Hello

[WickedLady]

Welcome, Anna. I can't help you with your choice as I have a travel trailer. Hope you find just the "one" for you.

[Bethers]

Welcome, Anna!

There are pros and cons to both. I decided on gas because I didn't think the extra mileage would be offset by the higher cost of the diesel purchase and maintenance. However, today, the cost isn't as much more - so part of my reasons might not exist any more. And I like small, so some of those B+ in diesel could call my name next time, you never know.

Good luck finding what'll work best for you.

[IrishIroamed]

Hi Newbie!
I just joined also & sounds like we are both on the same path. I've been visiting all the dealers & looking at the models myself this summer and am confuzled (confused & puzzled) as well, but being an analyst by trade, I'm narrowing what I've seen down by doing side by side comparisons on footage, floor plan, amenities (i.e. heated basement, slide outs, etc) which helped me narrow it down to 3 out of 11 models.

Good luck on your decision. I can follow your lead

[Newbie2013]

Well, I think I'm bedaffled...bedazzled and baffled by all the choices out there.
After much consideration, I'm pretty sure that I have decided that when I get to Iowa,
If the Winnebago looks as good in person as it does in pics; and, if it drives to my satisfaction
I will probably go with the Winnebago Adventurer 38q.
It's got a very nice, open and homey floor plan that will accommodate guests when necessary.
It has a drivers side door as a standard feature which I really like. It's equipped with everything
I could ever want plus the interior colors are something I would decorate my house with.
I can see myself unwinding in it or relaxing outside under the shade, with my blender... watching tv
the and sunset at the same time.
I'm really liking it. The Winnebago Tour 42q Diesel is the same floor plan only more decadent. I don't
need 300,000 or more of decadence. I need to have a rig I can count on to get me from point A
to point B safely and efficiently and offer the comforts of home while I'm at my destinations.
Besides... I like Cummins motors in a tractor trailer but am well aware of the upkeep costs; I drove
a an 07 Volvo with Cummins motor and the costs and repair times were enough to try anyone's patience.
I think I'll save the money and put it toward a new Adventurer when and if I wear this one out...
It's a financial decision but a sound one. I can be frugal and self indulgent all at the same time with this choice;
if it's as nice in person... which I'm sure it will be.
I'm actually quite certain the Winnebago Adventurer 38q will be my new baby!
Now for a great name and the Christening party to send her off right; after all, can't set sail out on the open
roads without a proper name and party, it's bad luck!
Any suggestions?
Anna

[Bethers]

Sounds like you might have made your choice. And I certainly understand the frugal and not at the same time. I'm always looking at the bottom line - sometimes the extra decadence is something I'll pay for, but often it's not worth it to me - Hope this turns out to be the "one".

[Newbie2013]

I just posted pics of it and set them as my wallpaper... This is the "one" if it's as nice as the pics are.
I'm not looking at any more. If I get there and it doesn't meet expectations I'll go back to the drawing
board but I don't think I'll have to worry about that.
It's ready; sitting pretty on the lot in Iowa waiting for me to start her up and take her on what I hope
will be the first of many adventures, no pun intended.
I've decided on a name for her. When I was a small child I loved the Born Free series on tv. I am by nature
a free spirit; so I'm naming her "Elsa" after the lioness the series was written about.
I'm very excited now. I can't wait!

Anna

[Bethers]

And I, for one, am excited with you.

[Newbie2013]

I just contacted Lichtsinn Motors in Iowa! We are already discussing numbers...lol
This is so exciting!
They have onsite facilities and full hook-ups here that I can stay at in my new RV
while they go over all of the features with me and make sure I
know how to use all of its features.
Won't be long now... Elsa and I will be out taming the roads!
Hopefully they don't tame me!
Weird... I'm actually quite nervous too...
Anna

[IrishIroamed]

Anna - so what's the update on Lichtsinn Motors in Iowa? I'm thinking of heading there also in a week or so - they've got some great deals and a couple models I'd like.

(note to self: take Dad with - I may get an early retirement present )

[Newbie2013]

Well,
They were at a rally and will be able to spend the time going over all the details with me today.
The one I'm looking at has so many incredible features and yet after all the finagling it will end up costing me less than
I originally anticipated; this is a very good point, not only have I found the motorhome of my dreams, but it costs less
than all of the others.This one is waving at me saying" Pick me!, I'm the one!" Now I just have to see how she drives.
I've been researching on NADA and so far they are well within the ranges.
I'm not going to recommend anyone on here because I know it's a matter of
personal preference and I don't think that's what the forums are for.
But they have been quick to help and not pushy. I like that. I should have started here... But I looked at so many and
have been so thorough in my research that I can very comfortably say that my search is over and now it's time to realize
this dream. My husband and I have always wanted to do this; we were waiting till the kids were grown and then we were
going to embark on a coast to coast journey; stopping where ever we wanted and taking in all this beautiful country has
to offer. Well, We didn't foresee him passing so soon. My children are all grown and out doing their things, all I can think
of is heading out to do the things Britt and I always wanted to do. His untimely departing from this world made me realize
that if you want to do it...Do it. Tomorrow isn't promised to us and if you don't seize the moment; you might just miss it.
So, in honor of his memory; and, to help my empty nest blues... I'm heading out. I've pulled out all our old maps, googled
rv parks and routes... and soon... for Britt... I will be on my way. Oh gosh, look at me... getting all sentimental. I can just hear him now,
" Come on little Doe, let's hit the road and land where we land!"
I think he'd be proud that I'm staying true to our dreams.

Love
Anna

[Rufflesgurl]

Anna - Such an exciting adventure!! Can't wait to see pix of your new Winne.

Linda

[OregonLuvr]

Anna, good for you, get out and see the country. We live in an amazing place and as many have said on here "It isnt just the destination, its the journey to get there". I can say I have embraced this Mantra. I am a "moseyer" lol I am still busy trying to see all of Oregon, and I live here LOL

I also have a Winnebago and have been very happy with it. Have had some of the usual issues of owning a Motorhome but heck I have those in my sticks and bricks home too.

karen