How did we end up actually purchasing, moving in and living in a class A motorhome? Did you know it was last on our list of favorites? Well, if you are planning on plunging into this lifestyle and are shopping for an RV, here’s our story of what worked for us.
We made the decision to move forward into RV living in December, 2016. I was in love with Class C motorhomes. That was my focus. We looked at several, several times, different places. I kept “trying it on” by sitting in the driver’s seat, passenger seat, any and all areas of the motorhome. No matter when or where I tried, it just didn’t feel right to me…or Gary. Then I stumbled onto a 5th Wheel and wow! Tall ceilings…fireplaces…real furniture…ahhhh. I learned though that many were not functional with the slides in and that in order to pull a 5th wheel, we would need to purchase a 3500 series pick up truck. The cost of the 5th wheel plus the truck now was in the Class A price range. Another 5th wheel con for me was I wanted access to the bathroom and kitchen while traveling. So slowly, the possibility of a Class A was born. We even looked at a couple of Class Bs but they just wouldn’t do with the size of our family. If you think of it as a race, Class C was in first place then was edged out by 5th Wheels because of the claustrophobic feeling I felt in the cab area and layouts. Many people are perfectly happy and love their Class Cs and we tried to, but it wasn’t for us. 5th Wheels were slowly edged out as the possibility of Class As came into focus. Again, this is personal preference and I would love to have a 5th Wheel in the future, but for now, that wasn’t the one for us. So Class A took the finish line and we love, love, love our class A. We wrote our pros and cons for each RV type, that helped.
Did you know that many RVers end up in a different RV than they started with? Once you get moved in and really live in one, your perspective of what you need changes and that’s ok.
Our Process for RV Shopping
Step One: is to RESEARCH and learn about the different RV types and what they have to offer. As part of this research, go try them on. You learn so much by physically seeing and sitting in different RVs. Talk to people. Check out the wealth of information about used and new RVs on You Tube and the various blogs available. You will also get a general idea of how much money is needed for different units.
Step Two: It was with all of this research and studying that we came up with a set list of criteria that we expected in our RV, including what we were willing (and able) to pay for it.
Our criteria list:
- 35′ or less for flexibility in campgrounds – especially for state parks, forests
- No carpeting – We have dogs.
- Separate bedroom – meaning not just a bed but floor space, storage
- Bathroom and shower together and large enough to maneuver
- Storage
- Diesel -we were flexible on this one but really preferred diesel
- No dinette- We aren’t the handy couple who can just remove it like so many can.
- Double slide out- Or large slide, we wanted roominess.
- Less than ten years old -We later learned that financing may be difficult for older units.
- Lower mileage
- Ability to use the unit when the slide(s) were in
- Kitchen with work space
- Fit for our budget
- One that would feel like home
This list will be different for everyone but it helps to know exactly what you are looking for. Be prepared for this criteria to change and evolve as you become more knowledgeable. Ours did. Be flexible. We didn’t get our double slide out but the space available with our one super slide works. Our unit met all the other criteria.
Final Thoughts
Some might say we purchased our RV quickly. I’ve read that it takes some people years to find what they want, others months, and we took just a few weeks. The truth is, we planned to take much longer. We were in no hurry, but we found the one that just felt right sooner rather than later. Our advice, follow your gut. When you find your RV, you’ll know it.
What was your RV shopping experience? How did you or would you choose your RV?
