RV's and Motorhomes - How many of us have them?

[Big Z]

Originally Posted by KenP

Back to the Coach questions:
Going out and buying a 40+/-' RV, never havin' driven one, is a scary proposition. Besides, in our case, we don't want to start cruising the country right away. What did you all start with? I'm not interested in a 5th wheel what-so-ever.

We're thinking more along the lines of something to practice with and get used to the maintenance and size. Ahhhh, maintenance. Any info?

We're also not interested in buying this first coach new. Low mileage one are abundant.

Just pass all you can along.

Sure, a tag axle is the way to go, but what was your first coach? Don't tell me you ran out and bought that big thing as your first.

I'm thinking an under 35' pusher with a few slides and no tag. Used with low miles. Something along the lines of Gary's or yours (yes, yours appears to be a 38+'). Get used to running around in it and move up from there.

This is the First Coach--41fter!

But did go through a trailer, two campers, two Class C's , and one 23ft winnie!

I suggest the "C" because women like to drive, You'd probably get More use out of it!, and cost.

I'm thinking an under 35' pusher with a few slides and no tag. Used with low miles.

Would be a nice unit if you can find one! (not many DP's under 36')

JMHO--If your looking for a DP, (HR, Beaver, Monaco (Monaco and CC are better choices)) Get the Biggest your able to! A couple/Few feet in a DP isn't anything!--except a PLUS!!-----Size Does Matter!

I'd suggest a minimum, 350Hp ISC......With the ISM/ISX high on the (DP)-must have- list!

[Motohead]

Guys, one of my best friends works at one of the nations largest RV dealers in the country. Any questions you have he will be more than happy to answer them. His contact number is 813-493-7143 cell or 800-500-5299 shop. His name is Greg Raczynski, just tell him Brian referred you. Here's a link to the place. http://www.lazydays.com/home.html

[Big Z]

Originally Posted by OldHiker

I am rapidly approaching my time for one. I want to pull the H2 behind it, either on a flatbed or towhitch. What size and hp do you guys reccommend as the minimum needed for safe pulling all over the country? Probably full time.

Well, the set-up I posted is the First!--First to tow an H2, and The First 2 to be Towed!

Minimum 350hp ISC!.....But, Bigger IS Better!! (400Hp+--500Hp= ) --I also recommend A Jake Brake!, and flat towing!

Bag the Flatbed Idea!....Way to Heavy!

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by Big Z

Well, the set-up I posted is the First!--First to tow an H2, and The First 2 to be Towed!

Minimum 350hp ISC!.....But, Bigger IS Better!! (400Hp+--500Hp= ) --I also recommend A Jake Brake!, and flat towing!

Bag the Flatbed Idea!....Way to Heavy!

I agree.

I hear people all the time say that they don't want the wear on the tires, wear on the bearings (mileage), etc. The extra 3500 lbs or so in trailer is going to cost more on the motorhome side as it's having to tow more. Why add more to the equation if it's not necessary? For a decent trailer to haul a H2, you could buy 2 or likely 3 sets of tires on the H2.

Makes no sense.

Jake brake too..... if for no practical reason, because it sounds cool.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by Dug

I've got a Prevost , but dont use it much. Heres a pic.

Me too!

[johndjmix1]

Having had 2 motorhomes, definatly go with a diesel. And expect *A LOT* of depreciation in the first 2 years.......

Check out the truck-based motorhomes. Can tow up to 40,000 pounds and MUCH easier to service than a diesel pusher. My favorate is the dynamax grand sport:

http://www.dynamaxcorp.com/

I LOVE the grandsport. Will be my next RV.


Or check out the renagae...big with the racer crowd, but not nearly as nice at the dynamax inside. Also MUCH less expensive than the dynamax.

http://www.kibbi.com/Home.aspx


--John

[KenP]

That's all great info.

Depreciation is why I'd like to find a nice used one. They're all over with low miles.

The Dynamax is great, but those boys cost many-a-pretty-penny. Having never owned one, I wouldn't want to sink that kind of cash into the first coach.

[Goalkeeper]

I also appreciate the info fellas!

I've not heard of the Dynamax or kibbi and this is the kinda info I was interested in...

Has anyone purchased a used one? I like Ken's idea of a few model years old and have heard that's the best way to buy.

Thanks again!

-Matt

[errett]

Originally Posted by Goalkeeper

I also appreciate the info fellas!

I've not heard of the Dynamax or kibbi and this is the kinda info I was interested in...

Has anyone purchased a used one? I like Ken's idea of a few model years old and have heard that's the best way to buy.

Thanks again!

-Matt

My parents swear by the 1 or 2 year old method. They bought a 35' gas to train on and kept a list of what features they liked and did not like. About 1 year later they traded it for a Beaver diesel pusher and love it. They don't consider new ones any more, just one that is a year or two old. Apparently the depreciation is substantial in the first couple of years.

[KenP]

Originally Posted by errett

My parents swear by the 1 or 2 year old method. They bought a 35' gas to train on and kept a list of what features they liked and did not like. About 1 year later they traded it for a Beaver diesel pusher and love it. They don't consider new ones any more, just one that is a year or two old. Apparently the depreciation is substantial in the first couple of years.

