New RV owner

[Ethel]

Just purchased a 2014 Winnebago 26' on 07/05/2013 - and boy do I need help. Driving for 3 months now. I don't enjoy because it's too large. Wanted a smaller one, but since the loan went through I took the last 'small' one on the lot!

I'm in Maryland and cold weather is coming. Can anyone give me some pointers on what to do next? Thanks in advance.

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome to the forum for starters. Sorry about your buyers remorse. You didn't say whether you were a traveler/camper or a fulltimer. How long is your unit actually? 28 ft? Driving any unit is all doable with practice.

But if you have been out traveling and using your unit over the summer and really feel the need to downsize it is a personal (and financial) decision that you must make either way and make piece with the consequences. After two years of driving a 25 footer around I down sized to a 22 footer (both class C's) It cost me extra money but for the last 6 years I have been very pleased with the trade. Now that I am more familiar with driving, traveling and camping I would probably consider another 25 ft rig depending upon how it was set up. SO much depends on how you use your rig, who and/or what you bring with you. Many of the ladies on here travel well in their Class B's, others love the space of their 32ft Class C's or 36 Class A's.

Hope you find some solution that keeps you on the road discovering and enjoying the journey.

[Ethel]

2014 Winnebago 26 footer. Yes, I'm now looking to down size and I know it's going to cost me. I really want a Roadtrek. I just started and living in my RV. How far south do I have to go to get away from freezing weather? I need all the help I can get.

[BirdbyBird]

Weather temps seem defined somewhat by what you are used to. I have been to northern FL in the winter for GTG in which many of the ladies here were freezing for part of the time, but I am from Ohio and 30 degree nights that warmed up to 50 degree days didn't seem all that bad and the temperatures didn't last long. Other escape to the Southwest. I think you are going to have to experiment and find what works for you. There are several on here that currently or in the past have full-timed in Road Trek or RT length vehicles.

You sound sort of desperate? Had you already planned to move south as winter set in. I can't tell how much research you already have done for this lifestyle. If you chose this all on the fly or had been downsizing and planning for some time. Maybe some back story would help. Am having difficulty imagining purchasing such a large and costly vehicle as an RV knowing it would depreciate drastically and knowing it was not what you wanted. Most of us only figure that out weeks or months after we have left the lot.

[Acadianmom]

I have a 23' motorhome but I don't full time. I would sure try to make the 26' work if I was full timing. My previous motorhome was a 27' and I sure miss the extra space. My 27' was as easy to drive as the 23'.

As for winter weather, you will have to find what works for you. As long as you are living in it and can keep the heat on you should be able to keep it from freezing. If the weather gets down to freezing you will have to disconnect your water hose to keep it from freezing. I would be looking for a place with no snow. I live in South Louisiana so that's only a problem about every 15 years.

It seems like most people on the East coast go to Florida for the winter. Other parts of the country go to South Texas and Arizona. Some of the campgrounds are like small cities and have all kinds of activities. You just have to find what you want and are willing to pay for.

Martha

[Bethers]

As to driving the mh ... it's really all your choice. If you go to a RT, you could feel more comfortable, or not, so go out and take a test drive in one somewhere ... sooner rather than later. And be aware of what you'll give up for full time living (smaller fridge, very little storage, etc) Please don't think I'm saying it's not good to full time in a RT or similar, but after my years now, and as much as I'd prefer the size of the RT or similar for the type of places I like going - I couldn't give up the storage - and my C is only 22 1/2 feet.

I can't tell a difference between driving mine and a 26' rig ... so downsizing really would mean going to the B if you want to really feel a diff.

I hope you can take your time and figure out what will work best for you. How much have you driven the C?

[JoanE]

Ethel, I did this long post about Class Bs {what I wanted} and Cs {what I got} but it went poof! So let me just say, come to Florida! See the thread about the GTGs in FL this fall/winter.

[Redwahine]

Welcome to the forum! We (DH & I) started with a 5th wheel and 4 months latter traded for a 35' class A. I'm not a full timer and it is bigger than I wanted! My DH selected it!! But now I love it and it would be perfect for full timing. But it is up to your comfort level and what fits your style and goals. We have members with Road Treks, travel trailers, 5th wheels, class a, b & c. With winter on its way, many head south. FL, TX and AZ are really popular. The farmers Almanac predicts this one to be a particularly cold one

[IrishIroamed]

Hi Ethel,
I don't have an RV yet, but the ladies here suggested a driving class. I found one close by. They teach for both C & A class licenses. I found out I actually went to grade school with the guy that runs it, and talked to him at a school reunion in August. So my plan it to take classes with him before I buy, then I may should have a better idea for what I want to buy. Right now I'm torn between a C class model and an A class model - both around 30 '.
Good luck.

[monik7]

Just my opinion, but if you're going to full time, seems like a RT is kind of small. I have a 25' and feel it's just right. So easy to drive. I don't full time however, but I know I couldn't in something smaller. But we're all different in what we like. It seems you made a rather quick decision in buying your current RV and now are finding it's not what you like. Learn from that and make your next decision, whether you decide to downsize or stay with what you have, the right decision. Do your research, get out and try other vehicles, ask questions here and you'll soon learn what's best for you.

As far as getting out of the snow, I'm sorry I can't help since I live in California. Hey, you could always come here
Sandi

[MelissaD]

Hoosier Welcome

Since you are going to take a major hit on a downsize and are full time, I'd recommend waiting a couple of months, take a driving class and decide what you want and/or need to do after getting to know it better. Do you plan to sit out the winter in a park or keep traveling every couple of days. If you tend to sit, you might enjoy the extra room more.

[Rufflesgurl]

Ethel - welcome to the forum. Did you get the Vista 26' Class A? You will take a huge hit if you decide on another RV. Practice will sure help with learning how to handle your RV. It would seem that what you have would be good for full timing - think you would have more storage, etc. than with a Class B. Maybe your RV needs a steering stabilizer or something similar? I have a 35'6" Class A and I do not full time. If I did I would probably want something bigger. Good luck with your choice.

Linda

[Ethel]

Thanks for all the comments. I had planned on an RV for 3 years. When it finally happened the one I wanted (shorter) was sold 'out from under me' so to speak.

It was already July and summer mostly gone. I got the 2014 Minnie Winnie, Winnebago, 26 footer because it was the next to shortest left at this dealership and they got my loan through. The loan in itself was a miracle. That's another story. I had a PT Cruiser. My RV is three times as large.

I

[MelissaD]

That's another story. I had a PT Cruiser. My RV is three times as large. I

I went from a Plymouth Horizon to a semi truck. After a few months I could not drive the Horizon as I felt I was dragging my tail on the ground. The seat in a semi is about 6' in the air the Horizon's seat was 6" off the ground. My pickup is twice the size of a Horizon. I could probably fit the Horizon in the bed of my pickup

Given time we adjust.

[cpatinjones]

Hello and welcome to the forum.