RV opinions

Guys

I know some of you own small or even large RV's of various types.  I'm wondering if it would be better to buy a 5th wheel vs. a full RV.  Is the insurance different between the two.  What about loans?  Are RV loans able to be longer than 5years like vehicles?  I'm thinking of buying a new or used RV to live in.  If anyone has any recommendations or suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them.

Jim

A 5th wheel is hard to haul a yak. I did make my own rack went to Idaho. But the last time I almost lost the yak. Trees can hit the yak. I have seen a rack that is from the back of cab to over the hood. I used a 16 ft ladder to load the yak on the top of 5th wheel. I can't speak for a motor home. If you never owned a 5th wheel up date the batteries to two 6Volt battery in series. The AMPs are a lot more. I used golf cart batteries and could go 3 days with out a charge, The 12 volt batteries I could go 8 hrs if lucky.

I was thinking about this as well    I have a serious case of "RV Envy" 

Forgot to mention I will never buy one over 2 yrs old the roof's laast about 10 yrs. When you check out the roof before you buy. the roof should be white. If you see gray or black coming through. It is on it's way out. If sales man says it has some delamnating that is caused by water between skin and sub panel. If the 5th wheel is too low have the dealer flip the axel to raise it up. So you don't ruin the rear jacks by scraping the driveways. Hope I was of a help

I'm favoring a class C......sorry Jim, but I'm gonna steal your thread

That's ok mooch steal away.  BTW I have a something I have to send you, do you have an address I can mail something too.  Alternatively, I can bring it to you when it arrives.  You'll like it.

I would go 5th wheel. They do 20 year loans. People who buy the big RV's tend to tow another vehicle so they aren't stuck. You can buy a 5th wheel with all the same amenities for 1/2 the cost of the RV.

Anthony

Buy or build a TinyHome instead! 

I have a truck camper for certain reasons;
1. I can drive full freeway speeds unlike a tow RV.
2. No DMV fees other than my pick up truck and I would own a truck no matter what.
3. I can tow a small trailer with my kayak if I choose and loading/unloading is easy. 
4. It's a perfect size for the two of us and I don't have to feel bad telling people there's no room in there for more.
5. Insurance is not needed; when it's at the house, the homeowner insurance covers it and when it's on the truck the truck's insurance covers it.  (Check your insurance provider to be sure your's is covered as well.  Don't assume.)

I even carry a motorcycle on the front for running around once I'm at a campground!

I have a bumper pull trailer.  I have grown up camping in them and my wife and I are now on our second trailer in 20 years.  You can get long term loans, I did a 10 year.  I bought the bumper pull because I had three kids bikes, generator, fire wood and truck rack for kayaks etc., and the 5th wheel takes up the bed space and eliminates the truck rack.  The tuck and trailer works best for me due to fish, ab, wet dive gear ice chests etc, all go in the bed of truck so I can't use an RV and tow a car..

If you get the trailer rather than an RV, I highly recommend the full slide-outs.  They make a HUGE difference.

The trailer should have a "walk-on" rubberized roof.  DON'T WALK ON IT without laying down plywood to disburse your weight.  They tend to start leaking at around 10 years of age around the seams and you need special caulking to patch it.  Don't use silicone.

Two 6v golf cart batteries in series are much better than two 12v car batteries in parallel.  I also run two 7.5 gallon lp tanks rather that the 5 gallon tanks.  A Honda eu2000 generator is a nice addition.

When I purchased mine it was at Manteca trailer they do a good job there.
I initially went to buy a used one but ended up getting new because better loan options on new plus you get a warranty. I chose a 10 year load and the payment was very low.
Any large reputable dealership will do you right.

I have a Sprinter diesel, 20mpg on last trip. Workin on how to carry kayak as its tall. RV or pull behind really depend on your desired mobility when parked. I can load my motorbike on the hitch and at minimum shove the kayak inside, and Im a rolling fun machine at 24' with no trailer that is narrow, handles like a dream, and not terribly difficult to park and negotiate city streets.  (I might be able to pull a car under 5000lbs as well.) However, if you don't enjoy bicycling or motorbiking I would go for a quality pull behind like an airstream that can withstand some time simply for the mobility of setting up camp and unhitching to shop/explore etc.... Have fun on the search.
FYI I also went to manteca and had a good experience. They also have As, Cs, Bs, bumper pull, fifth wheel, and truck campers so its a good place to see what type will fit your desires.

You are asking the right questions and yes you can do multi-year loans.  You can get better rates on new motorhomes.  Don't know about the difference in insurance though.  We simply decided on a new class A motorhome - 32ft because for me it seems more livable for long periods of time plus I can still tow my boat, a small car or a kayak trailer.   We are planning to do multi-week stays up and down our coast first and maybe venture out of state as I get more experienced with the rig.  Good luck with your search and do check the roof for possible leaks if you plan on getting a used one.  I also went with Manteca RV after testing several used ones from other dealers as well as private sellers.

Rey

We have a 5th wheel and love it! If I did it over, I would go with a toy hauler. That way you can put you yaks on a small trailer or rolling rack and just remove when you get to your destination.   

I opt'd for a Class C, one with the largest storage capacity in its size/class; Tioga 26Q. I only wish they made one in a Diesel version when I picked it out; the V10 is alright for towing trailer/kayaks, but I can notice a significant power strain when towing a PB or Jeep on hills....

There are alot of Pros/Cons for each Class of RV; you just need to make sure you select the one that has the most "Pros" for you. Don't let payment plans or insurance dictate what you want in an RV; you'll end up not being happy with your purchase in the long haul..... (sorry, had to throw in that pun!  )



Glen