Rwake901
Illinois
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My wife and I are planning on buying a class A motorhome to do some traveling in now, and then to spend the winters (Dec, Jan, Feb.) someplace warm when we retire. Since we are planning on living in it for three months a year what length should we buy so that we don't feel crouded? We are looking at maybe a 36 to 38 ft gas unit with two to three slides. Thanks....
* This post was
edited 02/05/12 02:58pm by Rwake901 *
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Ka Ron
Kelowna
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You are in the ball park with 36' and make sure you have a slide or two.
We have spent months in a Class C and a Class A with no slides and now we have a Class A with a slide and would not go back.
Next one will have four slides
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FIRE UP
Ramona, CA. USA
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Well,
This is all a matter of what makes you feel comfortable. Some would say, get the biggest you can. Some, almost on the other end. It's simply a choice of what you're comfortable with. 36'-38' is a very good size limit to use for what you intend. Some will argue you can't get those size coaches into certain parks, well, I've proved that theory wrong each and every time we've traveled.
That length is not all that hard to manipulate in tight situations. And, even with a toad, it's fairly easy. Yet, that length limit will enable you to be separated enough to be at ease. There's lots of coaches out there in that range so you've got plenty to pick from.
Scott
Scott and Karla
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2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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40'-45' and four slides as it's cheaper than a divorce. Something about twice the husband on 1/2 the money, in 1/10th the space.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
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mockturtle
WA
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We full-timed in a 36' Foretravel with NO slides and had more room than we really needed. But we did spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun. 
2000 Born Free 24RB Class C
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docj
Fulltime--Home is where we park it
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I think floorplan AND size are equally important. We have a rather large bathroom with a vanity area with sink, a toilet room with sink, and a huge shower. We can both use it without conflict. We like to cook and our kitchen has over 8 feet of counter in a wrap-around configuration.
These features make the absolute size far less important; we could even live with a couple of feet less if we still had the same kitchen and bath. Of course, unfortunately, that's not really possible, given the way manufacturers allocate space. So you have to make compromises to get what you want. But when you do, remember to consider your own lifestyle and how you expect to use the coach.
Sandie & Joel
2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12
2009 Chevy Malibu LTZ with ReadyBrute tow bar/braking system
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sowego
northwest panhandle of Nebraska
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The size range you mentioned is about average for what many long term travelers will choose. A lot of fulltimers will go larger. If a coach feels comfortable to you,it really won't matter what size it is.
However the only way to really know is to visit some dealerships and tour many coaches in all size ranges. Spend some time in there, sit down play house if you will, with slides out and in, getting used to the cabinets, seating, location of TV, size of bathroom--lay on the bed, imagine using all storage compartments below, check convenience of the water/sewage bay area...Then take some out for a test drive. Every MH is a little different so it pays to really spend time checking everything out. It helps to take notes and pictures of each one you find interesting.
I know it can be confusing and exhausting but you may walk into one coach and find it fits perfectly! Just relax and enjoy the shopping experience.
2002 Tiffin Phaeton
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RFCN2
MT
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Rwak901 - Some people spend three months in a class B and some in 45' with four slides. In general bigger is better to spend a lot of time in. We spent a lot of time in research and looking. We started out trying to find something 30'. We looked and drove a bunch of them and ended up at 42'. After two years I still think the size we picked works well for us and there is nothing about our motor home I would want to change that is big.
If you are looking new gas you might consider looked at used diesel pushers. We rented and owned gas coaches before this one. There is a huge difference in comfort driving a diesel with the motor in back and air springs.
The size of the motor home for your personal comfort is quite individual. So you two really have to think about it and by all means look and drive a bunch.
Bob & Barbara
2002 Affinity 42' tag
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J-Rooster
Port Orchard, Wa. / Lake Havasu City, Az.
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Roy, IMHO your right on! I wouldn't go any smaller in length than 36'
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sdianel
Tampa, FL
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We full time in a 33' Country Coach Allure with 2 slides. Plenty of room.
Here's some info on one like ours for sale that shows the floor plan.
http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=55788
Lonny & Diane
2004 Country Coach Allure 33' "Big Blue"
Towing 2008 Chev Colorado 4x4
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