We Are Looking to Buy Our 1st RV - RV-Dreams Community Forum

WeeksRay · RV-Dreams Community Member

We Are Looking to Buy Our 1st RV

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know some RV manufacturers will full time rate some or all of their models. Keep in mind people have been fulltiming in RVs since the first RVs appeared. in reality all RVs are full time capable. There's a guy who has a website and he is travelling around the country fulltime in a little tear drop trailer pulled by a Mini.

What you really need to look for is a well built RV with four season insulation and the features you want. Look for a wide open floor plan with a large bathroom area and good sized shower. You don't want to face a cramped bathroom everyday.

After comparing several Class As you will soon recognize which are quality built and which are cheaply built. That being said even the cheaply built will hold up well as long as you aren't rough on them and perform routine maintenance.

If you were buying new, you would want to pay attention to the fulltime rating because some RV manufacturers void the warranty if the RV is used for fulltime living.

Look for something you like, something that fits your lifestyle and then spend several hours test living in it. We asked the dealer if we could spend a half a day in the RV we bought. We tried out everything, had lunch in it, watched TV and found that it fit us. We then ordered one new, built with the options we wanted. 16 years later and we still love it.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would not focus to much on the FULLTIME classification, most hesitate to use that term because of the insane legal system that we have allowed to drive the world. Full time ability is really a personal choice, people full-time in Million Dollar busses, Tear Drop trailers, and everything in between. Someone on RVD's posted a used Foretravel for sale the other day, check out the classified section, it looked like a nice Rig......

-- Edited by GENECOP on Tuesday 20th of September 2011 09:46:19 AM

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

Agree with the above. The used dp we bought had double pane windows, heated basement etc but we never plan to stay where we will actually need them. We researched a long time and feel it is important to read and talk to a lot of people. We then made our decision on diesel or gas, engine size and chassis. The most important decision for me(of course) was the floor plan. This is our home. Different strokes........
Research to include your local RV dealers, online RV dealers, and even EBay. Always keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for and be careful of the deals that seem "too good to be true"
Good luck and Welcome to RV Dreams!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

As I mentioned in my welcome to you in your introductory post, we went with a fifth wheel. The one we chose is made by DRV Suites, who build their units with 3 1/4 inch walls and have some of the highest insulation "R" ratings in the industry. That was important to us because where we live full-time until we retire it still gets pretty cold at times. Oklahoma City is known for both very cold and very hot conditions. In fact, we broke new records this year for heat. So glad it is now cool.

As far as resources for "full-time" or "all-seasons" built RV's, I don't know of any one resource. I simply looked at RV's that we liked and then looked them up on the internet to see their brochures and web information as to what "R" ratings might be. We also looked to see where tanks and water fittings were and whether the bottoms of the coaches were enclosed enough to help keep things warm.

Even with good insulation and good enclosures, one may still find the need to fill one's fresh water tank and unhook from the external water sources. In our unit, I will be getting a wireless indoor/outdoor thermometer capable of multiple channels so I can have sensors inside the living quarters, outside the RV, and in the basement area where the water manifold is located. That way, if I notice the basement temperature getting into a near freezing condition, I can add an electric heater to help keep the basement warm.

When looking at RV's we took a digital camera along and photographed as much as we could of storage areas, living areas, etc. so that we could go back later and refresh our memories as to how a room was laid out or other features.

Good luck with all your looking and research. Don't be afraid to check out every RV show and visit a lot of dealerships to see what is available out there. When you see something you like, spend some time in it "pretending" to do things such as cooking, showering, etc. to see how easy/difficult each task may be.

And, be sure and have fun doing it. NEVER take the word of a salesman as gospel until you have verified his information with other sources.

Terry

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

We hope to order our new NEXUS 31' Class C RV in October and one option I will select is the winter package. We have no intention of going anywhere that the temperature will go below 60!!! Well - maybe 50!!! :>) I want the winter package for SOUND reduction of outside noise. I'm not sold on thermopane windows yet as I have read a lot of articles regarding the thermo seals failing due to the vibration etc that a coach goes through while traveling the roads. If an RV manufacturer voided the warranty because of full time Rv-ing - Don't tell them you plan on full timing!!! Better yet look into WHY they void the warranty - there has to be a story there!!!!

If our new RV ever gets snowed on I'll CRY!!!! :>(

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

RvPainter,

You might consider doing more research and posting to some owners groups on the dual pane windows. I've belonged to the Carriage group for almost 6 years now and I can count on one hand the number of instances of window failure in that time. I think those were problems in the beginning and have been solved over time.

The dual panes are wonderful for sound suppression and elimination of sweating in cold weather also.

Good luck,

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

rv.org rates RVs and most full-timers go with snowbird or full-time rated RVs. Snowbird is fine for most full-timers since the rv.org ratings for full-time are so an RV can be in the north for winter. Snowbird rating means it can be lived in for long periods of time. Lower ratings of vacationer and weekend mean the RV is not built to be used for long use periods, it will fall apart.

