we have a wonderful a national tropi-cal motorhome. when we bought it we assumed we would be long term part-timers. we love the lifestyle so much that we have decided that within the next 5 to 7 years (depending on when hubby can retire) we will be full-timing. we also know that our motorhome is not our ideal as our full-time home. my question is ..Would you rebuy your same r.v. again? what would you change or add? if you wouldnt rebuy, why? or why not? ....thanks for all the comments and info i know i will receive!
SoonToTravel said
09:45 AM Feb 23, 2010
No I don't think we would buy ours again. My dh was the one who really wanted it because it had a "den" with a sliding door for privacy. We have only had about 5 occasions that any one would need privacy. Not enough counter space in kitchen & yes I new that before we bought it, but remember dh wanted it so I gave in. This was the first new rv we have ever bought & we would not do that again either. We are having a few health issues now & we are thinking about a motorhome. Several other reasons, but too lengthy to write about.
thebearII said
09:49 AM Feb 23, 2010
A few years ago we had some extra money come our way so we looked at RVs to replace our 10 year old 5th wheel. We went to two large RV shows and a couple of local dealers.
None of the RVs jumped out at us. There were a couple of $300,000 motorhomes that we could have gone with but our extra funds wouldn't have covered the cost. So we decided to just stick with our 5th wheel.
We have loved our Alfa See-Ya 5th wheel from day one. It's laid out perfect for us and has all the, available at the time, features we wanted.
If we were buying it now, I would add an auto Sat dish (Traveler 1000 by Wingard), auto levelers, and an air ride suspension. None of these were available when we bought the RV.
The auto sat and levelers would save about 45 minutes of setup time.
We did recently add an electric fireplace, two Lazyboy recliners to replace old ones and a desk/dining table to provide an office area but still allow a dining area. These additions have updated the look of our interior.
Sloar panels will be added once we begin boondocking again. For now we stay in RV resorts because my 91 year old dad travels with us.
Mallo said
10:14 AM Feb 23, 2010
Yes we would buy ours again. It fits us and it fits the life we're now enjoying.
That said would that change in 7 years? Maybe because the magic 8 ball says "Future is unclear"
Mallo
faerie said
10:23 AM Feb 23, 2010
this is exactly the info i wanted. i have a wish list for our next motorhome that keeps getting longer! any one else? love the info so far. thanks!
traveljunkie said
12:53 PM Feb 23, 2010
We love our Mobile Suites 38RLSB3. Layout works great for us. We enjoy having the ability to close off the living room from the kitchen, especially when guests stay or my dh wants to watch TV while I'm working. We are part timers for now, but our goal is to be fulltiming in this rig in the next few years. We spent 2 years researching floorplans before we bought and after spending much time in them at shows and dealers, this one just felt 'right' to both of us.
We were also iffy on the fireplace, but wouldn't be without one now. Would have skipped the cooktop/oven and just went with the cooktop with storage space beneath. We've never used the oven except for storage. We heavily use the micro/convection oven for all our baking/roasting/cooking. I do really miss having a dishwasher though!
KarenInTheWoods said
02:05 PM Feb 23, 2010
Yes, yes, a hundred times yes! If we look at rigs now (we helped both sets of our folks with a couple rv purchases the last few years) we have not seen anything we like better.
We have grown up the list to our present rig, and are happy just doing modifications to it for more comfort. It has "Good Bones"
bjoyce said
02:22 PM Feb 23, 2010
Yes. We have been very happy with it for almost six years.
Luvglass said
02:38 PM Feb 23, 2010
We have been very happy with our Carriage Cameo and the only changes we would make would be to leave out the generator and add a Big Foot leveling system.
I feel that if you do your homework carefully, you can get close to a perfect rig to meet you individual desires.
Or, maybe we just got lucky!
Racerguy said
03:25 PM Feb 23, 2010
Yes we would buy the same one again.Reason being the floor plan was exactly what we both wanted and it fit our budget.The only thing we would add is the convection oven(that may happen anyway) and big foot levelers.There is no perfect rig unless you have unlimited funds.There are always trade offs but we are happy with our Cedar Creek.
JLitton65 said
04:16 PM Feb 23, 2010
We are not fulltimers...yet...someday. But yes we would buy the same set up we have now. The newer ones have more slides, but I am fine with what we have. Every time we look at newer ones, or ones that are different brands but similar..we like the bells and whistles our 07 Heartland Cyclone has.
