New member - Looking for MH advice and suggestions
Powerstroke2000 said
12:56 PM Nov 21, 2016
My wife and I are newly retired, and we're thinking of enjoying the RV lifestyle, possibly starting with a month away perhaps, and moving up as time allows. Like most newcomers, I often have lots of questions, thus feel this and other forums will be very helpful. I started doing my research on a diesel pusher motorhome about a year ago, and with winter now coming on I'm finding myself working a little harder at it. To date, we have Tiffin & Newmar on the short list. My wife thinks the 37' model would work best for us, and I'm open to a longer coach as well, and her fears are more where you may be on the road later in the afternoon and finding a 'site' may be harder with a longer MH? I heard the 37' being shorter is a little easier in traffic circles and cul-de-sac's in residential areas (we actually live on one) to turn the rig around to head in the opposite direction....there again, with a towed behind, neither would be appreciated if you had to back up while turning a circle!
We have a long list of wants, as I'm sure most folks would, as I have a concern about engine power, as I'm not keen on holding up traffic on long steep grades in the mountains. That puts me (with Tiffin) in a Allegro Bus, to get a higher hp engine, plus often that gives you a 2 stage e-brake as well, which I would prefer...safety wise. I've driven big rigs, and have used these numerous times obviously, and once you get all that weight moving...getting it stopped on steep mountain passes is important...or it is to me!
One thing we notice is how (on used units) televisions have moved locations over the years! Having a tv where either both can watch it, or where one person can watch one program, and the other can watch something else on a different tv will be important, for those days where you may get rain off and on for several days in a row. Having the overhead (cab) tv is ok, but also having one down by the kitchen/eating area (for us) is essential, as well as the bedroom tv. So, when looking at used RV's there are only so many floor plans that allow this, so it narrows the floor plans somewhat. We like the table/chairs over the dinette as well, so as you can see, all these 'locations' narrow one's search.
My wife thinks (her opinion) that kitchens...should be on the drivers side, where you can sit at the table and eat while watching (assuming you're with others) friends outside doing their thing, or out under the awning enjoying a drink. Me, I could care less! She thinks she'd like an actual oven, but are the convection microwaves as good as a regular oven? Perhaps there are other considerations within the kitchen that someone could advise us on as well? I prefer the power blinds on the windows (day/night) but often that has been an added option previous owners have added on used units!
I heard some horror stories on the Cat diesel engine recently, so I believe I'd prefer a Cummins, although I'm sure they've had issues as well in the past.
Always enjoy hearing advice/suggestions on the many aspects of MH ownership, and the likes/dislikes of floor plans etc. so anything you could suggest would be considered.
Thanks!
Barbaraok said
02:10 PM Nov 21, 2016
If it were us, right now, we'd go a couple of yrs older and look at a used Foretravel. High end, so older models have bells & whistles of newer rigs. After 10 yrs on the road, knowing how we travel/stay, our list of musts would include AGM house batteries, residential refrigerator, stackable w/d if space available and 40 ft. 37' is what we are, and it is fine, but 40 would have been really nice. We have an oven I use for storage. Love microwave/convection oven and use it all the time. Would rather have storage than the small propane oven.
Barb
Powerstroke2000 said
02:17 PM Nov 21, 2016
Thanks Barb...much appreciated. Is Foretravel still in business? It's one brand I've not come across much, other than hearing the name within forums, but one I'll take a look at now that you mentioned it! I know with the Allegro Bus (Tiffin) there are many options on it the lesser models don't have as well, but I'll research things and check that out on the Foretravel.
I'll pass the info on with regard to the oven as well, as our current rig...(Arctic Fox) we do the same thing with the oven...use it for frying pans/pots etc. but we just have the standard microwave, not the convection part, so it's good to know it can be used as a regular oven basically.
So you figure 40' might be better than the shorter model...is that just to broaden the length of the kitchen, or bathroom space perhaps?
Thanks again.
Dale
bjoyce said
12:17 PM Nov 22, 2016
I agree with Barb, that an older Foretravel would be a good choice for a fulltimer. Very well made, no DEF tank, side radiator, transmission retarder instead of engine brake. But, they might not work for everyone and new ones are very expensive.
