RV purchase pros and cons

[mikeinfwa]

Currently renting a home in Jacksonville/Orange Park FL after selling my home in Indiana 12 months ago. ($1600/month for 4 bedroom home. got a good deal b4 prices jacked up recently)

Just tossing around thoughts on buying a used/new RV (not 5th wheel)

Cons
No room for guns
No space for garage stuff
No space for current home furniture

Pros
Freedom from Landlords/Property mgrs
Freedom to relocate


Any forums to join for more research?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[The King]

I live in an RV full time. A fancy airstream.

I'm going to say that it isn't all its cracked up to be. They are hard and stressful to move, shit gets real in the winter, and you always have to deal with the crapper being strange.

Also, don't think for a second you are free from landlords/property managers. Most jurisdictions, because of taxes, won't let you live in an RV on your own fucking property. So, you end up having to get space in an RV park.

Some RV parks are full of elderly traveler type folks...and the economical RV parks are drugs, more drugs, theft, and violence.

 

[chevy_man]

5th wheel toy hauler.

Plenty of room for guns. Garage in the back for your dirtbikes or razor.

It's Florida, park it wherever you want.

Camper toilets suck.

 

[missed]

I have a buddy that full times in a 5th toy hauler.

He has a 5 acre place here in Texas that he is here randomly for about 6 months out of the year which has a small shop/garage with cover for the trailer on it. I think the shop is 15x50 with a 15x50 porch/carport. His taxes on his place are like $2500 year.

Then the rest of the year he is wherever he feels like it. Has a tool box with essential tools, small work bench, a gun locker that has a couple AR's and a few bolt guns in it, archery gear, couple mountain bikes and kayak all in the toy hauler area.

He stays in a lot of state parks which are $20-50 a night. Some have rates for a month or off season pricing also. He was in Colorado from June, and coming back here in October for a few weeks, then off to Arkansas till December and back here. He has the same toy hauler we have a Road Warrior 392, which has all the stuff to deal with winter weather like the tank heaters full covered belly, just need a heater water hose, or you just fill your onboard tank and run off the pump. Which he added a accumulator pressure tank in with the pump which makes water delivery better off the pump. Many of the nicer and more full time RV's have toilets more like residential toilets. He was looking at upgrading his trailer to one of the DRV brand toy haulers which have more full time features but for the sake reason we got ours with slides only on one side, he did also. We travel enough with ours that moving/going somewhere is not a big deal. With the hydraulic leveling, were pulled in, leveled, completely hooked up and done in 15 -20 minutes. Getting out is about the same.

Some people love the full time, some do not.

 

[Punkur67]

We are getting ready to move back in to our motorhome. We did it for a few months at the end of last year. Best advice is to use the basement for overflow stuff. Most my guns and ammo went to my dad's house

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Cost an awful lot of money to live like you are homeless.

shitter is always a hassle.

I lived better when I lived in my truck ad far as maintenance and responsibilities.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

RVs are not built to be lived in 24/7/365.
They depreciate vs. property that appreciates.
About as secure as a cooler.
Expensive to heat or cool because they have about the same amount of insulation as the that cooler.
Most are built like shit.
They're pricey right now due to overwhelming popularity.
Which leads to increased camping/lot prices which allow you to live within arms reach of your neighbor.

If you're gonna do it, get a bus or diesel pusher and actually drive it around. If it's just gonna sit, buy a condo or a house.

 

[ChristianSilver]

What ever you do shop around and buy used. The depreciation on motorhomes or any 5th wheel is throwing money away buying new.

