October 13

Hunting for a RV

21  comments

Hunting for a RV

By Jason Moffatt

October 13, 2009

jason moffatt, jasonmoffatt, motorhome shopping, rv

For the last two weeks I’ve been on a mad hunt for a RV. I’m trying to be patient, educate myself, and make the wisest buying decision.

The more I look around, the more I’m confused. There are so many questions to ask yourself…

1. Class A RV or Truck with a 5th Wheel?  I’m inclined to think RV, preferably a Diesel Pusher.

2. Buy something in the $40,000 to $60,000 range, or go Big-Pimpen with a rig in the $120,000’s? I took a look at some in the low 100’s today, and they were gorgeous. I’m really leaning towards one of the really nice ones, but need to be somewhat wise about it financially. After all, I may not even dig being in this thing for any extended amount of time.

3. Is no Washer & Dryer a deal breaker? This is a tough question. I really want a washer/dryer aboard.

4. Can I really watch TV on a 13 inch in the bedroom? Probably not since I’m used to having 3 huge plasma/lcd TV’s in the house.

5. If I have a lady friend in the RV, can I drop a deuce in the bathroom without grossing her out? Important question.

6. Should I tow a vehicle behind me?  I’m thinking yes one minute, no the next. Maybe the best thing is to start out with no vehicle and if it’s a major bitch, I’ll just buy one on the road.

7. What if you get stuck in some shitty dead end spot and can’t back up?  Yeah, that’s freaking me out.

8. What about California? I love Cali. It’s my home. I’m not leaving this place for long. I’ll be back all the time (can’t give up surfing). San Diego is my home. I’ll just be away from home some weeks.

9. Will my dog have a blast on the road? I sure hope so. I started reading Steinbeck’s “Travels With Charley” per a John Carlton recommendation. I’ll probably reread Kerouac’s “On The Road” another time as well.

10. I could probably write another ten questions in here, but lastly I’ll ask myself… “How long are you gonna tour in the RV?”  No idea at all, and I don’t want to put many restrictions on my travels.

So here’s the rig I’ve been thinking of getting…

RV
RV

It’s got less than 20,000 miles, and looks really clean inside.

The price of this rig is fair and something that is on my list of ones to really consider.

In about an hour I’m heading up to San Juan Capistrano to look at another vehicle. It will make about the 15th I’ve looked at today.

I’m not sure it’s what I’m looking for, but I’m just trying to be open minded.

So, being open minded I’m all for some advice. Have you ever traveled in a RV?

Any tips?

Is it a huge hassle to dump human waste? Do the bathrooms get nasty? Any places to avoid? Any places I must see?

Cmon RV’ers, let me know what you know.

Thanks.

About the author

Jason Moffatt

Jason Moffatt is a former private detective turned internet marketer who uses his skills of keen observation and deductive reasoning to pinpoint the easiest paths to success online. He’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs in the health & wellness field along with those in the personal development space. Jason believes we’re all a work in progress and that each day presents an opportunity to be a little be better than the last.

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  1. Jason,

    First, the stuff you put out rocks. Really it does. And thanks to you, Frank Kern, Yanik Silver, Dean Hunt, Barry Dunlop, and several others, I’m now one of the top contributors (and #1 for social media, although I’ve no idea how) over at Marketing Profs http://bit.ly/15IAvh (30K visitors per month). Which is great exposure for my fledgling efforts online.

    So, what follows is by way of a thank you.

    OK. To business. Happy memories of RV vacations with my folks a LONG time ago and in the UK of all places (and in a smaller rig than they one in your post which looks like s sweet ride BTW).

    But still, good experience.

    So, here’s my two cents’ worth.

    Q1. Class A RV or Truck with a 5th Wheel? I’m inclined to think RV, preferably a Diesel Pusher.

    A: RV. Unless you’re going to become a semi driver, leave all that farting around with fifth wheels to the pros. Too much hassle and too many visions of jack knifing. Not good. Gas might be better than Diesel, (Diesel may not be available at every gas station out in the middle of nowhere).

