Hi everyone! The wife and I have decided that full time or nearly full time RV living is the next step in our life. This isn't something that we're going to rush into and we're looking to start about 2 years from now. I've done a bit of research and have found this forum to be one of the best. What I haven't found is a lot of info in any forums on the type of motorhome that I think would suit us best. So here's my initial thoughts and I would love any input you guys have.
I'm really drawn to Renegade's line of motor homes, specifically the IKON or XL. I want to be able to pull a stacker trailer (2 cars) and want to have plenty of towing power. I also take comfort in that maintenance is more readily available as opposed to a DP. I feel that the level of quality and craftmenship will go a long way in reliability and durability.
Things to consider: it's just my wife and me (plus 2 cats), we're in our 40's and both work. I have the ability to travel to work when I need to and she can work remotely. In the long run I'm trying to decide if giving up the extra living space (as opposed to a DP) to have a rig that is better at towing is worth it.
Things i don't know: A lot! What are the challenges when traveling with a 25-30' trailer. Are there better options? You guys have all the experience, I'll let you fill me in on the multitude of things that haven't yet crossed my mind.
igotjam said
08:13 PM Jun 2, 2016
We have been fulltiming in a 5er. Have looked at and really liked the Renegade. I think it would be our choice if we fell into a bit of money. It would be a great choice but with a big trailer you would be limited in rv park choices. In a lot of then you'd have to unhook to park which gets old really fast. Take a look at your total length ( my guess 70+ft) and see what parks have for spaces. (parks overestimate the site lengths so I'd subtract 20' from what they say) Sounds like a great plan....good luck.............
Lucky Mike said
06:50 AM Jun 3, 2016
all tho there are a few that do it......campgrounds become an issue......pulling over becomes an issue.....even pulling into walmart becomes an issue.......travel off the interstates becomes an issue
CurveCarver said
04:11 PM Jun 3, 2016
When I originally set out to enhance my vagabond lifestyle the grand scheme I had in mind largely mirrored your current plan.
Fortunately after months of research, daydreaming, discussion, and reflection I came to the conclusion that I was creating a monster. As "Lucky Mike" points out nearly anywhere but the Interstates becomes an issue.
Even without the stacker many roads, national, and state parks, campgrounds, and places one might want to explore are simply not designed to accommodate such a large vehicle. Not only length but height of the rig is also a consideration. I have had to replace AC shrouds, satellite domes, and vent covers just because of slightly low branches. Then there are the predicaments I find myself in @ various parks, on scenery secondary, and back road shortcuts I've attempted and, had to back out for a 1/4 to 1/2 mile.
The flip side, as you touch upon is the ease of working on the truck itself. I do all the standard maintenance and having a front engine makes it much easier in my opinion. Another issue for many is noise. Friends who have DP talk about being on the road is similar to sitting in a quiet living rm able to carry on conversation without a problem. The engine noise, even in a well insulated cab is considerable and some may find it objectionable.
By the way, because I'm a motorcycle guy, I don't even tow a car, instead the motorcycle hangs off the back on a Hydralift. After 6 1/2 years on the road, boondocking more than 90% of the time there is little I would do differently. Two thoughts that do come to mind are not to exceed 13 ft high, and heat the floors. Without the benefit of a "basement" the floors get quite cold so I put cheap outdoor carpets down to help ameliorate that issue. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck in upcoming adventures.
Fest said
07:25 PM Jun 3, 2016
Thanks for all of the input so far! Since we currently invision ourselves as staying put a month maybe two at a time I imagine we will be staying in larger mobile home parks closer to larger cities (I still have to travel for work on a regular basis). I wish we could live a smaller footprint lifestyle and keep things smaller/simpler to be able to stay in the more remote locations with less stuff but we're not there yet.
I know that there are challenges with a set up like this, but there are people that do it. I'm curious how they handle these challenges. Do they like it or wish they had gone with a different set up? Also, are there members on here with a Renegade or Showhauler type rig?
RonC said
08:11 PM Jun 3, 2016
Curvecarver ... that is a seriously nice rig!