I know it is not for everyone, because it is a toy hauler...but it fits our life-style.
Sure I would like one with the whole back as the living room...someday when we are older...maybe. But we need the place for the bikes.
heyduke said
05:49 PM Feb 23, 2010
this is a very interesting topic since we too will be full timing within a year... and we have never once owned an RV... but I am a research junkie and just love topics like this... what have I learned so far? it appears you can be very happy in what ever rig you buy... it just has to "fit" you..,
Workinrvers said
06:27 PM Feb 23, 2010
we love our floorplan and have not had any big issues in the 3 years we have had it. Our 5th wheel is not a "top of the line" unit and is not recognized as a "fulltime" unit. We bought the best we could afford and have not looked back.
Would we purchase the unit again? Yes, but would add a few options like an electric 50amp cord reel, electric stabilyzer jacks and an electric awning.
Delaine and Lindy said
06:40 PM Feb 23, 2010
Yes we would buy the Mobile Suites again, this being our 2nd Mobile Suites. The only change we would make would be to remove the window behind the TV the TV is always up except for travel. Reason for the only change is because we had our 2010 Customized by Drv when we ordered it and it has all the bells and whistles. Such as the roof mounted HD Dish, hydraulic Jacks with the level up system etc. Drv will do just about any thing you want as for as customizing. Very well made but very heavy. GBY....
phyllen said
07:00 PM Feb 23, 2010
We always wanted a Montana and when we saw this almost a year ago, we agreed we love the floor plan. Lots of storage, enough counter space, two recliners, fireplace, freestanding table, computer desk area. It also has a remote control to operate electric awnings, slides, stablizers.
What we wish we had? The closet in the bedroom is very narrow. We had a Cedar Creek and the closet was so much better. Also, dual pane windows.
We did make a mistake and went to the Atlantic City RV show a few months ago, just to look. We saw a 2010 Cedar Creek that we REALLY liked and at a lower cost! Still in all, we would buy this unit again. No real regrets.
Speedhitch said
07:37 PM Feb 23, 2010
Sherri and I would not traid our RV in on anything else now. We love our Carriage and if we ever buy another one it will be a Carriage.
igotjam said
08:03 PM Feb 23, 2010
Love our 5er but would get a different brand next time. Workmanship and manufacturer response has been terrible. I think we got it right with the floorplan and options. We'd love what we have if it would stop falling apart and being a bottomless money pit.
Racerguy said
08:31 PM Feb 23, 2010
igotjam,how about letting everyone know what you have so they can use the information when deciding.
dream reachers said
09:54 PM Feb 23, 2010
We have lived fulltime 2 1/2 years in our Excel 5th wheel and love it. We are in west Texas and got 5-6 inches of snow last night and it will get down to 20 tonight and we will be nice and warm in our home sweet Excel home. We love our electric levelers and disc brakes, Whirlepool washer and dryer,dual -pane windows, rocker-glider-recliners, Moryde IS suspension, Trail-Aire pin hitch, Pressure Pro monitoring system. We do wish we had a fireplace, we have a desk area next to the entertainment center that did not work well for us. We turned our dining area into an office by moving our table over and removing 3 dining room chairs and adding an office chair, works real good for us. We have not seen a trailer that we like better than ours. Most motor homes don't have the roominess and counter space that we have. The only ones that we have seen that we would consider are way out of our price range.
TheBobGuy said
09:59 PM Feb 23, 2010
We would buy the Dynasty we just sold again, in a heartbeat, we had a true love affair with that motorhome; sadly, we would NOT buy the new Allegro Bus again.
faerie said
08:28 AM Feb 24, 2010
the bob guy...why wouldnt you buy the allegro bus again? features? durability? driveability?
Happytrails said
10:16 AM Feb 24, 2010
Yes, we would buy our motorhome again and again and again. Newmar makes a quality coach! We have the HD satellite and a new flat screen HDTV upgrade in the living area. Mike's happy! Most everything else is standard. Seriously, its a great coach.
We have also owned two Endeavors and they are also great coaches. We loved the Roadmaster chassis but our Spartan chassis is awesome also. We didn't buy another Endeavor only because we weren't sure at that time what was going to happen to the company.
