In researching RVs I came across a 1993 Chinook Concourse which is a Class B+. I was wondering what you guys thought of the Chinook model.

-- Edited by Colorado_Kid on Monday 27th of April 2009 01:30:46 PM

Colorado, I never liked any of the Class b or b + motorhomes. The main reason, I felt they were over priced for what you get. I've driven them and class a's and find I like the stability of the class a better. The driving area of the class b and b+ is useable for driving and storage, but not very useable once you're parked. At least with most class a's the seats rotate and become part of the living area once you're parked. That being said, I know many RV'ers that like the class b/b+ and wouldn't have anything else. Mostly they feel it easier to drive and more manuverable than anything else they looked at. I didn't find that to be the case when I drove them. The Chinooks have been around for a long time and seem to be innovaters in that market. RV selection is a personal choice, I'd rather have a fifth wheel than any other type of RV. If it's a good buy and you like it, I don't think you'll go wrong with a Chinook or a Lazy Days.

Did some research and was astounded by the price tags on the Chinooks. Wow! I'm thinking for that much money you could find a nice used FW/TT and truck to pull it and be much more comfortable.

WOW...they are a little pricy...but you never really said what kind of RVing do you do. Are you thinking about fulltiming in this or just weekend trips? I will have to agree with Bear for that kind of money you could have a lot more....but then you may not need more?? Speedy

Chinook made a quality product and charged for it. Much like Coach House does for similar product now.

I am looking to be a full timer by working at different seasonal jobs. I would work in the south in the winter and north in the summer. I do not need all that much space and on my days off I would be camping in the backcountry. I had thought about fifth wheelers but I don't have anything to pull it with.

I have often seen the advice to "get as much space as you can afford".  Not everyone is of the same mindset though, and to get more than you need or want might be a waste.  I bought a 34-1/2' 5th wheel and really like and appreciate all the space I have.  When my dogs are no longer with me though, I could easily see myself downsizing, though maybe not as far as a Class B.  I can't imagine being inside during a week of rain!

gypsy

We started out in a pickup with a cap/camper shell. Needless to say, it wasn't comfortable if the weather turned bad and you were stuck inside. Next we graduated to a 10ft chassis mounted camper. It had room for two people, but add one more and it became unbearable. We were camping and it rained for a couple of days so we were stuck inside, just the two of us. Finally we went into town and walked the mall just to get rid of the cabin fever. Our next RV was a 23 ft travel trailer. It was great, lots of room. We once had 11 people seated in it for a meal. Again we were camping, just the two of us and it rained for several days. We headed for town to get rid of the cabin fever. With our 37ft fifth wheel no matter what the weather, we have never felt the pangs of cabin fever. It's big enough to exercise in. The bedroom is separated from the living area so, if the need arises, we can each have our own space. And now that my Dad travels with us, we are very thankful for the extra room. I realize not everyone needs a big RV, but the majority of RV'ers I spoken to or have read their comments indicate at some point even a 30 foot RV begins to close in on them. It's rare to hear anyone with a 32 foot or longer RV, especially with slideouts, complain about not having enough room.

The idea of space requirements is all relative.  I grew up in a large family, 3 small bedrooms and 1 bathroom.  My children were raised in a little larger space but one bathroom.  Now a couple of them have houses in the 3500 sq ft range with multiple bathrooms, and they can't imagine how I live in about 265 sq ft. nor can most people I know.  As I said, I'm enjoying the space I have in my 5th wheel but I'm sure if I stay at this long enough I will downsize, simply because I don't need it all.  That said, I am by myself and don't need the same amount of space as if I had to share it with another person.   I think it's a matter of personal needs and choices though.

gypsy