To Buy or Not to Buy.....
We, my wife and I, are considering the purchase of our first motorhome, we have owned a trailer and now a 5'ver. We wish to move up to a motorhome either a Winnebago or a Tiffin. But after reading through a number of posts, should I be afraid of the maintenance costs and issues that arise with motorhomes? We don't have an unlimited budget as I'm sure none of you do either, but I am a little cautious here. We realize the reason most poeple post here is to get help rather than say great things about their motorhome, but we wish to make sure we have the proper expectations going into it.
Are the maintenance costs any of you incur enough to spoil the fun of the RV? And on average what would someone expect in normal maintenance costs to be during a given year (excluding fuel and DEF).
What is the most important thing to consider when purchasing; chassis, engine, floorplan, manufacturer, etc.
Thank you for your patience in advance!
Tom and Diane
RE: To toad brake or not to toad brake....
Thanks, I'll watch for any more responses, but your reply's do not surprise me at all. Gosh they'll say anything for a sale. That being said, I have to admit to being excited about the potential purchase, the DW is on board, if I can only get the numbers to work. But I also have to tell you, I am not done with my research yet. I would love to use this forum again, so please bear with me if I have another question or two. You guys (and gals as the case may be) are AWESOME!!!!!
To toad brake or not to toad brake....
Just came from the RV salesmen (read enough of these threads to be wary), but he said you really do not need a toad braking system, he has not used one in his last 3 RVs. I'm looking to purchase a Class A, but am a little wary. He said, you're pushing (I'm looking at a DP) over 30,000 lbs, another 3,500 lbs in the back you won't even notice. Anyone out there not use a toad brake system?
Manueveruing a DP...
First off, I'm jealous of you that have Class A motorhomes. The DW and I really wish to step up one. We have had a TT and now own a f'ver. While we enjoy it, the Motorhome just seems where we are headed. Since the DW will be driving it as well, and I have never driven one, can I just ask is it easier to maneuver than a f'ver, such as in and out of spots when camping or backing up? I'm not sure why she wants to know this since she never does it, but what the DW wants to know, she needs to know. And if I can't answer, I'll never get the Motorhome. How hard is it to drive? Any thoughts?
RE: On road, need tire thoughts...
Thanks to all those that posted some help for me. I got the 5ver fixed yesterday (3/4/13). Turns out the axle lost its' "camber". I guess this is the normal bend in the axle, which caused the tires to wear on the inside. When looking at it after the correction, even I can see the camber now. They also made some other adjustments to ensure it runs true. If any of you are in Tucson, and need any alignment work or have axle issues, I would suggest trying out an outfit called "Arizona Spring". We were referred there by an RV dealer. Not a glamorus place, but they did a nice job and were very helpful.
RE: On road, need tire thoughts...
Thanks for all your ideas and references. When this ends up getting fixed, I'll post an epilogue. It may take a number of days since getting the time at one ofthese shops can be a challenge.
Thank you. Tom
RE: On road, need tire thoughts...
Sorry for the delay, but I do not have internet everywhere we are. OK, it's 5:22PM MST, in Benson, AZ, heading to Tucson on Tuesday. I am camped now, and about 70 miles from next campsite. I had to pull off in Benson, AZ since the 2 rear trailer tires were down past rubber. The fix it shop, that's what I'd call it, didn't really know for sure what was wrong, they were guessing at at a bent axle. There was a little play int tire, but the guyu said that was normal. Honestly, I don't know. But given that they were guessing and I did not really trust this guy, I did not wish to trust them fixing the axle anyway, it was just a tire/RV repair shop, it was the best I could find under the circumstances.
I replaced both rear tires, one with a new tire, and 1 with the spare which has never been used. I can at least get to Tucson safely now.
I am running ST tires (the originals with about 11,200 miles on them). The front's are still in very good shape. I do run the front just a little high in order to clear the back of the pickup. Previously I had hit the under frame on the f'ver where you hitch to the truck. But I would not really consider it high by any stretch, but it was adjusted one notch on the holes. I am not overweight, only about 8300 pounds on rear axles, each rated for 5200.
I don't know how the last place jacked up the trailer, but since it was serviced at an RV dealer and not by myself, I would assume they would know that.
Anyone know a good and reputable Keystone dealer in Tucson, AZ? I have only fixed the sympton at this point for safety, but not the problem.
Thanks, Tom
On road, need tire thoughts...
Have 2010 fiver, about 11,500 miles on it, had axles repacked at 10,000. Tires all in good condition. Went 1,500 miles west. The rear 2 tires of fiver show severe inside wear, all tread is gone. They are mirror images of each other. Outside tread is great. Front 2 tires look great. Never had this before. Looking now for dealer as I will never get home on these. Any thoughts just so I can repair shop honest. When I look at tire from a distance straight behind, I do sense the rear tires are not at exact alignment to the front two. I see a slight angle between the two. Did not hit any pot holes. What would cause this.
Thanks.
