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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> "WHAT TO LOOK FOR" CHECKLIST
Post Info TOPIC: "WHAT TO LOOK FOR" CHECKLIST
Doncat


RV-Dreams Family Member

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"WHAT TO LOOK FOR" CHECKLIST
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I hope this is the proper topic forum for this post.

My wife and I recently attended an RV show in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was a small show, probably less that 100 rigs of various sorts. They did not have any "fulltime" 5ers, but a few MHs that would qualify.

I found out quickly when I enter the first rig, that although I have been following this forum for quite a while, my mind drew a blank as to what to look for in a rig. The day after the show my wife and I were discussing things like; We forgot to check for heated storage, double pane windows, artic package...... etc.

I think it would be nice to have a checklist next time we head for a show or even a dealer. I started one and I am looking for ideas as to what to include in my checklist. I know it is a lot of personal choices, but I have found by reviewing others personal choices, it helps me choose mine. I will appreciate anyone sharing their "checklist" with me.  I am so nervous about the decision of what to buy, could be an expensive mistake!

Thanks................ Don



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2002 29' Prowler TT pushing a 2002 GMC 2500HD "BIG RED"
Counting the days until we fulltime but not forgetting to enjoy everyday as a gift from God.
Linda


Hostess

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RE: "WHAT TO LOOK FOR" CHECKLIST
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Okay, remember that these are personal opinions and not in any particular order of priority!
1.  At least a 12 cubic foot Refrigerator
2.  Compare dry weight of rig to gross vehicle weight to make sure you have about 3000lbs of carrying cargo.
3.  Make sure the doors to the outside storage areas are large enough.  Imagine a folding lawn chair, can it fit through the door?
4.  Can you access your outside storage area from both sides of rig for easy access. (Pass through design)
5.  Mor-Ryde IS or RE suspension  (Fifth Wheel Rig)
6.  Mor-Ryde King Pin or Air Ride System  (Fifth Wheel Rig)
7.  Dual Pane Windows
8.  Artic Insulation Package
9.  Rear Framing is sufficient for adding a Bike Rack.  (Fifth Wheel Rig)
10.  Convenient access to dump valves
11.  Large Pantry
12.  Large Picture Windows
13.  Desk Area
14.  Washer/Dryer Hookups (this is for re-sale value)
15.  Adequate space on both sides of bed for ease in making it.
16.  Space for at least two house batteries
17.  Heated holding tanks and inclosed underbelly
18.  Tinted Windows
19.  Berber or sculptered carpet
20.  Black Tank Back-Flush


Things we would add-on:
Big Foot Levelers (Fifth Wheel)
Disc Brakes
Inverter
Slide Toppers

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Workinrvers


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Don,
We just went thru what you guys are going thru. We had already decided on a 5th wheel but that's only the beginning (as you are finding out). My check list was more in my mind than anything written down but here is what we looked for in our 5er.
1. quality of construction (bought the best we could afford).
2. storage, both inside and outside.
3. accessability to outside storage (big compartment w/ one small door on each side doesn't work well).
4. wife wanted all the kitchen counter space she could get. (they have the covers for the sink to add "counter" space but then you loose your sink).
5. "Big Boy" friendly shower and potty. (try them both on for size )
6. washer/dryer cabinet that is user friendly in case we want to install one in the future.
7. Arctic pkg.
8. weight (do I need a big, bigger, biggest truck to even get it rolling).

One piece of advice I will pass along (thanks, Howard & Linda), when you find one you like, spend lot's of time in it. Sit in the chairs and sofa (can you see T.V confortably), sit at the dinete like you are eating dinner (most come w/ 4 chairs but can 4 sit at the table?). We even layed down on the bed to make sure we would be comfortable. If you find one at a show just sit and listen to what others who are coming thru are saying about it.

Good luck in your search and don't agonize too much, looking for rig is part of the fun!
 

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2007 Dodge Dakota
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Jones3558


RV-Dreams Community Member

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A lot of the lists get repetive so I'll add a couple I didn't see yet that are important to us.  Also - a lot of the options you can add but there's some things you can't change later:

1.) Large windows and lots of them.

2.) Tall ceilings (I'm 6'4)

3.) Tall slideouts (our current slides are 6'5" and I can walk in them)

4.) Large slide in bedroom (i.e. bed + storage closet).

5.) Large carrying capacity (GVWR - total dry weight). 

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GeeJay
Fly Buoy V


RV-Dreams Family Member

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RE: "WHAT TO LOOK FOR" CHECKLIST
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We're looking at Motorhomes (specifically Newmars both new and pre-owned Ventana, Kountry Star, Dutch Star...and recently a Tiffin Phaeton) in the 38' - 40' range and we too would be interested in seeing other people's...ie: those who have already been through this and maybe made mistakes  ....checklists or suggestions for checklists.  I find it hard to believe there aren't more posts to this topic.  Most people in this forum are quite opinionated about what worked best for them.  We too just got home from yet another shopping trip (we live in FL so there are RV dealers on every corner almost!!!!!) and each time we do this we get more conflicting information...ie: we're the BEST because...and get home and remember we forgot to ask something important or check out something.  A good check list, based on real experiences, would really help those of us still struggling to NOT make an expensive mistake

Thanks to all who can contribute.

Roger & Janenne

P.S.  What didn't you get in your rig that you wish now you would have gotten...AND...what do you have that is just "taking up space" and would pass on next time?

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Janenne & Roger ... and kittycat Lindy.
House for sale and looking for the right MH

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Ken & Sarah


RV-Dreams Family Member

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RE: "WHAT TO LOOK FOR" CHECKLIST
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This website has a couple different checklists that may fit someone's needs: http://changingears.com/rv-sec-checklist.shtml

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Doncat


RV-Dreams Family Member

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khoenig wrote:
This website has a couple different checklists that may fit someone's needs: http://changingears.com/rv-sec-checklist.shtml


Great site, I loaded a lot of good checklist, and they are in Word format, so I can edit them to my personal preferences.    Thanks and GBY............... Doncat


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2002 29' Prowler TT pushing a 2002 GMC 2500HD "BIG RED"
Counting the days until we fulltime but not forgetting to enjoy everyday as a gift from God.
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