My wife and I are newly retired, and we're thinking of enjoying the RV lifestyle, possibly starting with a month away perhaps, and moving up as time allows.    Like most newcomers, I often have lots of questions, thus feel this and other forums will be very helpful.   I started doing my research on a diesel pusher motorhome about a year ago, and with winter now coming on I'm finding myself working a little harder at it.   To date, we have Tiffin & Newmar on the short list.   My wife thinks the 37' model would work best for us, and I'm open to a longer coach as well, and her fears are more where you may be on the road later in the afternoon and finding a 'site' may be harder with a longer MH?   I heard the 37' being shorter is a little easier in traffic circles and cul-de-sac's in residential areas (we actually live on one) to turn the rig around to head in the opposite direction....there again, with a towed behind, neither would be appreciated if you had to back up while turning a circle!

We have a long list of wants, as I'm sure most folks would, as I have a concern about engine power, as I'm not keen on holding up traffic on long steep grades in the mountains.   That puts me (with Tiffin) in a Allegro Bus, to get a higher hp engine, plus often that gives you a 2 stage e-brake as well, which I would prefer...safety wise.   I've driven big rigs, and have used these numerous times obviously, and once you get all that weight moving...getting it stopped on steep mountain passes is important...or it is to me!

One thing we notice is how (on used units) televisions have moved locations over the years!   Having a tv where either both can watch it, or where one person can watch one program, and the other can watch something else on a different tv will be important, for those days where you may get rain off and on for several days in a row.   Having the overhead (cab) tv is ok, but also having one down by the kitchen/eating area (for us) is essential, as well as the bedroom tv.   So, when looking at used RV's there are only so many floor plans that allow this, so it narrows the floor plans somewhat.  We like the table/chairs over the dinette as well, so as you can see, all these 'locations' narrow one's search.

My wife thinks (her opinion) that kitchens...should be on the drivers side, where you can sit at the table and eat while watching (assuming you're with others) friends outside doing their thing, or out under the awning enjoying a drink.   Me, I could care less!     She thinks she'd like an actual oven, but are the convection microwaves as good as a regular oven?   Perhaps there are other considerations within the kitchen that someone could advise us on as well?    I prefer the power blinds on the windows (day/night) but often that has been an added option previous owners have added on used units!

I heard some horror stories on the Cat diesel engine recently, so I believe I'd prefer a Cummins, although I'm sure they've had issues as well in the past.

Always enjoy hearing advice/suggestions on the many aspects of MH ownership, and the likes/dislikes of floor plans etc. so anything you could suggest would be considered.    

Thanks!