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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> We're getting closer every day.
Post Info TOPIC: We're getting closer every day.
Cardiacpaul


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We're getting closer every day.
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We've moved from Lake Worth FL, back "home" to rural N. Texas.

The plan to chuck everything we don't want or absolutely need in the front yard and take off for the largest tinfoil hat is still on "go" and we're looking at a mid to late 2010
blast off.

We're also knee deep, wading thru the steals and deals, the repos, buyer closeouts, fixer uppers, needing TLC Class A's known to man. :):):).
Kinda kidding, we know its likely to be a buyers market for the next 12 to 18 months, so, we're keeping our options open.

The difference between an ordeal and adventure is attitude, right? :)

Being a retired marine surveyor, I know better than to ask "Which MH is right for me?"
The standard answer is "which ever one the wife likes, stupid". LOL.

Seriously, We're narrowing down the choices, sticking with "quality" higher end, Used, Spartan, Freightliner based, over 35ft, Diesel (thats preferred, personal opinion, no basis for it) slide outs, bigger tires, blah, blah, blah...

But I do have a couple of questions that maybe the good people here can offer an opinion on...

1) Tag axle? needed or no? Why? I see some of the single axle units have a really long over hang, and it just looks squirrely to me. I've also seen some "reports" that some of the tag axle units are more trouble than their worth.  I just don't know, and I'm not sure if its really all that important.


2) toads. TheCuban has expressed a desire for a Miata. I'm not the brightest bunny in the forest, but I know who runs things around here, so a miata it will probably be.  Is one, with a manual trans., a decent decision? I've looked at the tow bar hookups and don't see many for a miata. So, it looks like a dolly. (if the miata is a way to go.)


3) Fuel mileage. Look, I know fuel is expensive, and if we're going 700 miles at a shot, a mile a gallon, and 30 cents a gallon will make a difference, but really, not all that much, considering the difference in a hundred gallons @ 7mpg vs 8 mpg, and 30 cents a gallon is the price of a decent dinner for two.

What I'm asking is "real world," what am I to expect? 5mpg, or closer to 10?

thanks

Paul & Rosa

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Terry and Jo


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Paul and Rosa,

While I am not a motorhome owner, my wife and I have driven a couple.  Both were Phaetons made by Tiffen (good manufacturer from what I hear).  The first one was a 40 foot with a single rear axle.  The second was 42 foot with the tag axle.  Jo (the wife) wanted to drive both to be sure that she would be comfortable with driving whatever we were going to buy.

Our experience is that the 42 footer with tag axle seemed to be more stable when driving them.  Our experience with the 40 footer was good, but we only drove it for about 80 to 90 miles.  We drove the 42 with tag axle for closer to 200 to 250 miles.

Now, much of the other questions you asked I know little about.  Do your research to see if a Miata can be towed.  Keep in mind that if you plan on using the Miata for running around, how much will it hold in groceries?  When RV'ing, many like to stock up on supplies wherever it is the cheapest.

As for mileage, I can't speak to that, but you have asked your question in one of the best places I have found on the web for information.  Also, the people on Howard and Linda's forum are friendly and helpful.  We're like a really big family.

If you can, try to make the RV Dreams Rally that is scheduled in October in Texas.  If I know Howard and Linda, that will be an extremely valuable learning experience.  Plus, you can meet people in person and ask questions.

Good luck.  We are waiting for our home to sell, so we can buy our RV Dream home.

By the way, where in North Texas?

Terry
 



-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Tuesday 25th of August 2009 10:05:10 PM

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Cardiacpaul


RV-Dreams Community Member

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Thaks for the info!

About 200 yds from Lake Texoma, in a suburb of Fink, called Pottsboro.

Long ago in a land far far away, I had a Miata. A set of golf clubs filled the trunk.

We had planned on the stock runs to be made as they come by on the road, sams, costco, wally-world. Besides the economy of a 50lb sack of taters for 2 bucks is quickly offset by weight and storage concerns.
(although, I might make an exception for a bushel of NY Apples, or Georgia Peaches) :)


-- Edited by Cardiacpaul on Tuesday 25th of August 2009 10:36:47 PM

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NorCal Dan


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I've never had a tag axle so I don't know if they are worth the added expense. From what I have read they increase the load capacity of the coach, and, I suspect they track better in windy driving conditions.

For a toad, it's best to go with the vehicle manual, look for recreational towing...that is where I would start. Keep in mind that some vehicles cannot be towed 4-down or on a dolly without expensive modifications.

Fuel consumption, I can tell you that I average just below 10 mpg with my 400 Cummings ISL engine. I've talked to a lot of MH owners and most report at least 8 mpg.



-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Wednesday 26th of August 2009 12:08:56 PM

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Happytrails


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We have a Dutch Star with the Spartan chassis and we averaged about 81/2 to maybe 9 miles per gallon on our first trip with it. We have a 350 hp Cummins with a Banks system added which boost the power to about 375 hp.
Don't know much about tag axles. I would imagine there would be a little better stability but I was told that under 40 ft. it was not really needed. Over 40ft. and you need it. Our coach is 39 ft. and we couldn't be happier with how it handled and drove. Would rather not have the added expense of the extra tires. Just my humble opinion.
Good luck in your search. There are plenty of good deals to be negotiated. Have fun in the search.

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