RVs for their cargo and water hauling capacity.

yeloduster · 09-03-2018, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBNY

You and I will be getting along just fine. My buddy and I are long time mopar enthusiasts. we meticulously restored this 73 340 Duster (my first car), and are in the process of restoring this rare 72 twister barn find.. literally pulled it from a barn in the west Virginia mountains. INitially aside form 1,2 trips a year, I want to get used to RVing with trips to the shore or down south. Down the road, tips out west boondocking are in the cards.
I like the larger RVs for their cargo and water hauling capacity.

Hey Irv,

Your pix didn't make it through. I don't know what went wrong but I would like to see your cars. I purchased my 4 speed 340 Duster new, I've driven it over 300,000 miles. The current drive train is a 380 HP crate motor and a Richmond Gear 6 speed. I don't drive it much anymore.

My other Mopar is a Chrysler 300 AWD. It has a BC racing suspension and bigger tires to help it turn, HemiFever tuning to help it go, R1 Concepts slotted and drilled rotors to help it stop. It also has a slightly unhinged driver to pilot it!