    Q2. Buy something in the $40,000 to $60,000 range, or go Big-Pimpen with a rig in the $120,000’s? I took a look at some in the low 100’s today, and they were gorgeous. I’m really leaning towards one of the really nice ones, but need to be somewhat wise about it financially. After all, I may not even dig being in this thing for any extended amount of time.

    Jason, I’d imagine you’re making good money so SPEND IT! If you want the toys of a hotel on wheels (with a full sized washer and dryer), then—gosh darn it, GO FOR IT!

    Q3. Is no Washer & Dryer a deal breaker? This is a tough question. I really want a washer/dryer aboard. (See above)

    Q4. Can I really watch TV on a 13 inch in the bedroom? Probably not since I’m used to having 3 huge plasma/lcd TV’s in the house.

    Dude, with the WHOLE of California to see, why will you need to watch TV? Unplug, watch the sun set, read, listen to music, write a screenplay, play your geetar. Rinse, repeat. You get the idea.

    Q5. If I have a lady friend in the RV, can I drop a deuce in the bathroom without grossing her out? Important question.

    Hmm. Jason, everyone farts. You, me, the Pope, Obama, The Queen of England. EVERYONE! Don’t worry about it.

    Q6. Should I tow a vehicle behind me? I’m thinking yes one minute, no the next. Maybe the best thing is to start out with no vehicle and if it’s a major bitch, I’ll just buy one on the road.

    Backing up with a rig like this can be tricky. It can be done, but how many things to you want to back into while you’re getting the hang of it? The thing is to stock up with victuals BEFORE you get to the middle of nowhere where you MIGHT need transport. OR, strap a dirt bike OR some kind of nifty scooter to the back. You’ll find some ideas for bike rigs here:

    http://www.hydralift-usa.com/ (This looks nifty and it’s POWERED!)

    http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/bike-carriers/rv-motorcycle-carriers.htm

    http://www.monstermarketplace.com/Automotive/ListingC316a352-1.html

    Q7. What if you get stuck in some shitty dead end spot and can’t back up? Yeah, that’s freaking me out.

    Plan your stops with care and you ought not to have to deal with this. Local knowledge, GPS, and Google maps can all help here.

    Q8. What about California? I love Cali. It’s my home. I’m not leaving this place for long. I’ll be back all the time (can’t give up surfing). San Diego is my home. I’ll just be away from home some weeks.

    Lots to see in CA. North, South, West, Beau-tee-full! Me, with all those stellar vineyards, man, I’d never leave the Napa Valley!

    Q9. Will my dog have a blast on the road? I sure hope so. I started reading Steinbeck’s “Travels With Charley” per a John Carlton recommendation. I’ll probably reread Kerouac’s ”On The Road” another time as well.

    Dogs LOVE roading. All those smells. All those trees to pee on. All those women fawning over your dog (I see a chick magnet in your future). But if your dog gets car sick? Hmm. Different ball of wax.

    Q10. I could probably write another ten questions in here, but lastly I’ll ask myself… “How long are you gonna tour in the RV?” No idea at all, and I don’t want to put many restrictions on my travels.

    Jason, again, you could remain on the road for six months or so doing this. And you could just chill. Or you could begin a blog all about your trip, hold clinics on the road, make some cash. Get people playing “Where’s Jason?” Spot Jason and win $100. Maybe even sell some products. A funky graphics job on your RV (custom wrap and you’ve got a rolling billboard), unless you want to be just some guy on the road. That’s cool too.

    So here’s the rig I’ve been thinking of getting…

    (This is a sweet looking ride. And if it has all the toys you need, creature comforts an all, then why not. You could even have it customized to your exact needs)

    So, there you go. Just my humble rant. But hope it helps.
    And if you’d be willing, I’d GREATLY appreciate your follow on http://www.twitter.com/Garybloomer

    Peace,

    Gary B.

    P.S. You really need to talk to Mari Smith (Facebook Queen)
    at http://www.twitter.com/MariSmith as I believe she’s an RV expert.

