Anyone done a cross-country drive, roughing it?

[IndependentlyPoor]

Good advice.

In an RV you know who were the last users of the bedding.

OTOH if you are into biological sampling, a hotel room offers variety.

Reminds me of one of my favorite Simpson's moments. Lisa and Bart race vibrating beds in a seedy motel.

BART
No way are you gonna beat me, this time, Lis.
LISA
(voice shaking) Yes I am! Come on, spotty!
BART
(voice shaking) Come on, smelly!

 

[nwsteve]

We did a repositioning rental with Cruise America for our introduction to RVing as Brewer suggested. It is a great way to experience what RVing about, finding parks, setting up/taking down each day etc. Ultimately rvingv is a life style choice not an investment decision. We DO like the benefit of on-board potty, having lunch and breakfast anytime and with a menu that fits our diets and there are no "surprises" from the previous users in the bathroom/bedcovers.
Like many RVers, it is pretty common to end up going through some different types of RV before finding the one that works best for your and traveling companion(s). To keep your $$ exposure under control, buy used until you have a firm hand on what you want from the RVing experience. I think Rich is on his third unti. We started with a 28' Class A with basement and now are enjoying a Class B Roadtrek. DW would only drive the A under duress but does not hesistate to take the wheel in the B. We are travelers (vs "sitters") so appreciate the ease of getting around in our Roadtrek (21 ') and lower cost of operating (mileage of 16-17 vs 9-10 mpg). Also since there are only two of us, the size works well. I have RVers in B's with 2 big dogs and kids--not sure how they make that work but glad it is not us ;-).
Do try the rental as your first step. It is also a great way to check out units as your travel each night when you get in the campground for the evening.
Nwsteve

 

[IndependentlyPoor]

Several years ago we tried to rent an RV but were stopped by the inability to get insurance. Maybe we were talking to dummies (dummies talking to dummies), but we were told that liability insurance just wasn't available. The lady who answered the phone at the RV rental place admitted that she and her husband had rented an RV the previous summer and "just didn't bother with insurance".
Yikes!
Anybody rented an RV? What is the scoop on insurance?

 

[NW-Bound]

We are travelers (vs "sitters") so appreciate the ease of getting around in our Roadtrek (21 ') and lower cost of operating (mileage of 16-17 vs 9-10 mpg). Nwsteve

We have the same travel style, plus also like to visit nearby metropolitan cities. Hence, thought that a SUV pulling a small travel trailer might be a substitute for a class B. It is actually not as convenient because the trailer must be detached and left on a campground, but for retirees who have all the time in the world, what's the rush? Right? We might stay in a place for 3 days to a week anyway.

A lot depends on the travel style, and I have to think to decide for myself. Yes, month-long rental is expensive, and weekend trips are not what I have in mind. I can buy a small trailer, and sell it if it does not work out. The loss may be the same as the rental.

I still have time to study as my wife still needs to spend time with her 90-yr old father.

 

[brewer12345]

We have the same travel style, plus also like to visit nearby metropolitan cities. Hence, thought that a SUV pulling a small travel trailer might be a substitute for a class B. It is actually not as convenient because the trailer must be detached and left on a campground, but for retirees who have all the time in the world, what's the rush? Right? We might stay in a place for 3 days to a week anyway.

This is essentially what we do, although we do 3 to 4 days at a time. We get where we are going, plop the trailer down and do what ever we like for the duration in just the tow vehicle. From start to finish, we usually pack up and hitch up in 45 min to an hour, tops, and that is with 2 small kids getting in the way and contributing to the mess. One time when it was pouring I had it done (myself) in under 20 min.

 

[Rambler]

Thanks everyone, for the advice. We still have some looking/dreaming/thinking to do. We may wait and rent one next summer, or we may just go ahead a pick up a smaller trailer when we are home for Christmas (being that there are still some pretty good deals to be had right now). My assumption is that most of our trips to the state parks will be 5 days/4 nights...leave on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning after the weekend campers have gone, and get back before they arrive on Friday night.

Our longer trips would probably be on the order of two weeks, but probably never longer than 3 weeks due to needing to care for lawns and such. For the longer trips we would stay in RV parks. The benefit of the trailer is obviously that we can tool around in the tow vehicle. We have been considering a couple of electric scooter/mopeds that we could use if we got the class A or C, but like the idea of air conditioning when travelling in places like Texas or Arizona. I've also given some thought to getting a Honda Fit as a toad...but if we can get a trailer we are happy with size and comfort wise we'll probably start there.

Rich: Pls remind me which model you got? I like the idea of a king bed for the longer trips...

Thanks

R

 

[REWahoo]

Anybody rented an RV? What is the scoop on insurance?

Haven't rented in a very long time but I see these guys everywhere while we're on the road. Maybe give them a call and ask your insurance question?

