Who would've thought? Things to look for when buying RVs

[JudyJB]

This is a place to record things a newcomer or even an "oldcomer" might not think about when they are buying a new or used RV. It will be sort of a "lessons learned" topic that will save someone some misery.

Sheila (Snowball) mentioned that she cannot run her furnace when the slides are closed because they cover the heating vents.

I will add that while I looked at the storage areas under my motorhome when I was buying, I never noticed that my water pump is almost inaccessible because it is in the pass-through between storage areas on either side. Taking it out or apart requires a very thin person to lean into the area at least head and shoulders--maybe more. Also hard to get a screwdriver on the screws because the space is only 8" high.

Another thing I DID look at was being able to reach lights on ceiling. This is for short people like me only.

[Bethers]

Sheila's heating issue with the slides threw me also. I had on my list that slides couldn't block anything I'd need to use if they had to be closed. Never thought about that!

A biggie for me was access to dump valves.

Since purchasing this rig, how and where the tv is located became important. It's arm is a couple inches too low and a couple inches too short to make good viewing possible from most areas.

I accept some things being hard to get to, like the water pump, especially because I favor small rigs and it gets pretty creative to put in everything. But not in all likelihood going to work on it.

You'd be surprised the things I'd change if I could. I would turn one window around (it should have been the other way originally). I'd rather have a shower curtain than the glass shower door, in my rig. However that might not have been a problem if the door opened the other way. Who'd have thought the upgrade is a downgrade for me!

[gingerK]

Mine would be having a furnace that you don't have to jump through hoops to get lit. And yes, it is that way according to the owners manual. Doesn't make it any easier to do, though. And as Beth mentioned, easier access to the grey water tank would be nice.

[snowball]

When we first got the 5th wheel I thought they ought to send out a survey or something and let you put down some of those dumb things or you think are dumb
or suggestions that after living in it a short time you wonder WHY!!!!
now after 8 or so years I no longer remember what was important then cause I've gotten used them I guess...
but yes the slides do cover the two floor vents in the lower part of the 5th wheel...
the thing to dump the fresh water tank??? still haven't found it unless it is that thing I can sorta see behind the spare tire???
this is a good idea for those looking and I will add to it if I think of things I've not adapted to
sheila

[BirdbyBird]

random thoughts.....individual thoughts of others may vary.

The placement and the number of electrical plugs....are there enough and are they placed in areas that fit your needs.....Around kitchen, in the sleeping area, in the area you might want to use for electronic or as a desk. Outside?

placement of TV

Low Point Drains and switches for the bypass on the water heater...useful for winterizing, etc.?

What can you still use with the slide/s in? Some slides cover part of the kitchen access. Some make getting into or out of bed much more difficult. When it gets real windy and or cold many of us pull slides in to help hold the heat in or to prevent damage to slide toppers.

Is the storage useful for the sort of stuff you haul around. XXX cubic feet of storage may mean several small spots none of which will hold a camp chair (or and inflatable kayak)

Xtra large storage areas may look nice but, one, they may be difficult to keep organized because they are so large. Two, you may be more limited than you think regarding how much or what you can store in the extra large area because of the need to balance weight across both axles, etc.

My second rig had the exhaust pipe coming off the back of the rig. I had to pay to have its placement modified so that it came off the side otherwise it would have melted anything I tried to haul in a rack off the back off the rig. I discovered this after damaging a nice outdoor rug....

Does it have enough counter space in the kitchen for you?

My initial Class C had the Ford engine. It was very hard for me to move into and out of the drivers seat from inside the rig. My feet are large and I was always tweaking my knees particularly as I was getting out.

How easy is it to fill the rig tank with fresh water? Is it easy to switch from using campground water one stop and use water from the tank the next night?

Are you able to close the bathroom door and still move? In my small 22 ft unit, I didn't worry about it, I was just so happy to have the bathroom and small shower/tub. But what is large enough for a petite Liz might not accommodate me and my elbows.

When you get a chance to visit folks, any of us or other RV folks you might know, don't hesitate to ask for a tour of their rig. As important as it is to walk into outfits sitting at the shows or on lots, observing how individuals modify or organized their space may give you insight in how you might live in a small space yourself.

[RitaMc]

The bed in the 19' Micro lite is in front of the trailer. The bed is positioned parallel to the front wall of the trailer. That means the person sleeping in the back must crawl over the outside person if they get up during the night or first in the morning. The bed should be perpendicular to the front so access is from either side.

[Azusateach]

Reading Tina's comment about the bathroom reminded me of what I've encountered with our new rig -- a "throne" that she'd really enjoy, height-wise! I, on the other hand, have to put a stool under my feet if I don't want to have them dangling while I sit.

The stairs into the rig are something we considered for Jed. He simply couldn't manage the see-through steps in the trailer (it's a perception thing -- seeing through them wigged him out), and I had to use a ramp for him to get in. They were also steep, so I had to lift him out. With the motorhome, there are no see-through steps and they're not as steep, so Jed can easily navigate them, both in and out.