Do your homework....there are tons of great rigs out there and good deals to be had.
TheBobGuy said
09:12 PM Feb 24, 2010
Hi Faerie...it's a story best left untold about the Bus.....Fit and finish issues, quality control, and, not a very good experience in Red Bay. Maybe we'll tell you about it 'round a campfire some night when we are telling horror stories! LOL
All the things most Tiffin owners swear do not happen....we must have been an anomaly!!!
It's still so new that it just gets me upset to talk about it...and I don't like to be upset. But I would surely love to have the Dynasty back!!! It was a jewel!
TxYellowRose said
10:35 PM Feb 24, 2010
Although this was our true maiden voyage in our Montana 5er and we have not started full-timing yet, we both fell completely in love with it this weekend. The rear galley is great and we like the fact that the two living area slides open it up nicely. We have the feeling of spaciousness yet coziness. We had snow last night and we were cozy and snug in our new home.
We've looked at oodles of 5ers of different brands since purchasing ours and yes, we would get it again.
If it were in our budget, I would get a dually truck and satellite TV; however, the rig tows solidly and we do not miss television.
Good luck in finding the rig that has the "it" factor for you!
Cheers!
mcw50 said
11:19 PM Feb 25, 2010
Yes, we'd buy our rig again. We've lived in ours full-time almost 7 years, still love it, have no plans to buy a new one, and have had no major problems. We got only 2 slides then because we didn't want to crawl under them to get at the storage. The new models have doors that swing out rather than up so we might go with 4 slides now.
travelinbob said
08:01 AM Feb 26, 2010
When we started fulltiming we had a 02 fifth wheel and we should have kept that one instead of buying a new one. We fulltimed for 3 years and purchased the new one after the first year. Now that we bought a home we no longer need such a rig and will loose maybe $30,000 when we sell it. When you buy a new one be prepared to loose at least $10,000 a year. Most people will eventually stop fulltiming at some point in their life. Notice I said most people, not all people.
To answer the question, no I would not buy it again, not that we don't love the RV, it's just who wants to loose that kind of money.
Bob
Sunriser said
08:17 AM Feb 26, 2010
igotjam, did you hear what Racerguy suggested? My first response to your entry was "what brand do I want to avoid?" Please let us know.
pierreandcolleen said
07:53 AM Feb 27, 2010
I think we would buy ours again. It is a good compromise between space (30 ft so we can fit into many state park sites) as well as storage. We actually have more storage in the kitchen than we do in the condo we are currently renting. Although I do wish there was more counter space (had to put a cutting board over the sink to extend counter space).
I think if we were to extend our trip much longer than the 15-months that we full timed then I would probably want more space.
Hogladyrider said
08:09 AM Feb 27, 2010
Yes we would purchase our 5th wheel again in a heartbeat, it has everything we had on our "wish" list.
We are not full time yet but we know our 5th wheel will hold up to full timing.
We travel with two above average dogs and with two above average adults and we are more than comfy.
We have dual pane windows, fireplace, which I wouldn't be without! We have washer and dryer hook up but we currently use the space as a closet. Tons of storage in our unit and central vac with storage in the stair up to the bedroom, with a pocket door to close off the bedroom.
We searched and searched and looked and looked and we are very pleased with our purchase coming on owning our rig for one year now next month!
As stated earlier, do your homework and look at lots of RV's, you can find what you are looking for, at a price you can afford!
Susan
Onawave said
04:03 PM Mar 3, 2010
We bought ours 4 years ago, and in a flash I would buy it again. We have a GMC 3500 dually 4x4 and I strap on a 37 ft Carriage Carri Lite 5th wheel, triple slide.... that's the dog I'm walking.
MrPiper said
04:40 PM Mar 3, 2010
We would ABSOLUTELY buy our same RV agian. It is our second one, and after 155 nights in our first one over 5 years, we had a good idea of what we wanted. Our 31DS Ever-Lite by Evergreen RV is perfect for our family.
gypsy97 said
11:01 AM Mar 14, 2010
A little over a year ago I bought a 34' 5th wheel and I have regretted it very soon after I began fulltiming. I am a female, traveling alone, and I just hate having to do every single bit of hitching/unhitching, outside jobs and inside jobs, maintenance (which I don't know much about to begin with). It would probably be fine for a couple, but I would never advise a lone female to get a 5th wheel. There may be some out there who have absolutely no problems with it, but I would be much happier in a small Class C, a large B+, or a truck camper. Keep in mind that one person can exist with less space because there isn't anyone to have to share it with. I think what kept me from even considering Class C's was the fact that I didn't want to have to tow a car.