 

[10ring'r]

To add to all the above^^^. To get a camping spot, or, resort place, you'd better have reservations, sometimes a year in advance.
We've been toying around with that idea for awhile now and just getting a camping spot in a state park around here in Wi., is a 2 to 3 mo. wait, mainly cancellations is the only reason they open up. Ymmv. Mac

 

[Jefe's Dope]

To add to all the above^^^. To get a camping spot, or, resort place, you'd better have reservations, sometimes a year in advance.
We've been toying around with that idea for awhile now and just getting a camping spot in a state park around here in Wi., is a 2 to 3 mo. wait. Ymmv. Mac

Why we sold ours. Just too many people and too difficult to find decent camping. It's super crowded out there, even in the hard to get places. Gonna be at least five years before we see it getting back to some sort of normal which was still pretty busy. You can't just load up and go find a spot anymore. They've locked down a lot of the places you used to just go and camp. Either it's paid and a reservation or just shut it down to camping altogether.

 

[10ring'r]

Why we sold ours. Just too many people and too difficult to find decent camping. It's super crowded out there, even in the hard to get places. Gonna be at least five years before we see it getting back to some sort of normal which was still pretty busy. You can't just load up and go find a spot anymore. They've locked down a lot of the places you used to just go and camp. Either it's paid and a reservation or just shut it down to camping altogether.

Yup, the wifey and I, have been talking about getting a trailer, then we talk about a good used Class C, then we say F it. BIL has a huge as# Tiffin bus, likes it, but, bitches about some of the places he has to park it, so, there's that. We started checking around just in my state for campground availability, that turned out to be a pita. I'm a spur-of-the-moment guy. IF we were to go that route, I want to use it cross-country, not just in my F'n back yard. From what I've checked on, N.P.'s are even more of a pita to get reservations at. Plus, gas is over $3 per gal., and that's just here.
Soooo, at this time, it's all moot. Mac

 

[Rthur]

Can start a new business out of it and not require zoning...

R

 

[wh309]

You are able to combine, in one place, all the maintenance issues of owning a house, and maintaining a depreciating and deteriorating motor vehicle. Plus plumbing parts for RVs are not standard hardware that the local hardware store sells.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Plus plumbing parts for RVs are not standard hardware that the local hardware store sells.

Good point. Finding the right part for your needs can be difficult. And often expensive because it's so specialty. A new three way fridge is more expensive than a economy home fridge. Toilets are expensive. Batteries are expensive. Exhaust fans are expensive. Heaters and AC is loud. Refilling propane tanks and fresh water. Don't forget you'll need to empty those gray and black storage tanks. Gray can be dumped nearly anywhere but black has to go in an approved sewer system. Water pump is noisy. Forget it if it rains or, god help you, hails. But at least the insurance is cheap.

 

[Missalot]

I'm full timing in our 36' diesel pusher with a wife and 3 dogs while we wait for our house to be finished. 1. Living in a rv is like living on a boat. Everything has a place, everything should always be in its place and there aren't many places. If you aren't neat people, forget it. 2. Something is always broken. If you aren't a Mr. Fixit, maintenance will kill you. 3. RV's have very little insulation. Ok in the summer, but they get dang drafty in the winter. 4. The industry is selling 500,000 units annually. Unfortunately, camp grounds aren't growing hardly at all. This makes it tough to get into nice places. I tried to find a campground out west, south of I10 last March and everything was booked. 6. If you have pets, rainy days suck. 7. Every one of those 500,000 units is sold with multiple problems and they all go back to the dealer for repair. Getting an appointment for a warrant repair can take months. If you are out of warranty, see Mr. Fixit above. 8. After paying for your spot and absorbing maintenance and depreciation, you are way ahead paying $1600 a month rent! Besides all the above, we have really enjoyed our RV.

 

[worvin]

Don't do it.

Not worth the hassle. Maintenance is a problem. Parts are expensive and not easily obtainable. God help you if you have problems with the black water plumbing. It is not a long-term solution to your housing issues. And, if you are less than 55 years old, you are going to have to buy another house within a short time or you will get hit with a bunch of taxes on the sale of your former home.

 

[mtwarych]

I used to build class C motorhomes.

Unless a very expensive class A pusher motorhome can be afforded, living in an RV will be uncomfortable, noisy and unsafe.

I have seen a few brand new motorhomes go up in flames. The entire motorhome was gone in less than 17 minutes.

One has just enough time to realize something is wrong, get the hell out with family and pets and then watch your home burn down with all your worldly possessions.

