Just getting started - how to not get discouraged?!

[TK & Em]

Hahah. I totally understand! That was the first part of my research .... deciding whether I wanted a 5th wheel, Class A, C, B. I ended up choosing a Class A since I'm a solo woman driver and felt a Class A would be safer and easier for me. I also read somewhere to buy your 1st RV as if it was your 3rd, so that is how I eliminated the smaller coaches. When you go and sit in some rigs, imagine how it feels to be inside on a rainy day. What things are on your must have list .... washer/dryer, etc. Let us know how it goes. It will be so much fun once ya'll decide. Happy hunting this weekend.

well, since I wrote that earlier, we looked at some class C floorplans and decided that wasn't going to work. There's still a bit of discussion amongst us as to how much we are going to travel. ONE of us ? is about all set for full time as soon as I get done working. the OTHER one seems more inclined for 3-4 week jaunts or maybe longer over the winter months, but thinks we need to keep an actual house too. They have no past association with full time RVing, and I do, as my folks did so for about 5 years until my father was injured. So I'm much more willing to jump in with both feet! So, baby steps to find a middle ground so we won't have to buy a new rig in a couple years when we decide we don't need the actual house for awhile! If I was solo, I'd be going with a class C or smaller class A, but for now we don't want that big (towing our car, etc). Trying to stay in the 30' range for our first few years!

There is nothing like an RV show to compare quality. Look for the tiniest issues and walk thru twice. Keep notes. The trip to one is likely the best money you will spend in your purchase.

we will most likely do that next year as we don't want to fly this winter yet, and we're too far to drive to any warmer climates for one if anyone actually has one this winter. Everything we see says not to buy right now anyway due to high demand and low supply, and we're not in a huge hurry so we have time to wait to see what next spring and summer brings to the availability! We would love to go to one huge show and see all of them we like...but that'll have to wait. Thanks for the input - we're definitely hoping to make it happen if covid will allow shows to go forward again! (Not likely here this winter!)

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Not sure what exactly you're looking for but you might start a conversation with youtubers LessJunkMoreJourney folks. They are selling their 5th wheel and have lived in it full time for over a year. They trade rigs about every year. I am sure they would be happy to talk about the pitfalls and benefits of 5th wheels. Less Junk, More Journey

 

[bpaikman]

Welcome to RVForums @TK & Em. Take a deep breath and just go see what you want to see with no obligation to buy. The floor plan is most important as that's your living space. Every RV is going to need work, yours and professional at some point, rolling earthquakes are hard on a house. After you see everything something is likely to "wow" you and that's what you should consider. It's a daunting process, I ordered mine and didn't sleep for 3 months! Whatever you choose I'm sure you will enjoy and if not you can always get something else. Many around here seem to have owned on average 3 RV's. Take your time...enjoy the experience, it is great. Welcome!

I’ve been researching for about 18 months already, and we’ll probably not be buying until next year. We have a slight advantage and that we have owned a motorhome for five years - it was our first motorhome but we loved it - We bought it when it was nearly 7 years old, spent money on repairs and upkeep, sold it a few years later and it was still doing great.- we took good care of it.
so it is our benchmark comparison... We know what felt good about that motorhome and what we disliked about it (split windshield, TV over cab!).
We know a few problems to look for.
I’m a bit intimidated by this forum because it seems like there’s a lot of late-model Newmar owners and we’re not in their league financially..
But we have a good idea of the cost of ownership now, and we think we’ll be able to buy and properly maintain an older model when we retire next fall, when I find the right one, ?

 

[ARD]

I’m a bit intimidated by this forum because it seems like there’s a lot of late-model Newmar owners and we’re not in their league financially..
But we have a good idea of the cost of ownership now, and we think we’ll be able to buy and properly maintain an older model when we retire next fall, when I find the right one,

You know what I love about this forum? It doesn't matter what rig you have. We all share a common interest of travel and are able to share our experiences, seek help, meet up, recommend, etc. Wishing ya'll luck in finding your next coach! ?

 

[redbaron]

Grand design is a reputable manufacturer. No matter what unit you buy, there will be quality issues. Grand design is one manufacturer that offers factory service, and that is a plus.

You need to look at lots of rvs, including used. Learn what problems look like, learn what items show wear quickly, learn what materials stand the test of wear and tear.

I like looking thru used rvs for this purpose. Once you learn to identify failures, you can then look at new construction without the "rose colored" glasses and see the difference in build.

Another tip: look for photos or videos showing the construction or deconstruction of different brands.

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

Welcome to RVForums @TK & Em. Take a deep breath and just go see what you want to see with no obligation to buy. The floor plan is most important as that's your living space. Every RV is going to need work, yours and professional at some point, rolling earthquakes are hard on a house. After you see everything something is likely to "wow" you and that's what you should consider. It's a daunting process, I ordered mine and didn't sleep for 3 months! Whatever you choose I'm sure you will enjoy and if not you can always get something else. Many around here seem to have owned on average 3 RV's. Take your time...enjoy the experience, it is great. Welcome!

Ahh so my hyperfocus seems to be normal. So much time spent reading, watching, and asking. Glad I found this forum lots of good advise around here. Welcome to the hunt OP.

 

[DHudson]

Look for what they are built out of. Are the cabinets made out of wood or pressed wood? What kind of fabrics are use, The better quality material, too me, the better the RV will last.
A busted jar in a pressed wood cabinet might destroy that style cabinet. Look at the workmanship also.

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

Look for what they are built out of. Are the cabinets made out of wood or pressed wood? What kind of fabrics are use, The better quality material, too me, the better the RV will last.
A busted jar in a pressed wood cabinet might destroy that style cabinet. Look at the workmanship also.

Dang I didn't even think about the pressure boards not handling food spills. I think the NOBO I'm looking at is hardwoods but still not something you would want sitting soaking wet from sauce.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Dang I didn't even think about the pressure boards not handling food spills. I think the NOBO I'm looking at is hardwoods but still not something you would want sitting soaking wet from sauce.

@ArmyOfSquirrels I think you would be hard pressed pun intended to find cabinets that don't have a little manufactured board of some kind.

 

[GeoKat]

Consumer reports was one of my first stops. I always liked them when buying big ticket items.

I don't know about other brands but forest river has handy 3D walkthroughs of their RVs. You'll get naysayers about any RV, even the most expensive. I personally like my FR Puma. I'm improving it, sturdier shelves, a little woodputty where screws pull out but it's really not that big of a deal. I'd knock on wood if there's was any of course. I think karma has a twisted since of humor.

Like with anything in life, decide what you need to be happy and if you can afford it toss in a few wants. Then apply really good insurance.