Soon to join the pack full time

[Old Car Nut]

Just an intro and a wave.

After much discussion and research my wife and I have decided to become full time RVers. We are wrapping up our affairs and about to sell our stick house, or as I like to call it, "Over Priced Storage Unit" (OPSU) and purchasing a used 40+ ft Class A.

We have some property in NW Oklahoma which will be a home base. We intend to build a docking station (covered shelter with mudroom & shore hookups) and workshop on the property.

We have yet to decide on a coach but we are looking at Monaco/HR/Beaver, Newmar, Country Coach and American Coach. Just a matter of finding the right one at the right price.

We have noticed none of these units seem to come setup for full time living. The builders seem to still be in a camping unit mode. Very few things are multi function or space savers. No counter space (we are told no one cooks in these things) Dismal office desks if any and why on earth is the TV at a 90 degree angle from the sofa/chairs on most pre 2010 units? I think the Chiropractor lobby was in on that one.

Needless to say it looks like I will be doing a lot of reconfiguration and remodeling of our coach. New builtins that serve more than one purpose and things that tuck away nicely when not in use. So much for the easy life.

We look forward to sharing the experience with you and learning from yours.

Jay & Patty

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Jay & Patty! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Hope the fulltiming works out great for you!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Medico]

Welcome and glad to meet you!

[JohnRR]

It's good to see you here and good luck with your plans.

[flaggship1]

Welcome aboard.
Good luck with your future plans!

[Chiefbvfd]

Welcome to IRV2 and Good Luck.....

[becks]

Welcome folks, you have chosen a good group of high end well built units to look for. Good luck.

[John H...]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a great game plan. Docking station sounds pretty nice...

[r___r]

Welcome to the forum.

[Thornhammer]

Glad to see yall

[Old Car Nut]

Thanks everyone. We are looking forward to being a part of this community.

[Tumble-Lees]

It's a great life! We've been full time 6 months.

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by Old Car Nut

Just an intro and a wave.

After much discussion and research my wife and I have decided to become full time RVers. We are wrapping up our affairs and about to sell our stick house, or as I like to call it, "Over Priced Storage Unit" (OPSU) and purchasing a used 40+ ft Class A.

Needless to say it looks like I will be doing a lot of reconfiguration and remodeling of our coach. New builtins that serve more than one purpose and things that tuck away nicely when not in use. So much for the easy life.

We look forward to sharing the experience with you and learning from yours.

Jay & Patty

Hi Jay and Patty;
It seems like you are proposing to change from one OPSU to a moble "money pit". However it is about the lifestyle and not the money. Although the price is higher and many will counsel you that buying used is financially more prudent we are talking about the place you will be living in for the next number of years.

You need the floor plan that fits your needs. For times when inclement weather will keep you indoors for extended periods. Will you be able to live comfortably?

IMO purchasing a new MH may make a lot of sense. Newmar is renowed for allowing changes to their builds. It may be in your best interests to reconsider and look at ordering and having the coach of your dreams built.

[Old Car Nut]

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

Hi Jay and Patty;
It seems like you are proposing to change from one OPSU to a moble "money pit". However it is about the lifestyle and not the money. Although the price is higher and many will counsel you that buying used is financially more prudent we are talking about the place you will be living in for the next number of years.

You need the floor plan that fits your needs. For times when inclement weather will keep you indoors for extended periods. Will you be able to live comfortably?

IMO purchasing a new MH may make a lot of sense. Newmar is renowed for allowing changes to their builds. It may be in your best interests to reconsider and look at ordering and having the coach of your dreams built.

Thanks Gordon. Always welcome input.

There are a couple of factors we have looked at when it comes to getting a new vs used coach.

1) Overall cost: Very expensive to get a new customized coach
2) Resale: What if after 2 years we decide full time is not working out? Huge hit in the value for the first few years.

We have noticed very little improvement in overall design for full time living. Oh sure they have made them prettier even a bit garish at times (what’s up with the disco ceilings and rope lights?).

From what we have seen, I can remodel one for a lot less money. I have the skill set and tools, so thats not a limiting factor for us. Daunting tasks for some, but I have a background in automotive electric, customizing vehicle interiors as well as kitchen and bath remodels. I've ripped apart so many of these coaches for clients for gadget installation that they don't intimidate me and I have a drive to stay busy and I love to tinker. Kinda like Harley1994 and his toy hauler.

Example, 2015 Newmar Mountain Aire 4503 has our near ideal floorplan, perfect if the galley was up front. Appx $556K.

2007 Newmar Mountain Aire 4523 $175K. Ideal floorplan? No, but works for the mods we think will make the coach more livable Bonus I'm still under $200K. Now that gives me $$ for an enclosed trailer for toys, car and a workshop.

We have some ideas for a multifunction built-in where the 2nd lounge/sofa would go. Once we pick a coach I can do some scale drawings and I will post a thread to share with everyone and of course before, progress and after pix.