Newbies here. Like BIG TIME Newbies...and we're starting September 2015. - RV-Dreams Community Forum

TravelingMalos · RV-Dreams Community Member

Newbies here. Like BIG TIME Newbies...and we're starting September 2015.

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

If the discussion is between a Class A and a Class C - go with the Class A as it will give you more room for all of the things that you will take with you as you fulltime. I know that people do fulltime in a Class C, but it is just easier in a Class A - especially if you will also need to have 'work' clothes for your assignments.

Barb

TravelingMalos · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thank you Barb. We appreciate your time. We definitely like the idea of a Class A but have reservations because of how huge they appear. Im only 5'6 so I feel tiny standing next to one. Are they difficult to drive. I've towed boats and driven large ryder trucks but never a 35ft Class A.

Thanks- Patrick

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

"A"....................All the way. Driving is not an issue. Just get the proper training.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome, Patrick and Melissa.

You have definitely found a good source for learning about RV'ing and the RV lifestyle. So, be sure and ask questions, keeping in mind that there are no dumb questions. The only dumb ones are those that don't get asked and one then makes an expensive or time consuming mistake. To assist you in your research, use the "Search" feature in the blue bar at the top of the forum pages. Type in a topic and you are on your way to learn a lot of things, many of which you may not have even thought of the questions.

As for choosing an RV, consider the lifestyle that you plan to do with your RV'ing. If you will be moving often, motor homes may be the best way to go because it is easier to set up and then pack up. If you plan to stay in one area for a longer period of time, sometimes a towable, like a fifth wheel, could be better for you.

Be sure and go to as many RV shows or visit RV dealers as you can. Looking at each one, pretend to cook a meal, take a shower, sit in the furniture as long as possible to see if it is really comfortable or not, and don't forget that the very foundation of the RV is the frame, suspension, axles, wheels and tires. Look to see that you get quality in those components.

Good luck with your research and planning, and we look forward to your questions.

Terry

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would agree with Barb, Class A for what you describe, some good used ones out there at reasonable prices too. As to the largeness vs 5'6" fear... try this perspective, the rig, while easily double your height and 6 or 7 times length-wise it probably weighs nearer to 200 times what you do, and anybody else for that matter, so your height and weight worries are only in your head, you are no different from that point of view than anybody else. Getting behind the wheel and developing some confidence there will go a long way to putting the fear aside. Like many newbs (myself included) you are used to the world of the the tiny daily driver, new skills and abilities will be learned. What's really going to blow your mind is your newfound awareness of overhead clearance. biggrin

You've driven a large rental truck and towed, you're already halfway there. Bernie recommended training... good advice. We've done several Class Cs, done some towing albeit pop-ups, utility and uhaul trailers, and a few large rental trucks and towed a car, so we have perhaps a bit more experience than you but we plan on getting some more advanced training for both of us as the future rig will be a significantly larger arrangement than anything we have ever driven before (she can't do all the driving right? LOL)

Let the good times roll!

Brian

-- Edited by biggaRView on Thursday 14th of May 2015 09:01:33 AM

TravelingMalos · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Terry and Jo. We appreciate your insight. We will probably be spending all our free time in this forum as its quite clear there are good folks out there willing to share their experiences and know how. We always imagined a Class A was what would suit us best but feared of its size. It seems we should get out there and drive one so we can loss the fear and begin the search for our new rig. I plan on going into the forum on Buying an Rv next to begin my schooling. Thanks again Terry and Jo!

TravelingMalos · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Brian. I'll have to get over my height sensitivity. This has been an ongoing battle for years:) We appreciate you taking the time to offer your advice. We plan on going to an RV dealer this weekend and hope to get behind the wheel for a test drive. This should eliminate or solidify our fears.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

My wife and I are both 5'6" tall, so we don't have to adjust the seats when we change drivers. We have both been driving a Class A since 2001.

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes, you don't have to be BIG to drive a large motorhome..........Hahaha.

The big thing is to be familiar with your air-brake system. Be knowledgeable enough to perform your pre-trip inspections. Again that will come with proper training. Not hard at all.

-- Edited by TRAILERKING on Thursday 14th of May 2015 10:43:56 AM

TravelingMalos · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Bill!

gypsymaus · RV-Dreams Family Member

Have you considering renting or borrowing each one for week before you decide? We have had a bumper pull trailer, borrowed a friends Class C, owned a fifth wheel, and we are on our 4th Class A. The decision was a process for us even though a friend kept trying to tell us this is where we would end up. smile

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome Patrick and Melissa,

We didn't know anything 18 months ago either and now we are 6 months on the road so it can happen !! I will say many people buy small then immediately upgrade. Not always bad if you can get back what you put into the intiial vehicle, but I recommend really thinking it through. Picture your stuff in the space as much as you can, because there will be Things you just can't part with. Picture yourself cooking, watching TV, working at the computer...you know normal life stuff and see how it looks. Most of all be honest with yourself with what you can and cannot handle. For me, I found that I have a more severe case of claustrophobia than I ever knew. That really came into play with what kind of rig we bought...that and cost ended up being the two biggest factors for us. It's different for everyone. Maybe you can't bear to part with a toy, maybe your life is centered around your pets, maybe you never ever want to go to the laundry mat. The cool thing is you get to decide 😄

Good luck to you and welcome to the forum.

Trace

NeilRach04 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Welcome, and awesome to hear about another couple in their early 40's planning this lifestyle. DW and I plan to begin in 2017, when we will both be within months of either side of 41. we hope to hear some great stories of your travels!

Best of luck to you both!!!