The one with the RV selection process…

So the recent discussion has been about the selection criteria for our RV.  We had initially been thinking that a Class A (Motorcoach) was the right fit; but recently bumped into a “Toy Hauler”.  This has gotten us to revisit the 5th wheel concept again.

The advantage of the toy hauler is that there is basically a 1 car garage in the back.  We liked the idea of the drop down ramp for direct connection to the dog’s area while parked, and the ones we have seen all have fold up couches and removable tables for use when the “toys” aren’t stowed.  That concept would provide a couple of benefits that we had not considered: additional work space and a portential 2nd car.  Granted, teh 2nd car would have to be a Mini (maybe Mini will grant me an eval of the Mini E plugin electric) or a Smart Passion.  Anything larger would not fit, as a “toy” is usually a pair of motorcyles or ATV’s.

Additionally, many folks we have talked to indicate that the 5th wheel is considered to be the most livable, thus the usual progression to full-time is as follows: Travel Trailer, 5th wheel, ClassA/C, finally back to 5th wheel.  The 5th wheel provides a cople of benefits: Lower up front and maintenance expense, a feeling of larger space, modularity of solution (the engine is another vehicle), etc.  The Class A seems to have more “basement” stowage, but we intend to carry as little as possible, so that is somewhat mitigated.  Gas milage is nearly a wash (if all the data I have is accurate).  Further, the conversion to VO (Vegetable Oil) for both propulsion and electricity generation is less complicated than with the Class A or C motorhomes, as the vehicle/engine is standard (Cummings/PowerStroke Diesel on a F-series or such).

Needless to say, we are going to be looking more closely at the 5th wheels.

/jp

This entry was posted on Sun, Mar 29 2009 at 08:42 and is filed under ExRat Progess, John's Ramblings, Blogroll. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.