Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
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 > Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice

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Monkeyman_and_Lady

Severn, Maryland

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Joined: 04/10/2004

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Posted: 08/12/23 08:17am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I've had a lightweight trailer and fell in love with the RV lifestyle. When the time came to upgrade our system (13 years in the trailer needed some AC repairs and the Tow Vehicle was in need of replacement), I opted for a gas class A.

I have worked with the guys at CMI in Columbus. These guys gut new and used rigs to customize for corporate and private customers. If anyone knows what to look for in a new rig, they do. Their advice to me was:

Don't get a full wall slide on anything. The structures are susceptible to warping and misalignment.
Stay with higher end manufacturers. Winnebago, Fleetwood, Newmar. Avoid Thor brands.

I took that advice (see signature) and am very happy I had that information. My V10 gasser isn't whisper quiet, but I never deal with the engine noise that others complain about. The handling is decent, as long as you remember you are driving a giant box down the road and don't try to race to your destination, especially on curves.

Since I don't leadfoot it (65MPH on the high end, but where the traffic paces and I feel comfortable is where I drive it) I get 7.5 to 8 MPG.

My one piece of advice to you, since you live in Ohio and plan on using it during the winter months - ensure you check the frame for rust, espc. on the fluid lines. If you buy new, get rustproofing on the chassis.

Good luck and I hope this information has been helpful.


Monkeyman, Lady and little chimp
2018 Newmar Baystar 3414
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid TOAD


MackinawMan

NW Ohio

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Joined: 07/13/2006

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Posted: 08/13/23 09:44am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Monkeyman_and_Lady wrote:

I've had a lightweight trailer and fell in love with the RV lifestyle. When the time came to upgrade our system (13 years in the trailer needed some AC repairs and the Tow Vehicle was in need of replacement), I opted for a gas class A.

I have worked with the guys at CMI in Columbus. These guys gut new and used rigs to customize for corporate and private customers. If anyone knows what to look for in a new rig, they do. Their advice to me was:

Don't get a full wall slide on anything. The structures are susceptible to warping and misalignment.
Stay with higher end manufacturers. Winnebago, Fleetwood, Newmar. Avoid Thor brands.

I took that advice (see signature) and am very happy I had that information. My V10 gasser isn't whisper quiet, but I never deal with the engine noise that others complain about. The handling is decent, as long as you remember you are driving a giant box down the road and don't try to race to your destination, especially on curves.

Since I don't leadfoot it (65MPH on the high end, but where the traffic paces and I feel comfortable is where I drive it) I get 7.5 to 8 MPG.

My one piece of advice to you, since you live in Ohio and plan on using it during the winter months - ensure you check the frame for rust, espc. on the fluid lines. If you buy new, get rustproofing on the chassis.

Good luck and I hope this information has been helpful.


Thank you...great information!!


2000 Ford F350 XLT 7.3L PowerStroke Diesel CC 4x4 OffRoad SRW Long Bed
2008 Jayco Eagle 314BHDS (Momma Eagle)
Equalizer Hitch System (1400/14000lbs)
Prodigy Brake Controller
Curt XD Class V Receiver Hitch (1500/15000 lb)

Racklefratz

Anywhere

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Joined: 08/15/2011

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Posted: 08/28/23 05:21pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

MackinawMan wrote:

I'm simply seeking any and all advice, the things I haven't thought of, or wouldn't...having never camped in a motor home.
Having been RV'ing for nearly 40 years, I'd be happy to offer advice. But in your well-written post, I don't see a question to answer.

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