Confusion - Part I - Floorplans

[IrishIroamed]

Still doing more online shopping for my whenever RV and am planning on going to the RV show in February. Sometimes I think I know what I want and then other times ~~~ not so much. Since I don't really know anyone who has an RV, maybe you can help.

Since I'm hoping to full time, I thought to go a little bigger (30-32') that might seem a little more homey. Island bed, wardrobe, couch across from dinette, would I really use it all?? Then I think, maybe smaller (22-24') with less amenities like a dinette only or a couch only (with removable table or TV tray like Beth).

I've seen murphy beds (Triple E Regency), loft beds (Itasca Viva), island bed (lots of models). The island looks good (easier changing linens), but usually the length of the rig is longer. The loft & murphy beds look kind of neat (as long as they are motorized - but more things to break), an then I think I may get claustrophobic.

How much are you actually in your RV? Do you wish the floor plan was a little different? Do you have a couch & dinette an if so what do you use more?

This is mostly a floorplan confusion since it seems like a lot of the floorplans are similar between MH's and TT's. And THAT is another whole confusion going on.

Maybe I should give up looking for a year or two because who knows what they'd come up with by that time which would just add more pieces to the puzzle.

[judi]

I can understand your confusion. I went through almost the same thing, but I was set on a class B. I don't full time. It seems like you know all the choices, so I say look around and one day you will walk into one and it will feel just right. You can analyze over and over, but choose some parameters (length, MPG, etc) and then wait until you feel that "this is the one" when you walk in.

[Bethers]

I was told over and over I'd be sorry I went small. Never have I regretted the decision. BUT, it isn't right for everyone. By a long shot. I also got lucky in that I have a couch not a dinette. If both, fine, if just one, I prefer the couch. Although I could go with some of the u-shape couch/dinettes out there today. To me, having a big bedroom is a waste of space. I do spend more time in my rv than most - but my time in bed is just that - sleeping. Even if the corner bed is a little harder to make, with it, my rv fee'ls so much more spacious to me that I don't mind at all my time in here, even if I don't put out the slide. Some of the murphy beds are neat - but I'd want to know I can use it without using the slide, and so far, most I couldn't. Just like tomorrow - I'll have my rig completely ready to go except unplugging the electric by tomorrow night (means water and sewer disconnected, slide in, everything put away, etc) because I have to get up early (for me) to take the rig in for service. Every minute counts when I have to get up early lolol. If it was warmer out, I'd probably unhook, too ... but going to keep one little electric heater out.

All I can tell you - is sit in every rig ... walk around... look at everything. Hopefully one will "talk" to you. Or, better yet, "sing" to you. Many have changed rigs within a year or two. I knew I wouldn't be in a position to do that ... so I'm very lucky that what "sang" to me was the right choice.

BTW, you might be able to get a better price with the 30 foot rv over the smaller one. Lots more to choose from and seems the price is often a bit less.

[BarbaraRose]

I am in the same boat (so to speak). I keep changing my mind between TT, RV, Class B or C, etc. I do think I would rather have the couch with a removable table, than a dinette (they are not comfortable to sit on for very long). I think I would prefer a slide so I would feel less cramped inside. There are so many options to think about!

From what I have learned on here, you rarely get it right the first time. Most trade in for bigger, smaller, different layouts, etc. before they find the "right" one. Just need to look at different ones in person and get a feel for each type. Unfortunately, when I went to our RV Show in Mpls, last year, I found out that they didn't have hardly any Class C's, but mostly travel trailers and 5th wheels there.

Good luck on your search!

[MelissaD]

It's personal preferences.

With two of us a island bed was a must. When I was solo the bed against the wall was not a big deal.
Got the dinette so I could trap the GB at meal time but prefer the table an chairs.
Will probably pull my couch and put in a pair of recliners but for now the couch works better for changing he GB (almost potty trained )
I dislike the toilet in the closest but some people like them.

Point is look at how you live and go from there. Everything is a trade off. Size vs mobility. More room less mpg. You get the idea. Will you entertain? Have someone over for a movie? If so you need room for them to sit down. Need to look at how you will use it and figure out what items are more important to you. What makes your life more enjoyable and comfortable.

[IrishIroamed]

Some of the murphy beds are neat - but I'd want to know I can use it without using the slide, and so far, most I couldn't.

I was obviously confused the model with the electric murphy bed is a Unity Leisure van with a U-shape dinette that can be made to a day bed with the slide in.

Thanks everyone! Good thing I'm not looking to buy tomorrow - I'd never make up my mind.

[Bethers]

Some of the murphy beds are neat - but I'd want to know I can use it without using the slide, and so far, most I couldn't.

I was obviously confused the model with the electric murphy bed is a Unity Leisure van with a U-shape dinette that can be made to a day bed with the slide in.

Thanks everyone! Good thing I'm not looking to buy tomorrow - I'd never make up my mind.