I wanted to downsize when I sold my house and was constantly told to buy the biggest unit I could afford as I would need the space when fulltiming. That isn't necessarily true for everyone, and I should have listened to my gut feelings and gone smaller. Now, in these economic times, I could maybe find a good deal on what I should have bought in the first place, but I would lose a lot on what I have now.
My advice is for potential single travelers, especially women, and that is: don't necessarily go by the advice you get from most folks if your situation is much different than theirs. Think long and hard about what you want and are physically capable of handling and emotionally capable of dealing with. You may end up with a big 5th wheel or Class A motorhome and be completely happy with it.
After all those words, my answer to the original question is "NO", I would not buy the same RV again.
sbqwester said
11:09 AM Mar 14, 2010
We'd certainly buy our 2009 38ft Montana again. We've been full timing for 6 months now. If I were to think of the items that were considered extravagant but later I now consider a necessity, it's the fireplace. That appliance really keeps the entire cabin warm during the winter and saves a bundle on LP costs. One light bulb generates a substantial amount of BTU's during the winter. We keep it on virtually 20 hours a day. We have a 42' TV that will raise and lower during the off times. Really a nice convenience. Four slide out's makes for ample room for two persons. Washer/Dryer is a nice combination and keeps up on the towels. I can't really think of changing anything. What's interesting to me full timing is that I'm constantly finding more room in the rig because we are tossing everything we'd thought we use FT and never do. More room as we slim down to just bare essentials. The minimalist lifestyle after decades of consumption. Quite the change. Also this model Montana has a fully enclosed bathroom with a shower in it. No shower in the bedroom seperated from the bathroom. I really like that floorplan.
-- Edited by sbqwester on Sunday 14th of March 2010 12:04:07 PM
Bill and Linda said
02:05 PM Mar 14, 2010
Yes, we are very happy with our Escalade and would buy it again. We have made additions, including Big Foot levelers, MOR-ryde Independent Suspension, HD Satellite and 2kW inverter to name the big ones. Now, with the modifications and 96” width of our unit (we prefer 96” over 102”) we don’t know how to replace it.That is, we couldn’t find another one “just like this one.”I guess that’s a good thing and expresses the fact that many times it is almost impossible to get “the perfect rig.”But you can make it “yours” if get the right floor plan and type: 5th wheel, Class-A, etc.That’s some of the fun for many people. Making it "your home" or "second home."
I think what you find here is the great divergence of rigs that are loved (for the most part) by their owners.It sure follows the axiom “do what works for you.”If it doesn’t work for you, hopefully you can get rid of it and get what does.
Safe travels
Bill
Colorado_Kid said
12:01 PM Sep 8, 2010
I know this is an old thread but when this thread started I had just bought my RV and could not add anything to this thread. Now that I have had it a couple of months I can give my opinion.
I am happy with my RV even though it is a little older than I would have liked. Everything works fine however there is one thing I would have changed and that is to have an RV with a generator. I wish I would have tried to work out a deal where they would have installed a generator but I didn't even think of that at the time. Live and learn.
Denise said
10:21 AM Sep 9, 2010
We are not fulltimers yet, but will be next summer. We have owned a motorhome (Holiday Rambler-Admiral’32 with two slides), which we lived in for 3 months while the sticks & bricks was completely remodeled. We liked having the backup camera, leveling system at the touch of a button and not having to leave the vehicle when needed to visit the restroom. We don’t miss disconnecting the toad to backup, cramped living space, limited Interior storage or the narrow layout of the furniture. We don’t plan on purchasing another motorhome.
We would however purchase our fifth wheel (Holiday Rambler-Alumascape ’33 with three slides) again. We love having all the furniture placement options, large windows, double closets, kitchen with plenty of storage, built-in desk, large bathroom, lots of storage inside and out and being able to back it up when needed.
Remember, It is a matter of preference. It's what makes you comfortable. When looking at RV’s take your time and imagine yourself living in each room. Sit on the furniture, stand at the sink & stove, look in the storage areas, stand in the shower and lay on the bed. At each place forget about all the bells and whistles and imagine yourself using each area and find the RV that suits you best. We looked at lot of RV’s before we found the one we wanted and we love it.
