Too small. Submit & I drove to Albany the Sunday before last to check stuff out at a huge RV superstore.
https://www.rvone.com/albanyrv/
We did check out a couple huge motorhomes in stock & when I saw the 550 large price tag on one, I turned around.
Camping trailer, motorhome
- Thread starter Richard Cranium
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Too small. Submit & I drove to Albany the Sunday before last to check stuff out at a huge RV superstore.
https://www.rvone.com/albanyrv/
We did check out a couple huge motorhomes in stock & when I saw the 550 large price tag on one, I turned around.
i've been looking at these for the last several years a good used one a few years old is 50 to 70. kinda small but i think would be easier and cheaper to drive and maintain.
69a100
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I have been in the market for one of these under 30' and ready to pull the trigger when I find one without the bling on top. Just the 660 watts of solar that will go up top. Now if only I could get my brother to move that mountain of dirt in the yard so I can get outta here.
PeteBell68
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We've had 5 different campers from 16-35 ft long . Just traded the 35 ft 2 slide in for a 24 ft 1 slide made by Grand Design . We've camped for three weeks at a time almost every summer when the boys were growing up and winter camped as well .
Smaller now that the boys are older and drive to visit where we camp .
I like campers because I already have a pickup so no need to buy a vehicle that just parks most of the time . You also just use the tow machine to sight see when wanted .We looked at motor homes and almost bought one because of the comments people have made about eating ,riding bathroom while travelling then while perusing the paperwork said to myself crap this is 135,000 dollars plus tax . That buys a really nice truck ,camper and then some . Motor homes also need maintenance .
Smaller now that the boys are older and drive to visit where we camp .
I like campers because I already have a pickup so no need to buy a vehicle that just parks most of the time . You also just use the tow machine to sight see when wanted .We looked at motor homes and almost bought one because of the comments people have made about eating ,riding bathroom while travelling then while perusing the paperwork said to myself crap this is 135,000 dollars plus tax . That buys a really nice truck ,camper and then some . Motor homes also need maintenance .
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Sticker shock eh Mark!! I paid a mere $19,000 canuck dollars for that '83 Southwind I showed in my post and carried a big tool box! Coast.. to coast to coast.. we put 62,000 miles on her over the years and I then sold it to use as a yard motel 2 years ago for $6000! We had a LOT of fun for 13000 bucks! Considering they rent at about $1500/week and you can't tow with a rental.
bm02tj
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I have small tents,medium sized tent , a 5 wide Little Guy teardrop I tow behind my Jeep when we go play in the bush and a 1816MG Renegade that is 44ft long that hauls my jeep in the garage in back
and when we park for a month we use the garage as the bedroom
I went looking for a Super C and got a FL80 Freightliner that can be fixed at any truck shop
If you go a short distance every day or stay somewhere a length of time a Motor home is good
If you go a long distance for a short time fly or take a car
and when we park for a month we use the garage as the bedroom
I went looking for a Super C and got a FL80 Freightliner that can be fixed at any truck shop
If you go a short distance every day or stay somewhere a length of time a Motor home is good
If you go a long distance for a short time fly or take a car
My vote is for the trailer RC.
Most of us own a tow vehicle anyway, and a trailer is much less expensive. Check into insurance rates on a MH, you'll be shocked-
A 200k MH will cost you around $3000 + per yr., my 5th wheel is about $250.
There are some really nice small/med size trailers out there for couples, and if you want the best go for an Airstream.
As for the question of how long you can spend in one? How well do you and Submit get along??
Most of us own a tow vehicle anyway, and a trailer is much less expensive. Check into insurance rates on a MH, you'll be shocked-
A 200k MH will cost you around $3000 + per yr., my 5th wheel is about $250.
There are some really nice small/med size trailers out there for couples, and if you want the best go for an Airstream.
As for the question of how long you can spend in one? How well do you and Submit get along??
What ever you reside to buy try to rent one similar. We purchased a 20 foot trailer and after spending one weekend camping in it we found out all the things we did not like. It was traded for one was more camping friendly but that one weekend cost plenty for the learning. We went from a 35 foot MY to a 28 foot trailer now. MY was nice to drive and liked the storage in it.
Florida is where motorhome go to be sold. Check online prices and see if its worth a trip. Arizona another place to check.
wahya
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We were camping in a state park one time, this guy pulls into his campsite pulling a car trailer, covered with a big blue tarp. He pulls the tarp off to reveal a bed, small fridge, tv and his "living room" which even had a recliner. The tarp went up on long poles to keep the rain off. Now that's camping.
HT413
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Heres ya go, tailgating masterpiece. Maybe add a hideaway bed for your RV’ing pleasure.
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That was a funny f'n episode
Darius
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Lots of experiences and opinions here. I bought a 2018 Winnebago Navion. It is on a Mercedes chassis with a V-6 /5 speed auto.I get 15MPG with it and it is easy and pleasureable to drive. Plenty of power. I will be purchasing either a Wrangler or a Cherokee Trailhawk to tow behind so the wife and I can see what is down any dirt road we come across. The limitations are somewhat disappointing in terms of weight but with just two of us it really isn't too much hassle. It is absolutely pricey but I paid for it with the money I have made in the Cannabis stock market!!!!!
