Community Forums

hteixeira · 08-06-2012, 02:31 PM

Hi Everyone,

New to iRV2.com and new to the whole RV world. I've always enjoyed camping and being outdoors and love road trips with the family. With my third child on the way in November, 'camping' has become a challenge (with a tent and van), Disney just got more expensive (reside in NorthEast) and my dream of having an RV may be right around the corner.

As of now, I am researching, reading, researching, reading and then reading some more. So don't mind me as I lurk around and learn as much as I can before my wife and I make the 'final' decision on pulling the trigger!

historyljc · 08-06-2012, 02:34 PM

Hi, welcome to the forum. What kind of RV do you think you want?

hteixeira · 08-06-2012, 02:57 PM

Hi!

Well, here is my current line of thinking.

I currently commute 49 miles each way to work.
I drive a Saab 93 which gets about 31mpg (98% highway miles). Towing capabilities non-existent.
My wife drives a Nissan Quest minivan which does have the tow package. However, towing capabilities are small (popup) due to limited tongue weight.
She needs the space to transport kids and for her work which requires her to transport a few totes around.

It doesn't make sense for me to get a truck that can handle towing a camper or 5th wheel. So I'm thinking Class C or Class A. Maybe Class C as as they appear to be more affordable and especially if they have the bed over the cab, however, I've always loved the Class A's - and I could also tow one of our cars along for the ride too.

I'd most definitely look for a used one that wouldn't be much of a burden on payments if I finance.

Storage shouldn't be an issue either. So that's where I'm 'leaning'....

We've always done 'camping' in our tents locally and we've always had a great time. It's funny - as it stands now, my kids, my wife and I LOVE the adventure of 'getting there'. We love the road trips. Kids are 5.5 and 3 right now with another one on the way in November....I haven't figured how a baby would be transported in one of these yet...

sorry for the long response!

KAS · 08-06-2012, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hteixeira

I haven't figured how a baby would be transported in one of these yet...

Hubby is installing a seat with seatbelt, front facing, behind the driver in order to then install the car seat rear facing. He plans to put the loops to clamp the car seat down in stalled through the floor and if there isn't frame to bolt that to, he is going to ADD to the frame to give us something to bolt into.

I think we are going to hunt down captains chairs from a van to use. Some of those can be pivoted around and so could face forward as a base for the car seat, and then later, turn around to be used as more seating facing the rest of the insides.

I bet there are RV's out there that come with more seats with seatbelts where a child safety seat can be installed. But I know what you mean about not being sure. The safety seats are designed for front facing seats and are not rated for facing sideways or for installation in a rear facing car seat.

But my guess is when hubby is done, the kids will be VERY safe. He is a safety engineer in addition to his many other talents.

MSHappyCampers · 08-07-2012, 10:33 AM

Hi folks! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure happy that you decided to join the group! Just poke around the different areas of the forum and ask questions. You'll find there are lots of good folks here who will be happy to share their knowledge with you! Good luck on finding just the right rig for you! Have fun & God bless!