Dreamers said
10:37 AM Sep 9, 2010
I love mine. We just bought it in May but have been living in it since June 10th (3 months). It is a 2009 Montana 3605 5er with 4 slides, built in generator, all electric set-up - landing jacks, stabilizer & awning - and the fireplace has a remote. It is very open which is what we wanted. And we got it at a very good price at only 2 years old. The stove had never been used.
However, there is one thing I do dislike about it and might look at diffrent other Montana's if I had to do over. All the overhead storage cabinets are too high for me to reach. I have to keep a step stool in the middle of the floor to accomodate me.
So that is one thing to consider when you go to buy.
Judy
Remi said
10:55 AM Sep 9, 2010
Happytrails wrote:
We have also owned two Endeavors and they are also great coaches. We loved the Roadmaster chassis but our Spartan chassis is awesome also. We didn't buy another Endeavor only because we weren't sure at that time what was going to happen to the company.
I was very glad to see this post since I just bought an 01 Endevour.
Waggin Tails said
06:14 AM Sep 11, 2010
Fred, you said you would leave out the generator? Just curious as to why? Do you not use it as you thought you would?
Racerguy said
08:57 AM Sep 11, 2010
I'll let Fred answer for his self but we are in our 5th month now and have not needed the generator once.Would rather have the room it takes up.A lot depends on the type of camping you do.We tend to stay at full hookup parks.That being said we have plans on staying at 2 state parks in the next 3 weeks and both have water and electric.
Ckerr said
09:28 AM Sep 11, 2010
We would buy our Fuzion again even though we're looking at making a change. It was the right rv at the time we purchased it. Now some things have changed, so we're looking at making a change.
With regard to the generator, there are definite pros and cons. We tend to stay at full hook up parks so don't use it in that way. From that standpoint it sure would be great to have the extra storage.
However, we DO use the generator frequently for on the road stops. Occasional stays overnight in a Flying J parking lot but the best thing for us is since we travel with a dog, the generator lets us turn on the ac in the trailer and put the dog there while we stop to play golf along the way or eat lunch.
I don't think I'd go without it, but it's definitely a space hog.
Bill and Linda said
09:56 AM Sep 11, 2010
To generator or not to generator, ah, the age old question.Well, as always, it depends.
We have a factory 5,500 watt Onan generator – LP Gas in our 5’er.“We” wouldn’t be without it.Some think otherwise so here’s our take.Remember, even with generator prep (i.e. the unit is electrically prepared to accept a generator with an auto power change over switch,) it is still a bit of an issue to put one in later.
We use it a lot.Not a lot of time – but a lot of “times.”Come lunch, or a late breakfast, we stop, fire up the genny and run the microwave and many times the air conditioning to cool the rig down.It can get hot in a hurry and fans don’t cut it in higher humidity IMO.An absolute necessity, no, but a lot of the stuff we RVers do isn’t a “necessity,” it’s just nice.
We have been where it is so hot and humid that when only 30 amps was available I had to fire it up to run both the AC units when DW was cooking.Yea, I know, many don’t go there where it is hot.But you will sometime, if you travel, and you will be glad you have that generator if only for an hour.(It was 95 in Indiana this past spring when were there traveling to Michigan.)
We’ve been where there was “bad” power and the generator was very helpful in making us comfortable when others were blowing breakers and scratching their heads.We had this in Alaska a few weeks back and I was able to help a full-timer out who had a 120 volt only freezer that was nearing 33 degrees.Just dropped him an extension cord and saved a lot of food not to mention we were comfortable in the extremes of temperature that happen up there.
If you have a 5er I strongly suggest an LP generator. Reasons: Just 1 kind of fuel in the 5’er (LP); and with an LP fueled generator you won’t ever have to worry about stale fuel in the generator going bad and messing up the fuel system as you would have with gas.(The guy with the gas generator who pulled it out in Alaska could get it going - stale fuel in the genny.)
This is all personal preference.I wouldn’t be without one.Others say they never use them.I think it depends on whether you travel or sit most of the time.We travel, so we “need” a generator.
