Comments on: What we learned at the RV show http://www.unendingadventure.com/2008/08/19/what-we-learned-at-the-rv-show/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:11:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Aaron http://www.unendingadventure.com/2008/08/19/what-we-learned-at-the-rv-show/comment-page-1/#comment-45 Aaron Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:23:47 +0000 http://www.unendingadventure.com/?p=207#comment-45 I tell ya -- each day we lean a little one way or the other. The more research we do on TT's the more we want one of those. Then we read up on Class A's and C's and we're ready to go that route. If I had to decide right now, we would probably go with a Class A to start out in, if only because our kids are really young (they will be 6 and 3 when we leave), and their "personal space" requirements aren't that great right now. We're also able to get a decent, used Class A for a lot less than the cost of a decent, used trailer and tow vehicle. We'll be able to save money while we travel from my freelancing and our workamping jobs to be able to upgrade to something nicer in about a year, when our oldest is turning seven and will probably be yearning for a room of her own about that time. Thanks for all the advice; we welcome it wholeheartedly! I tell ya — each day we lean a little one way or the other. The more research we do on TT’s the more we want one of those. Then we read up on Class A’s and C’s and we’re ready to go that route.

If I had to decide right now, we would probably go with a Class A to start out in, if only because our kids are really young (they will be 6 and 3 when we leave), and their “personal space” requirements aren’t that great right now. We’re also able to get a decent, used Class A for a lot less than the cost of a decent, used trailer and tow vehicle. We’ll be able to save money while we travel from my freelancing and our workamping jobs to be able to upgrade to something nicer in about a year, when our oldest is turning seven and will probably be yearning for a room of her own about that time.

Thanks for all the advice; we welcome it wholeheartedly!

]]> By: Bill http://www.unendingadventure.com/2008/08/19/what-we-learned-at-the-rv-show/comment-page-1/#comment-43 Bill Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:31:35 +0000 http://www.unendingadventure.com/?p=207#comment-43 John has given some very good reasons for motor coaches and I know there are more. I don't want to start a RV war or anything but wanted to give some reasons for pull behinds. My family decided on a 5th-wheel after about 6 months of shopping and research. We wanted something with a bunkhouse (three kids + dog) so each kid could have their own ‘personal’ space. We didn't want to be folding out couches or tables each night and packing them back up every day. A bunkhouse was hard to find affordably in a used motor coach. I didn't want to maintain, insure, and fuel two vehicles while on the road. Also, if my truck breaks down I'm without a vehicle for a few days, if your motor coach breaks down you are with out your home and stuff for a few days. I would suggest getting a few books on the subject and really examine your needs and your travel style. We plan to travel little and stay longer in one spot. Each RV type has pros and cons, if you know what you want and are patient and you can find bargains out there. We were able to get a used ton truck and 5th wheel very affordably – we had to drive a bit to get them but it was worth the price. Now, when the kids move out I will definitely buy a motor coach! Whatever direction you choose will be the right decision for you and your family. Good luck and enjoy the process! -=Bill John has given some very good reasons for motor coaches and I know there are more. I don’t want to start a RV war or anything but wanted to give some reasons for pull behinds.

My family decided on a 5th-wheel after about 6 months of shopping and research. We wanted something with a bunkhouse (three kids + dog) so each kid could have their own ‘personal’ space. We didn’t want to be folding out couches or tables each night and packing them back up every day. A bunkhouse was hard to find affordably in a used motor coach. I didn’t want to maintain, insure, and fuel two vehicles while on the road. Also, if my truck breaks down I’m without a vehicle for a few days, if your motor coach breaks down you are with out your home and stuff for a few days.

I would suggest getting a few books on the subject and really examine your needs and your travel style. We plan to travel little and stay longer in one spot. Each RV type has pros and cons, if you know what you want and are patient and you can find bargains out there. We were able to get a used ton truck and 5th wheel very affordably – we had to drive a bit to get them but it was worth the price. Now, when the kids move out I will definitely buy a motor coach!

Whatever direction you choose will be the right decision for you and your family. Good luck and enjoy the process! -=Bill

]]> By: John Mo http://www.unendingadventure.com/2008/08/19/what-we-learned-at-the-rv-show/comment-page-1/#comment-42 John Mo Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:51:19 +0000 http://www.unendingadventure.com/?p=207#comment-42 I didn't say anything before when you mentioned motorhomes in your last post, but I think they are generally better all around. But it also depends on what you're going to be doing. If you'll be parked and camping for longish periods of time, a trailer might still be better. But here's why I think motorhomes are best. When my 4-yo decides he needs to use the bathroom, I say "go right ahead" and keep motoring down the road. No more urgent potty stops! If I want a drink, I don't have to stop to fish one out of my trailer. When I stop for lunch, I can eat in my rig because it's air conditioned going down the road. Note that all of those things have more to do with traveling than they do camping. If you don't move a lot or move often, a trailer may be a better deal. Overall, I just like the idea of being fully self-contained. Like you said, park and pull the curtains. There are lots and lots of motorhomes to choose from and many sources of information and support on the internet. But I have to put in a plug here for the Fleetwood Bounder. The Yahoo Bounder group is such a great resource that I'm not sure I would consider any other make at this point. I have already saved many hundreds of dollars by reading after the RV veterans on that group. Happy hunting. I didn’t say anything before when you mentioned motorhomes in your last post, but I think they are generally better all around. But it also depends on what you’re going to be doing. If you’ll be parked and camping for longish periods of time, a trailer might still be better.

But here’s why I think motorhomes are best. When my 4-yo decides he needs to use the bathroom, I say “go right ahead” and keep motoring down the road. No more urgent potty stops! If I want a drink, I don’t have to stop to fish one out of my trailer. When I stop for lunch, I can eat in my rig because it’s air conditioned going down the road. Note that all of those things have more to do with traveling than they do camping. If you don’t move a lot or move often, a trailer may be a better deal. Overall, I just like the idea of being fully self-contained. Like you said, park and pull the curtains.

There are lots and lots of motorhomes to choose from and many sources of information and support on the internet. But I have to put in a plug here for the Fleetwood Bounder. The Yahoo Bounder group is such a great resource that I’m not sure I would consider any other make at this point. I have already saved many hundreds of dollars by reading after the RV veterans on that group.

Happy hunting.

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