New guy: going FT next year...so much to learn...

Thanks again all! Well, the DW isn't really interested in driving anything larger than a class B actually. So, I'll probably be doing the driving myself. (Would like to have her be able to in case of emergencies though.) That insurance sounds great and well worth the price. Will definitely look into that. The only thing Jen is interested in driving is the Jeep! LOL. Fine by me. I love driving; always have. And as everyone pointed out; it's not like we'll be doing 10-12 hours on the road either.
I plan on doing some work while on the road; both for my friends company as a programmer and as a volunteer or camp worker doing construction / maintenance. (After just 2 days of lazying around I start to get wrestless.)
Looking at and reading up on all the different class A diesel pushers, I'd be interested in finding out what make everyone considers the best by experience. A salesman really pushed Fleetwood saying they're the best built. I heard a lot of good about Monaco and Tiffin and not so good reviews on Winnebago and Coachman. (Will continue researching and buy some literature from the various consumer reports out there.) Would love to hear more though on personal experiences. Thanks again for all the great insight and help. Mikey D

MikeyD
It is my opinion that you should look for the D/P that has the ammenities and layout that YOU like. As for what make, I would not put much into who makes it unless you are buying something that may still have a warranty. National has gone under so you won't get any warranty work done by them, however most any used D/P you purchase will probably already have the bugs worked out. Just be careful to see how the owner took care of the caoch. Most that I have seen have been pretty good about maintaining them, however some people just don't care and it will be reflect on the condition of the RV.
I have a National D/P and it has worked out great for us. Fleetwood is basically an entry level RV, but they do make some very nice coaches.
Frank

MikeyD
It is my opinion that you should look for the D/P that has the ammenities and layout that YOU like. As for what make, I would not put much into who makes it unless you are buying something that may still have a warranty. National has gone under so you won't get any warranty work done by them, however most any used D/P you purchase will probably already have the bugs worked out. Just be careful to see how the owner took care of the caoch. Most that I have seen have been pretty good about maintaining them, however some people just don't care and it will be reflect on the condition of the RV.
I have a National D/P and it has worked out great for us. Fleetwood is basically an entry level RV, but they do make some very nice coaches.
Frank

Frank, I agree with you when buying used. In a past life I spent some time selling cars. Was surprised at how many people would come to the used car side looking for specific make and model. Best bet is to buy the best unit out there that fits your needs. As previously stateed, most accessories are pretty generic to all brands in that the manurfacturers buy from the same suppliers: Norcold, Dometic, Atwood, etc. As you stated, the only problem is if you are buying a relative new unit with some warranty left. Not only National but Travel Supreme and Alfa have gone under in recent weeks.

I understand diesel fuel prices are much higher than gas. DH said, that when something goes wrong with a diesel, it is much more expensive to have them fixed.

Know some people who have Fleetwood products and have had problems. One couple had a Bounder, and were very upset with all the problems they have had. Though I do understand you can get a lemon when you buy any vehicle. We really like Newmar, and Holiday Rambler. I would go to several Rv shows, and get input from some people there, even though you aren't buying new. You can also get an idea of the quality of some of the manufacturers products.

I'm sure you will get more opinions that you can use, because everyone has their preferences. I'm sure some will disagree with mine. ??? :

Frank, I agree with you when buying used. In a past life I spent some time selling cars. Was surprised at how many people would come to the used car side looking for specific make and model. Best bet is to buy the best unit out there that fits your needs. As previously stated, most accessories are pretty generic to all brands in that the manufacturers buy from the same suppliers: Norcold, Dometic, Atwood, etc. As you stated, the only problem is if you are buying a relative new unit with some warranty left. Not only National but Travel Supreme and Alfa have gone under in recent weeks.

I must of posted at the same time you did, when I checked, your post had just been added. I am shocked to hear about Alfa and Travel Supreme. I have seen the Alfa ads in some rv publications, and they looked like very nice units. Had these companies been in trouble for a while? Do you think it has to do with gas prices, or just people not interested in their products?

When we started Rving 2 1/2 years ago we thought we wanted a small class c. After going to several dealerships and sitting in the class c and the class a we decided the class a had a much better view when changing lanes and the front end was much shorter for driving. We ended up buying a 29' class a and after we were out for one weekend decided we should have taken the plunge with the larger rig. After 1 year we did upgrade to a 36' and I think now we are ready to go to a 40' diesel pusher. My suggestion would be to rent a rig or see if you can borrow one from someone for the weekend. I know with 2 german shepherds you would probably like a little bit more room. I know with a golden retriever we feel just comfortable in a 36'.

One thing I would suggest if you are going to be full timers is to be sure and get a full size refrigerator I know that is one thing we are sorry we didn't get in our rig. A washer and dryer would be nice but I hear you can only wash a few things at a time and then you lose storage space.

Good luck in your shopping.