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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 8
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Looking at RVs still not sure what type I like best. Pros for all. Hope to be on the road full time in 6 months.
What was it that conviced you to buy the type of rig you have?
Glenna
Glenna
Future Full-timer
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Joined: 3/16/2009
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Hi Glenna, Welcome and congrats on your house being sold, if I read your topic line correctly :)
I went from a tent one year to a Class A RV the next.
Never had any experience whatsoever, just dove in head first. Don't know that I would recommend that approach for everyone, but I figure if they can do it, I should be able to do it too. After all we are all designed pretty much the same way. Right? :)
I did take my time and looked at towables, 5th wheels, toy haulers, class C's and A's. I picked my rig (Class A) mainly because, after 45 minutes of the salesman's coaxing that I needed to drive it before buying it, I did and found it was very easy to drive. We fit together like peas in a pod. She had the Hawaiian design/pattern (even though in a neutral tone), that I was looking for, I loved the Triton V10 3 valve power plant and trans cooler, more than ample storage space, had the layout I wanted (dinette across from couch), and sink and stove away from any upholstered furnitures so I didn't have to worry about splatters/stains. I like the fact that I can be driving down the road and have someone fix me a sandwhich or get me a drink, pull over and no one know if I'm alone or have a big dog or other person with me - giving me a secure feeling. I don't have to get out in the rain to level up and I feel I got it at a very good price. She meets the needs of the family from dragging out a flatbed with 3 ATVs and extra camping gear/fire wood for a long weekend in the desert sand, to pulling my Jeep (or not), on an adventure with one of my RVn friends. It's all a matter of preferences, what YOU want or need in a rig, price range, and whether she speaks to you when you walk on by :) They do reach out and grab you when you least expect it ya know :)
Good luck on your research and again...Welcome. You'll find immense knowledge and friendship on this forum, and finally getting to meet some of the ladies...well it's like hooking up with family! :)
Live, Love, Laugh - Aloha

Donna & Willie
05 32' Seabreeze Class A
07 Jeep Liberty Ltd
This message was edited by dcricket on 10-6-07 @ 2:33 AM
Live, Love, Laugh - Aloha
05' National Seabreeze 31'
07' Jeep Liberty toad
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Joined: 3/16/2009
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Hi Glenna,
I agree with dCricket that it depends on what fits your situation. Cricket's situation of sometimes needing room for other people or hauling the ATV's makes her RV perfect for her. We have a Roadtrek and it is perfect for us. We don't really have a 'living room' space but the front seats turn around or we can sit on the beds to read, or watch tv, etc. We had wanted a Roadtrek for years and after retirement found a great used one for a good price. I am comfortable driving it and would be okay with it alone. We don't have any toys or other people to take with us and no pets. Fits our budget and us but I can see all the advantages in all of the other types, too. Depends on what you want to do, too. We didn't want to pull anything and we don't stay in one place for a long time, then the A's or 5vers are great. Good luck with your research and purchase. We have had 2 weeks of rain here in Fla. trying to solve a leak in our Roadtrek when it rains hard. It will get windy today so hope that blows these storm systems out to sea, need to see the sun again.
Shirlhen
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Welcome Glenna to our Forum.. You'll find lots of support, friendship and knowledge here. Congratulations on the house selling and your being able to begin your new lifestyle. I assume you are planning on full-timing..
Having owned all types of RV's...I can say they are ALL fine!! Being married, part of our decision involved space for two and two dachshunds.
That said, IF I were alone..I'd have a motorhome. A motorhome gives a feeling of safety and security, in agreement with all Donna said.
I do want ONE thing..I want a unit big enough to give me an island walkaround bed. I don't wish to have to crawl up in the bed to make it. I look for plenty of cabinet countertop space, want an entertainment center over the driver..rather than another bed..I also hear too many complaining about their uncomfortable couch/bed.. I've been there, done that..
A Class B RV wouldn't do for me..I like to cook and I use lots of fresh fruits and vegetables..I want counter space to chop and dice and to cook comfortably. I need a larger refrigerator for the fresh things. I also don't like working in small, cramped spaces. I want elbow room.. I'm a Texas country girl and wide open spaces is necessary for me...HA!
I also like TV...and I want a larger one, and room for it to "sit"..
Go RV shopping... walk in and look around.. sit in it...Imagine yourself living in there. Get a feel for it.
If you are not familiar with RV's...read, read and read about the features so you can ascertain what you think you want in one.
I'm sorta betting when you find THE ONE...it will reach out and grab you... and you'll KNOW!!
Happy RV Hunting...and Good Luck...may you find the PERFECT one for you!!!
Joella
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Hi Glenna - congratulations and welcome.
I'm trying to figure out what to buy too and it's overwhelming. I'm going to be fulltiming and after the 1st year I plan to work at least part of the time so will be parked in one place for longer periods of time. At first I wanted a motorhome, it seemed safer. Now I'm in love with 5th wheels, the space is amazing and I like having only on engine to worry about (if I got a MH i would pull a car)
I agree you just have to shop, go to RV shows if there are any around. Today I'm going to the RV dealer again to look around. I like to ditch the salesperson and just go into the units and sit - see how they "feel" I sometimes take notes on features I like and am thinking I should take my digital camera so I can remember.
Good luck and have fun !!! I'm sure we'll all be "talking" alot :D
Trudy and Maui Molly the hula dog
Trudy, Molly & Murphy
"be the kind of person your dog thinks you are"
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Joined: 3/16/2009
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As they've already said - we all have our reasons for what we own. Lots I like about all of them, but I first decided on a C or A because I wanted to not have to leave the unit to get to my fridge or potty, etc when I stop. Then I decided on smaller because of how I want to travel. Then, after much thought between A's and C's - I got to a C for several reasons. One, there are very few smaller Class A's anymore. But the main one for me was service. My Class C is on a Ford Chassis and can be serviced just about anywhere. Since I don't do any of that kind of work myself, that was really important to me.
All that said - then I had the daunting task of finding a layout I liked. I actually found a few. Got myself looking at only Class C's under 26 feet - used - in good condition - with low miles - and when I walked in this one, I knew.
Like Joella, I didn't want to climb up in a bed - but I'm perfectly happy with my little corner bed that takes a few extra minutes to make.
You need to figure out how you plan to travel and use your rig - then start looking with all that's important to YOU in mind. You might go the complete opposite of me after you figure those things out - and that's perfectly the way it should be and why there are so many choices :)
Smiling is contagious - try it!
Bethers
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Once your reputation is ruined, you can live life quite freely :) (old German saying)
Bethers
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Somebody, and I think it might have been Sharon, or maybe Joella, said once that don't sweat what kind of rig to buy, buy something, if it doesn't work out, no big deal, sell it and try something else. I started with a Class A and now have a TT. BUT, I would eventually like to get a truck big enough to pull a 5-er if I should decided the TT is not for me. Yes, it is nice to be able to walk back to the potty or fridge in a Class A, but if you have a dog, you STILL need to get out and walk them. Some have said if you are in a bad situation you can just drive away...not if you have your shore lines hooked up you can't.
I had the Class A for 2 years, but it was too old to tow anything and I got tired of the lack of freedom. So I'll try a TT for 2 years and then see how I feel.
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Also, when you see something you like, write it down, hop on your computer and do some research. I found so much info via links to discussions good/bad/indifferent people had on various rigs I was looking into, can go to the manufacturers websites and view layout options and construction, etc. Peoples opinions however are much like movie critics, some are going to say it's terrible, and you may like it.
Sparkle, I do remember the comment of if it's not safe you can just drive away. You're right you can't IF you are hooked up to shore power, but if you are in a rest area or drycamping you can. :) But then again, you can do that with basically any home on wheels. Isn't that the beauty of it all? :)
I firmly believe any rig is a good rig if it's your own ;) yup yup yup.
Live, Love, Laugh - Aloha