Not a pretty sight with nothing left but a now useless chassis

I would honestly say to the OP, try to figure something else out.

 

[frankxtc]

In terms of forums to join, I have had good results joining forums that are for the type of RV we have.
In our case a Winnebago View, Class “C”.
Lots of folks sharing specifics about the quirks and tips unique to the specific model.
Also, forums specializing in the geographic area, for instance, I use the “Florida RV forum” for local info.

As previously mentioned, the ratio of campers to available sites is very distorted now.

Also, corporations have figured out that people in RV’s have money, and those corporations are buying all the mom & pop campgrounds and turning them into resorts, with the fee schedule associated.

We have been patient, and try to schedule & reserve a year out. Works for us, most of the time.

 

[EddieNFL]

I ran a heavy truck/equipment repair shop until about five years ago. We were a warranty center for Spartan and Freightliner chassis. You probably don't want my opinion...unless you're looking for a way out.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

Give more info about your lifestyle... Single, Married, children ??? Working, Retired ? Where does your income come from ?
I traveled for work (Heavy Industrial Construction) and home was a 40' Mountainaire Fifthwheel... Life was good.
I'm retired and my RV is now a 26' bumper pull...
Two different worlds but the right RV makes it OK....
What is your mission?

 

[BullGear]

Think about WHEN you need the RV serviced or have a breakdown. Where ya gonna live during that time? Unless you tow a small car with you, there will be places you won't be able to go. Most towns won't let you park an RV on city streets. Forget about parking overnight.

We have thought about it for when the wife retires in a few years, but we've just realized it's not for us. It may work for you, but it would seem that many here who lives full time in a RV aren't all that happy. Some are making due with a destination (new home) in the near future. Traveling around the country sounds great, but you might as well become an over the road trucker and get paid for doing it.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[EddieNFL]

Think about WHEN you need the RV serviced or have a breakdown.

This times infinity. I have seen so many people who had that dream f retiring and RVing all over the country. If you're relatively weathly, go for. Many folks realize they can afford the monthly payments for a used RV and first time they roll in for a service are shocked when they get a $400 plus invoice for routine maintenance. Go down with something like a head gasket, you better have friends in town if you can't afford five plus days in a hotel.

...and forget about those warranties they WILL try to sell you. "Everything is covered" (except seals and gaskets after x miles, fluids, removing a component to get to the faulty component, ad nauseam...)

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Some are better than others. New ones are crap unless you want to spend $500,000. Even then repair shops will tell you they are still crap. Late 1990's were a very high quality for some brands. Beaver and Safari are two very good ones. That vintage can be affordable and liveable.....but you got to know what brand to look for and find a clean unit. I am talking $250,000 to $500,000 back then. Now they will be $50,000 give or take.
I have two. Solid wood cabinetry, corian counters, full size showers, C12 Caterpillar motor, Onan generator, aqua hot water heater, plus more. Very liveable for long term.
Contact me if you got more questions about them. One of mine is actually for sale.

 

[The King]

I am going to say that my Avion aluminum job is VERY well made. Its from 1980 and its on the 7th year of me living in it with no real qualms.

 

[TXAZ]

The 2 happiest days in an RV owners life are:
1) The day you buy it
2) the day you sell it

 

[BullGear]

The 2 happiest days in an RV owners life are:
1) The day you buy it
2) the day you sell it

I've heard that one before.

 

[acudaowner]

you can change them as you want them have not heard of a company that would tell you no if your paying .

 

[Soulezoo]

Thats boats

The 2 happiest days in an RV owners life are:
1) The day you buy it
2) the day you sell it

 

[Average guy]

The 2 happiest days in an RV owners life are:
1) The day you buy it
2) the day you sell it

I’ve said that before.

 

[EddieNFL]

Thats boats

That's lots of things.

