How to pick the style of RV to get

[Freedom3333]

Is there a thread already on this? How will I know which is best? I want to spend as little as possible while still getting something I like and don't have to worry about too much in case I don't like fulltiming or incase I choose the wrong rig.

I work from home on the computer and phone so need some space for that. I also have a little dog.

Will be spending some time in Canada too.

Thanks for your help.

[Bethers]

Lots of threads on this and the answers are as varied as we have members. For example, I was running a business while full timing, and did it in a 22 foot Class C. I didn't need more space. I did have one slide. Others need the 40 foot plus with 4 slides. I prefer a Class C over any other rig for ME. Some will say the same about all the other types. You need to go looking and find what makes you the most comfortable and that you can afford.

[Freedom3333]

Thanks Beth, what makes you like class c best? When you were working did you have a desk or just use the dining table? I would love to go down to the Phoenix area and look at some rigs, do you know of any good places there? I see you got a new rig (read your blog, congratulations!) in Tucson. I wish I had a friend to go with ~ my one friend who would love to help me lives in BC and is driving up here from Apache Junction and heading back home on Sunday so that won't work.

[mitch5252]

..
Here's one of the threads that I could find...

http://womenrv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8410&p=106957&hilit=Why+did+you+choose#p106957
..

[CricketSail]

I'm very happy with my class C, 27'. I do a lot of computer, have 2 dogs and a cat with me. My Gulf Stream Vista mini is only 7.5 wide, which makes it easy to drive/park, so I don't need a car. I'm going to have to manage my space better, but there is space if I work at it. I've only been in the rig full time for a couple of months, but it's working well for me and the critters. - Sharon

[BirdbyBird]

I think you will find a lot of our reasons in the thread Mitch referred to and the newbies that have joined since can add their two cents. Mostly the opinions of others only help you sort out what might be important to you given reasons others claim that you might not have thought about.....But everyone has to figure out their own wants and needs in the end.

[mitch5252]

..
Here's another thread you might find useful.

http://womenrv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9050&p=115981&hilit=choose#p115981
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[mitch5252]

..
And one more...

http://womenrv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2487&p=25929#p25929

..

[MelissaD]

You need to start with you and how you want to travel. Look at the finances and go from there.

1st you need to decide if you want to tow or be self contained. Even then you might end up towing a "toad or dingy" behind your RV. Buying an RV is not rocket science but it does need to match how you want to use it.

There is something to be said for setting the brakes and walking to the back.
Some like to drop the trailer and go.
Some feel it's important to be able to use their trailer with the slides in. If I can get to the bathroom I'm ok. I like to sit down in a restaurant for luch while traveling and stopping for the night at Walmart is not in the cards for us.
Will you be using campgrounds with full hook ups, State/Federal with water and electric or boondocking? If so solar or generator and tank size is important.

Again you need to figure out how YOU want to use it to get the right RV for you.

[dayspring39]

I learned from my first MH... We had a 17 1/2ft travel trailer in the 80s also...
I had a class A, 27ft. did not like the table as it took up too much room... also the corner bed was very hard for me to get into.
I now have a C 27ft Jayco Eagle 1998... I explained to the dealer how much I could afford after my trade in... this was at Camping
World south of Indianapolis...
I am very happy with my choice... the only advice is stick to your budget and make a list of must haves to take with you... Then
do not let a sales man change your mind... some are selling from their "pocket" so to speak!!
Sure wish you good luck!!
Me and My Shadow

[Freedom3333]

Thanks for all of your input, I will read those threads, I'm sure they will help me. I would like to be able to boondock but can't say if I will, somehow I see myself in a park for 4 months or so at a time. I really do like the idea of being already in the rig with no unhooking....it wasn't until I joined here a few days ago that I considered a 5th wheel - I though it would be too much to manage. I will have a toad for sure as this will be fulltiming for me.

I saw one I absolutely loved but it was out of my budget, it was a 2005 Gulfstream Friendship 2 diesel pusher and was all in white inside - I'm into sahbby chic decor and it was me to a "t"...I think it was 40' but I've never seen anything I loved so much...if I knew this lifestyle was for me for sure I would try to make it happen. I am Canadian though and would liike to buy in the US and that means no financing at all...I also have the added cost of importing it to Canada .