Specific to topic: we would purchase our Escalade again and add the MOR-ryde IS and the “Big Foot” levers.No regrets – still love the rig after 4 years and 38,000 logged miles in it.
Our 2 cents
Safe travels
Bill
Luvglass said
10:40 AM Sep 11, 2010
Racerguy hit it right on the head. We paid $5000 for the generator and have only used it a few times in our almost 5 years on the road. It turns out that we prefer the conveniences and satellite friendly landscape of commercial campgrounds. For the few times we do go into the woods, a $1000 Honda generator would have sufficed.
It all depends on how you want to live. We were "city people" all our lives, and it turns out that we are no different on the road. Being in the boondocks sounds nice, but in reality we tend to choose the comforts of an urban life.
NorCal Dan said
11:06 AM Sep 11, 2010
We love our coach...but...I don't know if we would buy a new Monaco product. It's a different company now.
Postalpair said
07:01 PM Sep 11, 2010
YES !!!! We would absolutely buy our rig again. We have made our Sunnybrook 40ft 5th wheel our home......been fulltiming now for 5 years. We LOVE our lifestyle and our rig. It is a matter of choice.....EVERYONE is different and has different taste. That's what makes the whole big beautiful world go round.....and if we all had the same taste, think how boring life would be !!
rbmaxey said
07:58 PM Sep 11, 2010
Yes, we would buy our rig again. We love our new 2010 HitchHiker Champagne Edition 38 LKTG. We love the Big Foot leveling system. This our third HitchHiker. We have had it a little over a month and love the way it pulls with the triple axle and it stops better than our previous tandem axle 35 1'2 footer. The extra axle with its brakes helps. The workmanship is top notch. We are looking at getting a truck with larger GVWR even though it pulls better than our last unit and we are getting as good or better fuel mileage.
jb said
06:16 PM Sep 12, 2010
We are not full time yet but I would have to say yes. We love our Suncruiser. It has the perfect floorplan for us.
earthmommy said
01:07 PM Sep 13, 2010
This was a terrific, info rich thread! On the generator issue, I'm with Fred. We're used to our amenities and I don't see that changing on the road. I'm sure we'll camp at full hookup parks a lot but I want to be able to run whatever we need wherever we stop.
-- Edited by earthmommy on Monday 13th of September 2010 01:09:06 PM
Yes we would buy ours again. It fits us and it fits the life we're now enjoying.
That said would that change in 7 years? Maybe because the magic 8 ball says "Future is unclear"
Mallo
I know it is not for everyone, because it is a toy hauler...but it fits our life-style.
Sure I would like one with the whole back as the living room...someday when we are older...maybe. But we need the place for the bikes.
Although this was our true maiden voyage in our Montana 5er and we have not started full-timing yet, we both fell completely in love with it this weekend. The rear galley is great and we like the fact that the two living area slides open it up nicely. We have the feeling of spaciousness yet coziness. We had snow last night and we were cozy and snug in our new home.
We've looked at oodles of 5ers of different brands since purchasing ours and yes, we would get it again.
If it were in our budget, I would get a dually truck and satellite TV; however, the rig tows solidly and we do not miss television.
Good luck in finding the rig that has the "it" factor for you!
Cheers!
I think if we were to extend our trip much longer than the 15-months that we full timed then I would probably want more space.
We are not full time yet but we know our 5th wheel will hold up to full timing.
We travel with two above average dogs and with two above average adults and we are more than comfy.
We have dual pane windows, fireplace, which I wouldn't be without! We have washer and dryer hook up but we currently use the space as a closet. Tons of storage in our unit and central vac with storage in the stair up to the bedroom, with a pocket door to close off the bedroom.
We searched and searched and looked and looked and we are very pleased with our purchase coming on owning our rig for one year now next month!
As stated earlier, do your homework and look at lots of RV's, you can find what you are looking for, at a price you can afford!
Susan
-- Edited by sbqwester on Sunday 14th of March 2010 12:04:07 PM
Yes, we are very happy with our Escalade and would buy it again. We have made additions, including Big Foot levelers, MOR-ryde Independent Suspension, HD Satellite and 2kW inverter to name the big ones. Now, with the modifications and 96” width of our unit (we prefer 96” over 102”) we don’t know how to replace it. That is, we couldn’t find another one “just like this one.” I guess that’s a good thing and expresses the fact that many times it is almost impossible to get “the perfect rig.” But you can make it “yours” if get the right floor plan and type: 5th wheel, Class-A, etc. That’s some of the fun for many people. Making it "your home" or "second home."