MrToad · RV-Dreams Community Member

I agree with bjoyce on this one RvPainter. I have climbed through possibly every Class C on the market (inside and out) and spoken with owners, and I still come back to Triple E. They have a 30ft Class C that might suit your needs RvPainter (http://www.tripleerv.com/regency/index.html#anchor) and their winter package comes standard - this thing can go anywhere and possibly even survive a nuclear winter. I know price is important, but I wouldn't be totally swayed by Nexus' prices. You want your RV to last the distance and be able to go anywhere, anytime - especially if you are going fulltime.

WeeksRay · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for all of you help. We have a better idea of where and how to do our research thanks to your help. :)

Helen & Ray

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Fred will check that out.

Mr Toad I have to say your unfounded issues with NEXUS re: their price are IMHO indeed unfounded. You can put money in a middleman's wallet if you like but we are 99% sold on the Nexus - they also just got a very nice "BEST" award at a recent RV show.

Do you shop at Sam's Club - Home Depot - Lowes - on-line?????? Why????? Brand names and NICE SAVINGS??????

Appreciate your point of view but I do not agree. I guess time will tell - but all my research and conversations point to a very well made and outfitted RV and certainly our trip to their facility in early October will I believe put the frosting on the cake.

Below 50 degrees (closer to 60) will not be part of our RV life nor will boondocking - we are not looking to "ROUGH IT" we are looking to "ENJOY IT."

Again appreciate your view and input.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mr. Toad - I checked out their web-site - very nice looking rigs. I have to be honest and say I could not see much that is different than the NEXUS. Also - I wonder why they only use the term "3 Season Comfort?" Which 3 seasons are they talking about? I did not do a complete search of their web site as I'm not interested in their rigs as first glance they seem on a level on the NEXUS. Heated enclosed tanks etc etc - appliances of eqaual quality - I would suggest you examine the "3 Seasaon Comfort" slogan if you plan on spending Dec - Mar in Alaska (I lived there) or MI or some other freezing areas.

We will have our toes in the warm ocean sitting under palm trees from thanksgiving to May 1.

I wish you well with your search of that RV that turns you on as NEXUS has gotten our attention and piqued our desires.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

RVPAINTER: I am sure you also looked at Born Free and Lazy Daze Class C motorhomes?

You can find yourself in cold weather in places you don't expect. It can and does go below freezing in Florida (into the teens last winter by Ocala/Silver Springs), south Texas and Arizona (a friend lost many plants when it got to 20 two nights in a row in Yuma a few years back). Best to be ready.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill - yes I did and feel the NEXUS is best for us - I think Lazy Daze is way over priced when compared to similar products. I intend on getting the winter package - only for sound reduction - not cold weather. While it can get cold in many places that it may not normally do - we still feel that we will be away from most normal cold weather - our winter time will be spent in North Scottsdale Arizona, Bonita Springs and Punta Gorda Florida and San Antonio and south.
I guess this is an issue sort of like slide outs - do you NOT GET slide outs because you fear a breakdown - do you GET the extreme winter package because in may get "chilly" for a few days in a normally warm climate?

Appreciate your input - but the cost of what may or may not happen can be both expensive and wasteful. I've lived in Scottsdale AZ and San Antonio and yes it can get chilly for a few days or a week or two in both locations (perhaps below freezing a day or two during January) But constant freezing weather - not likely and certainly IMHO not every year with any consistancy.

Death and taxes the only things in life that are guaranteed. :>)

Old Snipe · RV-Dreams Family Member

JR,

I think it's a wise choice for you to get the winter package. Not only will it help in the (rare) cold weather, but the extra insulation will help in the warmer climates, keeping heat out.

Good luck in your search, can't wait to see your new home!

Best Regards!

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Paul D (Old Snipe) - I agree 100% with you and that is the exact reason I will get the winter optional package on our new NEXUS 31 foot Phantom. If all goes well with the home closing on Wednesday 9/28, we will be in Elkhart Indiana around 10/13 or so and placing our order for delivery 4/1/2012. We need to stay in the Santa Fe area til then (business reasons) and besides it's way too cold in Santa Fe during the winter for any RV living. :>)

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

RVPAINTER wrote:
We need to stay in the Santa Fe area til then (business reasons) and besides it's way too cold in Santa Fe during the winter for any RV living. :>)

I hear that! We driveway camped at our friend's house in Lamy around Halloween one year and it got down to 15 at night! I can't imagine January. Beautiful area.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

yes, a beautiful area - winters are for the most part mild - however last winter we had 11 days in a row of wind chill temps at -24 yes, that is MINUS 24!!!! That said come noon-ish it is 48 degrees most winter days here in Santa Fe.

Thanks for your feed back on our pending RV purchase.

