As crazy as it may sound, my wife & I have decided to take our 2 & 3 year-old kids to an RV trip around the world for 1 year starting next May. We have never done RV'ing before, so we figured it would be a good thing to try full-timing at an RV park near my wife's work for about 10 months before we go on the road. Below are some questions we have, so any honest comments would be greatly appreciated:
1. Class A vs. Class C ?
At first, we thought that Class C would be better mainly due to the size & maneuverability, but with 2 toddlers with us, we are leaning towards Class A. Any thoughts?
2. Slide vs. Non-slide ?
At first, we thought non-slide would be better as we travel to Alaska, South America, and other countries with some rough roads, but again with 2 toddlers, we are leaning toward at least 1 slide in the living room so the kids have some room. Any comments?
3. RV length & width
Is there any width requirement in any of the countries you guys have traveled to? We'd like to go with 102" width, if possible. What was the longest length you felt comfortable with while traveling abroad?
Any of your honest feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
My opinion, the bigger, the better. You'll find that every extra foot in an RV matters (Class A preferably). Definitely one or more slides. However, I understand money maybe a factor, but if you plan on spending that much time in it, and can afford it, spend a little more for the extra room. You will be happy you did. JMO
You might want to look at this web site.
www.expeditionportal.com
Read their info and read their forum postings.
When you start talking about places like South America and other countries the typical American manufactured motorhome may not be the best choice. What is the parts availability for a American chassis in these countries? Will the mechanics be familiar with your chassis?
Simple and smaller might be better. Things like multiple slides could mean a breakdown in a isolated place. How handy are you with doing repairs?
Spending 10 months in a RV park in Washington state is a lot different than being on the road in a foreign country and having a breakdown.
Hi,
What do you mean "around the world",Europe,S.America,North America,Australia,New Zealand???
You have to realize that RVing in Europe is totally different from North America because of 2 major reasons-lectric is 220V ,roads and C.G are much smaller and there are no tow RV's.
I have Rved in Europe and NZ with a small camper (like a VW Westfallia) and even then had to leave it outside of some beautiful Italian cities due to narrow streets.
If you have more questions feel free to PM me.
In any case I love your idea.
F-350 ,2006,XLT,SD,LB,EC,6.0LT,Auto,SRW.
5W Cruiser 2006 CF29CK Crossroad
The world is a book,if you are not traveling than you are still on the first page.
P.A,Good Sam,TomTom GO720 Website
As crazy as it may sound, my wife & I have decided to take our 2 & 3 year-old kids to an RV trip around the world for 1 year starting next May. We have never done RV'ing before, so we figured it would be a good thing to try full-timing at an RV park near my wife's work for about 10 months before we go on the road. Below are some questions we have, so any honest comments would be greatly appreciated:
1. Class A vs. Class C ?
At first, we thought that Class C would be better mainly due to the size & maneuverability, but with 2 toddlers with us, we are leaning towards Class A. Any thoughts?
2. Slide vs. Non-slide ?
At first, we thought non-slide would be better as we travel to Alaska, South America, and other countries with some rough roads, but again with 2 toddlers, we are leaning toward at least 1 slide in the living room so the kids have some room. Any comments?
3. RV length & width
Is there any width requirement in any of the countries you guys have traveled to? We'd like to go with 102" width, if possible. What was the longest length you felt comfortable with while traveling abroad?
Any of your honest feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Mike
I am also curious as to what "around the world" means. Taking literally, I would move this thread to General RVing Issues. (That may still be the best place.) If you are referring to the Western Hemisphere, then maybe this forum will do for now.
We have spent the last 2 winters in S. Mexico. I have seen and talked to several world touring rv'ers coming through en route to or from South America. Couple of observations.
They are almost all Europeans, who seem to be more more adventurous than "us". They travel in C's or the European style B+, with the small diesels. Also seen several "tricked-out" Landcruisers, probably the most rugged.
The most impressive we met was a French couple who were traveling with 7 kids, 2 to 15 years, in a 20-something class C.
Good luck.
At first, we thought that Class C would be better mainly due to the size & maneuverability, but with 2 toddlers with us, we are leaning towards Class A. Any thoughts?
Something more like an Earthroamer is what you'll need if your post is sincere. Have you ever been outside the US and experienced travel in less-developed countries? It's eye-opening. Forget about readily-available repair shops and convenient gas stations. What about illnesses with 2 toddlers. Will their digestive systems be able to handle odd foods you obtain on the road.
Our tour bus was attacked by an anti-American mob while we were in Egypt. We had armed guards with us but that didn't stop the haters. A lone American family traveling abroad for an extended period might be an easy target. Not saying it can't be done successfully, but are you ready for the worst case scenario?
There are so many things to consider when planning a trip like this.
From what research I have done, there are several issues pertaining to rv'ing in foreign countries.
As stated, lot's has to do with engine and drivetrain choices, this is something that will require a lot of research, since most big US gas and diesels engines and powertrains are not widely sold outside of the US. Simple things like tires can become an issue... As far as engines, the most common that I can see are the Mitsubishi 4cyl turbo diesels.
Second, is definately size. I know there is one company that sets up a tour of the America's and they do have definate size requirements, due to ferries, road conditions, etc... Must be under 30', or smaller. They also recommend transporting a certain number of spare parts depending upon your make/model.
Third is the power sources. Most convert over to all diesel power for appliances, stoves, furnace, generators... In other words no propane.
This does not mean it is not possible, and honestly I admire your plan and I am jealous (although, personally I would wait until they are older so they can appreciate it more, as well as be more independent). I think the first step is stop thinking so "American", and start thinking more worldly. If you have a plan, start researching each country. In many South American countries you may not find nice rv parks, with full hookups, good water, paved roads, propane exchange centers, grocery stores, doctors, hospitals, radial tires, playgrounds, etc...
good luck and have fun
fred
05' Layton Lite 170LT Cascade edition
06' Chevy Silverado K1500
We-No-Nah Rendevous, a Ljutic, a Remington, a Hard Rock Pro, a Polaris 450 & Raleigh the Hunter
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