Just getting started - how to not get discouraged?!

[ARD]

I don't know about hoofing it all over the place to check RV's. I would have found that discouraging and exhausting. I did all my research online 1st and had narrowed it down to 3 manufacturers that had the best reputation as far as quality, customer service and was within my budget. Then I was able to narrow it to ONE based on floorplan and also because it was the only one that offered coaches without carpet. Then I went to the RV Super Show in Tampa and went straight to Newmar (my research #1 choice) to see it LIVE and UP CLOSE. I was sold. Ordered my coach and I've been a happy camper ever since. I'm not real familiar with 5th wheels. I have friends that have a New Horizons and they seem to really like it. And as you already noted, Grand Design's Solitude has a good reputation. Good luck in your search!

 

[TK & Em]

I don't know about hoofing it all over the place to check RV's. I would have found that discouraging and exhausting. I did all my research online 1st and had narrowed it down to 3 manufacturers that had the best reputation as far as quality, customer service and was within my budget. Then I was able to narrow it to ONE based on floorplan and also because it was the only one that offered coaches without carpet. Then I went to the RV Super Show in Tampa and went straight to Newmar (my research #1 choice) to see it LIVE and UP CLOSE. I was sold. Ordered my coach and I've been a happy camper ever since. I'm not real familiar with 5th wheels. I have friends that have a New Horizons and they seem to really like it. And as you already noted, Grand Design's Solitude has a good reputation. Good luck in your search!

well, we're trying to put our heads into at least a few to see the actual shower sizes, bedroom space and some interior colors -we dislike the dark dark woodwork that we see in a lot of them! But, we're about out of good weather so we'll probably go this weekend and the rest we'll whittle down online. We have it down to a few good choices with larger showers, so we'll research customer satisfaction on those manufacturers and such over the winter. We're also second guessing our 5th wheel idea since we aren't sure we want to drive a big-a$$ 3/4 ton pickup to haul one, and we don't really want to go shorter than the 28 or 29 footers. We may go back to researching larger class C's for starters! good thing we're not in a big hurry - we're not impulse buyers, just impatient buyers, if that makes sense! Hate shopping but don't need it RIGHT NOW - just want to be done 'deciding' already! LOL Thanks for your input!

 

[ARD]

we're not impulse buyers, just impatient buyers, if that makes sense! Hate shopping but don't need it RIGHT NOW - just want to be done 'deciding' already!

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.

 

["EZ"]

@TK & Em Looks like the Tampa "Super Show" is still a go for Jan 2021. Held at the state fair grounds in Tampa. I've attended the past two years. Tons of RV's of every kind, most outdoors.

I've been to the Tampa show as well. It's every bit as big as the FMCA show.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

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.

 

[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 Hogan]

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.