If you REALLY want to gather some very good info and personal experiences go to. www.irv2.com. the most comprehensive site I have found and it is really divided up by brands, sizes, etc. so you can get some more specific info for ask specific questions . A site very much like this one BUT, just realize there are many on there who pushed a desk all of their lives and are basically clueless about most things mechanical. Then there are those who know absolutely EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYTHING and HAVE to comment. Kind of fun for a minute reading people make fools of themselves. Check it out though, I learned a lot there during my decision making process.
If you REALLY want to gather some very good info and personal experiences go to. www.irv2.com. the most comprehensive site I have found and it is really divided up by brands, sizes, etc. so you can get some more specific info for ask specific questions . A site very much like this one BUT, just realize there are many on there who pushed a desk all of their lives and are basically clueless about most things mechanical. Then there are those who know absolutely EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYTHING and HAVE to comment. Kind of fun for a minute reading people make fools of themselves. Check it out though, I learned a lot there during my decision making process.
Liked Darius comments, its about research. If you find one you like see if its worth renting one for a month to experience living in it.
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SNL, ( In a van down by the river. )
Triplegreen500
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I sold RVs for nearly a decade.
1. Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance, MAINTENANCE. Re-seal every seam and seal every single year, or you will have leaks and water damage. Period, end of discussion, no gray areas. Use the right sealant, too - NOT dipshit's "Flex Seal" from the TV ads.
2. Diesel is the way to go, if you want to pull or haul anything. You can get small B's (factory-body vans), small C's (van cab with a motorhome box body), and super-C's (based on 5500 and 6500 series Internationals, like HD tow trucks) with diesels, as well as the large class A pushers. The super-C's and the pushers are usually ISB or ISX Cummins motors, with some still using the Cat motor in the pushers. The smaller diesel units are typically the Mercedes Sprinter chassis which are SUPER-efficient, if not "pull a house" powerful. But they can still pull a small toad (as in "towed" - wrangler, prius, something to zip to the store so you don't have to pull up stakes on the 'house' to get a six pack). Most C's and small gas A's are - as noted - Ford V10s or large GM V8s. That's a function of the chassis manufacturers getting supply from auto manufacturers; it's just the way things go. Don't even think about fuel economy on a gasser, it'll just make you cry.
3. Drivable versus towed comes to personal preference, as noted above. Driver, you have whole-house access while going down the road; towable, you have a built-in city vehicle when you unhook.
ANY of them will be expensive, if you get a quality piece. There are some brands that are, quite frankly...crap. Others are absolutely spectacular. Winnebago is good quality with outstanding support, anywhere you go. Newmar (motorized) is near the absolute top of the heap. Keystone RV makes outstanding towables of every price point and style (TT, FW) and some of the nicest are the Montana series, and the Raptor toyhauler series. Another outstanding towable brand is Grand Design - ALL of their stuff is amazing. Airstream is overpriced for what it is (frankly), but if you want that iconic look they're kinda the only game in town for that.
You'll go dizzy looking at floorplans.
Find someplace you can do a test-tow or a test drive.
Short-bed trucks, get a slider hitch if you go fifth wheel. Spend the money, and get an automatic slider. Trust me.
Get a generator.
Make sure a) you don't mind doing the sewage pipe work every single trip, or b) you get family members to guarantee they will help you with the sewer pipe so you don't have to do it every single trip. It is not a fun job. You can stay mostly clean....but not completely. And yes, you ALWAYS close the valve, let it fill up, then dump it. NEVER leave it open - all that does is let it dry out, crust over, and create blockages.
Learn to winterize.
Do your seals every year.
Lube your slideouts every trip (rails, mech, and seals).
Run your generator 3-4x a year to keep the fuel fresh in the carb (gas, diesel, or LP - they all need to be run). Avoid Generac like the plague - their RV units suck. Cummins, or nothing.
Maintain the chassis (axles, bearings, brakes, hitch, tires; engine, trans, air brakes (pusher)).
Rent if you can. For more than a weekend - immerse yourself in it, I'd say no less than a 7 day run including at least a day drive at each end. That way you get long hours towing/driving, then setting up, using (including water and sewer work), tearing down, hooking up, and a long drive back home.
It can be fun. I know people who cannot and will not live without it. If you love it, and your family loves it...take the time (and money) to do it right, and everyone will enjoy it.
Personally? I take a motorcycle. Left saddlebag is 3 man dome tent, and clothing. Right saddlebag is a 10 degree bag that packs smaller than my head, more clothes. Top case is rain gear, toiletries, and riding gear. I camp near a stream and keep a mesh bag and a plastic bag, so I can dunk my food and keep it cool in the fresh water. I can do a week out on the bike - THAT is camping to me, not solid surface counters, 3 air conditioners, heated floors and six slideouts. If I had to do a camper, I'd be a popup guy. If I'm camping, I like to be PART of nature, not isolated from it. Tents are perfect for that.
