Experienced Motorhome Owners - please help

[Dayzee]

Hubby and I are in the early stages of researching Class C motorhomes. We are considering the purchase of one for summertime traveling/living. We have never owned a motorized rv - which makes the process a little intimidating. For those of you who have experience in owning a motorhome, can you give me any tips on what we should look for before making a decision. We have also considered a smaller Class A, so your personal experiences and comparisons between the two types would be helpful. Thanks

[Rickg]

I've had both and the class C's are more affected by wind. I liked the class A The most for handling and roominess. Either one is good, it is just a matter of preference and the amount of time you'll be spending in it. The more time the more I would lean toward the class A. Try to rent one for a few days to see which you prefer. Pay attention to the size of your water, waste and fuel tanks. My class C's would go at most 200 miles on a tank of gas, where the class A had a 80 gallon tank taking me 500+ miles

[gomoho]

Sit in the driver or passenger seat in both and if you don't notice the difference a class C might be just fine; however, after travelling in a class A and that awesome open view through the windshield I tried, but could not switch to a class C. But it was something I was use to so that may be the difference. Think a class C could be more manageable in state parks and in town. Doesn't help much does it??? sorry

[Midvale]

I like the over cab bed on my small Class C. I didn't want or need a separate bedroom.

[Topspinmo]

I had one while back didn't like them.. Poor gas mileage, cost of maintenance, Insurance, cost of RV parks, Cost, cost, cost.. not to mention it sat around most of the time and deprecates so I sold it. Brought Caddie Eldorado and stayed in nice comfy motel when We went on trips. Now even the Eldorado is gone! But that me!:22yikes: I would rent one for few trips first see if you have to have one. IMO nothing eats up retirement money like RV's and Boats.:BigApplause: "O" did I mention I sold the boat too.!:thumbup:

[fb32162]

We had a 34 ft class A for years and had a 30 class C for a short time. For livability, I prefer the A. It was a bit roomier, the driver and passenger seat swiveled to make for added "living room" seating and it had much more under rig storage. The only down side for me was the C was a bit easier to drive, but I got used to driving the A pretty quickly. A couple of things I recommend to look for: Motorized levelers/ stabilzers. A "walk around" bed and as much counter space, storage and refrig space as you can get. I also liked having a real oven rather than just a convection oven.

[CFrance]

Our friends started out small and ended up big. One of the reasons was that in a lot of rv parks, the smaller rvs got the second-class spots.

[manaboutown]

I have had three class A's and drove them all over the US, Canada and Mexico. I agree with the above posts. Also check on the power to weight ratios and weight carrying capacity. I found two of the three were underpowered and otherwise underdesigned for carrying heavy loads, boat and trailer towing.

[Dayzee]

There is a lot to take into consideration with this purchase and I appreciate all of your input and suggestions. Several of you have brought up things that we haven't even thought of. Thank you. The on-line video tours that I found have been helpful in comparing the various features of the 'many' different models, but there's nothing like first-hand knowledge.

The idea of getting a motorhome came out of the blue when we decided this summer to finally list our Michigan house. We aren't quite ready to become full-timers in TV and a motorhome would provide a place of residence for us when we come back to Michigan for a month or so during the summer, we love our children & grandkids but we'll need a space of our own, if you know what I mean. Plus, we would like to do some traveling throughout the US and Canada while we are still healthy and able to do so. You never know what tomorrow will bring.

[BobnBev]

Just remember, the bigger the windshield, the more love bugs you can kill.:a040::D:eek:

[BobnBev]

There is a lot to take into consideration with this purchase and I appreciate all of your input and suggestions. Several of you have brought up things that we haven't even thought of. Thank you. The on-line video tours that I found have been helpful in comparing the various features of the 'many' different models, but there's nothing like first-hand knowledge.

