Taking the next step!

[dpappy]

Hi All,
I have been an avid RVer for two years. I purchased a 29 foot class c and just love going out on weekends and to dog shows when ever I can. My situation will be changing over the next year and I am thinking about becoming a full time RVer. But with so many Class A manufacturers out there I just don't know where to begin. So far I have only looked at the Coachmen and the Tiffin. But even with that there is so much to keep in mind and think about. Since I am NOT mechanically inclined I worry that I might make a mistake about what really matters the most which is what's under the coach/chassis. I am basically at the mercy of what the sales person is telling me. Any advice?????

[ccintrigue]

Rather than looking for a new Class A, I'd look for a 2-7 year old. The previous owner has taken the greatest hit on depreciation.

Last summer we purchased a 5 year old Class A diesel pusher, a Country Coach. Are very happy with it.

Don't listen to the sales people. Do your own research. Go for quality construction versus "newness". There are bargains out there to be had if you are patient and know what you want before you approach a dealer.

[whodo]

You already have a Class C. Stop & Think. What made you buy it? What features would you like to have that it doesn't? What items does it have that you don't use or need? Are you happy with the quality of the workmanship? What problems have you had? What items broke that you couldn't repair yourself? What brand is it?

Now you have a base to start your search on. If your happy with all the above stay with the same brand. If not make a list of the items plus or minus an take it with you when looking at a Class A of another brand.
Take a real close look at the quality of the items that you can visually see. If your not happy with the quality you can see, you definitely will not be happy with the items that you can not see the quality of.
When you think you have found the RV of your dreams, have some one else take a look and nick pick it to pieces. Have them point out every little thing that they see. Then make your decision.

[anchors]

last year we started rving with a 23 ft winnebahgo. we travled the new england states the month of october, before we even headed back home we knew we were going to upgrade.l am happy to say that my husband looked and researched and we ended up buying a 35 allegro bay and with the fred engine. good luck on whatever you deceide, ultimately it is what u like and feel comfy with. bh:)

[seatinkers]

Check consumers reports on recalls for certain RVs. Join FMCA and check their site for recalls on RVs and then don't go there.

The new ones always have problems so buy used and let the former owners get the bugs out and take the big hit cause RVs depreciate the day you drive it off the lot. The only problem I am seeing with buying used is that people are asking more money than what they are worth. They take out loans and are upside down in them and are asking more than what they are worth. So check the NADA on the RV you want to buy.

The most important factor is something someone told me...when you and your wife are in an RV stand back to back and if your butts hit you don't want that one LOL!! Also go to the forums on this site and read everything to get some input and ideas that you probably wouldn't have thought of. Good Luck!

[mdock2]

After 5 to 7 years of looking, we found ours, it is a 38 foot 98 Dutch Star with a Cat pusher and allison transmission with only 24000 miles on it. We were at the lot looking at a airstream cutter and I happen to see it off to the side on co-signment. Had only been on the lot for 5 days, the other unit had sat on the lot for all most a year. well I fell in love with it right away, other half liked it but was not IN LOVE with it, waited a couple of days then went back to look again, waited till the next morning, and made my offer, of course my offer was not accepted, but the owners counter offer was what my next offer was going to be,so I jumped on it. so we now own our dream for only $55000.00. and the good thing was i was able to pay cash for it. Guess what I'm trying to say is take your time, look around, and you're find the unit you like and the price you can afford...;)

[jim01]

Before purchasing our last MH, we made a list of all the things that were important to us with room to write notes on the different items. We then made copies of our list and took them with us as we shopped for our "perfect" RV. Each MH that we looked at, we made notes on, and then took them back home and narrowed the search by comparing notes.

Being that we full-time, it was important to us that we have a lot of storage space and load carrying capacity, a full queen sized bed, a large bath area, lots of cabinet space in kitchen, a washer/dryer, comfortable seating in the living area, size of engine, and many, many other items too numerous to list here.

Take your time, sit down and make a list of what's important to you, look at RVs, take notes, look some more, talk to other RVers, check any web site that may give you info on different RVs. Then make your decision.

You won't find the perfect RV, (there's no such thing), but you can find one that fits your needs, as much as possible.

Have fun , take your time, keep looking even after you think you have found your "perfect RV", there may be a better one at the next dealer.:)