Very Much a Rookie!

[John J]

Hello,

I am the ultimate rookie. I don't even own an RV yet! Hope you don't kick me out! We think we want a small, diesel powered model, but that could change as we learn.

I look forward to conversing with some old salts and learning as much as possible before I make an expensive error!

Thanks for listening,

John J

Oak Harbor, WA

[BuzzWolfAR]

You may want to rent one and go on a short trip, then do it again a few times.

Will help you experience the good and the bad.

[MtnTrek]

Well, we've all been plebes.

So you're in a good spot to make cost free assessments. Opinions will vary but you'll find your niche'.
Remember the forum is searchable too.
A little knowledge can save you thousands, and enhance the experience.

Be well.

[Stever53]

Hi John


this place is great

Safe travels

[beamisl]

Hi John,

Welcome to the Forum. Gonna jump in here and give you some advice. We came here 5 yrs ago and finally bought our rig 3 yrs ago. I came here and started reading threads, asking questions, and listening.

There is a search engine here and you can enter any subject you want to start to learn. IRV2 is kind of like a college degree on anything RV's. Just start reading and learn.

Go to PPL motorhomes website. Start looking at floor plans since that is why most people pick a certain rig. These are used on consignment rigs and they have all sorts and the stock changes often. You will start to get an idea of what costs are and what things look like.

If you want to buy new then start going to RV shows in your area. Just look them up in your area and take some time and go walk through the RVs. Go to dealerships and tell them you are just looking, not ready to buy today. DO NOT BUY under pressure.

Craig's list is another place to look. People often loose a spouse and don't want to travel alone and you can pick up some good deals there.

LEAKY ROOFS! Avoid them completely. Water is the enemy of RV's. If there is mold or stains at the ceilings or inside the cupboards, then run away. If you choose to buy a used rig, make sure the manuals and maintenance records are with it.

Buying used is OK. We did. Three years ago we bought a 2004 from PPL. We live in MI and it is in Texas. Flew down, bought it, and drove it home.

Sometimes people buy a diesel because they plan to drive a lot, A diesel needs to be worked. If you plan to travel somewhere and sit for several months then maybe a gasser is best. There will be many different opinions on this. You have to find what works for you.

If you want to PM me, I will give you my email and give you more info that I have learned from people here. There is a lot to learn and we can keep you from making the same mistakes I did.

You will love this hobby. Lynne

[EdInArk]

Originally Posted by John J

Hello,

I am the ultimate rookie. I don't even own an RV yet! Hope you don't kick me out! We think we want a small, diesel powered model, but that could change as we learn.

I look forward to conversing with some old salts and learning as much as possible before I make an expensive error!

Thanks for listening,

John J

Oak Harbor, WA

That's a really good move

I won't bore you with our ordeal in buying the wrong stuff and trading it in and the hit you take in trade in values. But take it from me. You're far better off doing the research and buying a unit that'll do you for years the first time.

Ask away. We've been RVing for a short time ourselves and the folks here have been very helpful and kind when answering my dumb questions.

[Winemaker2]

Welcome...
Make your objective to buy your second RV the first time around.
It will take some time and effort but worth it.
Looking & Talking to others will help but ultimately you (& copilot?) have to decide how you will use it and what you need/want/can afford.

[MSHappyCampers]

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

Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[John J]

Originally Posted by BuzzWolfAR

You may want to rent one and go on a short trip, then do it again a few times.

Will help you experience the good and the bad.

Thanks for the suggestion. I've considered it, but I'm not a "renter". Rent receipts aren't worth much!

[Mr_D]

from south of you in WA State.

[John J]

Originally Posted by beamisl

Hi John,

Welcome to the Forum. Gonna jump in here and give you some advice. We came here 5 yrs ago and finally bought our rig 3 yrs ago. I came here and started reading threads, asking questions, and listening.

There is a search engine here and you can enter any subject you want to start to learn. IRV2 is kind of like a college degree on anything RV's. Just start reading and learn.

Go to PPL motorhomes website. Start looking at floor plans since that is why most people pick a certain rig. These are used on consignment rigs and they have all sorts and the stock changes often. You will start to get an idea of what costs are and what things look like.

If you want to buy new then start going to RV shows in your area. Just look them up in your area and take some time and go walk through the RVs. Go to dealerships and tell them you are just looking, not ready to buy today. DO NOT BUY under pressure.

Craig's list is another place to look. People often loose a spouse and don't want to travel alone and you can pick up some good deals there.

LEAKY ROOFS! Avoid them completely. Water is the enemy of RV's. If there is mold or stains at the ceilings or inside the cupboards, then run away. If you choose to buy a used rig, make sure the manuals and maintenance records are with it.

Buying used is OK. We did. Three years ago we bought a 2004 from PPL. We live in MI and it is in Texas. Flew down, bought it, and drove it home.

Sometimes people buy a diesel because they plan to drive a lot, A diesel needs to be worked. If you plan to travel somewhere and sit for several months then maybe a gasser is best. There will be many different opinions on this. You have to find what works for you.

If you want to PM me, I will give you my email and give you more info that I have learned from people here. There is a lot to learn and we can keep you from making the same mistakes I did.

You will love this hobby. Lynne

Thanks for the great input! Stopped and talked to a friendly couple from BC today. They were a wealth of information. They have a 2003 RoadTrek, which is the size RV we think we want.

The info on diesel engines is interesting. We won't be parking in the same spot for long periods, but we might store it for long periods.

Thanks again.

[momdoc]

Welcome and good luck on the search. I have to admit I agree with renting a couple of times just to see what works or does not work for you. Remember that floor plan is most important as you have to "live" in it.
After 6 months or so of searching, looking, traveling to various dealers and shows we bought our Isata 3. A 25 foot Class C sprinter diesel and are very happy with the decision.
It takes research and time. Do not jump at the first thing you "like"


momdoc

[valland]

Three years ago I purchased a 2001 Dutch Star V10 34 foot long first RV we never even owned a tent. Use to sware we would just get a motel room none of this camping for us. ( tow a Jeep Wrangler no problem).

I guess I was lucky this is one well built machine and I knew nothing about RV's. Maybe we will up grade to a Diesel someday.Care to guess what kind of RV we will purchase next

Leaving tomorrow,with 3 dogs going to the Blue Ox factory get the tow bar serviced and tour the factory, stay at their park a day or 2 then on up north following the Missouri River cut across to the Wisconsin Dells then heading south down the Mississippi River to Hannibal Mo. Don't know where from there yet.

Good Luck jump in there give it a try

[John J]

Originally Posted by valland

Three years ago I purchased a 2001 Dutch Star V10 34 foot long first RV we never even owned a tent. Use to sware we would just get a motel room none of this camping for us. ( tow a Jeep Wrangler no problem).

I guess I was lucky this is one well built machine and I knew nothing about RV's. Maybe we will up grade to a Diesel someday.Care to guess what kind of RV we will purchase next

Leaving tomorrow,with 3 dogs going to the Blue Ox factory get the tow bar serviced and tour the factory, stay at their park a day or 2 then on up north following the Missouri River cut across to the Wisconsin Dells then heading south down the Mississippi River to Hannibal Mo. Don't know where from there yet.

Good Luck jump in there give it a try

Thanks for the input and words of encouragement. Have a safe and fun trip!