There are so many 2 yr olds available with super low mileage, I just can't justify buying new.

[ROX]

Originally Posted by PARAGON

I agree.

I hear people all the time say that they don't want the wear on the tires, wear on the bearings (mileage), etc. The extra 3500 lbs or so in trailer is going to cost more on the motorhome side as it's having to tow more. Why add more to the equation if it's not necessary? For a decent trailer to haul a H2, you could buy 2 or likely 3 sets of tires on the H2.

Makes no sense.

Jake brake too..... if for no practical reason, because it sounds cool.

X3. Definitely tow it on the ground. Less wear on the towing vehicle and it probably doesn't even feel like it's back there. All you're pulling is the inertial weight of the H2, not dead weight.

I've seen Z's rig up close. It's waaaayyy cool. (if you're into that kind of stuff)

[MONSTERMATT]

i wanna toy hauler to take my and my buddies quad to tower city

[Gottmud]

I have a Monaco Windsor with 2 slides, and pull an H3. This is a terrible two edged sword. I love my H3 to drive & wheel in, but I want to tow my H3 to Colorado with 4 on the floor. There is NO SUPPLEMENTAL BRAKING SYSTEM MADE FOR THE H3. It is illegal to tow a vehicle over 3000lbs without a braking system in most states. And anyway, who wants to drop down into Ouray with the tow car pushing you, and nothing left of your brakes.
I do have a car hauler, but it only has brakes on two wheels, and in my opinion, that is not enough for the Rockies. When its time to stop, its time to stop. I have a Z71 which I also tow, and I installed an M&G braking system, which in my opinion, is the only way to go. The problem is, I want to go 4 wheeling in the H3, and not the Z71, and Ouray is my favorite place to go.
Ah, the dilema's !!!!!
If I could figure how to reduce pic sizes, I would put pics up.

____________________________________________

H3, Victory Red, Monaco Windsor, White with Gold Accents.

[Htothe2]

so how much would a nice one of those dynamax coaches cost? and the renegade?

[mikejr]

My folks had a Bluebird coach in the 1990's. Was one hell of a piece of machinery for sure. I know back then it was over a $400K unit, was a diesel pusher with the tag axle on it. Cant recall the horsepower, but it felt like it would pull a damn house over. They used the heck out of it, then the newness wore off and they sold it.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by Gottmud

I have a Monaco Windsor with 2 slides, and pull an H3. This is a terrible two edged sword. I love my H3 to drive & wheel in, but I want to tow my H3 to Colorado with 4 on the floor. There is NO SUPPLEMENTAL BRAKING SYSTEM MADE FOR THE H3. It is illegal to tow a vehicle over 3000lbs without a braking system in most states. And anyway, who wants to drop down into Ouray with the tow car pushing you, and nothing left of your brakes.
I do have a car hauler, but it only has brakes on two wheels, and in my opinion, that is not enough for the Rockies. When its time to stop, its time to stop. I have a Z71 which I also tow, and I installed an M&G braking system, which in my opinion, is the only way to go. The problem is, I want to go 4 wheeling in the H3, and not the Z71, and Ouray is my favorite place to go.
Ah, the dilema's !!!!!
If I could figure how to reduce pic sizes, I would put pics up.

____________________________________________

H3, Victory Red, Monaco Windsor, White with Gold Accents.

You're kidding me. I've seen a few 3's behind some coaches, undoubtedly someone has figured out some of these brakes that at least go in the floorboard or something. Some of the more universal types, to make it work.

[Big Z]

Originally Posted by Gottmud

I have a Monaco Windsor with 2 slides, and pull an H3. This is a terrible two edged sword. I love my H3 to drive & wheel in, but I want to tow my H3 to Colorado with 4 on the floor. There is NO SUPPLEMENTAL BRAKING SYSTEM MADE FOR THE H3. It is illegal to tow a vehicle over 3000lbs without a braking system in most states. And anyway, who wants to drop down into Ouray with the tow car pushing you, and nothing left of your brakes.
I do have a car hauler, but it only has brakes on two wheels, and in my opinion, that is not enough for the Rockies. When its time to stop, its time to stop. I have a Z71 which I also tow, and I installed an M&G braking system, which in my opinion, is the only way to go. The problem is, I want to go 4 wheeling in the H3, and not the Z71, and Ouray is my favorite place to go.
Ah, the dilema's !!!!!
If I could figure how to reduce pic sizes, I would put pics up.

____________________________________________

H3, Victory Red, Monaco Windsor, White with Gold Accents.

http://roadmaster-tow-bars.com/braking_systems_main.php

I use the BrakeMaster. The other might work for you if they don't have the master for the 3! There worth a call anyway!

Brake Buddy is the other unit.

[Gottmud]

http://www.roadmasterinc.com/pdf/1762-eb-install.pdf

Read This.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by Gottmud

http://www.roadmasterinc.com/pdf/1762-eb-install.pdf

Read This.

I remember something about this....

I think something has been posted about it before but I can't remember if it there was a solution or not.

I want to say there was an that it was a matter of working it out.

[PARAGON]

It was something to do with brake buddy

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/s...light=h3+buddy