  2. Hey man,

    I’m working on my speech for this weekend and my new bride is calling from the bedroom so I *really* shouldn’t write long here.

    From 3 years old, to 18yo I spent 6+ months of every year in a motorhome, traveling around the country with my family. Two Adults, Five kids… Six months.

    Insane.
    BUT, I have all the dirt on RV’s… Let’s chat on skype or gimme a call. I’ll be happy to help.

    You shouldn’t be looking at production RV’s though; they’re simply a waste… Look at proper Bus Conversions… MCI, Prevost, etc… Our final Bus was a 40′ MCI-8 previously owned by the Charlie Daniel’s Band… There were some stains here and there, but overall it was the BEST vehicle we’ve owned to date (and we had ALL of them, from 18′ TransVans to high end coaches).

    Hit me up, I’ll put you in touch with the right people… Bought right (with a 6V-92 Turbo and Allison Automatic) you can pick a a luscious one for the price range you’re looking for.

  3. Hi Jason,

    Former RV owner here…I pinged you on Twitter, but figured I would respond here as well.

    My RV broke down on the side of the road, leaving us stranded. After consulting with a place that fixed them, they said to get a truck and a 5th wheel next time. I wouldn’t buy an RV again. Here is why:

    1) They break down constantly. Like all the time.
    2) Big RVs can’t be towed if they break down.
    3) Big RVs are often underpowered and have many strange parts that have to be ordered.
    4) A truck+5th wheel is more versatile. If your truck breaks down, it takes standard truck parts, and it’s easy to get it back on the road. Plus you can live in your 5th wheel while your truck is being repaired. You are going to be stuck in a hotel if your RV is getting repaired.

    Basically, RVs cost more, are a huge pain in the butt if they break down, break down more often than 5th wheels by a magnitude of 10 (at least), and you lose versatility–you can’t just park and drive an RV anywhere. You can always park your 5th wheel and take your truck places.

    It was really the horrific reliability and repair costs that made me decide to never buy an RV again.

    Good luck with your decision!

    -Erica

  4. I say don’t do the RV thing at all.You may have money to burn Mo,
    but it’ll cost a fortune just to travel across the country to see your
    people.

    I’m a bottom-feeding money saver myself,and I see many blues musicians just take a plane across the country and do a regional tour in RV’s.Saves big.

    I realize you want to see the whole country,but this is just
    something to consider.Talk to people in the music field
    who use RV’s or buses,or well known business people
    who do what you want to do.

    Fuel is another thing.Willie uses Bio-fuel from what I know
    and saves big by using it on the road.Don’t quote me though.

    Or just do what Mark Cuban did years ago and bought lifetime
    plane rides with American Airlines for 125 G’s.Don’t know if
    you can do such a thing still.

    Alright, I’m done Mo.What ever you decide to do we’ll all be watching with anticipation.

    Peace and success to you Mo.

    Mark G

  5. Oh, forgot to mention…I would recommend a diesel V8 or V10 truck for best gas mileage. I went to an RV show in Sacramento a couple years ago and I really liked the Fleetwood line of 5th wheels. Very nice setup and layout.

    -Erica

  6. Dude. You rool. Do you want my ’69 Dodge Travco? You can have it, fer reals. It needs work, but is the bomb. We have it for sale, but I would give it to you. Human waste dumping can be a drag, but it’s gotta be done. You want some thing kool, fresh, fun, affordable, hip and somewhat eco friendly. Can you run bio disel thru it? Or do you need my primo eco fuel additive that we use? You need room to stretch and not to fancy that you would be bummed if yer dog chewed a sofa cushion, Ya know? Fringe and Leopard fabric, I think are key. 😉 Best Wishes.
    Suzy Q Bell

  7. @ Gary ~ Bro, I gotta get my NFL games in. And Days of Our Lives. And One Life To Life. And General Hospital. Ya know, the good stuff.
    I’m a current events junkie. I know I’ll have the net, and all of nature to gander at, but I still want me some Dish Network on the Satellite and the ability to get my Xbox on. Appreciate the responses though man.