The idea of getting a motorhome came out of the blue when we decided this summer to finally list our Michigan house. We aren't quite ready to become full-timers in TV and a motorhome would provide a place of residence for us when we come back to Michigan for a month or so during the summer, we love our children & grandkids but we'll need a space of our own, if you know what I mean. Plus, we would like to do some traveling throughout the US and Canada while we are still healthy and able to do so. You never know what tomorrow will bring.

As far as Canada goes......no handguns of any type. They WILL arrest you and confiscate the motor home....long guns are allowed with restrictions

[jimbo2012]

As far as Canada goes......no handguns of any type. They WILL arrest you and confiscate the motor home....long guns are allowed with restrictions

Not true, you declare them, they hold them till you leave.

Just there, on the way back gave them the papers they walked the gun to the RV and we drove back into Maine.

[jimbo2012]

Now as far as buying a C or an A, pick one of each in your budget, sit in each for 30 minutes no salesman, see how it feels.

Now drive each one, you'll know what you like,
just don't drive a diesel, because if you do you'll buy one.

Go to Lamesa or RVone in Orlando they have many to look and drive.

[Avista]

Hubby and I are in the early stages of researching Class C motorhomes. We are considering the purchase of one for summertime traveling/living. We have never owned a motorized rv - which makes the process a little intimidating. For those of you who have experience in owning a motorhome, can you give me any tips on what we should look for before making a decision. We have also considered a smaller Class A, so your personal experiences and comparisons between the two types would be helpful. Thanks

Spend a day at Lazy Days and look at everything. It's a fun day and they will give you lunch.
http://m.lazydays.com/

[JeffAVEWS]

I bought a used Class C from Cruise America in Orlando. It has a 55 gal fuel tank so I get 500 miles on a tank. I love the thing, and will be leaving next week for IN/MI. Keep in mind you have to have transportation when you get to a park. I have a new Chevy Spark with a manual transmission that I will tow. Fla state parks are great, and if you are a resident and over 65 you get half off.


Cruise America: Four Winds Majestic 28A (http://www.cruiseamerica.com/buy/modelDetails.aspx?modelID=104&Make=Four%20Winds%20Majestic%20&ModelNo=28A)

[JP]

I had one A and three C's.
I preferred the C's for the bed over the driver and the smaller feel to the size.
The A was the same size as a bus and was harder to maneuver.
We used to get about 10mpg with gas engines in the C's. The A definitely got less mileage but it wasn't diesel which it probably
should have been.
In cross winds I would say the A was more tippy.
Because the A was longer, going around corners was more of a challenge.
I think most people think A's have more "class". They are definitely more accepted at higher end camping parks. Sometimes C's are
not allowed in certain parks. Rightly or wrongly some people think they should be regarded like a pop up camper. Crazy.

[justjim]

I don't want to be negative about motor homes but every person that I know well and bought in the last couple of years had nothing but Trouble with theirs. Thats trouble with a capital T! Two were brand new with diesel engines and slides 39/40 foot. Our other friends bought a used motorhome ----"money pit" for sure. But the two that bought new still have them and say they enjoy the lifestyle. Our friends that bought used----took a $20,000 loss and sold theirs.

If you enjoy the so called RV lifestyle then its like TV----cost is secondary to the lifestyle. Also, I think you have to like "tinkering" (for lack of a better word) because "things" have to be fixed---- so they tell me. I've also been told that there are truly good friends to be found while In your RV and some of the most helpful and friendly people are those driving a RV. Happy Trails.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

We had a couple of class C's and then class A's and for us, the class A's are definitely what we liked better. We need the room and liked the way it seems more like home to us with a larger living space, larger bathroom and more substantial, sturdier cabinets and appliances. I don't know if that's a function of the kind we bought or the class of moho but it is how our A's are/were. In the one we have now we have a washer/dryer, a freezer/refrigerator, a stove with oven, 2 TVs and tons of storage inside and underneath. For us that works although it's not for everyone we realize. We have spent all summer traveling in it and know that our smaller class C would have been too small for us but I have seen some large class C's since then. Also, think of what vehicle you will tow. Nothing ruins a trip more than having to unhook and hook up every time you want to leave a campsite and go for a 10 minute trip somewhere. Will your current vehicle tow? Not all cars can be towed flat. Will you buy a tow dolly for it? Definitely spend time in both and check out how big they are and how much stuff you need to take with you. Also, I don't ever think I would buy new again. They depreciate fast and you can get some great deals used. Good luck. We just love our motorhome. We named her Lucy as in "I Love Lucy."