 

[hankpac]

Constant maintenance. I am always fixing something, and setting up at a campsite is a PITA. Boondocking, which is wilderness or remote camping with no hookups, presents it's own challenges. We have owned a RV of one type or other for almost all of our 46 years of marriage.
Even the high quality ones have issues, and all have the same tanks, A/C, power centers, and water heaters. All use the same pumps, and NONE, and I mean NONE, ever clean up any manufacturing scrap. I removed a panel in one to work onthe pump, and it was full of trim ends and sawdust, and plastic cut-offs. All show up with warrantee problems, which can mean your first year is waiting for corrections. And then you find more. I speeded that up, by saying I wouldn't take delivery until it was all fixed, and I didn't. Took them two months to do a years worth of corrections work. The dealers will LIE about what you can tow with, so do NOT trust them.
If you are still bent on getting a RV, then spend at least a year's worth of weekends and vacations (like 5-8 trips) RENTING various types of units. Try spending a Week the a month in one, at your favorite dream location. Watch how long it takes the wfe to realize thisis NOT a house, no long showers, no mindless flushing, no comfortable seats. Major adaptions to cooking, laundry, fuel costs, maintenance, tire wear, and changes (usually on the interstate in a rainstorm), Changes in the use of electricity, (change from a coffee maker to a stovetop percolator), lack of storage. Leaks, More tires (China Bombs), idiots on the highway, traffic, fuel expenses, it goes on.

Hmm, Maybe you can buy my rig: Toyhauler, 5th wheel, solar panels, 4 6 volt batteries, inverter/converter, double queen bunks in garage, toolbox in garage, upgraded tie downs, New tires, two A/C's, TV. Memory foam toppers. Onan, 5KW Generator, Lots of extras.

 

[Soulezoo]

^^^^ lot of truth right there. I've been trailering (bumper pull and 5th wheel) since '86 and lived in my fifth wheel for a few years. RV's are lightly built (read: everything is crappy) so that they can be light enough to tow. This makes them fragile in a lot of ways. Like cabinets, doors, floors, and etc. The upper end ones now are putting in better quality stuff, but you pay for it in $$$ and pounds.

Expect the AC's to go out, converters and inverters, the slider seals are short term. Pumps and 3 way refrigerators are fragile. (Get a residential fridge). Bust out $1-2k every time. Did I mention the roof?

RV living can be rewarding if you know what you are doing, going into it with eyes open and can adjust to not having a lot of "stuff". But it's really easy to spend $250k just to have something decent.

 

[34SF]

Check out IRV2 for the full-time forum and... all the problems EVERYONE deals with. On my 2nd, I spent the winter replacing 80% of the plumbing and 75& of the electrical with household Shark parts and normal fixtures so when it went bad, and we were in the sticks, I could fix it at Home Depot. There are membership groups that can help make finding spots easier and cheaper but forget about most national parks during the season and anytime out west. Yup, you give up the landlord, but you get all the quirky personalities that come with being a transient trying to meet your basic needs. We sold our last one and will buy another but not until winter when the market cools down. But...those units will likely be rode hard and put up wet so you know there's going to be problems. Very much like a boat and requires good maintenance skills and constant attention to details. As with all things, there's good and bad and when it's bad, it really sucks hard on the wallet and relationships. But, I'm probably retarded and we'll likely do it again next year.

 

[TurboTrout]

Can’t speak for a RV, but boats have some perks and draw backs.

That said, the RVs I’ve seen seem pretty poorly built compared to a comparable yacht, as in they seem very life limited.


There is a benefit of not having the same level of fixed address and being able to fuck off at a seconds notice, also location wise, I’ve had my boat at places a home would be seven figures.

Size wise, depends on you, if you’re a home body I could see it being a issue, if you’re a out on the town, work, or hobbies all the time, it’s great.

I’d say the largest factor is how much time you normally spend at home, if it’s a ton you might want a larger space

 

[168BTHPM]

I work at a shop that does a lot of RV repair, collision, warranty and service. We get some real high dollar units in for repairs and service, even the multi million dollar units are built just like the crap in an Alabama trailer park. With my experience seeing and working on all of them, here are the three best RV's to spend money on, Hilton, Marriott International and Best Western. If you don't feel like glamping you can go low dollar and see Tom Bodett at Motel 6. Use the money you save on gas/diesel, repairs, maintenance, and insurance and take your wife on a couple of cruises a year.

