Community Forums

marycontrary · 02-06-2021, 02:34 PM

Dont know if this is the right place to post; Im a single woman that wants to travel in a class A with Dog. Do not have deep pockets. :-). Do you recommend any particular rv makes as far as reliability and ease of driving/maintenance; or have real concerns about other makes? Am going to visit a friend in s. cal tomorrow, gonna look around down there, but not sure which brands to avoid. Am thinking short (26ft?) to start. Any suggestions appreciated!

scbwr · 02-06-2021, 02:52 PM

It's hard to give you any kind of answer without knowing something about your experience with class A RVS or any other.

If you go with a class A, are you going to tow a car? How do you plan to get around?

If your RV is going to be your drive around vehicle for sightseeing or running errands, a class A is probably not the best answer.

If you are new to RVing, I'd suggest starting with a smaller class C or B unit that can also be suitable for other driving.

But....give us a little more information and you might get some good help.

SomeDay · 02-06-2021, 03:02 PM

Just like some prefer Chevy and others a Ford, you really will get a mixed bag, however for sure there are certain years that were prone to specific issues in many makes and models from what we've read over many years on these forums.

Why don't you first and foremost find out which floorpans would work best for you and your comfort level, what years fit your budget, and share the make, model etc and ask again with more detail of your needs/wants/desires. Someone or many, likely here has experience of that specific coach and can share the good, bad and ugly based on their actual personal experience for you.

I recall many moons ago the most common advice we ever got was "pick the floorplan that's right for you". Then once we had about 3 options within our price range, we then delved into the pros and cons. For us besides reliability it was also tank capacity for boondocking.

Good luck, the initial search is half the fun.

W5CI · 02-06-2021, 03:16 PM

there is no Perfect RV . study what your needs are and budget towards that goal.

Jacjetlag · 02-06-2021, 03:19 PM

There aren't any Class A diesel units that short.

Your smallest used diesel Class A would be a 28' Tiffin, but they didn't make that many of them and they're hard to find.

A great place to start, if it's just you and the pup, might be to rent a Class C Mercedes diesel 24-26' . Tiffin, Isata, Winnebago, Navion and Forest River are pretty solid brands. I would avoid Thor and Coachman.

+++++

You have to know what you want in order to get what you want. Renting is a great way to see how it's going to see if the reality of RVing matches what you are hoping for. Identifying the best floor plan is where most of us start.

Jack

MSHappyCampers · 02-06-2021, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacjetlag

There aren't any Class A diesel units that short.

Your smallest used diesel Class A would be a 28' Tiffin, but they didn't make that many of them and they're hard to find.

A great place to start, if it's just you and the pup, might be to rent a Class C Mercedes diesel 24-26' . Tiffin, Isata, Winnebago, Navion and Forest River are pretty solid brands. I would avoid Thor and Coachman.

+++++

You have to know what you want in order to get what you want. Renting is a great way to see how it's going to see if the reality of RVing matches what you are hoping for. Identifying the best floor plan is where most of us start.

Jack

X2! Good advice!

F4Gary · 02-06-2021, 05:43 PM

Where did she say she wanted a diesel? She is on a limited budget.

OP, go to the RVT or RVTrader dot coms and put in your parameters for both a class A and class C motorhomes and see what comes up.
You can play around with the years and lengths to see what your options are.

PS56 · 02-06-2021, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F4Gary

Where did she say she wanted a diesel? She is on a limited budget.

Do you know her? I didn't see where she said that.

But knowing her budget would be helpful.

TeJay · 02-06-2021, 06:20 PM

Based on the statement above you didn't say anything about a diesel but they are more expensive to buy and require greater service which can be expensive.
That's almost another story in itself. If you don't have deep pockets a diesel would probably be out of the question.

Much of what can be recommended depends on answers you need to share with us.

Are you retired? Will you be full timing or just traveling on weekends until retirement?
Full timing requires more space which you won't find in the smaller units.

As mentioned if you drive something small you can use it for your running around as well and don't have to tow. Even when using a Class C many will tow if they spend a lot of time on the road but do stay in locations for maybe weeks or months at a time.

This is a big question. What is your level of mechanical skills? if you have to pay to have anythng fixed beyond some of the simple stuff I'm not sure any RV would work. An RV is about like a boat. It's just a hole in the water where you throw lots of $$$$$$. Not trying to discourage you but trying to be realistic.

The smaller Class B's and C's might work. Even they can cost close to the $100,000 range for new. Getting a unit that has some years on it means a lot of the early stuff that needed fixed has been fixed. Many a unit was bought but determined to be to small so it was traded for a larger unit.

Answer some of these questions and maybe you can get some better advice heading down the road you want to travel.

momdoc · 02-06-2021, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacjetlag

There aren't any Class A diesel units that short.

Your smallest used diesel Class A would be a 28' Tiffin, but they didn't make that many of them and they're hard to find.

A great place to start, if it's just you and the pup, might be to rent a Class C Mercedes diesel 24-26' . Tiffin, Isata, Winnebago, Navion and Forest River are pretty solid brands. I would avoid Thor and Coachman.

+++++

You have to know what you want in order to get what you want. Renting is a great way to see how it's going to see if the reality of RVing matches what you are hoping for. Identifying the best floor plan is where most of us start.

Jack

I agree with this advice. You will not find a Class A that short. Look seriously at renting a few units and then probably concentrate on Class C or Class B coach.

twinboat · 02-06-2021, 07:34 PM

Thor markets both the Vegas and Axis in 25, 26 and 27 foot class As.

Arch Hoagland · 02-06-2021, 08:07 PM

Have you ever had an RV or used one at all of any sort?

marycontrary · 02-06-2021, 11:08 PM

Sorry, indeed it was a vague question. I have driven horse trailers, and long, long ago, a school bus, had 26' Commander when kids were young. Im newly retired, sold house as I didnt want to stay in the cold any longer:-(. Im planning on full timing, have grandchildren, will travel, hoping to love it??? Just in case I hate it, I see how renting would be a good option. I have some opinions on floor plans, and am looking used. Would like to budget around 50K, give or take some, will ultimately look for tow vehicle suitable for self and dog. No mopeds, motorcycles. I thought it would be a good idea to start small to learn about driving the darn things, but having lived on acreage in the past, the size may be stifling! Thank you all for your suggestions, any other info welcome.

joet19711 · 02-07-2021, 05:22 AM

I would look at some Class C and look at the Dymamax Isata 3
They are a great company and make a great motor home.
Good luck with your search and your journey.