Although Jo Ann and I are still a few (<5) years away from retirement, we're trying to learn all we can about full-timing. To that end we bought our mpg as a "learning" rv. We both liked the Bighorns we saw, so we decided to go with an inexpensive Heartland product that our Mercury could tow. Obviously our little mpg will not be our full-timing rig.

With that preface, we're seriously considering a Class A motorhome, a 5th wheel, or a travel trailer. No matter what we get, there will be two parts - something to live in and something to drive around. I'm pretty comfortable driving most things, so that isn't going to be an issue for us. I played with some fuel use numbers, comparing a truck pulling a trailer vs a motorhome pulling a small car and came out virtually even.

So why did you buy the rv you bought? What should we seriously ask about, and what isn't worth worrying about? We talked to some workcampers this past summer, and each of the three had a different opinion, so I'm asking a larger group.

Thanks in advance for all the good advice we're about to receive.

I would say first thing is to determine your budget then get the best you can get that fits that budget.It doesn't make a lot of sense to spend so much on your RV that you can't even afford to go anywhere.We bought our Cedar Creek because for the money spent we got a well built trailer that had everything we wanted in a RV.Are there better built,yes but for our budget another $30,000 to $40,000 would have kept us off the road. If you have the budget I would look at DRV Suites,Carriage,New Horizons.Mid range I would look at Cedar Creek,Heartland,Montana etc. Get what you can live with and can afford and don't look back.

Like everyone has been saying budget, then that should tell you what catagory you will be in then it all about floor plan that fits. 
 
Flyone

Most manufaturers will have similiar floor plans in their models, so you might find the same floor plans in an inexpensive model of the manufacturer you like. Like everyone else has said budget is the biggest factor especially if you are paying as you go. But buy the best you can afford especially if you are going to live in it full time. We chose our fifth wheel based on floor plan and a lot based on the manufacturer. I would recommend going to as many RV shows as you can over the next few years because if you buy used these models may be what you will be buying from. Also, visit the factory we found this to be the deciding point for our decision. Good luck in your search, it is totally worth it.

We want to keep our FT RV for a long time, hopefully until we are ready to come off the road, or the kids take away the keys, whichever comes first. Therefore, we decided that a diesel MH was the best option. We are not FT yet, heading out late summer, but in the last seven years, we've averaged 10-12K miles on two motorhomes. We anticipate doing near to or slightly more than that mileage target as fulltimers. The diesel MH is built on a truck chassis so it should be good for several hundred thousand miles before needing major overhauls. We next looked at floorplan. We often travel with our kids and grandkids and the MH makes travel very easy. We decided early on that a fifth wheel trailer and truck would not be condusive for travel with all of them crammed into a truck. In the MH, the gkids can have room to spread out and we have, along with a DVD player, an in-motion satellite dome so they can watch their favorite kiddie TV shows. With our floorplan, a Winnebago Journey 39K, we can sleep up to 8 people as long as at least 2 are small children. We have two opposing couches in the living room that open up and each sleeps 2 adults, the dinette that folds down into a bed for the small ones and a full queen in the bedroom. When it is just the two of us, we each have a couch to stretch out on to watch TV or read. We have a good carrying capacity and are fully self contained to boondock when we want. We have owned 2 Winnebagos and appreciate that they have an extensive dealer network across the country, plus all their schematics for plumbing, electrical and parts catalogs for all models are on line and just a computer click away. With our 350 hp Cat diesel, we don't even feel our toad that we tow behind. All in all, we're happy with our Class A WB Jounrney. Best Regards!

Like the others budget was the biggest factor. Once you decide that, then try to get the most for your money. As for the Class A, C or Fifth wheel debate that is a tougher one. I agree get in as many different rigs and different types as you can. Floor plan is important but like Ken mentioned most of the manufacturers offer many options and you can usually find one that fits the bill. More important for the FT Rver is the quality of the product. Going out and finding reviews and getting on the owners forums out there will let you know some of the best and worst features of the brand. What we found by doing that is that all brands have issues but you want a company that stands behind its product. Also look for independent review sites that rate the type of rig you are interested in, that may help pare down your choices. Good luck with the search (I actually thought that part was a lot of fun) and I know you will find the rig just right for you.

Thanks for all the responses. I've gotten several things more to consider. It seems that the more questions I ask, the more I find I need to ask. Some days I think this might be like finding the mythical ideal pastor: A young man, in his mid 20's (to relate to the youth) with 30 years experience (so he knows what he's doing), and lots of gray hair (to relate to the older members).

Oh well, Springfield rv show is two weeks from tomorrow, and I'm sure that I'll find even more questions to ask.

Take your time and don't let any sales person talk you into anything.  We found the best people to ask questions at RV Shows are usually the factory reps.  Of course, some of them are even nothing more than sales people too. 

If you see something you like, spend some time in it and look things over real well.   I know this will sound funny, but even try stepping into the shower and sitting on the toilet.  My wife even stands at the kitchen sink and stove and envisions preparing a meal and then we both stand at the sink to see if we can do the dishes together.  You want to make sure that you fit the rig as well as it fits your budget and liking.  Good luck with your search, you will know what is right for you if you just take your time.