rhart

Can you tell me the towing capacity of the old Birds? I assume a 4,000 lb car is nothing to these rigs?

Love the ideas AND the comments. Thanks Rick

I have rented a Class C some years ago. Additionally I've done lots of DD though only on the web. I'm now at the point where I will drive both. Here are some further facts. Herman wisely mentions depreciation the minute you drive off...etc. While quite familiar with new German cars doing just that (50% in 3 or 4 years) I started the search ONLY looking to buy used for that reason. I looked at 2012 to 2014 Class C Foresters for high 60's to low 80's. I just assumed that they must cost $120K new. Then for fun I convinced my local dealer I wasn't an full bred idiot and asked what a new one cost. $75K. Wow. That really changed the dynamics here. Depreciation seems much less than I ever expected. I thought you couldn't give away a used RV. Another eye opener: I read with interest on the various forums the litany of repair issues with brand new Forest River and Jayco coaches. So many issues and so many buyers I am now forced to throw that factor out. (The issues only made worse by many dealers disdainful treatment of customers). It seems like everyone agrees that ALL coaches are fix it hogs. So perhaps the Bird in the long run isn't any more a maintenance hog than a large Class C. I don't like the ridiculous cost of tires on the A but the Bird is big enough to buy one with no sliders and delete that possible break item. I don't really need the room of the big Class A but do like all the gadgets and the huge fresh water and holding tanks. I've always thought the Wanderlodge looked sharp but I want to be practical. My vicious attack Labradoodle feigns disinterest. Hence I'm asking the folks who have been there and done that.

New class C for 75k or older well kept Bluebird at 125k. It would be my first RV so I would like input from you experienced owners. Capable of driving either and am aware of Class C vs Class A issues. Mainly asking from a standpoint of repairs, general maintenance issues and depreciation. Thank you

In addition to campgrounds and truck stops where are some other places to fill water tank. We plan to do a good bit of boondocking so it is more important than for most campgrounders. Thank you

MT only good for sales tax. Gotta be FL or SD for res.

I've used the boys in Montana for car for years. I just learned that NH in addition to no income tax has no sales tax. I'm going to look into that state tho since they are never mentioned in the same breath as FL and SD I'm guessing there must be a snag.

Would seem that most RV owners use SD. If we are considering buying a home in FL some day is there any reason that FL won't work just as well? I like the email selection ability for forwarding at the SD mail box biz but I'm guessing there is a FL mail house that has the same technology. Additionally car registration fees in FL are very low. Sales tax is 3% more than SD so there is that benefit but if tax is paid it seems FL would be an advantage over SD. Am I missing something? Thank you for your input.

I agreed with bpelatt for a moment until I realized I've been towing my vintage cars in an enclosed Montana trailer for 8 years with my CA reg tow vehicle.

Yes Tireman. I think we have decided on the Forester 3011. I can't wait to peek at the top of the slider. I'm probably going to have to figure out what material to roof the slider with. As an experienced RVer can you suggest something?

I had a dream last night. We needed that quart of milk. I thought hmmm do I want to pull out the ramps and unload the car? Maybe it in the long run its easier to just drive the beast to the store. If we really need a car at a spot for a longer stay we can rent one with the money we save in gas by not hauling the trailer. i.e. your comments are spot on me thinks.

We are going to buy a 30' class C. I'm thinking of towing a car on trailer so I can back up. We rarely stay more than a night or two in any spot. I'm thinking we can just unplug and drive the coach into town if we need to. Has anyone started with toad and then switched to unfettered after a while or vice versa. I'l like to hear some comments to push me in one direction or the other. The original idea was a manageable size 30' so we can use it to drive to town. Thank you in advance R

Interesting (read disturbing) info about the top of the slide. Quite surprising.

Thanks Kay. May I ask what the upkeep is for rubber? I'm assuming fiberglass needs us to crawl around on the roof looking for cracks. Which of course can cause cracks or is it real sturdy up there?

I've got my target MH purchase down to 2012 to 2014 27-28' class C Greyhawk or Forester. One has rubber and other has FG. The Forester rep while telling me the Jayco MH is a good product but said FG roofing is the way to go. He said the rubber roof has to be "coated" with something every 6 months?? I went so far as to call a large RV repair shop that does warranty work for both manuf. They have replaced numerous FG roofs and they replace them with rubber! I think Jayco builds quality MHs and doubt they would put rubber roofs on them if they were bad. What to do?? I'm sure this subject has been flogged before but I couldn't find the link. I would like some input from you long-timers. Thank you Rick

Thanks for input folks. Kaysmith gave me an idea for different orientation of the desk.

I'm thinking of removing the table and ONE SEAT from the dinette to put in a desk and real desk chair. Has anyone done this? I don't want to nuke any electrical or plumbing. Any other issues I might run into? Thanks Rick

You state you don't like living on the edge. The edge however is rather thick. You would probably have trouble tracking 365 days of whereabouts. Imagine the troopers doing it on the fly. Just keep your friends close and enemies and nosy neihbors closer.

I finally have time to do an RV. I would like to spend $50K more or less on a Class C. I don’t want to tow and want the flexibility of a 25-29 footer or so. I’ll do either diesel or gas. Question 1: Can I get the opinions of you long timers on the best 6 or 8 models that have the reputation over the years as being “ One of those really good coaches”? I’m hoping to NOT precipitate a war of words between members. I know opinions will vary and this may be helpful to other readers. Question 2: How many miles get to be too many. I restore vintage Porsche cars and know that if a coach sits around for 50 weeks a year it will deteriorate. Maybe even more than driving down the road here and there. Thanks in advance for your help. I just joined and will be glad to be directed to earlier threads from the past. R