Donna & Willie
05 32' Seabreeze Class A
07 Jeep Liberty Ltd
Live, Love, Laugh - Aloha
05' National Seabreeze 31'
07' Jeep Liberty toad
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Joined: 3/16/2009
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I'm full-time and travel in a 40 ft class A with a hubby and 3 cats. If I was going solo I would pick a Class C with entertainment up front instead of the bunk bed, if you get one with a slide out make sure if you are parked and don't want to put your slide out that it is not blocking a set of drawers, sink or oven. I went to the RV show the other day and was quite impressed with the Safari Trek. They have a bed that comes down from the ceiling. Ample space for one or two people and I believe under 30 feet. This RV would be great but you both have to want to go to bed at the same time because it lowers into your living room. I like the Sunseeker by Forest River and the Lazy Daze are good. We had a Tropi-Cal by National and we loved it much more storage space than my Alfa ( Alfa's put airconditioners in the basements)
Do your homework test them out. Big enough shower to bend over? Large enough toilet area to turn around and zip up your pants? Plenty of cupboard space or prep work for dinner etc..And most of all don't believe half of what the salesman says! I always ask them first if they OWN a RV. The ones who do don't rip you off and know the answers than the ones who DON'T!!
Good luck and glad your house sold.
In the Pickle Jar of Life
Friends make a Dilly of a Difference
Seeya down the road
Seeya_Gal

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away
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Joined: 3/16/2009
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I have looked more and I think the determining factor for me is I will be working and don't want to drive a large pick up locally. I have a motorcycle and do not want to give it up, so I have to figure out how to tow a small car and bikes. Maybe a motorhome toyhauler? I have not seen many used ones. Can you tow a trailer with small car and bikes on it? There seems to be more to choose from if I am not limited to a toy hauler. Once working is no longer a must I could get away with the bike only, at least some of the time. The Hubby has a bike too, I guess he can come along, he may have to ride his! We may be working in different cities for the next couple of years, so I have to be able to manage by myself.
glenna
Glenna
Future Full-timer
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