Clay L wrote: One thing full timers need to be aware of is CCC. That is the extra weight you can carry. Most of of us full timers have found that we need at least 1500 pounds per person. We have 2800 and would like to have 3600.
I have seen a number of motor homes (including some diesel pushers) that have as little as 360 pounds of CCC. That is hardly enough for a weekend much less full timing. For more info on CCC and the newer rating OCCC see:
To get CCC from OCCC subtract the weight of the water and the people on board from the OCCC. That leaves you with the amount of cargo you can safely carry.
Of course there are people full timing in pickup slide in campers and vans so the amount of CCC you need may vary from what most of us need.
Excellent point! Thank you!
Heylea
Class A TBD in 2013
2009 Jeep Compas Rallye 4x4 5-sp manual
Seriously? Some campgrounds turn away older MHs? Never heard of that before.
What we like and what we can afford -- and hopefully something w/ structural integrity for the long-term comittment to fulltiming. Understand floor plan is important cause you have to live in it. Finding something w/ great bones combined w/ that is the opmtimum plan.
Seriously? Some campgrounds turn away older MHs? Never heard of that before.
What we like and what we can afford -- and hopefully something w/ structural integrity for the long-term comittment to fulltiming. Understand floor plan is important cause you have to live in it. Finding something w/ great bones combined w/ that is the opmtimum plan.
Seriously? Some campgrounds turn away older MHs? Never heard of that before.
Sounds crazy, but some CGs have that rule on the books. Realistically, it likely won't be an issue especially with a class A rig, but CGs use it as a means of turning away people they don't want to deal with.
Your comments about lasting along time, is what made me suggest 'dropping years to meet budget while retaining high quality'. You also live in Montana, so I assumed mountain western driving would be in your mix, thus I would recommend the added braking power of a DP.
Older Good Quality 34-36' DP's include:
Foretravel
Country Coach
Beaver (Patriot and above...)
American Coach
Travel Supreme
Bluebird/Wanderlodge
And the top of the food chain Monaco's and Newmars
Dropping down a level in quality, but still very respected coaches include:
Rexhall (One of the best bangs for the safety buck, IMO.)
Tripple E
Upper end Winnie's and middle of the pack Monaco's and Newmars
Tiffen
Alpine coaches, depending on year and model, could be on both the top tier and 2nd tier, but I usually place them in the upper end of the 2nd tier. Opinions do vary on this, and it is all subjective. But, wanted to suggest some coaches to check into for your search. I again recommend retaining a hunk of your budget to 'baseline maintenance' the rig, and make mod's to refresh it to your liking. (May have old TV's, and a change to LED. May need new carpet, or go to wood or laminate flooring. Tires, battery, solar power if wanted, belts, hoses, filters all around. All of these maybe needed, depending on what you end up buying. If you buy from an owner, that has documented current care of these items, great - not needed.
I also, regardless of how nice the coach looks, and how good the documentation backs the looks on care - recommend a full independent inspection, including engine and oil analysis - this could save you from the potential of buying someone's problem coach!
On the age of coach and parks. Most well cared for coaches, regardless of age, are welcomed in parks with the over 10 year old restriction rule. That is typically used as a way to provide staff options if needed.
On size, we came to the conclusion that 34-38' was all about the same as far as where you could go and stay. Very seldom will a 38' coach not fit where a a 36' coach will. That extra 2' makes a difference if on the road for longer periods of time.
I also did not catch that you were a new March member, welcome to the board, and best of luck on your search.
Smitty
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