Lynn

[IrishIroamed]

I've been shopping for a while, and to keep track of what I've seen on different RV's I created a checklist that take with me to dealers & RV shows. Helps me remember what I've seen and I can compare side-by-side the different RVs. I'm sure there are more items depending on what may be specific to an RV type. Some items are shown more than once if there are multiple options available (see slides). Feel free to use if you want.

Manufacturer & Model
Class
Price

Antennae
Automatic leveling system
Awning over large windows
Awning over main entrance
Basement - pass thru
Basement ice cooler
Basement heated (4 season) pipe compartments for freeze protection
Batteries - emergency start from coach
Batteries - location
Batteries - number of
Bluetooth or Sync
Camera / back up monitoring system
Camera / side
Central A/C
Central heat
Cockpit drapes / shades with heat reflectors
Cruise control
Electric awning (not manual)
Electric storage tank dump valves
Entrance location (front, middle, rear)
Folding table
Generator for making AC power
GPS
High pressure cleaning system for black tank
Hitch receiver on rear bumper designed for platform or towing
Inverter for converting DC to AC power
Outside lantern or lights
Propane Grill
Roof Ladder
Satellite
Shower - outside
Slide covers (awnings on top of slides)
Sliding porch
Sliding storage tray in basement
CO2 Detector
Emergency Exit
Slide - couch
Slide - dinette
Slide - couch & dinette
Solar panels for converting sunlight to DC power
Steps - Automatic entrance steps
Steps - In unit (step well)
Swivel seats
Thermal pane windows (4 season)
Upgraded water heater to larger capacity
Water heater operates on AC power and propane
Automatic, temperature-sensing exhaust fan (Fan-Tastic Vent)
Day & night shades on all windows
Double-pane windows for cold weather
Electric heater or fireplace
Separate A/C controls for bedroom and living area
Upgraded insulation for cold weather and noise reduction
In-motion satellite system

Bath privacy curtain or door for bedroom
Bath
Bathroom access not through bedroom
Corner shower
Shower across from toilet & sink
Enclosed bathroom, including shower, toilet, and sink
Washer and dryer

Living Area
Bed above cockpit
Bedroom separate from main living area
Ceiling fan
Chair or recliner
Coat closet next to entry
Computer or office desk and drawers
Entertainment center & storage
Large windows in the back of the RV
Opposing slides in main living area
Recliners
Sleeper sofa - air mattress
Sleeper sofa - electric
Stereo system
Sun roof/sky light
TV location

Kitchen
Automatic ice maker
Convection microwave
Counter top extension
Dinette - Booth
Dinette U-shape
Dinette (converts to bed)
Dinette with under seat storage
Dishwasher
Double sink
Filter for drinking water and ice maker
Refrigerator with freezer
Stove - number of burners
Stove - High output propane for high elevation cooking
Upgraded counter top materials, such as Corian

Bedroom(s)
Sleeps total number
Bed - island / walk around
Bed - King
Bed - Queen
Bed - under bed storage
Bunk beds
Ceiling fan / vent
Large closet spanning width of RV or larger wardrobe (hanging)
Slide - bed - back wall
Slide - bed - side wall
Slide - wardrobe - large - full wall
Slide - wardrobe - small
TV location
Vanity
Window - back wall
Window behind bed
Windows on side of bed

Overall Design
Can be operated on state and federal highways without a CDL
Suitable for fulltimers
Suitable for snowbirds
Suitable for vacationers
Suitable for weekenders
Trailers: All weights within tow vehicle's manufacturer ratings
Safety & Security
Replace key locks (compartments) with combination locks

Four season check list (cold weather)
heated and enclosed holding tanks
dual-pane windows (thermal pane)
extra insulation
holding tanks rated for less than 15-20* F
Polar package (consists of ?)

Other (print & add your own items)

[Travelingusa]

Any road Trekkers out there?

[Queen]

Wow, Cheryl, great list!!

[grammynmaggie]

Great list Cheryl...this sure is what I needed
when I got my rig...sadly I did not and also
did not know what I was doing...I will be armed
and ready to go the next time...this is a great list
for newbe's !!!!