 

[Soulezoo]

Here's another angle...

When the boog hits off, and it's SHTF and shelter in place is not an option, that RV is a hell of a lot handier than a backpack and a pup tent.

 

[lonegunman762x51]

I would not want to live in one full time but I enjoy my truck camper a ton. It is an Arctic Fox, built like a tank, heavy as fuck. My truck is at max GVWR when loaded. But in six years I've had zero real maintenance issues. A couple of water leaks from driving on shitty Minnesota roads and getting beat to death, fixed with small hose clamps. A couple of screw heads popping off, requiring me to drill a new hole and replace the screw and a new mattress in a year, the original sucked.

It fits in a parking space, easy to travel with if you do not need to drive in great distance when you get to your destination. It sucks to dismount it and remount it. I bring mountain bikes and a trailer for the bike. It has fresh water and propane for an easy week of boon docking and a huge fridge for plenty of food, even in freezing weather it is warm and dry.

I've driven it about 40,000 miles in the last six years, cross country three times, in national forests and for deer season three times. If you pick the correct RV for the job they are awesome. Yeah, I coulda spent $300K on a class A barge and another $40K on a jeep to haul but why?

 

[Northfl]

First off leave orange park. That traffic sucks! Hell its 6:00 on a sunday morning and i bet you there is a traffic jam. I have lived in north florida most of my life and learned at a very young age to avoid that place like the plague. Depending on where you work, you can relocate to the far west side or maclenny area if tou dont mind a little bit of a drive

 

[EddieNFL]

I work at a shop that does a lot of RV repair, collision, warranty and service. We get some real high dollar units in for repairs and service, even the multi million dollar units are built just like the crap in an Alabama trailer park. With my experience seeing and working on all of them, here are the three best RV's to spend money on, Hilton, Marriott International and Best Western. If you don't feel like glamping you can go low dollar and see Tom Bodett at Motel 6. Use the money you save on gas/diesel, repairs, maintenance, and insurance and take your wife on a couple of cruises a year.

My guys hated working on RVs. I paid them a 25 percent PITA bonus...of course, labor rate was $25 per hour higher than trucks and equipment.

 

[EddieNFL]

Yeah, I coulda spent $300K on a class A barge and another $40K on a jeep to haul but why?

So you could sit around the campground and talk about it. You'd be amazed at the number of RV owners who want a repair made (under warranty) just because they heard about an issue at a campground.

 

[EddieNFL]

On a positive note, the companies I dealt with were pretty good about covering personal expenses when a unit was down and the owners couldn't sleep in it. I've seen owners demand, and get, hotel rooms when they could have stayed in the unit.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Currently renting a home in Jacksonville/Orange Park FL after selling my home in Indiana 12 months ago. ($1600/month for 4 bedroom home. got a good deal b4 prices jacked up recently)

Just tossing around thoughts on buying a used/new RV (not 5th wheel)

Cons
No room for guns
No space for garage stuff
No space for current home furniture

Pros
Freedom from Landlords/Property mgrs
Freedom to relocate


Any forums to join for more research?

Thanks,

Mike

Well hello neighbor. You ever been to OTS there off wells near the RV store?

We’ve been thinking the same thing, and as many have pointed out, I don’t trust living in an RV full time, especially with 2 kids, a bunch of animals, and the fact that it always rains here and we are always facing the threat of a hurricane.

Plus, the price on some of those trailers, motor homes, etc right now, especially here in OP at General? I’d sit tight.

 

[TheBigCountry]

First off leave orange park. That traffic sucks! Hell its 6:00 on a sunday morning and i bet you there is a traffic jam. I have lived in north florida most of my life and learned at a very young age to avoid that place like the plague. Depending on where you work, you can relocate to the far west side or maclenny area if tou dont mind a little bit of a drive

If Blanding doesn’t get you, Roosevelt will. Westsides going to be the next big area.

