RV Forum

For Beginning RVers :: RE: Getting Serious About Buying Class A

Author: lizbard
Subject:
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 2:39 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 9

Also do you want gas or diesel? When I was looking, I asked several repair places about cost of maintenance between gas and diesel.

Then because of the recession, check to see if that manufacturer is still operating or if someone will repair you RV "orphan". Again check with repair places near you or Camping World.

Also check the forums on this site about repairs and RV.net has some blogs. It will help your disappointment if you cannot get something repaired or replace parts.
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Texas WAC

For Beginning RVers :: RE: Looking to Buy My First RV

Author: lizbard
Subject: uses class c
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 2:32 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 4

If possible, pay a mechanic (unless you are knowledgeable or have a friend) to look over the chassis, brakes, tires, engine, etc. Then if needed pay someone to look over the applicance, generator, etc. so you know what you are getting into. I did not and trusted the salesman (I know about used salesmen) because we had been buying Saturn vehicles since 1994 and were confident we could tell how everything was. We paid $35,000 for a 2002 Winnebago Brave and have paid approximately $8,000 in repairs since March 2009.
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Texas WAC

For Beginning RVers :: RE: Televisions for RV

Author: 12Volt-Travel
Subject:
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:47 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 6

Folks who prefer TV no matter where they are will enjoy a 12v unit. Most of these TV's use very little power and offer a great LCD picture. In addition, 12v TV's are built with traveling in mind. They are better adapted for the conditions of travel than standard 110V ac TV's. The 110V TV's require the use of a power inverter or the generator. 12v TV's do not. All ya need is a live lighter socket / 12v outlet.

Though we have several TV's on board, we don't spend much time watching TV when we're out on the road or at camp. We prefer spending time with family, friends and taking in the scenery.

We have TV's with us for use in the evening when everyone's in bed. We like to catch the local newscast for local events and weather. They are great for rainy days too. Video games, DVD movies and more can all be input.

If you happen to use the navigation software by PCMiler for laptop computers, the video from the laptop can be outputted into the 12v TV. The largest 12v TV is 22". That means a 22" gps system for large and commercial vehicles. How many people can say "I've got a 22" GPS in my RV"?

Of course not everyone would like such a large screen. That's why there are a few sizes adapted for this type of use.

It's a lot to think about. Whatever you decide to do out there, please travel in comfort and peace.
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The 12Volt-Travel.com; Supplying Travelers & Truckers with High Quality Products

For Beginning RVers :: RE: Looking to Buy My First RV

Author: brucebr
Subject:
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:31 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 4

Budget that same amount for repairs. And hope it is enough.

PS Look at the condition and date of the tires. At about $150/tire, it can add up quickly. Any tire more than 6 years old requires replacement. Don't risk your life on old tires.
_________________
Bruce and Jenna
Clancy, the Australian Terrier
FT since 7/2007

For Beginning RVers :: RE: Getting Serious About Buying Class A

Author: lanerd
Subject: Re: Getting Serious About Buying Class A
Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:27 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 9

jeepsrule wrote:

Some brands we like are Monaco, Holiday Rambler, Newmar. It depends on how much you want to spend.

Just so we're clear... since 2002 Monaco, Holiday Rambler, Beaver, and Safari are "basically" all the same. Different front/rear caps, different interior/exterior color schemes and graphics. Within each brand, they have almost identical sisters in the other three brands.

There are many very good and well known brands that I'm certain will suit your needs. You'll have to give us a better hint as to what you are looking for.
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Currently: 2008 Safari Simba SRD35
Previously: 2000 Coachmen 252RKS TT

For Beginning RVers :: RE: 1 Ton Overkill?

Author: kroldman
Subject: Too Much Truck
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:03 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 15

You don't need the dually, but the 1 ton crewcab will work just fine. It will have all the power and you can park it anywhere the dually can't go. I pull a 33' fifth wheel and still have room to move up. I have a 2005 F-350 Ford crewcab with 6.0 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. I get anywhere from 10 to 15 miles to the gallon depending on the terrain and if the speed is set at 60 to 65 miles an hour. If you have any questions, just ask. Good luck.

For Beginning RVers :: RE: 1 Ton Overkill?

Author: Dustytuu
Subject: Truck
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:01 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 15

Get the dually. You won't be sorry. Better to have enough truck. You will have the truck if you want to upgrade to a larger unit. We had to upgrade our truck when we bought our last 5th wheel. Was expensive! So better to plan ahead.
_________________
D & D
2 Schnauzers & cat
2008 Carriage Carri lite 36SBQ,
W/D, dishW.
2008, 5500 Dodge, Laramie cab.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/Dustytuu/forwallpaper.jpg

"Criminals like gun control"
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For Beginning RVers :: RE: 1st Question Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler

Author: retired and happy
Subject:
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:23 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 1

Have you tried www.PPLmotorhomes.com? They run a consignment sales lot in Houston. Usually have a large selection of RVs of all kinds.
_________________
Ken
Judy and our Special Angels
1996 37' Itasca Suncruiser
6x12 cargo trailer
2003 EZGO golf Cart

For Beginning RVers :: RE: 1 Ton Overkill?