[TVMayor]

I had one while back didn't like them.. Poor gas mileage, cost of maintenance, Insurance, cost of RV parks, Cost, cost, cost.. not to mention it sat around most of the time and deprecates so I sold it. Brought Caddie Eldorado and stayed in nice comfy motel when We went on trips. Now even the Eldorado is gone! But that me!:22yikes: I would rent one for few trips first see if you have to have one. IMO nothing eats up retirement money like RV's and Boats.:BigApplause: "O" did I mention I sold the boat too.!:thumbup:
I the past I have had 3 motor homes all while working, and for me it is too costly for retirement.

Disney full hook-up campsite cost $73.13/$148 per day. Gas to fill 60 gallon tank $210/$240. A tank of gas and a day campsite $388.

[jimbo2012]

Well that's the extreme high end of campgrounds, not a fair statement.

Most average $30 a day, some state parks a lot less.

If you stay on weekly rate or monthly rate even less.

In the Keys the cost is high also.

If you're retired military many bases are free.

Also you can just park anyplace and the rig is self sufficient.

[red tail]

i had class a/class c/fifth wheel......they are like a boat. the best days are the day you get it and the day you get rid of them. if I had it to do over again I would rent.

[keysbabe]

I am going to jump in on this. I owned a 24 ft class C (Born Free) for 3 years and lived in it full time for 6 months while I worked at Grand Teton NP and then visited all the other NP in Montana, Utah, etc. ALONE. I all depends on how you are going to use it. Sounds like you will be in it full time for at least the summer so, get something big enough that you BOTH can stand to be stuck inside for a week (In case its raining) Are you going to tow a car or not? Get a fixed bed, don't sleep in the cabover. Getting up and down the ladder at night is very dangerous. Rick G had good advice otherwise on the tank sizes but, again its about whether you will be hooked up to water and sewer or "holding". The class A is less maneuverable but, better if you will be staying put for stretches. I moved around a lot and the C is better for that. Also, get a Ford or Chevy engine. You will NEVER be in a place where you cannot find a mechanic to work on it. One more thing, I personally do not like the slide outs as they are prone to break down or get stuck. One more thing to break. I like things simple and was never in a garage once. I have seen MH sit for weeks being repaired. You would not go wrong with a 28 foot Born Free for low maintenance and livability. It is molded fiberglass, (no leaks) and has roll bars. I think Keep It as Simple as possible for your first time out. I loved it and look forward to meeting the Man of my Dreams and doing it again!

[borjo]

We owned a 30' Class A. Too wide not enjoyable driving it, got white knuckles Great view out the windshield. Bought new, sold 1 year later, lost $30,000. Bought 23' diesel class B. Twenty-three mpg, hard bench beds, one T-V, great to travel on the road, no reason to tow, no slide, uncomfortable. Bought a used 26' Class C, one slide, comfortable twin beds, one slide, 2 T-V's means separate living areas for relaxation. LOVE IT! only 9 mpg, use mostly in FL. As you can see, it took a while to find the right one, lost money but we love camping. Chalk it up to vacation money. You must decide for yourself but do some research, as you are, and get one that you find comfortable and can afford.

[JourneyOfLife]

I don't own one, but I people that do. Some love it and others regret the purchase because they found it was not what they expected. Other have found they just don't use it enough to justify owning one.

If you have not owned one before, consider the merits of renting one first and taking a short trip for a week to see how you like it before you dive in and commit to ownership.