Haven't even started yet - still dreaming

[RVSandy]

Hi,
My name is Sandy. I read the book "Take Your Life Back" and knew this was me. I so want to be outside every day of my life. I loathe being cooped up in a building. Still dreaming - as soon as I sell my condo, I will quit my job and get out there. I can't figure out if I really have to get that Class A or should I just go with the Class C which would be enough for one. I've been to several RV shows and still can't make a decision. What should I get Class A or Class C? I know if you live in it full time you will really want some room. But it's only me and two cats but it needs to be affordable. Anyone have insights on what they did and why they chose what they did?
RVSandy

[Bethers]

Welcome Sandy!

There have been lots of discussions about the differet types and sizes of rigs. And some of us fulltime in the smallest rigs (me a 22' Class C - will be starting my 7th years this summer) and others will swear you need the biggest rig you can get. You need to find what is comfortable and right for you - for all the reasons. One you can live in, and afford, and be comfortable driving the way you'll want to travel.

That said, one very recent thread on this subject is here: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6048

Glad to see you jumped in - and dream away - we'll help you. Maybe sometimes even confuse you more But only because we all have opinions and sure aren't afraid to share them

[retiredhappy]

Welcome to the forum. You need to make a list of what you HAVE to have and what you just want. My rig is 30' and I fulltime with three dogs (see signature) but I keep looking at smaller rigs. When this one is parked the size is great but when I'm driving and trying to get in and out of gas stations its way too long. The thing about Class C's is that the longer they are the more the back end swings out WIDE when you turn. Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable driving a class A - cab is way too big for me. I just basically drive my Ford van and the rest of the rig follows along behind. Just have to remember to SWING WIDE.

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome aboard.....wander through some of the older threads and you will gather up many opinions about what may work and why. Each of us have great reasons regarding what works for us at a particular point of time in our lives..... Come sit around the campfire and join our circle....

[Petsittin]

You really should go to a dealer and try out different sizes and types of rigs. I wanted a Class A when I first started looking. Sitting behind the wheel, I was totally intimidated by the sheer size of the thing. The dealer suggested I try a Class C. It was immediately more comfortable for me. It's just like driving a very long van.
Swing-out, as, mentioned in a previous post is a hazard, but being aware of it and using your mirrors will keep it from being a problem.
I felt like I had given up space when I bought my Class C, but after hanging out in other Class A's I think except for the cab, I have the same living space and amenities as a Class A.
I ended up with a 31' Class C, which I think is as long as they make the C's. After 5 years, and some modifications, I still like it a lot.

[VickieP]

Welcome to the forum, Sandy. Won't you take us along when you go looking for your new rv? Post and tell us what are some of the things you like and dislike about some of your favorites.

[Irmi]

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to hear what your final decision is for your camper.

[mtngal]

Sandy, welcome to the forum, and have fun shopping for your perfect rig!

[Forestgal]

Welcome, Sandy!

Everyone has their personal preferences. My only advice is to visit as many RV shows/dealers as you can & sit in every rig out there. You'll know which one is right for you. If you're at a dealer, ask them to let you take it for a test drive. They ought to let you if they want your business.

I thoroughly enjoy looking at RVs, even though I'm not in the market for one. It's a great learning experience -- and a wonderful way to dream about the next chapter in your life.

Glad you've joined us!

Laura -- and Jed

[avalen]

Welcome Sandy, share your dreams all you want, we love to hear them. I've got 3 more
years and I'm on the road. I have a fifth wheel now but I'm hitting the road in a class C.
My vote is for affordability. I love the class A's and not afraid to drive them (have driven
a BIG bus for 22+ years)but its just me and two little dogs and I want to be able to afford
the fuel to get somewhere. Just jump in anywhere when it comes to posting. The campfire
is a post anything anytime deal and is virtually always burning. Just toss in a log and give
it a stir and see what happens

[Birdie]

Sandy, what part of the country are you currently planted in? I have a 30' Class C, Jamboree. Has 4 bunk beds in the back, a bed over the cab, a jack-knife sofa and a dinette. Plenty of room in which to rock and roll around the country. Lots of basement storage room and plenty of storage inside the unit. Does have a very long butt and then behind that is my HHR.

I have been visiting in FL the last about 3 weeks and it has been absolutely great. The weather is good, the campgrounds are good, and the company has been just fantastic. We love helping our Sistahs shop for their 'new' or 'new to them' rigs. So get on in here and tell us what your concerns are, let us know your wishes, and your OMG dreaded things. I can just about guarantee what ever it is, one of us has seen, done, been there, or will meet you half-way!!!

[Liz]

And then there are those of us who full-time in a Class B, like me...with a dog and a cat. As Beth said, it depends on how much space you think you need, how much stuff you want to bring, and where & how you want to travel. I love my 22' B because I can travel the country roads, camp in National Forest cgs, don't have to tow anything, and can park almost anywhere.

Looking forward to following along as you shop and find the rig that's just right for you. Welcome to the forum.

[flick4411]

Good evening! I had a great big response earlier today, and somehow the system logged me out before I could send it! Dang it! So lemme see if I can recreate...

Welcome to the greatest group of ladies in the RV world. They welcomed me about four months ago, and I feel like I've known them forever. They have been so very helpful to me (along with the occasional smack up side o'da head...of course, done with affection...). You won't find a better place to ask questions, get information, or just prattle.

I am a Class C owner. I bought her a few months ago. I started my adventure about 18 months ago. I read everything I could find on all types. I decided on a Class C and had a definite one in mind. I would narrow down my choices, then I'd check for internet sites where people posted their thoughts/complaints about their rigs. Winnebago/Itasca (the sister of Winne) had the fewest complaints consistently. Not sure if that's cuz it's such a better product or because Winne owners just don't complain as much. I am certainly banking on the former. Add to that my parents had a small Winne Class A for nearly 18 years. Aside from routine maintenance, they never had a problem with their rig.

I'd eventually narrowed down my requirements: under 26', diesel, and a walk-around bed. I ended up with a 30', gas-powered with a the walk-around bed. Guess one out of three ain't bad, eh? I started looking at the dealership that had what I had initially wanted. But once inside it, I really hated the configuration. So then the sales guy suggested a small Class A. Since my folks had had one, I thought maybe...but as others have said here, the cockpit was way too big. It was like being in the open air. I was really uncomfortable as it seemed so huge...but it was shorter than the one I ended up with. So the sales guy showed me the Aspect. I fell in love almost immediately. It's got three slides, but it's still so well designed that you can use nearly everything except the "blow up" double bed which is, by day, a wonderful couch. But I have a queen-sized, walk-around bed in the back, and the dinette becomes comfy single bed. It has a shower separate from the "powder room" which is roomy for an RV bathroom. I have had no buyers remorse like I had when buying my condo and house in the past. Mine came with a lot of bells and whistles...some of which I wouldn't have spent extra money on, but they just were part of the package. The dealers are willing to DEAL...I saved nearly $20K on a 2011 model.

Now there are pros and cons for each type of rig...you'll want to read, investigate, and try them out for yourself. But I hope my little story will help begin to frame your future in the "wheely house" (as my friend in England calls the RV)!! And keep us in your cogitation loop...we truly are a nosey, but helpful, bunch! You ask for an opinion, you may get 20-30 of them!!!

[cpatinjones]

Hi Sandy,

Welcome to the forum!

[RVSandy]

Thank you for all the encouraging and inspiring responses! Wow. I feel even closer to the dream coming true. I will keep you posted on the big event. Thanks again!