I think what you find here is the great divergence of rigs that are loved (for the most part) by their owners. It sure follows the axiom “do what works for you.” If it doesn’t work for you, hopefully you can get rid of it and get what does.
Safe travels
Bill
I am happy with my RV even though it is a little older than I would have liked. Everything works fine however there is one thing I would have changed and that is to have an RV with a generator. I wish I would have tried to work out a deal where they would have installed a generator but I didn't even think of that at the time. Live and learn.
We are not fulltimers yet, but will be next summer. We have owned a motorhome (Holiday Rambler-Admiral’32 with two slides), which we lived in for 3 months while the sticks & bricks was completely remodeled. We liked having the backup camera, leveling system at the touch of a button and not having to leave the vehicle when needed to visit the restroom. We don’t miss disconnecting the toad to backup, cramped living space, limited Interior storage or the narrow layout of the furniture. We don’t plan on purchasing another motorhome.
We would however purchase our fifth wheel (Holiday Rambler-Alumascape ’33 with three slides) again. We love having all the furniture placement options, large windows, double closets, kitchen with plenty of storage, built-in desk, large bathroom, lots of storage inside and out and being able to back it up when needed.
Remember, It is a matter of preference. It's what makes you comfortable. When looking at RV’s take your time and imagine yourself living in each room. Sit on the furniture, stand at the sink & stove, look in the storage areas, stand in the shower and lay on the bed. At each place forget about all the bells and whistles and imagine yourself using each area and find the RV that suits you best. We looked at lot of RV’s before we found the one we wanted and we love it.
I was very glad to see this post since I just bought an 01 Endevour.
To generator or not to generator, ah, the age old question. Well, as always, it depends.
We have a factory 5,500 watt Onan generator – LP Gas in our 5’er. “We” wouldn’t be without it. Some think otherwise so here’s our take. Remember, even with generator prep (i.e. the unit is electrically prepared to accept a generator with an auto power change over switch,) it is still a bit of an issue to put one in later.
We use it a lot. Not a lot of time – but a lot of “times.” Come lunch, or a late breakfast, we stop, fire up the genny and run the microwave and many times the air conditioning to cool the rig down. It can get hot in a hurry and fans don’t cut it in higher humidity IMO. An absolute necessity, no, but a lot of the stuff we RVers do isn’t a “necessity,” it’s just nice.
We have been where it is so hot and humid that when only 30 amps was available I had to fire it up to run both the AC units when DW was cooking. Yea, I know, many don’t go there where it is hot. But you will sometime, if you travel, and you will be glad you have that generator if only for an hour. (It was 95 in Indiana this past spring when were there traveling to Michigan.)
We’ve been where there was “bad” power and the generator was very helpful in making us comfortable when others were blowing breakers and scratching their heads. We had this in Alaska a few weeks back and I was able to help a full-timer out who had a 120 volt only freezer that was nearing 33 degrees. Just dropped him an extension cord and saved a lot of food not to mention we were comfortable in the extremes of temperature that happen up there.
If you have a 5er I strongly suggest an LP generator. Reasons: Just 1 kind of fuel in the 5’er (LP); and with an LP fueled generator you won’t ever have to worry about stale fuel in the generator going bad and messing up the fuel system as you would have with gas. (The guy with the gas generator who pulled it out in Alaska could get it going - stale fuel in the genny.)
This is all personal preference. I wouldn’t be without one. Others say they never use them. I think it depends on whether you travel or sit most of the time. We travel, so we “need” a generator.
Specific to topic: we would purchase our Escalade again and add the MOR-ryde IS and the “Big Foot” levers. No regrets – still love the rig after 4 years and 38,000 logged miles in it.
Our 2 cents
Safe travels
Bill
YES !!!! We would absolutely buy our rig again. We have made our Sunnybrook 40ft 5th wheel our home......been fulltiming now for 5 years. We LOVE our lifestyle and our rig.
It is a matter of choice.....EVERYONE is different and has different taste. That's what makes the whole big beautiful world go round.....and if we all had the same taste, think how boring life would be !!
-- Edited by earthmommy on Monday 13th of September 2010 01:09:06 PM