intro :)

[GypsySilver]

Hello, I am new to the forum and somewhat new to RV living. (I did live in a VW bus back in the 70's)

I am still doing research on what kind of RV to buy. I am thinking about getting a Class C. My thoughts are to use this year to plan and do research and be ready to roll by this time next year.

Looking forward to reading all the info here and getting to know everyone.

Vicki

 

[Patrick46]

Hiya Vicki!

heck...who didn't live in a micro-bus back in the 70's??

Class 'C's are a great way to get back into RV'ing, as they're completely built and self-contained, so there's no need to build something new, they're big, but not HUGE, and they're available EVERYWHERE and for pretty cheap too. They come in just about any configuration or size you'd like, plus they can be had with either gas or diesel. Plus, if memory serves...my class C was reasonably cheap to insure too.

We had ours back when the kids were school age, and had an absolute ball in it!! We covered the entire Western US in it, and even made it up to Vancouver Island too. Good Memories!!


What part of the country do you call home?? What kinda work do you like, any kids, hobbies??

Welcome to a great forum!!

Patrick from the Oregon Coastline.

 

[GypsySilver]

I have lived all over from California, Texas, Okla, Pa, to Kentucky. Somewhat in that order. Right now Kentucky is home. My kids are grown.

Once I get rolling my income will be from a pension and online craft sales. I enjoy photography and most any kind of crafts.

 

[akrvbob]

I have to totally agree with Patrick that a Class C is probably your best choice. A Class B will give you better MPG but they cost much more for what you get, and if you want to run a craft business from the RV then a Class B will probably be too small.

There are advantages to a Travel Trailer or 5th wheel, but a Class C has a safety advantage in that you don't have to exit the RV to drive away. But, you may want to check out RVSueandCrews blog. She drives a Chevy van and pulls a Casita trailer and loves it.

I think a Class C has a more normal driving feel than a Class A.

You may want to tow an economy car with the Class C to get better average MPG. Towing is a lot easier than it sounds but not all cars can be safely towed.
Bob

 

[StarEcho]

While towing behind a Class C may not be difficult, please know that there's no way getting around the expense. Either you have to get a tow dolly which you might be able to get for less than $1000..... or if you have a vehicle that is towed 4 wheels down you will need to get a base plate for your tow vehicle which is not generic. Each vehicle model and year can have a different one. Then you need a tow bar that hooks the Class C to the vehicle's base plate. Then you need a braking system, like a brake buddy. Then you need some system for signalling, so that when you put your brakes or signal lights on the RV they will also show up on the back of the car. That can be with magnetic lights or most people get the tow vehicle wired so that they just connect it up to the RV. Unless you can do all that electrical work yourself or know someone who will do it for you, it can add up quite a bit.

I got two separate estimates for setting up my 2007 Jeep Liberty to be towed by my Class C and both were in the $4000 and up range! One from a private individual and one from an RV dealer.

I've looked at craigslist for used tow bars and brake buddies and magnetic lights and adding that to the cost of a new base plate, I'm still looking at $2000 and that's before I pay anyone to put the base plate on my jeep and show me how to set everything else up.

So it's a good idea to take all that into consideration when trying to decide what type of vehicle/RV you are looking for. I didn't and boy don't I wish I had! LOL

 

[GypsySilver]

Thank You all so much for all the great advice!!

I have a 2011 Nissan Versa that is paid for, so I am wanting to keep that and tow it. I will have to look into the costs and how exactly to do it. (thanks for that info!)

Is there any kind of RV that seems to have less problems or any brand to steer clear of?

Vicki

 

[Patrick46]

Star...

another option that would work well for ya is to get a small car trailer and stick your Jeep on there.

the nice things about a trailer, is now your Jeep is completely off the ground, so it's not getting any extra wear & tear on it,

and a big plus, is that with a trailer behind your motorhome, you can back this entire rig up. With a tote-dolly, you can't do that. (well...not for more then maybe acouple of feet.) Leave the Jeep on the trailer at a campsite and run into town for shopping WITHOUT the trailer in tow.
Whenever you do wanna use the Jeep, you simply back it off and away ya go!! No messing with any extra wiring harnesses.

or....stick a small motorcycle on the trailer too, and now you've got a little buzz-around bike.

oh...you can often find small car trailers for less than $1000. Throw acouple wrecking yard radials on it, repack the bearings, and your on your way. (oh, and do the lights too.)

 

[akrvbob]

I'm no expert on RVs since I've never owned one. But the Class Cs with the best reputations are the Lazy Daze, Born Free and I think the Mobile Traveler. But they are more expensive because of their outstanding reputations.

The key thing is to get it thoroughly checked out before you buy whatever you get!!
Bob

 

[Donedirtcheap]

"The key thing is to get it thoroughly checked out before you buy whatever you get!!
Bob

Yes indeed, when you are ready to buy have everything checked out. Pay a good mechanic or RV guy to check it out. Take it out and drive it for a long ride, not just around the block. Fire up the frig, water heater and furnace. If you can, camp in it for a weekend you will discover its flaws. Flaws are OK, they are bargaining chips. If the owner doesn't like it, Oh well just move on. Come on here and ask questions. There are a ton of things to look at when buying an older RV. If you pay hundreds for inspections you may save thousands from getting burned.
While you are planning, use some of your free time to just go look at RV's with no intention to buy. You will become more and more knowledgeable. Its like sewing, cooking, fishing or anything else. The more you touch it feel it and do it the more you will know when its time to lay your money down. Oh and number one issue with RV"s is watch out for water damage.

 

[blkjak]

welcome from s.w. florida .... blkjak

 

[sassypickins]

Hi GypsySilver, I'm excited for you. I'm working towards the same goal, though I'm a ways behind you yet, sitting here with a full house.

When I do go looking I'll take along the advice of the good people here and a checklist like this one.

http://changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml

Oh yeah, and a mechanic!

I wish you the best in your search and look forward to hearing about your shopping adventures. I know it's not all roses and champagne out there so if you can, share the good and the bad and help another newbie along the way.

Sassy