    @ Eric I’m calling you up man.

    @ Erica I’m not too concerned about the gas milage. At 8 miles a gallon I think it costs about $1400 to drive to New York from here. I’m inclined to go Diesel though, that way I do have the option of running on Bio & Alternative Fuel.

    @ Mark I’m not really a penny pincher, but I dig the idea of doing the bio fuel if it’s really that feasible. For what I’m about to do I’m a bit skeptical, but am open to exploring all possibilities.

    @ Suzy ~ Thanks for the offer. 69 Dodge Travco, how can I refuse? Luckily, my dog never chews up stuff. Never has. He’s super well behaved.

  8. Benefits of a full RV:
    – Everything in 1 package
    – Quick setup when you arrive or leave somewhere (you don’t have to level a trailer, attach a trailer, etc.)
    – Can sometimes (depending on where you are) write off a loan as if it’s a home loan on a 2nd home

    Drawbacks of full RV:
    – Once you’re set up, you have no vehicle to go anywhere. It’s like you have a house in the middle of nowhere and can’t travel (unless you’re towing a full car)
    – Towing a full car behind you is a pain to drive
    – You have to make sure that both the engine / drivetrain and the RV / living portion are properly maintained – if one goes, the whole rig is shot
    – You’re essentially driving a bus
    – If you break down, you’ve got to find a specialized mechanic – hard to do in some places.
    – Backing up a full RV while towing a vehicle is HARD

    Benefits of a 5th Wheel RV:
    – Smooth ride (much easier than pulling a regular trailer), some people say the ride is smoother than a full RV
    – Once the trailer’s set up, you have a truck to drive around town / the country
    – Easier to backup than most trailers
    – You don’t have to take care of both the engine / drivetrain in one unit – if one part goes your whole investment isn’t shot
    – There’s at least 20 truck mechanics in every town if something happens

    Drawbacks of a 5th Wheel RV:
    – You have to buy a truck as well
    – Setup or disconnect CAN take 30-40 mins (not always) – a pain if there’s a storm on
    – Backing up a 5th wheel is still a pain at first, but once you get used to it it’s usually easier than backing up a full RV

    On another note, get a cell phone internet stick. I’ve run one on CDMA in the middle of nowhere where I can’t even get a decent voice signal on a cell phone, and got 100 kb / s downloads. Worth the $$ to avoid the hassle of dealing with the intricacies of wifi in every new location. Also means you can get internet when not around campgrounds. Watch out for the monthly bandwidth caps on these. If you’re going to Canada, your account will cost you an arm and a leg (at least it does for us when we go with cell phone internet to the US), so look at getting a Canadian internet stick (or limit using your US one) if you like the idea and you”re crossing the border.

    If you’re buying used, check everything THOROUGHLY for water damage. Even a little bit can cost you tens of thousands.

  9. 1. Class A RV or Truck with a 5th Wheel? I’m inclined to think RV, preferably a Diesel Pusher.

    5th wheels are more work than an A class.

    2. Buy something in the $40,000 to $60,000 range, or go Big-Pimpen with a rig in the $120,000’s? I took a look at some in the low 100’s today, and they were gorgeous. I’m really leaning towards one of the really nice ones, but need to be somewhat wise about it financially. After all, I may not even dig being in this thing for any extended amount of time.

    Jason, if you can afford a big kahuna, buy a big kahuna. You live ONLY once. Trust me on this one, it is WORTH it. Also, BUY NEW!!! NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW!!! Used ones have the peculiar habit of being problematic. (Water damage, Toilet problems, propane line breaks, etc.)
    And put your maintenance schedule on your google calendar with alerts.
    I had a Monaco class A, which became much-used and abused: no problems in over a decade of ownership. (except my awning ripping off in Montana and pole-vaulting across the interstate and after a buffalo.)

    3. Is no Washer & Dryer a deal breaker? This is a tough question. I really want a washer/dryer aboard.

    Most nice parks have a good laundromat nearby…
    (also, laundromats increase your FeliciaDayability http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfaXt1rC2G0 )

    However, having one onboard is nice.
    Good Sam’s RV directory has (or had, when I RVd) the listing for parks and laundromats.

