The longer I wait, the bigger it gets. More research has me now fixated on the diesel pusher class A. I test drove a gasoline powered class A, but, after more research (and a lot of help from the Yahoo Diesel RV Group) I’ve decided to test drive the diesel pusher.
Having fishtailed under a semi at 80 mph, I still have residual terror passing those big trucks. (Doing 360s, I actually went under it twice.) I feel like the bigger, heaver vehicle with more powerful brakes will feel safer to me.
I also like the idea that I can load it up with my books and possibly even my Stairmaster! (Though I do have to measure the door.) If I am really going to make this my full time abode, it seems I should purchase something that can accommodate a lot of what makes me comfortable.
I’m headed to PPL Motorhomes in Houston next Thursday. Based on my budget, this means I will have to get an even older RV, but I think I’d be happier with a well made older diesel pusher than a more cheaply made newer gasoline RV. I’m actually hoping to find something in the 35ft range, and they have a few to choose from. (I’m going to look at this one and this one; if you have any opinions on those or any of the others, please let me know!)
I know that I have to keep a lot of cash in reserve for maintenance and repair.
I’m excited!
*****
If you are interested in an overview of the gas vs. diesel debate, I recommend this article by Julian Gothard. Check his archive for a bunch of other helpful articles related to RVing. (Like figuring out which satellite dish to purchase.)
*****
20 Comments
I love your blog, love the fact that you are crazy!
While you are at PPL, which is a great place to buy, look at the older ones. Look at the Newell, they have a great reputation. Good luck on your selection!
You should be able to make your monthly payments, and have a great life on your income.
You rock! Go for it girl!
You are doing a great job of reasearch, keep posting on the RV.net site, post about your trip to PPL, you will get a bunch of experts to guide you on your selection.
Do not buy on your first trip, get advice about your selection from the guys at RV.net before buying.Trust me they all won’t sell before you can do your research, pass up the Cutter by Airstream, I don’t think it is a quality unit. Make sure you get a good salesman that will steer you in the right direction. Don’t rush the decision, RESEARCH!!!
Love,
James
And I was trying so hard *not* to look crazy.
I’ll dump the Cutter.
Thanks for the info and encouragement!!!!
If you haven’t found them already. Look up RV-dreams.com. They have details of their cost for several years and the decision making process that took them from Corporate to living in a 5th wheel. Also look up escapees I don’t remember if .net or .org, a great orgnization down in Livingston TX devoted to Full Timers.
James
(Oh I like RV.net a bunch better than the Yahoo group, more experts)
Before spending a lot of money on an RV, make sure
RVing will work for you. I did it for about 1 1/2 yrs
and that was enough. It can be hard to live in a very small space, for a long period of time. I also
found RVs are much more expensive to service than a
regular auto. Add to that camping costs, fuel, insurance.
Don’t be scared to check eBay. You would be surprised at some of the deals. The only reason I passed on a diesel pusher was because we only use ours for recreation.
I seriously considered this one, but the wife was looking for a very specific layout and once it was all said and done, gas was just a better choice for us.
Good luck!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260477589308&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT
Found this one on Craigslist here in Houston. Wheel chair accessible though. http://houston.craigslist.org/rvs/1428445769.html
@James
Thank you for the reference to RVdreams!
@Mandy
I appreciate the guidance. Since I am in my 30s, I know I have to consider that this is not a permanent move for me. I’ve decided to take it one year at at time. Do you have a blog about your experience?
@Wade
Thanks for the links!
Jennifer I LOVE your blog!
BTW…Have you followed Mar (of Bella travels now “life at 55 mph”)…she is now soloing in a class C and wants to downsize to a B.
I’d love to just take off, but I don’t know if I’d be able to support myself…I am considering renting an RV a few times a year to see if it would work for me.
Those big monsters look accomodating, but hate the thought of TOWING something to get around in…and parking the thing??? ARGH!!! Scary!
I’m surprised that the Airstream is not considered good quality…never been in one that wasn’t incredibly well thought out and well-built? They also have storage located where most manufacturers never considered …
Good luck in the house sale too!!!!
Lady Di – Thanks so much! I have found Mar’s blog and do follow it. I *love* to find solo women travelers, so please send me any others you know.