Author: PAS
Subject:
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:42 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 15

Suggest that you check the truck's specs and see what it is capable of handling. Then weigh your trailer and compare. I pull a 33-foot Cougar with my 2008 Ford HD 250 long bed. The truck has single rear wheels but has a 6.8 liter gas engine, 5-speed auto transmission and a 4:10 rear end. We got approximately 10 mpg over 8,000 miles towing throughout Alaska, Yukon, and British Columbia this summer. The other 9,000 miles we drove solo was a little less than 15 mpg. No stability problems. No braking problems. No parking problems as you can at times find with a dually.

For Beginning RVers :: RE: 1 Ton Overkill?

Author: bohemian
Subject: One Ton Enough?
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:11 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 15

Go with the one ton and forget the duals. You will find that navigating the dually sometimes a hassle and they will not fit in an auto car wash. You may purchase a larger RV in the future and you do not want to be stuck with a tow vehicle that is undersized.

Happy RVing!
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Enjoying Fulltime Living

For Beginning RVers :: RE: 1 Ton Overkill?

Author: brucebr
Subject:
Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 4:22 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 15

I can't really respond to your question because I don't know what you'll tow. You have used two different terms for the same trailer: "fifth wheel" and "TT." Very different RVs.

Everyone here has assumed you mean 5er. Do you?
_________________
Bruce and Jenna
Clancy, the Australian Terrier
FT since 7/2007

For Beginning RVers :: RE: 1 Ton Overkill?

Author: cfuller3
Subject: Dually Overkill?
Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 4:04 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 15

You lose a little towing and weight capacity with the dually. Look at the specs if you find that sounding off base. If you don't get a short bed, the stability won't be an issue. I've used both single rear wheel and dual rears, and both were long bed quads. If you think you can find a single wheel that's not 4WD, go with that. I had to settle for a dually this time because of the rear end combination I wanted. On any diesel you get, figuring that's what you're considering, they will all have plenty of torque without a 4.11 rear end. I have 3.73 and empty mileage is awesome; towing is in the 12 mpg range.
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08 Dodge 3500 LB. 08, 34 ft Grand Junction 5er

For Beginning RVers :: RE: Getting Serious About Buying Class A

Author: lanerd
Subject:
Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:01 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 9

I agree...you really need to know what $$ range you're looking at.

Most Class A manufacturers have a range of models that go from entry level to very luxurious. Then there are some that start out in mid-level and go up. Then there are others that only make luxury units.

So you really need to compare apples to apples rather than all makes and models.

The advantage to buying used is that you skip the "depreciation" part that drops about 1/3 of the original price. The disadvantage to buying used is that you don't have a warranty to fall back on if something goes wrong. However, that 1/3 depreciation value and go a long way in paying for repairs.

So let us know what you are looking for and we will do our best to help you out.

Good Luck

Ron
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Currently: 2008 Safari Simba SRD35
Previously: 2000 Coachmen 252RKS TT

For Beginning RVers :: RE: Sewer Smell in Used RV

Author: lanerd
Subject:
Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:43 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 9

I don't think elh3946 was referring to "dry camping" when she made that statement. In fact, probably just the opposite as dry caming requires a whole different mindset and obviously different methods. She never mentioned dry camping as neither did the OP in the original post. So rather than "disagreeing," maybe you should just have left that part out of your reply or bring it up as an "also, by the way."

Also, have you ever "tested" RV toilet paper vs. regular toilet paper? There have been many discussions on this subject on rv.net and several people have reported results of their testing: RV TP doesn't dissolve any faster than regular 2-ply TP. In addition, RV TP does cost more and you get less. Again, as elh3946 stated, the answer is all in how much water is used.

"Using lots of water," I believe, is a misleading statement. "Lots" can be different amount to different people. I know in our case, "lots" means a quart or two with each flushing. Is that "a lot" to you? Not to me. That quart or two, however, means the difference between keeping the solids from hardening up in between tank dumpings. I don't think the RV park will know the difference. You even mentioned to make sure the gray tank is full (and to fill it if it isn't), and even to refill and dump several times. I think this practice is using a "lot" more water than using more water to each flush don't you think?

So to the OP. Keeping the black tank clean of solids is the key to having a happy black tank, and the only way to keep it clean is to use "lots" of water.

Ron
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Currently: 2008 Safari Simba SRD35
Previously: 2000 Coachmen 252RKS TT

For Beginning RVers :: RE: 1 Ton Overkill?

Author: jerryriverguy
Subject:
Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:26 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 15

Overkill in my opinion for that size trailer. I've towed a 30' Colorado 5th for 5 years with a 3/4 ton standard axle. Plenty of power and stability. Easier to park the truck at a supermarket without that extra width. Two less tires to replace. My rig weighs about 11,000 when loaded.
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Author: The Fifth Wheel Bible
2004 Colorado 27RL
2006 Dodge 2500 CDT, 4x4, longbed, auto

web site http://www.jerryriverguy.com