Another thing to think about with animals is cloth vs. leather upholstery. We like the leather. It's easier to keep clean, and the dog hair comes off easily.

For me, having the TV opposite where I want to sit was a must-have. SO MANY rigs have the TVs at a 90* angle from the couch.

That's my list. For now.

[JudyJB]

I agree on the plugs. I have adequate 120 v plugs, but my two 12 volt plugs are in dumb places--one in a closet and one in the hall. None actually where I want to use them to charge stuff. Never even thought of that when I was looking at RVs.

Also, I have to stick my head into the compartment to attach the sewer hose. I suppose if I were taller and had longer arms, it might be easier, but I never even looked at sewer and dump connections when I was shopping. I will definitely look next time.

[MelissaD]

Some items are personal and deal with physical limitations and others in how you use your RV.

I don't have a single DC outlet but I don't care and I don't boondock. Need to plug in for AC units (health issue) or add a generator so no "off grid" Walmart stops for us.

We don't use the 5er unless the slides are open so I don't care that you really can't walk through, cover heat vents, or access many things all closed up. I can get to both bathrooms, my bed and the fridge.

When winterizing with the pink stuff I have to empty the "basement" storage area and remove 2 walls. Then I need to crawl in to operate the valve or find the water pump. Not going to happen, so I just blow the water lines out with air. FW tank drain and low point drains are difficult to reach for me but doable.

Bathroom design and bed with night stands and outlets for CPAP/BPAP machines was a deciding factor. A real go, no go, item.

There is a list of mods I'd like to perform to make it more us.
1- change the stairs to the upstairs from 2 to 3 steps (easier on my knees)
2- change the jackknife sofa in the bunkhouse out for a captain's bed and the upper bunk for some cabinets.
3- make the booth into a 1/2 booth and the table top slide for some extra "belly room".
4 - swap the couch out for a pair of comfy recliners and an end table for my coffee cup.
5- add the "Cheap Heat" electric furnace onto our gas furnace so I can use gas or electric to heat. Not a fan of portable heaters.

[Othersharon]

I agree with so many of these! My water pump is behind a panel in the lower cupboard so in order to get to it have to empty everything out of it. A pain! Plus looking at the cupboards and how deep they are. I have a tall narrow cupboard in the kitchen area that is really deep which I thought was great but turns out that it's a pain too. I put things in it but then it's hard to get to something in the back. Slideout trays are the solution but haven't been able to find any premade so may have to have some made and installed. Oh, and a drain on the fresh water tank that doesn't take forever to drain. So far that's my list! But as it was said, I'm learning to work around these. Guess there isn't a perfect layout!

[Wanderer2]

OH MY!! This is invaluable! I now have a much longer list. Who would have thought of ALL these things at once when looking!
I know I won't get it all right the first time and will eventually have my own list but I think I will be that much closer. Being vertically challenged, I can just see myself sitting on the throne feet dangling So I will now know to give it a test drive. I have looked at so many layouts, it gets mind boggling. Kitchen in the middle? In the rear? Dinette or recliners? I like recliners, this I know. TV not on the moon, this I know. Corner bathrooms are bigger, I think.
Can you all just meet me there??
Thanks!!!!!!!!!

[JudyJB]

Mine is not a split bathroom, but one advantage of shower on one side and toilet on other is that often you can open bathroom door or use a curtain and use isle space to get dressed. If I have company, I have only the tiny bathroom space to get dressed in--cramped to say the least.

Not a problem when I am alone but tricky when you have a guest or grandkids staying and don't want them to get a glimpse of a nude grandma!

[MelissaD]

, but one advantage of shower on one side and toilet on other is that often you can open bathroom door or use a curtain and use isle space to get dressed.

Perfect example of different strokes for different folks. I hate split bathrooms and the toilet in the closet. I also don't like the shower/sink as part of the bedroom. Yet Judy finds an advantage to it for her use.

Need to make a list of needs, wants and don't wants. There may not be a "perfect RV" but get it close and tweak it to your needs, wants and desires.

[BirdbyBird]

As Melissa reminded everyone again, the design issues many of us might bring up are ones for individuals to think about but individual's personal needs, preferences and like will most likely vary.

Several folks I have camped with and have walked through rigs at shows with comment on whether or not they can reach or see into the freezer. I am taller and wouldn't have even thought of that. Some of the more vertically challenged might have thought about it but figured that a small step (which they are use to traveling with in general) is all they need to adapt.

My first thoughts have always been, where do I want to sleep and where do I put the dog kennels..... Where do I store the kayak/s.....

Some rigs have outside showers.

Some rigs have built in Black tank flush systems.

So many of our choices have to do with our personal concept of "enough" space. and what we want to drive down the road miles after miles and what our pocket books can afford.

[beazle]

Thank you, Judy for starting this thread, and to those who contributed. Timing is perfect, and I look forward to more comments coming up. Our "jumping-off" date is coming up this spring, so I watch and read with bated breath.
Eileen