Looking for some wisdom - RV-Dreams Community Forum

MTII · RV-Dreams Community Member

Looking for some wisdom

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Rent a nice class C, sorry I edited, meant C...

-- Edited by GENECOP on Friday 1st of July 2011 09:06:38 PM

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

6-8 weeks with 2 kids, I think I would be looking for a bunk model class A or C. Are you planning to haul a toad vehicle for sightseeing? If not, the class B might be a better choice since you will be using it for traveling as well as seeing the sights. Not sure what the sleeping arrangements are for 4 people in a class B.

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

You might be smart to look at buying a 4-5 year old class C with enough room to be comfortable, and then selling it when you return. Rental cost would have to be north of $10K I would guess and you probably wouldn't lose anywhere near that much on selling the rig afterwards.

MTII · RV-Dreams Community Member

Fred, (I believe this is your first name - apologies if it is not)

Thx for the validation, I feel the same way. Rental is tempting as many companies handle repairs if you break down, etc. BUT I believe we can get a good enough deal on a used Class C to be OK when we sell.

I assume a normal class C is welcome in most parks and campgrounds (height, weight, size requirements not a problem..) AND if we only had bikes with us, we will not wish we had a car with us?

I appreciate your wisdom - we are in the dark on this w/out a flashlight (smile)!

Cheers,

Mark

MTII · RV-Dreams Community Member

Dan

Thanks for the quick response (FYI: I noticed you are retired airforce - My grandfather/mentor was airforce, retired coronel and a great man).

We are thinking class C, a few years old and then sell after the trip. Unlikely we would tow another vehicle behind, but bring bikes with us instead. Good idea? We assume the hassle factor getting into places when towing and it impact on gas mileage would not be worth it on a short trip like this.

Any thoughts you have for us are appreciated! We are in the dark on a lot of this w/out a flashlight (smile).

Cheers!

Mark

MTII · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thx for the validation - this is what we are thinking:

Buy a 3-4 yr old Class C slightly used w/low mileage and then sell it after the trip. Any suggestions on manufacturer and mileage to look for? ALSO - we are planning to bring bikes only. Traversing the USA hitting many major parks, seeing the natural wonders - would like to keep it simple and not be restricted from entering these places due to length, height or weight of vehicle..

Thanks for your input.

Cheers!

Mark

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

I can't imagine trying to get 2 adults and a couple of kids 7 and 9 everywhere you want to go on bicycles. I guess you could disconnect and drive the RV when you need to get the family to an attraction when it rains or it's too hot or it's too far. Do you have an idea of where you want to go and what you want to do?

jamminalong · RV-Dreams Community Member

I know most folks said a Class C would be great but as another option you could go TC (Truck Camper).

If you already have a truck that could handle the load, you could find a used TC for around the same cost of a Class C. Of course depending on how thin you want to go $$ wise for the C. Driving a shorter TC (in the city) is easier than a Class C depending on how long the C is that you choose.

Anyway, not sure this is the way for you as only you can make that decision but just wanted to throw out there the forgotten RV, LOL!

Another cheaper way to go would be a pop-up (pup) as you probably already have a tow vehicle.

All have their pro's and con's so I guess it's a matter of what you want to put up with...Good Luck!

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Also consider, if you rent for $6-7,000 dollars, and there is a mechanical problem, you pick up the phone, unit will be exchanged or repaired ASAP. If you Buy and inexpensive unit with the idea of selling it later and you break down, the entire trip could be over.....

jayc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Some of our best memories of camping were when we got the pop-up camper. It was so much fun, and pretty inexpensive. I think thats what I'd do if I had to do it over again.

rclvnv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Many years ago, we rented a class C (don't recall the size) for a trip like you are considering, with our three girls. They still remember that. The main advantage of the C is access to the fridge and bathroom,and the overhead bunk sleeping, which kids seem to enjoy.If you got a rig in the 24' range, you can easily park it in most places you'd shop,and at most attractions.Configuration (floorplan) would be key. Buy or rent? Don't know.IF you can find a low mileage class C ,at a reasonable price, that might work. However, especially for first time,renting has advantages,as was pointed out.

Based on my experience, I would not consider a Class B, not enough room for all of you,I can tell you for a fact. A few years ago, I bought one with the idea of going cross country,returning,and then selling it. The sale part worked out ok(less than rental cost), but two of us, with just two small dogs, were just aboput stir crazy at the end of the trip. Just not enough room. Easy to drive,easy to park,but too tight. That's why I think a small "C" might work for you. FWIW.

Richard

Sherry · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with nearly everything said here. To rent or buy? Both have pros and cons only you can decide. But IMO a LOT depends on where you want to go. Mostly National Parks? Cities, beaches?? I personally could give a much better opinon if I knew the answer to that question.

Bunk beds would be great. The kids would love them and so would you. I had a friend who took her two teenage boys all around the country in a Winnebago View with bunk beds. 26'. No toad. They could pull the view into the supermarket or Walmart and shop and then they used bikes in the parks which was mostly where they went.

Hope this helps

Sherry
www.directionofourdreams.blogspot.com

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would buy a used Class C, there are many for sell at this time. I also would have a toad (think tow dolly, cheaper tow bar set up) . Its such a hassle to have to put things away and then set up again. We have never owned a Motor Home, reason was cost for what would fill our use. But our 5th wheel only sleeps two... No kids... all grown and on their own when they visit its Holiday Inn for them.. Its just me and the Love of my life. We at one time towed a Chevy HHR behind our 5th wheel but no longer, however when we travel to our winter site Delaine will follow in her Tahoe. Good Luck on you decision. Happy Trails....

Froggi · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just wanted to pass along a link for a family doing just that....I'd start from the beginning and then feel free to email Brooke with any questions. They were on a budget when they set out and I think they have done well. I love their blog! http://operationexplorations.blogspot.com