    4. Can I really watch TV on a 13 inch in the bedroom? Probably not since I’m used to having 3 huge plasma/lcd TV’s in the house.

    You can always have a flat screen installed on the wall or ceiling in the bedroom. I never minded the 13 incher. Though a larger 20something was in the living room when I was around to actually sit down and loaf around and watch tv.

    5. If I have a lady friend in the RV, can I drop a deuce in the bathroom without grossing her out? Important question.

    LOL! Ok, I am a girl, travelled with 2 other girls and 2 guys, it worked out. Most higher-end RVs have a fairly silent and effective fan. I highly recommend the Monaco company. Higher end but soooooo worth it. Bounder, Winnebago, etc are nice, but my Monaco outlasted cheaper brands by a few years. I am not the gentlest person on equipment either.

    And a little piece of advice: Pneumatic Levelers!!! You don’t want to advertise what you’re doing, or need dramamine, if you get some action… I learned this one the hard way… Also, temporary chucks are a pain in the arse.

    6. Should I tow a vehicle behind me? I’m thinking yes one minute, no the next. Maybe the best thing is to start out with no vehicle and if it’s a major bitch, I’ll just buy one on the road.

    Ok, been both ways here. You should totally take a small tow car with you. Think Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, maybe even the slightly larger Chevy Malibu (really nice car, despite the lower/median price).

    7. What if you get stuck in some shitty dead end spot and can’t back up? Yeah, that’s freaking me out.

    I never had this happen, but Good Sam roadside Assistance…
    And an extra cell phone battery, a Garmin, food, vitamin water, cat liter and 4 2x4s just in case.
    😉
    j/k Good Sam Roadside Assist is enough, usually.

    8. What about California? I love Cali. It’s my home. I’m not leaving this place for long. I’ll be back all the time (can’t give up surfing). San Diego is my home. I’ll just be away from home some weeks.

    Leaving California for *short* times will make you love it all the more! Besides, you can then surf the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

    9. Will my dog have a blast on the road? I sure hope so. I started reading Steinbeck’s “Travels With Charley” per a John Carlton recommendation. I’ll probably reread Kerouac’s ”On The Road” another time as well.

    Dogs LOVE RVs. I had a dog (standard poodle, the size of a Lab) and a tabby cat with me in my RV. Cat got more-or-less used to it over a month or so. Dog was always super amped to go places. Plus there is a sofa, which as you know is the natural habitat of the domestic American Dog.

    10. I could probably write another ten questions in here, but lastly I’ll ask myself… “How long are you gonna tour in the RV?” No idea at all, and I don’t want to put many restrictions on my travels.

    I’ve gone a few days, a few weeks, one time I even lived in the RV for 6 months (with the Dog!) across Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Utah, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming and Kansas.

    Any tips?

    Check and make sure outside flaps are locked and antenna down BEFORE travelling interstate… rather than spreading equipment over St. Louis, Mo innercity interstate medians!

    Good Sam is the shiznit! So is camping world. (or so they were a few years ago when I was all RVish)

    http://www.goodsamclub.com/travel/Default.aspx

    http://www.campingworld.com/

    Is it a huge hassle to dump human waste?

    No, it’s a snap once you’ve done it a few times. The seller should instruct you. Or any RVer could help you out. This is a clanish and friendly community you are joining for the most part. Welcome to the open road.

    Do the bathrooms get nasty?

    I am a neat freak, and I lived in one for 6 months… So, nope.

    Any places to avoid?

    I am not a big fan of cities with an RV. Otherwise, use your streetsmarts.

    Any places I must see?

    The Grand Canyon, Williamsburg Virginia, The Alamo, The Redwoods, Denali NP, Arches NP, The High Sonoran Desert, DC, Mount Rushmore… The Plains in Wyoming are breathtaking!
    (Full Disclosure: I am Lakota and my Mother is from California, so I am biased toward the Pacific coast and the Great Plains.)

