Thinking RVs & in the weeds

[hoosll]

I know the features I want but the websites make it impossible to focus in on the models that match what you want.

Has anyone seen a general RV website that cross compares manufacturers ?

I want C-class 29 - 31 feet with queen bed area, twin bunks, dinette and sofa.

Help, we plan to hit an RV show at Dulles next weekend but I don't want to be swayed by a bunch of glitz. Jayco has a trailer that is perfect but DH is leaning to class c.

Also, if we got trailer, I am totally baffled by what size vehicle we would need to pull it. DH keeps telling me it must be huge V-8 truck. Again, there just doesn't seem to be a simple place to find the answer and I have read RV for Dummies.

 

[2goofycampers]

RV.net may have some answers for you.

And just a warning salesmen will sell you a TT and lie to you about what size vehicle you need to tow with just to make a sale.

Jayco is a well made RV with a great warranty, we love them.

If you get a towed RV, the rv all it's contents, all contents and people in the truck should not exceed 75 - 80 percent of tow capacity.

Half the fun is in the shopping.

 

[Shan-man]

I don't know of a good comparative review site, but this might help, it's where I would start. This link is an eBay search of your criteria. It should help you get an idea of what is on the market, and usually models are carried over year to year with few if any changes. Once you find ones you like you can go to the manufacturer's site to check out the current model year version of the one you like. Hope it helps.

 

[hoosll]

I found the thread for towable rates and picked up those links, very good.

Checking ebay with some key words is a great tip.

Please keep sending ideas.

 

[camperhappy]

One thing to think about is now is a GREAT time to buy a class C. We have a Fifth Wheel and have been pricing. We are in Illinois and have been quoted some great deals to trade. Have fun shopping!

 

[LarryJ]

I know the features I want but the websites make it impossible to focus in on the models that match what you want.

Has anyone seen a general RV website that cross compares manufacturers ?

I want C-class 29 - 31 feet with queen bed area, twin bunks, dinette and sofa.

Help, we plan to hit an RV show at Dulles next weekend but I don't want to be swayed by a bunch of glitz. Jayco has a trailer that is perfect but DH is leaning to class c.

Also, if we got trailer, I am totally baffled by what size vehicle we would need to pull it. DH keeps telling me it must be huge V-8 truck. Again, there just doesn't seem to be a simple place to find the answer and I have read RV for Dummies.

Since fom you signature it appears you might both be retired and I'm 18 years into this retirement thing and a big plus is that you basically are not on a schedule. Just a couple of thoughts and just understand that all my experience is with towable products.

1. A lot of folks with MHs unless they tow a toad are limited in the freedom to sight see or just go out once you are parked. Typically Class C's have a very limited towing ability and most newer larger one's are powered by the gas loving Ford V-10.

2. If you go with a regular travel trailer you always have a separate vehicle to get around in once you get to your location. Also, we always take the Van when on long trips even if we leave the trailer at home.

3. I also use the Van for picking up large items and since I live about 5 miles from the local dump/recycling center I take all my own trash there about every 6wks and it costs me now probably around $10 which includes fuel and dump fees. This equates to around $100 for the year. Normal trash service up here runs around $40 to $50/mo so I save close to $500/yr and since I've retired that equates to almost $9,000 saved. Over the years I've probably saved another $500 to $1,000 in delivery charges and in the last two months have used it to bring home an Anderson Sliding Glass Door, Two Clopay Garage Doors and a 14 cuft freezer. This doesn't directly relate to what type of RV you might consider, but having either a pickup or a Van like I have even if used primarly for towing can be used in other ways to save some $$$.

4. I also agree to hop on over join RV.NET and read as much as you can on Class C's, tow vehicles (TV), towing and travel trailers. Just remember when considering towing a lot of folks bought what is really not really set up as a TV and then when they want a travel trailer their eyes and desires far exceed what their TV can and should comfortably tow.

Larry

 

[dtum]

Have to agree with LarryJ. If you go Class A, B, or C you have to tow another vehicle or stay put where you set up camp. We had looked at Class C, but having to tow another vehicle and the special winterizing needs of the Class C (engine, etc.) turned us off. We finally went with a fifth-wheel (already had our truck) and love it. Did a ton of research on RV.net, saw our 5er at an RV show and joined the board for the brand we really wanted to ask specific questions (most RVs have a brand specific board).

My husband was doing research on e-bay and actually found the brand we had wanted and the model/price were perfect. While we were in OH and it was in GA, we just made it a vacation to pick it up.

Just take your time. Don't let a dealer tell you what you can tow. We had one tell us our Chevy Astro could tow a 28' TT...boy was he wrong! They'll tell you anything just to make a sale.

Good Luck!