Edit to add: I saw this on their website:

For your peace of mind while traveling, Cruise America rentals include coverage's in three areas in excess of minimum automobile coverage's against third-party required by law. The details are contained on the Rental Agreement. Below is an outline of the coverage's

• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) provides you supplemental liability insurance up to $1,000,000 for USA rentals (Not valid in Mexico).

 

[NW-Bound]

I think the OP of this thread may have already hit the road in his used beat up van!

The OP started up this really hot and popular thread, then disappeared. He has not logged in for 2 months! Is he really "roughing it" and not having internet access at all? Or is he having so much fun he didn't bother to give us an update?

 

[FUEGO]

The OP started up this really hot and popular thread, then disappeared. He has not logged in for 2 months! Is he really "roughing it" and not having internet access at all? Or is he having so much fun he didn't bother to give us an update?

Based on some PM's I received, I think the OP is taking a break from the forum. Who knows, maybe he is roughing it on a trip across the country!

 

[jambo101]

Lets hope he's fulfilling his dream
cheaprvliving.com

 

[NW-Bound]

cheaprvliving.com

I've read through all the entries on that Web site, and even followed to the individuals' blog sites. Their travel styles are all too "rough" for me. Anyway, the one blog I found most interesting is by Randy the Kodger, mostly because he is a good writer and also has a good eye for natural things as well as people that he encounters. I do not agree with some aspects of his philosophy, but that does not prevent me from enjoying his writing. He provided more interesting details of his exploits than Steinbeck in the well-known Travels with Charley.

I can now report that my wife has been more and more receptive to the idea of us wandering for a few months with an RV. I am still in the planning (dreaming?) stage, and debating between a small travel trailer and a small class C. Besides the cost difference, a class C would limit our mobility and we really need to go visit nearby towns and downtown areas of cities that are on our path. We already have a 2nd home in the boonies, and want to experience more than just "nature" in our travel.

 

[In-control]

Hosteling! You can stay in clean safe places - some under $20/night. Why be uncomfortable? Drive a small car, better gas milage, or a motocycle and you will have a blast.

Hostels.com - Every Hostel, Everywhere - 20,000+ Hostels Worldwide

 

[Westernskies]

You need to read a wider range of source material.

I only believe what I read here on FIRE....

 

[jambo101]

I can now report that my wife has been more and more receptive to the idea of us wandering for a few months with an RV. I am still in the planning (dreaming?) stage, and debating between a small travel trailer and a small class C. Besides the cost difference, a class C would limit our mobility and we really need to go visit nearby towns and downtown areas of cities that are on our path. We already have a 2nd home in the boonies, and want to experience more than just "nature" in our travel.

I'm in the same boat as far as the wife and i wanting to devote a lot of time wandering around N America,the class C is the ideal size but is not convenient for local tours and trips once you are at a destination,a couple of 200cc scooters would be handy but the wife wont have anything to do with bikes,and i dont like the idea of dragging a car behind the Rv everywhere we go.If you figure it out let me know..

 

[brewer12345]

I'm in the same boat as far as the wife and i wanting to devote a lot of time wandering around N America,the class C is the ideal size but is not convenient for local tours and trips once you are at a destination,a couple of 200cc scooters would be handy but the wife wont have anything to do with bikes,and i dont like the idea of dragging a car behind the Rv everywhere we go.If you figure it out let me know..

I got it all figured out. It was rainy and very muddy this weekend at our campsite, so we dropped the trailer and took off in the tow vehicle with the kids to the Hershey factory, a waterpark, a historic mill & covered bridge, and an old growth hemlock forest. More than one of these places are ones I would not wanted to deal with a scooter or a lumbering calss C.

 

[jambo101]

The thought of driving some huge pickup truck towing a 35+foot camping trailer in the rear doesnt sound like where i want to go,however the idea of driving the tow vehicle once the trailer has been set up is not entirely off the list i just dont like towing,but if i have to tow i'd be more inclined to get a C and tow a Smart car. Or maybe a B+ might be the answer not too big.
http://www.startrackstrucks.com/freedomserenity/06_serenity_driverside.jpg

 

[REWahoo]

... if i have to tow i'd be more inclined to get a C and tow a Smart car.

Smart Car? Naaahhh.

Here's what you need:

 

[Rambler]

Winnebago has a new for 2010 Class A based on the Sprinter chassis with a small V6 diesel Mercedes engine. Pretty cool looking, but unsure if it would be able to handle a toad. Its a bit on the pricey side for the size (25ft). But it looks like it would be pretty easy to manuever in tight spots.

2010 Winnebago Via

R

 

[REWahoo]

The Winnebago models built on the Sprinter chassis are a nice size and offer very good fuel economy (for an RV). However, past models have suffered from being very near their maximum weight carrying capacity once you fill the tanks with water and fuel. Load yourself and your traveling companion on board along with some food and clothing and you were over the maximum rated weight limit - and few folks realize this.