I also find that those who are indecisive often end up changing RVs after a while, since the indecision is often telling them they need real experience to make a good decision. Not everyone can figure out what really works for them without fulltiming a while. That is reality. People I know who have realized this bought something cheaper as a starter RV, like a 35' gas motorhome. That is how we started, since we intended to just be parttimers. Having a cheaper motorhome taught us so much and helped us chose our current motorhome a couple years later.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Tuesday 22nd of November 2016 12:18:03 PM
el Rojo and Pam said
03:34 PM Nov 22, 2016
There's really no driving difference between 37' to 40' or even 42'. If you want short you'll need to look around 32'. Many full timers use the 2-2-2- plan, 200 hundred miles a day, stop by two o'clock and stay 2 days. You'll get your pick of sites then. I'll second or third the Foretravel. As far as floor plan goes Bill is right...it usually takes two rigs to get it right.
Barbaraok said
05:25 PM Nov 22, 2016
The 3 feet difference that I see is usually in the kitchen/livingroom area and it is really just more ease of movement through out the coach.
Yes, Foretravel is still in business and Motorhomes of Texas probably sells more used ones than any other dealer in the country and is just a short way from the factory in Nacogdoches, Tx.
Gambler said
03:27 PM Nov 23, 2016
Dale I found the American coaches are also a good place to look for the things you mentioned. We have a bath and half and that comes in mighty handy as well. The full body slide sure make it easy to
get around.
Rich
Gpndavid said
08:12 PM Nov 30, 2016
We chose an Allegro Bus 40QSP (2007) and ditched the DS couch. In its place, we took along two recliners. We can move them around for best TV viewing. We easily upgraded all the TVs.
Parks with length limits either have a 35 foot limit or 40 foot limit. I doubt having a 37 is going to get you into somewhere that you could not take a 40. After 18 months, full time, we find 40 just right. However, a good floor plan for you is what matters and if that is in a shorter unit, go for it.
I was concerned about only having a convection/microwave combo and no real oven. Once we learned how to use the convection, we can bake just as well as a regular oven. What we can't do is broil. So, we are nacho limited. A electric toaster oven handles this task and other toasty things.
Love the Cummins and dual engine brake.
We attended Howard and Linda's 2016 Boondock Rally. We learned a great deal about how all the systems really work as we stressed them for maximum efficiency. Recommend you read our blog and others who have extended boondock experiences. Not that you are planning to boondock, but it may help you understand the various systems better before you purchase.
Powerstroke2000 said
02:45 PM Dec 1, 2016
Thanks to date for the replies, as this is quite the learning experience! A quick story...I went to meet an old friend for lunch the other day, he drove up and I drove down (met roughly in the middle of Washington state) being about a 2 hour drive each. After lunch we headed in our separate directions, and I stopped a large RV Sales lot to check out anything in a 'used' state. They had a used Newmar Essex of which we slowly made our way towards, even though it was a 42' as I was looking for a 40' or less. This unit happened to be a 2005, although looking at it from the outside...the outer walls where shiny, tires looked to be ok, but the telling tale (to me) was the headlights (actual cover over the headlights) where all faded...so much you couldn't see the actual bulb! At any rate, we pushed further along, and it had beautiful while tile, from when you step in...all the way to the back, but I could tell by the smell that it was a dated unit. Then I look a little further, and there is a small bookshelf behind the passenger seat, and the top was knocked off...laying on the couch, and I could see a stain down low (looked like a water stain of some kind) by the kitchen area. I knew instantly there wasn't a chance I'd want anything similar to this one...so onward with my looking! Should I assume RV lots might be a dumping ground for RV's that wouldn't sell otherwise, or is it a crap shoot at finding one to 'fit the bill' by using RV lots as well?
I'm assuming buying from a private seller might be a better way to go? Often, there is a flood of motorhomes (online) and after a while I keep seeing the same one's over and over, and I wonder why they haven't gone, as pricing seems fair? I then wonder if I should just take it easy, and look...perhaps once a month, then getting unit's I hadn't seen before? Thankfully we're not in a hurry like so many others in this realm!