Yonnie · RV-Dreams Family Member

WeeksRay wrote:
Thanks for all of you help. We have a better idea of where and how to do our research thanks to your help. :)

Helen & Ray

We spent 2 years researching and visiting showrooms in Virginia, California (vacation) and Michigan ( visiting the kids). We tested a coup,e units including Fleetwood Bounder Classic and Tiffin Open road. We selected the 2011 Tiffin 35QBA. MY WIFE LOVED THE INTERIOR AND THE RIDE AND I LOVE MY WIFE!! so we bought it. Great decision I made (haha)

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!!!!! We closed on our home yesterday and the funds ($$$$) are being deposited into our account TODAY!!!!!!

Leaving for Elkhart Indiana to tour the NEXUS facility on 10/13 and spend a couple of days touching -looking - using - driving - touching - looking -using - touching - looking - using-------- well you get the idea.

If all is as I expect it will be, we will be putting in our order for a 31' Phantom Class C RV to be picked up the last week of March 2012.

Getting our 6 month apartment rental squared away! The apt is about 1/3 the size of our home so this is good - we are learning to do without STUFF - it feels SOOOOOOOOOO good!!! The RV will be less than half the size of the apartment!!!!!

Thanks for the help-assistance-suggestions and encouragement along the way!

MrToad · RV-Dreams Community Member

RVPainter - I believe Triple E/Leisure Travel Vans actually do test their RVs in northern Canada near Alaska - I doubt Nexus does that! I personally prefer the more tasteful and up-to-date interior of the Triple E's to the 70's retro look of the Nexus, as well as leather to vinyl. Each to their own I guess. You may want to look at the videos that are on the Triple E website as they give someone who is looking to purchase a RV pointers when comparing competitors units.

-- Edited by MrToad on Thursday 29th of September 2011 05:16:57 PM

-- Edited by MrToad on Thursday 29th of September 2011 05:18:45 PM

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

WeeksRay wrote:
Hello
We are looking to purchase a used Class A RV. We are looking to transition to full timers and we have heard that not all RVs are rated for full time use. Can anyone point us to a resource we can use to search for full time rated RVs? Thanks in advance. :)
Helen & Ray

Our rig handles winter weather. If your interested, clicky. Drop me an email if you have any questions.

Jake62 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Congrats RV Painter! We'll be in Elknhart County in two weeks touring Newmar & American Coach ...

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

THANKS Jake62 - I wish you well on your search. We are very excited about the NEXUS - I've done a lot of research and feel very cxomfortable with our decision. I do love the Newmar's however.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mr. Toad - I love the retro look - at 71, I have no need to try and impress people - been there done that - costs too much and not worth the effort. Retro is so much more tasteful than flashy pompous showing off. To each their own and whatever you get will be your taste and I respect that - I only ask that you respect my choice and stop trying to rain on my parade.

I wish you the very best in your search and I'm sure you will find exactly the rig that fits into your style and RV-ing desires. Thank you for your feedback - we don't agree but yet we both will end up happy I'm sure.

Oh - if we hit a real cold spell - let's say below 50 and it is predicted to last a spell - let's say 2 weeks or so - we'll either move to a warmer place or head to our condo in La Paz Mexico.

I've made my choice and my input to this subject is over.

rvingft · RV-Dreams Family Member

RVPainter -

I can't wait to hear how the Nexus decision turns out for you all !!! I'm almost as excited as you must be ....

Personally, we LOVE the retro look wink and prefer that to any of the stuffy, mirrored plastics most manufacturers put in today's RVs. We too, were considering a Class C, but now are leaning towards a vintage bus conversion.

We have a 1978 Holiday Rambler TT now, but that does not work for 8 months a year of full-timing. Love the quality of the construction though. And have her decked out in a retro red-white & blue scheme. Much better than the harvest gold and green shag carpet disbelief that was THE thing in the late 1970's doh

Anyway, have FUN in Elkhart, enjoy a meal at Amish Acres and puleeze let us know how the Nexus RV experience goes .... we are waiting for a FULL report.

BTW - Angel Fire, NM is my Mom's favorite summer hideout ... beautiful views and decent summer temps too! Las Cruces is her winter spot. Once she sells her Kerrville, TX home, she'll be back & forth between NM & Montana every year.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks rvingft - we are so excited!!!! I've been researching NEXUS for many months now as well as talking to the 2 owners. I fully expect we will return to NM with a signed contract for our new RV. So glad to hear you like the "retro" look - we love the inside of the NEXUS and only plan a few upgrades such as Cherry cabinets as well as Cherry cabinets in the over cab area instead of the bed. There will only be the two of us so that area used as storage will be put to better use.
We'll upgrade to 50 amps as well as a larger A/C unit also ducted into the bedroom and a few other upgrades.

I will give a full report when we return.

Angel Fire is a great area for summer stays. We've lived in Santa Fe almost 5 years now and really enjoy the area - it's been good to us.

Thanks for your interest in our preparation for Full Timing. :>)