Hope they've solved the problem. No way to tell without the actual weight (GVW) of the RV, and the website only gives the weight rating (GVWR).

 

[jambo101]

Smart Car? Naaahhh.

Here's what you need:

That sure looks like a perfect setup especially since i've owned a Miata for the last 7yrs . The budget is $25,000 for a used Rv so the Sprinter based units are out of my price range.

 

[NW-Bound]

I am still looking at RVs, though we will not be able to take off for some indefinite time. In terms of cost and suitability to our travel style as I am currently envisioning it, I am leaning towards a small travel trailer of less than 20ft towable by our existing SUV. It is like the set up that Brewer has. Even buying a new one, we should be able to hit the road after spending perhaps $14K for a model I have in mind.

However, in surfing the Web I have found some apparently smoking deals on larger motor homes (MH). I have seen small class A MHs of less than 35ft, only 5 to 6 year old and driven 20,000 miles or less, going for US$25K-$35K. Granted, these are smaller no-frill models, and with a gas engine and not diesel, but I think they still cost around $100K new. Slightly used, they cost about the same as a new car!

All MHs depreciate terribly, but the gas ones seem to suffer higher losses than the diesels, yet were driven less. My theory is that the low gas mileage (5-8 MPG?), the high cost of gas in the recent years (>$3/gallon last year), and the poor economy keep the owners from enjoying them and force the liquidation. Or are there some other reasons, like these may be lemons?

 

[brewer12345]

I am still looking at RVs, though we will not be able to take off for some indefinite time. In terms of cost and suitability to our travel style as I am currently envisioning it, I am leaning towards a small travel trailer of less than 20ft towable by our existing SUV. It is like the set up that Brewer has. Even buying a new one, we should be able to hit the road after spending perhaps $14K for a model I have in mind.

However, in surfing the Web I have found some apparently smoking deals on larger motor homes (MH). I have seen small class A MHs of less than 35ft, only 5 to 6 year old and driven 20,000 miles or less, going for US$25K-$35K. Granted, these are smaller no-frill models, and with a gas engine and not diesel, but I think they still cost around $100K new. Slightly used, they cost about the same as a new car!

All MHs depreciate terribly, but the gas ones seem to suffer higher losses than the diesels, yet were driven less. My theory is that the low gas mileage (5-8 MPG?), the high cost of gas in the recent years (>$3/gallon last year), and the poor economy keep the owners from enjoying them and force the liquidation. Or are there some other reasons, like these may be lemons?

I think that a lot of this is just a poor resale market driven by a combination of people who really need to sell to raise cash and more units getting dumped on the market by reposessing lenders. Higher gas costs clearly do not help, either.

As for the temptation of the deal, its not a deal for you if it doesn't fit your needs. If a trailer is what you need, a class A won't be a great idea even at a tempting price.

FWIW, when the current trailer becomes too much of a money pit many years hence, I imagine we will end up with another, slightly larger trailer. There is a bewildeing array of choices in the 18 to 24 foot range and I imagine there will be even more over time as the smaller and lighte trends continues to build.

 

[brewer12345]

The thought of driving some huge pickup truck towing a 35+foot camping trailer in the rear doesnt sound like where i want to go

Me neither. Right now I have a minivan pulling a 16 ft trailer. Eventually it will probably be an SUV pulling a slightly larger trailer, but the current setup works great for 4 people and 2 dogs. Athough I must admit that we get occasional stares at camgrounds from people who have half the population in trailers twice the size. We must look like the clowns coming out of the little car...

 

[REWahoo]

Athough I must admit that we get occasional stares at camgrounds from people who have half the population in trailers twice the size. We must look like the clowns coming out of the little car...

If they start applauding be sure to pass the hat...

 

[NW-Bound]

I think that a lot of this is just a poor resale market driven by a combination of people who really need to sell to raise cash and more units getting dumped on the market by reposessing lenders. Higher gas costs clearly do not help, either.

As for the temptation of the deal, its not a deal for you if it doesn't fit your needs. If a trailer is what you need, a class A won't be a great idea even at a tempting price.

My point is that these bottom-tier class A MHs seem to depreciate more despite getting used less than their bigger brothers. I wonder why.

About my needs, well, they are flexible and can be met if I pull a small dinghy, which I don't own at the moment. The arrangement only costs more. However, I am thinking that a small travel trailer has its allure; one feels like a kid in the confined space of his treehouse. It should work for our envisioned short trips of up to a couple of months. I have seen blogs of people who even live full-time in one of these smaller ones. The bigger 5th-wheel RVs do not excite me at all, besides I do not have a large truck for a tow vehicle. I'd rather have a small class A if I want more room.

Anyway, in surfing the Web, I have seen a couple full-timing in a big class A towing a class B or a small class C!