RV Information Needed

My wife will go camping, but she wants an RV.  My kids are 14 and 16.   We are thinking of a class c, about 20 feet.  She wants new, but I'm leaning towards used with low miles. 

Any tips?  Anything to avoid?

ANY info is appreciated. 

How do you carry a kayak on top?

Thanks

20' class c is kinda small for four I my opinion. You can always find good deals on rarely used RV's out there for a fraction of the cost of new. I use a trailer for my yaks, but depending on the roof of the unit you get you could possibly carry one up there.

I recommend shopping for a used one as many rv's have low miles. I have a Winnebago Minnie 24f that I carry up to 4 kayaks on top with Yakima gutter mount racks. Although a 24v might be better for you as it has the rear bed to get a little separation between you & the kids. These 24's are a decent choice as many campgrounds do not allow rv's that are longer than 24 feet. I can park it in a regular parking spot most of the time. The one thing that does suck is the gas mileage which is 8 mpg give or take. Some other options are a toy hauler trailer if you have a truck big enough to tow one or an rv based on the Dodge sprinter chassis which has a diesel engine and gets considerably better gas mileage. The toy hauler trailers have the big rear door so you can just shove the kayaks in the back sometimes instead of strapping them to roof racks.

Have you thought about renting to see if the smaller units will work for your family? 

Have you thought about renting to see if the smaller units will work for your family? 

Good idea!

If you do go the used route...

 If you get any wiff of mold/mildew, walk away from that uint, no matter how cheap or it fits you perfectly.
Same goes, if it has any stains on the ceiling. or repairs ( primer/kilz paint touch-ups ) open the cabinets, take a wiff, look for stains and soft wood at the walls/ceiling corners.
Check the rear outside corners for rot. especially around the rear wheel wells.
Make sure everything works. Refers are expensive to fix, same with comfort heaters/ AC's and Water heaters.

 I've always enjoyed my Cab-Overs... I'll be going the 24-26 ft. Class - C next.

Good Luck !

I had a Lazy Daze Motorhome before, excellent quality in a custom unit.  Used units are hard to find but worth looking for.
http://www.lazydaze.com/index.htm

I use a 25' travel trailer (bumper pull style) and put my yak on top of the pickup. 

Another option for renting is renting a trailer.  You can actually have the trailer delivered and set up in a campground for you.  No monthly payments, no maintenance!

Thanks everyone for the info.   Renting is a good idea.