 

[BikePilot]

1600 rent sounds much betthan RV living to me unless you really want to roam around. If you must live in something mobil I’d favor a big sail boat given your location.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

If you do the math... for what an RV costs, you can have a nice car and travel anywhere... and stay in Motel 6's every night for about the cost of gas for the RV. Not including upfront cost, maintenance, fuel, fees at campgrounds, etc. Which can cost as much as an inexpensive motel. Then storage. Tires every few years. Taking the windshield out if you have to replace the 'fridge. All the work of leveling it and 'opening it up' every night. And you still have to haul a car around... if you want to go out to dinner or park anywhere that is not WalMart.

See the world!!! But do it in a nice car or SUV. Or motorcycle. And stay where you can crap in a flush toilet, have a nice long hot endless shower at the end of the day. Eat in a restaurant. And not haul around in a traffic-blocking tenement on wheels.

The math on RV's vs. motels just doesn't work. I get that some people love it... and like meeting fellow RV'ers. More power to them. But it's a really expensive lifestyle!

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[W54/XM-388]

Here's another angle...

When the boog hits off, and it's SHTF and shelter in place is not an option, that RV is a hell of a lot handier than a backpack and a pup tent.

If you are not already long gone in your RV by the time shelter in place is not an option, you aren't going anywhere in your RV, or most vehicles for that matter.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

If you are not already long gone in your RV by the time shelter in place is not an option, you aren't going anywhere in your RV, or most vehicles for that matter.

^^^ This! And where are you going to fill it up with gas? And park it? And get parts for it? Who's going to work on that diesel or generac unit for you?

If SHTF... your own community is your best bet for your future if you are even basically capable of being self-sufficient even for a short time. Why? Because you will have a 'community' that can come together if necessary (even if forced together) as a tribe or unit. Unless you had the misfortune to choose " Metro NY, LA, Chicago or any other urban area as your community. Then... good luck. RV won't help you anyway.

I had friends who were 'out in an RV' seeing America when Covid got bad spring 2020. They had left in Dec... and by May were pariah's anywhere. Suddenly "No outsiders" was the mantra. Parks and sites were shut down. Out of State plates were not welcome. Campgrounds closed or said "No Entry." They came back home... and were damn lucky to be able to re-rent the house they had been renting before they left as a few weeks later, the housing market exploded and there was nothing to buy or rent in rural VT... as all the urban folks snapped up everything they could buy or rent to get out of dodge. School enrollments here up 35 percent. Housing starts next town over... biggest since 1950. Yup, they screwed up their cities. Now they are here with their great ideas and urban blight... plowing under VT more than ever.

Pardon the rant. But an RV won't save you. It will be a big target. A stationary one at that. After 1 day.

Sirhr

 

[memtb]

Currently renting a home in Jacksonville/Orange Park FL after selling my home in Indiana 12 months ago. ($1600/month for 4 bedroom home. got a good deal b4 prices jacked up recently)

Just tossing around thoughts on buying a used/new RV (not 5th wheel)

Cons
No room for guns
No space for garage stuff
No space for current home furniture

Pros
Freedom from Landlords/Property mgrs
Freedom to relocate


Any forums to join for more research?

Thanks,

Mike

I know this will be quite lengthy, but I hate to see anyone make bad, costly mistakes. It takes years of experience or some very good guidance to avoid many of the pitfalls of RV ownership. Knowing what your potential desires are ( permanently parked, summer travel, cold winter usage, boondoocking, ect.) is only the start of determining what you should look for!


If this is for living in (Full Timing) .....the 5th wheel has tremendous advantages over a tow behind unit. If you are dead-set against a 5th wheel.....your shopping for a full-time unit will be much more difficult! 5th wheels are much better designed for the full timer, offering much greater storage, more living room, much better/safer towing/handling, many more quality model/units to choose from, and the list goes on.


