Community Forums

brian74 · 07-27-2014, 10:41 AM

Hi all. Brian here.

I'm 40 years young and undergoing a career change, as I will be laid off my current job come February, due to cutbacks. My current job experience prevents me from working in the professional sector just yet; so if that doesn't work out, I have developed plan B.

My money will be best made by traveling to remote locations on short notice and working seasonal entry level jobs for smaller operations that I am qualified for (helicopter pilot) in order to build up my experience. To do this efficiently and on a lower salary, the ability to travel with low overhead will be of great benefit. This will also afford us the chance to see the country and browse potential areas to settle down later once I am qualified for a lucrative job.

I have a wife and 2 year old daughter. They fully support my decision and are willing to sell everything we own and take to the road for a year or two.

Only debt are some old student loans and a mortgage which is covered by rental tenants. I have enough finances saved and severance package to pay cash for our rig and live reasonably for a couple years with no income.
Initial budget for our rig is about 30-35k. We will tow our car and my small motorcycle on a tandem dolly. Of all the research I've done, a used class C seems the most practical for the wife & kid old on long road trips, as well as our budget.

We for-see spending more time camping long term than driving. Planning to centralize in different locales and use the car to commute to work as jobs become available.

Any recommendations on reliable later-model engines, rigs, and other resources that might help us along the way are highly appreciated.

Skip426 · 07-27-2014, 11:09 AM

A few things to look at as you search for your RV.
Many older coaches have very little in the way of Cargo Carrying Capacity, or CCC. For your intended use you should look for at least 1500 lbs. CCC.
You will also need to know your weights for the trailer and toad, and be aware that some class Cs only have 3500 lbs. trailer tow capacity.
TTC. is the difference between the coach GVWR and GCWR.
All these numbers should be on a decal inside the coach.
Good luck in your search.

DieselTech39 · 07-27-2014, 11:23 AM

Glad you're aboard Brian. Best of luck with your plan B. Hope it works out for you. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

**JohnRR** · 07-27-2014, 11:26 AM

Good luck with your plans.

**CLIFFTALL** · 07-27-2014, 11:31 AM

Welcome to irv2. Be sure to check out the Class C section of the forum.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f87/
Cliff

Fred1609 · 07-27-2014, 01:06 PM

Welcome to the forum....Sounds like an exciting plan....you sound like a details kind of guy and will probably study different kinds of rigs before you settle on one specific one. A class C might be a bit small for your family. Have you thought of a Class A. A gently used one might be a better option, for towing and storage.
There's a lot of good qualified folks that will give you some great advice and opinions. Good luck with your decision.

brian74 · 07-27-2014, 01:24 PM

Thanks for the welcomes.

I'm open to the idea of a Class-A. Its really going to depend on what we can find for our budget. Tradeoff for fuel economy seems relatively nil, depending on the model and engine. Towing wise, our toad is a lightweight 4 cylinder car and my motorcycle is an enduro dirtbike that weighs less than 300 lbs wet. Hoping to make the purchase in the early winter, as that seems to be when the best deals can be found and will give us plenty of time to shop around between now and then.

For the dolly, looking into something similar to this: (Tandem Tow Dolly) but one that carries only one motorcycle.

MSHappyCampers · 07-27-2014, 02:12 PM

Hi Brian! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the bunch!

Sounds like you've got it figured out! Enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

TonyDi · 07-27-2014, 02:26 PM

Hi Brian

Glad ot have you here with us. Good luck on plan B!

Chiefbvfd · 07-28-2014, 05:30 AM

Welcome aboard and good luck on your endeavor...

myshaggydog · 07-28-2014, 06:02 AM

Welcome to the Forum. Wish I could help with suggestions but I have no experience with Class C RV's. I am sure others will be able to help. Best of luck to you and the family as you start your RV'ing adventure.

Medico · 07-28-2014, 09:52 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

Hudgens · 07-28-2014, 09:12 PM

Welcome to the irv2 gang, Brian! You already have some good info from Skip and Fred. Both bring up good points. This set of forums helped us a lot over the past year as we researched our motorhome purchase. We were looking at a Class C at one point, but we learned that the amount of storage is usually limited as well as the total weight of everything combined (including whatever you tow). Folks here are really helpful, so don't hesitate to ask your questions. Good luck!