How did your research point you in the direction to find your unit? We do like the QSP floor plan we're finding, one in which there is a tv towards the kitchen as well as over the cab area (cab area doesn't have to be there, but it wouldn't alter our purchasing) and Euro chairs over a couch, but again, if everything else stacked up, it wouldn't be a deal breaker. I see some sales via private sales can add the towed hookup which would be a plus...as would be solar panels, although the latter tends to be few. I was told by one sales person that some solar panels are not the best of quality, and some folks fear for a lack of quality 'sealing' around where the panels are attached? I'm sure many of you have heard all kinds of stories..good and bad, and I continue on my search for a unit fitting my needs and close to our budget.
Gpndavid said
08:35 PM Dec 1, 2016
We bought our 2007 Allegro Bus from Jeff Woodard at Woodard RV. He buys Tiffins from individuals, fixes them up and resells them. They advertise on RVT.com with listings in Madison, AL. Jeff specializes in the Phaeton and Bus. He takes each to the factory at Red Bay and makes sure all recalls are done, has popular upgrades installed and guarantees everything works. I met with him twice in Huntsville and each of his coaches was low mileage and in top condition. I know he is a long way from you, but it you want a used Tiffin it takes a lot of the guess work out of it. Also, if you buy a used Tiffin, at some point you are going to make the pilgrimage to Red Bay, Alabama anyway.
Word to the wise...check the date codes on the tires. No matter what they look like, if they are over 7 years old, make the seller pop for a new set or budget $3-4K to buy a set.
Powerstroke2000 said
08:48 PM Dec 1, 2016
Thanks so much, I'll watch for Woodward RV now! I heard that before, on checking tire date codes (still have yet to know exactly what those numbers mean) but will get that done. Appreciate the info!!
RonC said
06:07 PM Dec 2, 2016
Interesting ... Gpndavid mentioned no ability to broil. I'm not the cook but I'm pretty sure that most of the propane ovens in most 5th wheels also lack a broiler. I'm thinking that limitation is pretty common in the RV world. I may just be revealing my lack of knowledge regarding kitchen appliances, except the microwave ... I got that baby down pat!
bjoyce said
07:34 PM Dec 2, 2016
One of the many reasons we use a Breville Smart Oven is it will broil. Since we bought it the convection part of our microwave/convection has not been used. We do not have or want a propane oven, we like the drawers for storage more.
BigD629 said
08:13 AM Dec 3, 2016
You might want to check Motorhomes of Texas out, My son bought his Foretravel there, and they usually have a good inventory of quality preowned motorhomes.
LarryW21 said
07:46 PM Dec 29, 2016
"I'm not keen on holding up traffic on long steep grades in the mountains."
Go a safe speed, use turnouts and DON'T WORRY about those behind you like me....I'm not worrying.
My wife and I are newly retired, and we're thinking of enjoying the RV lifestyle, possibly starting with a month away perhaps, and moving up as time allows. Like most newcomers, I often have lots of questions, thus feel this and other forums will be very helpful. I started doing my research on a diesel pusher motorhome about a year ago, and with winter now coming on I'm finding myself working a little harder at it. To date, we have Tiffin & Newmar on the short list. My wife thinks the 37' model would work best for us, and I'm open to a longer coach as well, and her fears are more where you may be on the road later in the afternoon and finding a 'site' may be harder with a longer MH? I heard the 37' being shorter is a little easier in traffic circles and cul-de-sac's in residential areas (we actually live on one) to turn the rig around to head in the opposite direction....there again, with a towed behind, neither would be appreciated if you had to back up while turning a circle!
We have a long list of wants, as I'm sure most folks would, as I have a concern about engine power, as I'm not keen on holding up traffic on long steep grades in the mountains. That puts me (with Tiffin) in a Allegro Bus, to get a higher hp engine, plus often that gives you a 2 stage e-brake as well, which I would prefer...safety wise. I've driven big rigs, and have used these numerous times obviously, and once you get all that weight moving...getting it stopped on steep mountain passes is important...or it is to me!
One thing we notice is how (on used units) televisions have moved locations over the years! Having a tv where either both can watch it, or where one person can watch one program, and the other can watch something else on a different tv will be important, for those days where you may get rain off and on for several days in a row. Having the overhead (cab) tv is ok, but also having one down by the kitchen/eating area (for us) is essential, as well as the bedroom tv. So, when looking at used RV's there are only so many floor plans that allow this, so it narrows the floor plans somewhat. We like the table/chairs over the dinette as well, so as you can see, all these 'locations' narrow one's search.