To each their own.
1. Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance, MAINTENANCE. Re-seal every seam and seal every single year, or you will have leaks and water damage. Period, end of discussion, no gray areas. Use the right sealant, too - NOT dipshit's "Flex Seal" from the TV ads.
2. Diesel is the way to go, if you want to pull or haul anything. You can get small B's (factory-body vans), small C's (van cab with a motorhome box body), and super-C's (based on 5500 and 6500 series Internationals, like HD tow trucks) with diesels, as well as the large class A pushers. The super-C's and the pushers are usually ISB or ISX Cummins motors, with some still using the Cat motor in the pushers. The smaller diesel units are typically the Mercedes Sprinter chassis which are SUPER-efficient, if not "pull a house" powerful. But they can still pull a small toad (as in "towed" - wrangler, prius, something to zip to the store so you don't have to pull up stakes on the 'house' to get a six pack). Most C's and small gas A's are - as noted - Ford V10s or large GM V8s. That's a function of the chassis manufacturers getting supply from auto manufacturers; it's just the way things go. Don't even think about fuel economy on a gasser, it'll just make you cry.
3. Drivable versus towed comes to personal preference, as noted above. Driver, you have whole-house access while going down the road; towable, you have a built-in city vehicle when you unhook.
ANY of them will be expensive, if you get a quality piece. There are some brands that are, quite frankly...crap. Others are absolutely spectacular. Winnebago is good quality with outstanding support, anywhere you go. Newmar (motorized) is near the absolute top of the heap. Keystone RV makes outstanding towables of every price point and style (TT, FW) and some of the nicest are the Montana series, and the Raptor toyhauler series. Another outstanding towable brand is Grand Design - ALL of their stuff is amazing. Airstream is overpriced for what it is (frankly), but if you want that iconic look they're kinda the only game in town for that.
You'll go dizzy looking at floorplans.
Find someplace you can do a test-tow or a test drive.
Short-bed trucks, get a slider hitch if you go fifth wheel. Spend the money, and get an automatic slider. Trust me.
Get a generator.
Make sure a) you don't mind doing the sewage pipe work every single trip, or b) you get family members to guarantee they will help you with the sewer pipe so you don't have to do it every single trip. It is not a fun job. You can stay mostly clean....but not completely. And yes, you ALWAYS close the valve, let it fill up, then dump it. NEVER leave it open - all that does is let it dry out, crust over, and create blockages.
Learn to winterize.
Do your seals every year.
Lube your slideouts every trip (rails, mech, and seals).
Run your generator 3-4x a year to keep the fuel fresh in the carb (gas, diesel, or LP - they all need to be run). Avoid Generac like the plague - their RV units suck. Cummins, or nothing.
Maintain the chassis (axles, bearings, brakes, hitch, tires; engine, trans, air brakes (pusher)).
Rent if you can. For more than a weekend - immerse yourself in it, I'd say no less than a 7 day run including at least a day drive at each end. That way you get long hours towing/driving, then setting up, using (including water and sewer work), tearing down, hooking up, and a long drive back home.
It can be fun. I know people who cannot and will not live without it. If you love it, and your family loves it...take the time (and money) to do it right, and everyone will enjoy it.
Personally? I take a motorcycle. Left saddlebag is 3 man dome tent, and clothing. Right saddlebag is a 10 degree bag that packs smaller than my head, more clothes. Top case is rain gear, toiletries, and riding gear. I camp near a stream and keep a mesh bag and a plastic bag, so I can dunk my food and keep it cool in the fresh water. I can do a week out on the bike - THAT is camping to me, not solid surface counters, 3 air conditioners, heated floors and six slideouts. If I had to do a camper, I'd be a popup guy. If I'm camping, I like to be PART of nature, not isolated from it. Tents are perfect for that.
To each their own.
Bb70charger500
Well-Known Member
Rc how about instead of a motor home you just drive one of your cars to where you wanna go and post it on here! Then after all the guys in the area respond with pictures if there guest room you pick one and stay there a month or so !
I think you would get a good amount of rooms offered!
Or just buy a huge pusher and drive the hell out of it repairs arnt bad just sell it before you hit half a million miles
I think you would get a good amount of rooms offered!
Or just buy a huge pusher and drive the hell out of it repairs arnt bad just sell it before you hit half a million miles
wahya
Well-Known Member
We decided to go with used. Researched for a long time and found one that we both liked and had to be quick when we found it. Coach was three years old with only 18000 miles. Paid about one third the price of new and the gentleman threw in the tow car, bar and hook ups with brake buddy. Yeah, the set up is Ford, but the v10 is pretty peppy and the now wife's car the five speed Fiesta takes us less than three minutes to unhook.
We'll have to see when the time comes. I wonder if I'm in love with the idea and romance of motorhoming, rather than what it really will be like.
I have also thought of just taking a couple 2-3 week road trips per year in the car & just staying at hotels.
Time will tell I guess.
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