I did the RV rental as a test, as well. Not cheap, though. Also, they are pretty poorly maintained, so they drive terribly! I still think it was a worthy exercise for me though. (It is under my April 2009 archive.)
But now I *really* want for you to go test drive an A at a dealership. I swear, I was so scared I wanted to cry, but it wasn’t bad at all!
Go do it and send me a picture!!! ; )
Jennifer
absolutely none of my business, but with only a small amount of cash perhaps you should consider going smaller and lighter rather than bigger & more expensive. Fuel, insurance, repairs. Its a long, long way to the artic.
Dear ET,
I do appreciate the feedback. Smaller/lighter/newer is still an option that rattles around in my (worn out!) brain…
Thanks!
Jennifer
Jennifer….I agree with James Jackson….look at the Newell at PPL, and check out other used Newells for sale elsewhere. They are one of the best made motor coaches available. They are all built from the ground up to be motor coaches. We were looking for something just like you are interested in when we “stumbled” across our 1982 Newell 36′. At first a 26 year old coach (then) seemed too old, but the more we looked at it, and did research, the more we became convinced this was the way to go, and a year and half later, and 13,000 miles, we are more convinced than ever.
That being said, I also like your blog….you are a good writer. Keep it up!
Dear Clark,
Thank you for the feedback. One thing I don’t understand with regard to getting something that old, will I have to replace a lot of things? (Air conditioners, refrigerators, etc?)
I am coming up a steep learning curve!
Jennifer
The only two things I had to replace were the cruise control, and the A/C compressor for the dash air. Everything else works. There are some beautiful Newell Classics out there waiting to be bought at great prices right now….we paid under $40,000. They are so well built, and the components are of the highest quality. Check out http://www.newellclassic.com and go to the classified section. This website is great place to learn about Newells. We have a great support community of owners there, and there are single women who own these big rigs.
Sorry for butting in…question for Clarke, and all, from a newbe…no,actually from a “not-yet-be”….how is it PARKING, going thru small towns,campsites, etc and towing a Toad, backing, etc when solo in a behemoth RV?
What do you do in Timbuctu when Big Ole Pusher has to have 2 weeks of mechanical resussication and is your only place of residence….
so on.
Just asking….nervously
“resuscitation”…oops!
Lady Di….The great thing about these big diesels is that there are truck repair shops everywhere, even in Timbucktu. The biggest issue is being sure you have money set aside for repairs. Whether brand new, or 27 years old they “break”. All you can do is preventative maintenance (oil changes, fuel filter changes, lube, coolant changes, periodical inspections by qualified truck mechanics, etc.) and hope for the best. Mechanical things will break, and you will be inconvenienced whether it is a VW, or a 36′ diesel pusher. Most places will accomadate you living in your rig while they fix it. In most cases most repairs take a few days at most. My friend’s Bluebird Wanderlodge had a water pump fail about 60 miles west of Amarillo on I-40 in the middle of no where at a place called San Jon. He spent 4 days at the truck repair facility while they ordered the parts, and fixed his rig. They gave him a place to plug in to run his A/C. That’s really the great thing about travelling in your home.
As for driving these rigs, it takes a couple of weeks to get comfortable. Backing is no problem, and pulling a car, or long trailer is no problem as long as you are careful where you pull into, being sure you can get out with out unhitching whatever you are towing. We pulled a 29′ trailer 4,000 miles with our 2002 T-Bird with no problems.
Thanks! Clarke! I am just a wuss….you ought to see me backing my little Whaler boat (13 feet)!!!!
I have actually gotten out and picked up the trailer and re-aligned it…harhar. A 35′-plus Motor home with toad??? I’d be quivering..:)
Yep.Wuss.
Anyway…for now… will just continue to live vicariously thru the actual actions/adventures of others! But…one day……
XOXO LD
Dear Lady Di,
From what I’ve learned, backing up a boat is a lot more difficult than driving a Class A and pulling a tow vehicle. (You don’t ever back up, though.)
I was told that trailers are too hard, but Class As are much easier than you think. That was consistent with my experience….
Go do it!
Jennifer
I’m glad that I came across your site. I have read a number of your articles and they were all an excellent read and very informative. Thanks