My wife thinks (her opinion) that kitchens...should be on the drivers side, where you can sit at the table and eat while watching (assuming you're with others) friends outside doing their thing, or out under the awning enjoying a drink. Me, I could care less! She thinks she'd like an actual oven, but are the convection microwaves as good as a regular oven? Perhaps there are other considerations within the kitchen that someone could advise us on as well? I prefer the power blinds on the windows (day/night) but often that has been an added option previous owners have added on used units!
I heard some horror stories on the Cat diesel engine recently, so I believe I'd prefer a Cummins, although I'm sure they've had issues as well in the past.
Always enjoy hearing advice/suggestions on the many aspects of MH ownership, and the likes/dislikes of floor plans etc. so anything you could suggest would be considered.
Thanks!
Barb
I'll pass the info on with regard to the oven as well, as our current rig...(Arctic Fox) we do the same thing with the oven...use it for frying pans/pots etc. but we just have the standard microwave, not the convection part, so it's good to know it can be used as a regular oven basically.
So you figure 40' might be better than the shorter model...is that just to broaden the length of the kitchen, or bathroom space perhaps?
Thanks again.
Dale
I agree with Barb, that an older Foretravel would be a good choice for a fulltimer. Very well made, no DEF tank, side radiator, transmission retarder instead of engine brake. But, they might not work for everyone and new ones are very expensive.
I also find that those who are indecisive often end up changing RVs after a while, since the indecision is often telling them they need real experience to make a good decision. Not everyone can figure out what really works for them without fulltiming a while. That is reality. People I know who have realized this bought something cheaper as a starter RV, like a 35' gas motorhome. That is how we started, since we intended to just be parttimers. Having a cheaper motorhome taught us so much and helped us chose our current motorhome a couple years later.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Tuesday 22nd of November 2016 12:18:03 PM
The 3 feet difference that I see is usually in the kitchen/livingroom area and it is really just more ease of movement through out the coach.
Yes, Foretravel is still in business and Motorhomes of Texas probably sells more used ones than any other dealer in the country and is just a short way from the factory in Nacogdoches, Tx.
get around.
Rich
Parks with length limits either have a 35 foot limit or 40 foot limit. I doubt having a 37 is going to get you into somewhere that you could not take a 40. After 18 months, full time, we find 40 just right. However, a good floor plan for you is what matters and if that is in a shorter unit, go for it.
I was concerned about only having a convection/microwave combo and no real oven. Once we learned how to use the convection, we can bake just as well as a regular oven. What we can't do is broil. So, we are nacho limited. A electric toaster oven handles this task and other toasty things.
Love the Cummins and dual engine brake.
We attended Howard and Linda's 2016 Boondock Rally. We learned a great deal about how all the systems really work as we stressed them for maximum efficiency. Recommend you read our blog and others who have extended boondock experiences. Not that you are planning to boondock, but it may help you understand the various systems better before you purchase.
I'm assuming buying from a private seller might be a better way to go? Often, there is a flood of motorhomes (online) and after a while I keep seeing the same one's over and over, and I wonder why they haven't gone, as pricing seems fair? I then wonder if I should just take it easy, and look...perhaps once a month, then getting unit's I hadn't seen before? Thankfully we're not in a hurry like so many others in this realm!
How did your research point you in the direction to find your unit? We do like the QSP floor plan we're finding, one in which there is a tv towards the kitchen as well as over the cab area (cab area doesn't have to be there, but it wouldn't alter our purchasing) and Euro chairs over a couch, but again, if everything else stacked up, it wouldn't be a deal breaker. I see some sales via private sales can add the towed hookup which would be a plus...as would be solar panels, although the latter tends to be few. I was told by one sales person that some solar panels are not the best of quality, and some folks fear for a lack of quality 'sealing' around where the panels are attached? I'm sure many of you have heard all kinds of stories..good and bad, and I continue on my search for a unit fitting my needs and close to our budget.
Word to the wise...check the date codes on the tires. No matter what they look like, if they are over 7 years old, make the seller pop for a new set or budget $3-4K to buy a set.
Go a safe speed, use turnouts and DON'T WORRY about those behind you like me....I'm not worrying.