Sadly for the buyer today......it’s a sellers market! As RV’ers since the early ‘70’s, I would very loudly suggest buying used. Not too many years ago you could purchase a very high end, 4 season (a real 4 season - not advertising bs) 6 to 8 year old unit for about 30% of it’s original selling price. RV’s deprecate very rapidly! Since the covid panic, they are holding their value much better.....used prices are no longer the deal they used to be!

Our first quality 5th wheel was a 1990 Teton Holmes. We lived in it for 2 Wyoming winters (1998 and 1999) while building our home. We had many minus 20 mornings and a few minus 30 mornings in those two years.....we never had a freeze-up! This was were our education about rv’s really began!

Our most recent purchase (2012) and hopefully last purchase was a 2004 model. It’s new selling price was around $150 to $160 K. It was a motivated seller, and we got the 8 year old unit for $34K. Yes....there were some minor repairs, nothing requiring a master rv mechanic, things to be expected with an older, used unit! Had we spent that same $34K on a new unit, in car terminology we’d have gotten a new Chevy Vega vs a nice used high end Mercedes!

Now, to better, more directly answer your question. A quality, 5th wheel Toy hauler (make certain the garage is large enough for any potential future needs) would probably best suit your needs. If you want quality, true 4-season capabilities, your limited to only 3 or 4 brands/models. If I were shopping..... 3 axles ( 7K or 8K), 17.5” tires/rims, hydraulic disc brakes, auto leveling (Bigfoot is the best by far), dual pane windows, pre-wired for satellite, high r-value insulation (helps in hot or cold conditions), completely inclosed underbelly (all tanks, water lines, sewer lines and dump valves inside underbelly) with forced-air heat to keep warm, heat trace and heat pads on lines/tanks in the advent the unit may be used in quite cold temps ( probably-20 F or colder), hydraulic slides would be preferred, if potential boondocking is involved(4+ batteries), 2.5 to 3.0 K inverter, large fresh water tank capacity, gasoline generator (propane is extremely inefficient), ventilated attic (reduces condensation and helps with temperature control), multiple (at least 2) thermostatically controlled with rain sensor 12 volt vent fans, (Max-Air or Fantastic), all LED lighting, washer/dryer is a must (we prefer separate units....though the combos are much better than they used to be). I’m certain I can list more.....but, this gives you an idea of things to consider!

The primary disadvantage to the above described rv is weight. Unless you can afford a custom, Titanium constructed unit.....it will be heavy. Everything put into a high quality unit adds up on the scales. Our present unit, not our heaviest, is just over 20K pounds when fully loaded and ready to go .....whether it be a vacation or 3 weeks boondocking in the mountains for our annual elk hunt!

Last but certainly not least! Almost all (80%+) RV’s of today are manufactured by 2 large corporations! Many once very quality, reputable makes were bought-out, and they are selling these units on previous name recognition while the “bean counters”have cut many corners (using a lot of import components) to increase the bottom line. If you have any brands/models that you are interested in......most have forums you can join. Do so, and see what the owners are saying on the forums!

Good Luck in your search! memtb

A photo from an elk hunt a few tears ago!

 

[Waorani]

Cousin just lost free parking place for his older RV and asked if he could keep at my place for "just a little while?" I reluctantly said yes but I have a feeling I've inherited an RV!

 

[mtwarych]

Also, to go along with the scary service truth others have posted, motor homes are built from the inside out.

All plumbing, wiring and cabinets and interior walls are in place before the walls and ceiling are screwed on.

That is the reason working on any motorhome is so disliked. It's a pain in the ass to work on any system of the motorhome.

If you are willing to do the no less than yearly maintenance, cutting out the seal on the roof and re-sealing with the proper type of sealant, not silicone, cutting out and re-sealing all wall and floor penetrations and re-undercoating of the bottom side of the floor, you can take care of most weather penetrations that, if not done, will pretty much destroy your rolling house. I forgot the part about re-sealing the cab to the box. Now that I am remembering the bad old days, working on a daily used motorhome, it makes my stomach sick.