A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

I put the word out awhile ago that I was looking to buy. But then you never know how house sales will go, and that's what's going to pay for my RV. What do you know, it sold in two days! They have cash, so a loan won't be a problem. All we have to do is pass inspection and I'm on my way to life in an RV (scarey, wonderful, exciting). Someone had a diesel that I looked at, but I expect it's gone. Now I'm close enough to seeing the money that I could look at putting down a deposit or something. I will be out by Nov 8th. I have a place to stay temporarily, but I'm looking to be on the move soon.

Since I'll be living, traveling (I hope for the next 10 years - or more), I want a dependable engine, so I keep thinking diesel. Class C. I plan in-town and country parking where I can find it the most economically. I need room for me and two dogs, and soon a couple of grandchildren. I am used to boats and 'tiny living' so over cab sleeping is fine, wet bathroom ok. I like to cook and craft, so kitchen set up and storage are a big plus.

I'm definitely thinking used. Any pointers toward available rigs of this description, much appreciated. See you all on the road soon.

I am to much of a newbe myself to give any
advice to anyone lol...I have a Class C Itasca 29 ft.
I love it...it will be big enough for me to live in
when that time comes...gas ..not bad mileage
glad this is going good for you keep us posted
with pics when you get your rig..
have a great day and stay safe
donna

Congratulations! How exciting! Good luck with finding your perfect RV! I don't have one yet, but the other ladies on here can hopefully point you in the right direction. And, of course, we will all be expecting photos, once you find "the one"

Congrats on the fast sale of your house. Now on to bigger (or smaller) things!

..
Holy Moly - 2 days! Congratulations!
You are in for some big (and fun) life changes.
..

Congrats on the fast sale. You'll know the right size for you after you sit inside and drive them. When we were full-time and 40' it was perfect but the diesel was so expensive - fuel and major repairs. It was an expensive lifestyle. For a single person I would probably go no longer than 28 foot. Cheaper camping - state parks etc.

wow, congrats on the sale and now the fun begins, shopping fun

Wow, only 2 days!! Have fun shopping. Keep us posted!

woohoo Cricket! Exciting, scary (like the good kind), etc. Sure hope my house sells in 2 days when the time comes. Try http://www.rv-finder.com/ if you know what you want. Maybe it kind find one close to you so you can hit the road.

Diesel maintenance/repair is expensive; ask any trucker. And not every shop works on them.

Diesel is more expensive to buy and maintain but the engine tends to be more reliable and will last 3 times longer than a gas engine. The diesel will also give you better fuel mileage but this probably won't offset the higher maintenance cost. If you will drive a lot then the diesel might be a better option. If you will mainly park for a couple of weeks then move a day and park again for a couple of weeks the gas will probably be a better option. As a rule RV's are not very aerodynamic ( the B's are probably best at it) so fuel mileage suffers. The diesel will also run better in the mountains.

Major Pro's and Con's to gas vs diesel.

Disclaimer: I have a diesel in my personal vehicle and I've driven semi's for 18 years. Diesel technology has undergone major changes in the last few years and not always for the best. The new EPA standard's are causing real issues in the new engines and ultra low sulfur fuels. Automotive size diesels are ahead of the curve vs the heavy duty diesels.

The oil change in my pickup is around $100 for a 6.0 liter diesel which includes 4 gallons of oil (my semi has a 13 liter engine and hold 11 gallons ). Diesels hold more oil it the nature of the engine. The same size gas engine would be around $30-40 and use around 1.5 gallons of oil. Diesel motor oil is also more expensive. Since I mainly tow I change the oil every 5,000 miles. I also have a guy/shop that specializes in pickup diesels to work on my truck but any Ford dealer would suffice. Depending upon RV it may sit on a Ford truck frame.

Why do I run a diesel? When I tow my trailer I'm around 20,000#. I set the cruise at 60 mph, put it in "tow/haul" and it goes. Up hills and down at the same 60 mph; it just don't care. The computer will also use the diesel engine as a brake to control my speed going down the hill so my brakes are nice an cool for when I actually need them. I get 18 mpg just the truck. Towing: 12 mpg running flat lands and 10 mpg in the mountains. A gas engine would be around 6-8 mpg. I have a 39 gal fuel tank so it's $120 to fill up ($600 to fill my semi, 150 gal. at 6.2 mpg) I tend to stop every 250-300 miles for fuel. So look at tank size vs mpg for your range.

Bottom line its up to you pocket book and what you need from your RV.

Good luck shopping

Congratulations!
Kathleen

I think that MelissaD gives good advice. My choice is also a diesel - had a 36' 5th wheel and towed with a F350 diesel dually with no problem. I have also owned a diesel Ford van that pulled my double horse trailer with front tack/sleeping room. While diesel is more expensive for fuel and maintenance and itital cost it should last you double the mileage that a gas engine. As MelissaD indicated it depends on what/where/how you are going to use your RV. You stated that you wanted to full time for 10 years and a deisel that is well maintained will be around awhile.

I suggest used but as you know buyer beware. Good luck - get on some forums - check out the problems and recalls for each model, year and make in which you are interested.