Fest said
10:53 PM Jun 3, 2016
CurveCarver wrote:
When I originally set out to enhance my vagabond lifestyle the grand scheme I had in mind largely mirrored your current plan. Fortunately after months of research, daydreaming, discussion, and reflection I came to the conclusion that I was creating a monster. As "Lucky Mike" points out nearly anywhere but the Interstates becomes an issue. Even without the stacker many roads, national, and state parks, campgrounds, and places one might want to explore are simply not designed to accommodate such a large vehicle. Not only length but height of the rig is also a consideration. I have had to replace AC shrouds, satellite domes, and vent covers just because of slightly low branches. Then there are the predicaments I find myself in @ various parks, on scenery secondary, and back road shortcuts I've attempted and, had to back out for a 1/4 to 1/2 mile. The flip side, as you touch upon is the ease of working on the truck itself. I do all the standard maintenance and having a front engine makes it much easier in my opinion. Another issue for many is noise. Friends who have DP talk about being on the road is similar to sitting in a quiet living rm able to carry on conversation without a problem. The engine noise, even in a well insulated cab is considerable and some may find it objectionable. By the way, because I'm a motorcycle guy, I don't even tow a car, instead the motorcycle hangs off the back on a Hydralift. After 6 1/2 years on the road, boondocking more than 90% of the time there is little I would do differently. Two thoughts that do come to mind are not to exceed 13 ft high, and heat the floors. Without the benefit of a "basement" the floors get quite cold so I put cheap outdoor carpets down to help ameliorate that issue. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck in upcoming adventures.
That is a killer rig! There are 2 of us and motorcycle only transport isn't in the cards for us. I also don't feel boondocking more than 10% of the time is in the cards either. I like all of those concepts but we are leaning more towards the ability to move around the country (somewhat close to cities) and using our personal vehicle to get to the more remote places to hike/bike/climb.
CurveCarver said
07:24 PM Jun 4, 2016
Thanks Ron, works great for me. Self contained and properly maintained it's a solid, reliable, comfortable home on the road that also climbs hills well. Have a great summer!
CurveCarver said
07:33 PM Jun 4, 2016
Thanks Fest! Just offering another perspective. IMHO it's important for us to each to work out what is best for our needs and enjoy the life we lead by the choices we make. Wish you good fortune in your endeavors.
Hi everyone! The wife and I have decided that full time or nearly full time RV living is the next step in our life. This isn't something that we're going to rush into and we're looking to start about 2 years from now. I've done a bit of research and have found this forum to be one of the best. What I haven't found is a lot of info in any forums on the type of motorhome that I think would suit us best. So here's my initial thoughts and I would love any input you guys have.
I'm really drawn to Renegade's line of motor homes, specifically the IKON or XL. I want to be able to pull a stacker trailer (2 cars) and want to have plenty of towing power. I also take comfort in that maintenance is more readily available as opposed to a DP. I feel that the level of quality and craftmenship will go a long way in reliability and durability.
Things to consider: it's just my wife and me (plus 2 cats), we're in our 40's and both work. I have the ability to travel to work when I need to and she can work remotely. In the long run I'm trying to decide if giving up the extra living space (as opposed to a DP) to have a rig that is better at towing is worth it.
Things i don't know: A lot! What are the challenges when traveling with a 25-30' trailer. Are there better options? You guys have all the experience, I'll let you fill me in on the multitude of things that haven't yet crossed my mind.
Fortunately after months of research, daydreaming, discussion, and reflection I came to the conclusion that I was creating a monster. As "Lucky Mike" points out nearly anywhere but the Interstates becomes an issue.
Even without the stacker many roads, national, and state parks, campgrounds, and places one might want to explore are simply not designed to accommodate such a large vehicle. Not only length but height of the rig is also a consideration. I have had to replace AC shrouds, satellite domes, and vent covers just because of slightly low branches. Then there are the predicaments I find myself in @ various parks, on scenery secondary, and back road shortcuts I've attempted and, had to back out for a 1/4 to 1/2 mile.
The flip side, as you touch upon is the ease of working on the truck itself. I do all the standard maintenance and having a front engine makes it much easier in my opinion. Another issue for many is noise. Friends who have DP talk about being on the road is similar to sitting in a quiet living rm able to carry on conversation without a problem. The engine noise, even in a well insulated cab is considerable and some may find it objectionable.
By the way, because I'm a motorcycle guy, I don't even tow a car, instead the motorcycle hangs off the back on a Hydralift. After 6 1/2 years on the road, boondocking more than 90% of the time there is little I would do differently. Two thoughts that do come to mind are not to exceed 13 ft high, and heat the floors. Without the benefit of a "basement" the floors get quite cold so I put cheap outdoor carpets down to help ameliorate that issue. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck in upcoming adventures.
That is a killer rig! There are 2 of us and motorcycle only transport isn't in the cards for us. I also don't feel boondocking more than 10% of the time is in the cards either. I like all of those concepts but we are leaning more towards the ability to move around the country (somewhat close to cities) and using our personal vehicle to get to the more remote places to hike/bike/climb.
Thanks Ron, works great for me. Self contained and properly maintained it's a solid, reliable, comfortable home on the road that also climbs hills well. Have a great summer!
Thanks Fest! Just offering another perspective. IMHO it's important for us to each to work out what is best for our needs and enjoy the life we lead by the choices we make. Wish you good fortune in your endeavors.