    Also, The Pacific coast from Canada to Half Moon Bay. So many breathtaking sights.

    I have to say that travelling in an RV made fall in love with my country. I’ve travelled all over the world (AF Brat) and seen a lot… and in my opinion this is the most beautiful country on earth.
    God has truely smiled on us.

    Live Boldly, Jason.

  10. Jason, good luck on your adventure!
    .
    .
    .
    Hey, this was the first thing that came to mind when I read this:
    .
    .
    .
    5. If I have a lady friend in the RV, can I drop a deuce in the bathroom without grossing her out? Important question.
    .
    .
    .
    Eh, the truck stop hookers won’t mind! lol hehe One of them might even spring for a blumkin! lol
    .
    .
    .
    Good luck picking up a new ride!

  11. Roll how you like brother. Seems like you want to go big, If it was me, I’d go as small as possible- Just to avoid hassleing with all the extras. I liked Eric Farewell answers above, always best to learn from someone who has lived it and then throw in your own unique tastes.

    Another guy who lives in an RV full-time is a blogger named Tynan, he wrote about his experience here: http://tynan.net/living-in-a-small-rv-introduction There are other related posts at the bottom of the article…he’s pretty thorough and he lives what I would call a “high quality” lifestyle. Have an awesome trip!!!

  12. Boy o boy o boy.

    I’ve looked at a billion RV’s so far. I actually made a offer on one today.

    The more I look though, the more I realize there are so many things to consider. Not an easy purchase at all.

  13. Mo Fo. . .
    dude you are beating me to it…….DO IT!!!!

    my dad’s got a 30′ Fleetwood, it’s an older one gas engine upfront, no slide outs, but 2 beds full bath…..and let me tell you I’m the oldest of 6 and it’s definitely the way to travel with family…..

    nothing better than baking a pizza at 60 miles an hour

    they are easier to drive than you think, getting blocked in for backing up…..well I’ll call shot gun if needed, just make sure it has a reverse camera or beep system….lol…..

    my dad mainly uses it for tailgating, but fun to steal out on the town with a big group of friends too………cops never screw with you in that thing….

    human waste – “shitter’s full” no big deal rv sites all over, just look for signs

    HONESTLY, I know there are a bunch of online hotty groupies out there, but sticking around the 60-80k area is plenty nice man, there are plenty of diamonds in the rough of people getting rid of these things……plus then you can pimp it out to your liking…..just double check all electrical systems, no plumbing leaks, and give the engine the usual touch up – oil plugs, etc….

    have fun!
    Weller

    (From Jason)

    Man Weller, every day my mind changes. So many options. I’m really glad I’m being
    patient as there are tons of deals out there to be had.

    I love hearing stories about other’s RV travels. So groovy! Thanks for sharing.

  14. I haven’t read through all the notes, so apologies if this is a repeat, but… have you rented an RV for a week or three? It seems that (learning) experience might answer some of the GREAT questions you pose here. Hmm… just noticed this is an old-ish post… point may be moot…

    (From Jason)…

    Good point. A bit too late. Just bought the RV today! Cheers.

  15. JMo.
    Been traveling and living in my 5th wheel for about 10 years. You got allot of great questions, I won’t answer them all but don’t hesitate to contact me anytime here in Vegas. Missed you when Launch tree happened by the way.

    5th wheel great if you are going to have extended stays. Pusher is a yes. But you don’t want to be talked into anything less than like a 400 Cummings for power and mileage sake. Allot less where and tear on a bigger motor. Just remember there is no replacement for displacement.

    Yes you want a cheap pup to tow behind for several reasons mobility and freedom are greatly impinged with just a home. There is no question that you want to go without a second ride.

    We have made a decision on what we want when we split from Las Vegas. A Newmar, Yellowstone Hard to find this layout but it has 4 slides, room for big tvs and a bunch of other cool stuff. Always got to add satellite internet and tv.

    Contact me any time for a chat RVs are great, have met some of the greatest people on the road.
    Brad West ~ onomoney

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