Hmmm, the Unity I saw in AK, the owners told me the bed couldn't be used with the slide in - so make sure that's correct. I loved that Unity except for the tiny fridge - if they can make one with a larger fridge I'd be very interested. But maybe the day bed is different than the regular bed? And I know the model has two different configurations - maybe one of them allows the day bed - but the actual murphy bed wouldn't work on the one I saw without the slide out.

[JudyJB]

I have been full-timing for 18 months, and am very happy with the decisions I made. Part of my decision was based on my physical condition. I have replaced knees and it feels funny to crawl on them, so a walk-around bed was a must for me. Also, I have a bad back and the sofas and dinettes were all uncomfortable, so I got one with a couch across from a dinette that could be removed. The only thing underneath my dinette was the hose for the fresh water fill, and it was only 5 inches high and took maybe 5x5" of floor space. It is still there but I hardly notice it. My leather recliner from home feels wonderful at the end of a day and rests my back. I never sit at a table to eat anyway.

Now, I never nap, so a fold-up bed would have been OK, except I was afraid they were heavy. Some need to be made up all the time, so I vetoed that.

My unit has a small dinette across from the bathroom which converts into bunk beds when the grandkids come.

Ask yourself how hard it would be to crawl across a bed to get in and out. Do you need to nap occasionally? Also, can you reach cabinets? Light switches?

[Joan]

Beth, I was wondering about the Murphy bed in the Leisure Unity. Thanks for the information. I was wondering if you got the U lounge, if it could serve as a temporary bed when you couldn't put the slide out.

[IrishIroamed]

Beth & Joan,

You are correct, the murphy bed cannot be down with the slide in, but the day bed (from the U-shape dinette) can be used with the slide in.

Here is the video I saw. The day bed / murphy bed demo is around the 14:10 minute mark. Make sure you select the murphy bed video below the video screen.
http://www.leisurevans.com/unity/video.html

Another reason I kind of like this is the light colored cabinets. Doesn't look like a dark cave.

[MelissaD]

The Murphy bed unit appears to be the most spacious. It has the nicest bathroom/shower. The stadium seats are a nice option. Don't know that I'd like putting my bed away to travel. Really looks like a quality unit.

Ouch on the listed price. They seem to get a premium for the smaller units. For $115,00 you can buy a great 5th wheel ($50- 60,000) and a new pickup ($45,000).

Guess it depends on how you use it. It's interesting to see what features or options are interesting to others. The beauty is there's is an RV for everyone out there. Just have to find it.

[IrishIroamed]

Ouch on the listed price. They seem to get a premium for the smaller units. For $115,00 you can buy a great 5th wheel ($50- 60,000) and a new pickup ($45,000).

I know! Well it doesn't hurt to dream (or win the lottery)

[MelissaD]

Ouch on the listed price. They seem to get a premium for the smaller units. For $115,00 you can buy a great 5th wheel ($50- 60,000) and a new pickup ($45,000).

I know! Well it doesn't hurt to dream (or win the lottery)

On the bright side that's MSRP and with some negotiations you can knock some off. My camper I saved about 31% off MSRP, end of year and all that. Depending upon your negotiation skills and popularity of the unit you can probably figure a realistic price between 20-30% off MSRP or $80-90,000 real world price. More motivated to sell the better the deal.

My partner use to be in sales and taught me to haggle on all my major purchases. Got the dealer to come down 24% on my pickup. Remember, it never hurts to ask and even if they can't move on the price on the main item, sometimes they can add options, accessories or upgrades to make it a better deal.

[Bethers]

I've seen 5th wheels with prices topping $100K also. That said, the smaller the rig, the higher the price in many cases. I guess it really is harder to fit all the good things in small packages And the price is another reason I look used when possible - even used of the same model year - or new, but a show model - that price off can drop even more.

[MelissaD]

I've seen 5th wheels with prices topping $100K also. That said, the smaller the rig, the higher the price in many cases. I guess it really is harder to fit all the good things in small packages And the price is another reason I look used when possible - even used of the same model year - or new, but a show model - that price off can drop even more.

Yep, I don't fully understand why the B's cost so much compared to other classes. Must be more custom work to cram 10 pounds of gear into a 5 pound van.

Much of the price depends upon the level of finish. Just like in a Class A coach you can do entry level for $120,000 ish up to millions of dollars with the marble tiled floors etc. Mid-line is probably around $4-500,000. Likewise 5er's start around $25,000 and for the most part, end around $100-120,000 for a DRV Mobile Suite. Most full time rigs are in the $50-70,000 ball park. But most of that is in the level of the finish, the 6 point leveling systems, washer/drier, dishwasher, residential fridge, wine cooler, outdoor kitchens and all the toys add up. There are companies that build custom 5th wheels and you need a very fat checkbook to talk with them.

No clue as to why an Airsteam costs so much.

Bottom line if you have the money someone has an RV for you