Day to day use - RV-Dreams Community Forum

dannick · RV-Dreams Family Member

Day to day use

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Since you quote a price range like you have, I would seriously look at the used market. It is evident you are doing research and you should know by now the RVs that could be considered full-time use, especially in Idaho. The new market in your price range is going to be poorly insulated, and the fixtures are going to be of lighter construction. (Especially with a young boy, we all know how rough they can be, unintended) Spend the time to get an RV you can be reasonably comfortable in winter with spending megabucks on propane.

If you do go new, upgrade insulation and double-paned windows. You have already made a first move, because you asked. I am sure people with more knowledge than me will chime in here.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with 53 Merc. That's the price range of our mpg. It is certainly adequate for two people, even for a month or so, but not for full-time use.

You don't mention anything about a tow vehicle, and that is a major factor in deciding what you can use. If you are going to buy the trailer first, and then get the tow vehicle, you shouldn't have any troubles towing. If you already own the tow vehicle, you need to check the owner's manual for towing information. Remember that there are several weights that make up the tow rating for a particular vehicle. Check other threads for more information on this.

You also didn't say anything about the ages of you and your son. The needs of a five-year-old with a 25-year-old father are quite a bit different than those of a 50-year-old and a 70-year-old father. Also consider your activities and the "stuff" that those will entail. Many travel trailers don't have the carrying capacity for full-timing. There are some that do, though.

Also consider that the higher the quality of rig, the older it will have to be to meet your price range, so you will need to set some money aside for replacement of various items. Appliances seem to last 10-12 years, for example, so if you are looking at a trailer of that age, if the appliances haven't been replaced, you will need to plan to replace them. If you are buying from a dealer, that can be part of the negotiations. Tires ought to be replaced at 5-7 years. Check the date codes on any rig you seriously consider.

Enjoy the search!

dannick · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the feedback...

Some additional information.

I am 51 and my son is 12
We also have a dog (Golden Retriever)
We will be in one location for 9 months of the year while my son is in school
I will purchase the appropriate tow vehicle based on the type/size of trailer
The park that we will be at does has shower facilities if needed

I know the first RV I buy may not be my last but I want to be sure that I'm not throwing money away by buying a trailer that won't fit our needs only having to replace it a year down the road.

Though, substantially above the price I indicated I have looked at the Keystone Cougar and liked it a lot. From what I have read feedback from the staff at Camping World this unit may suit our situation well. I think I would rather spend more upfront and have something that can be enjoyed for many years.

Thoughts about the Cougar?

Thanks again!

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Only have one friend that has owned a Cougar. He used it one winter to snowbird for a month. He went home and got rid of it. Issues, issues. Also, he found it impossible to heat in 20 degree weather here. Furnace in operation the entire day and night, as well as two electric strip heaters (vornados). He did not like the siding. He was told it was gelcoat, but it was Filon. You can see and feel the fiberglass threads.
With that said, there are a lot of Cougars out there with satisfied owners.

Be a bit leery of what a salesman tells you, he may be trying to get a sale. Do your own research and make the decision best for your needs.

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

53Merc gave you very good advice with the comment to look at used units rather than a new one in your price range. New trailers may look snappy, but are simply made for very occasional use and will not have either proper insulation nor appliances to stand up to full time living.

I think you will be much better served with a 10 or even 15 year old model of a quality brand, especially if you will be parked for 9 months.

Good luck,

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have had two RVs in the past that we used at least once per month on average for over 16 years each. The toilet seats had to be replaced on both and the toilet broke on one of them and was replaced. So it's no worse than the fixtures in a home.

You still get faucet leaks, plumbing problems, clogs, refrigerator problems, A/C & Heating problems but no worse than a home.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Luvglass nailed it. Buy the highest quality rig, even if it is used. Yes, you may have to replace some tires or appliances, but you will probably be able to do so on your schedule, meaning that you will be able to shop around and get the best deal. You will also be able to get closer to what you want.

There are lots of rigs available at any given price, so take your time and find the best one you can.

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

Good advice by posters. If you have not looked at used units just yet, take a look at the inventory at http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/. They are in Houston but have a huge inventory of all kinds and price ranges. This will give you an idea of what is available. I am not pushing PPL. I've been there and have seen their inventory.