Zypster
Connecticut
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Joined: 08/27/2008
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Hello. I am excited to write this post as it marks the start
of an adventure I have anticipated for quite some time. I hope that
you will have patience with me as I seek the advice, counsel, and
wisdom of the experienced RVers out there. I am in the planning
stages of a 6 - 7 week trip to whatever points in the United States
I can reasonably reach and enjoy. The trip is scheduled for the summer of 2011 - I know its a long way off, but, like I said, I'm
a planner. The trip will include myself (a 47 year old father) and
my three sons (11, 16, and 19 at the time of the trip). We are all
experienced and seasoned campers, but not RVers. My plan is to:
1) research, research, and research RV options (web sites; RV.net forum; RV shows (next one around here is in January)
2) since we camp many times throughout the year, once I have narrowed down my selection, I plan to rent those or similar RVs to verify or
nullify my initial selections
3) having decided on an RV, purchase and spend a year getting to
really know it
4) leave
First question - What did I miss in my planning? The initial details of finding an RV - I know that there is a lot more to come later with details of where to go, what to do, etc..
Second question - What should I initailly be looking for in an RV
to accommodate the four of us for that period of time? What is the
minimum size, length, etc? Cost is an issue, but I would rather deal with that at a later time. Having the right RV for the trip is of
prime concern (right?).
I thank all, in advance, who have the time and willingness to help
in the planning process look forward to spending time on this forum with all of you.
Thanks, Joe
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Joined: 05/27/2005
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Since you have so much lead time, I really recommend that you visit an RV show and also some local RV dealers, to see what your options are. You should be able to get a feel for what kinds of campers may suit your preferences too - do you want to feel part of the outdoors, or do you want more comfort & interior living space? The answer to that question may lead you to a popup or hybrid trailer, or to a trailer or 5th wheel or motorhome instead. There are many other variables.
Good for you for looking into this ahead of time, and enjoy the search. Sounds like a great trip to me! Hope your kids will agree! 
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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I agree that there is a wealth of information to be gleaned at an RV show. As mentioned, you need to figure out what it is you really want to do on this "adventure". You and the boys are experienced campers Tents I assume), so even a jump to a Pop-up would be a step up in comfort. Of course, we're also talking almost 2 months, so you may want greater comfort....I remember how I felt after a week of Scout Camp, and the mattresses in a P'up aren't much better than what you had under your sleeping bags!
Do you have a pick-up that could be used for either towing a TT or hauling a Truck Camper? Do you plan to get one? Are you more interested in a Motor Home? I would think that the Class C would better suit your needs, and be less expensive than an "A". I also think that a Class "B" would just be too small for the four of you...for that long a period of time
If going with a Class C...look at the floor plans....how are the sleeping accommodation's... many of the "beds" that they claim in the ads are for shorter people....how tall are your sons? (and do you expect any growth spirts?? I would also think that each boy would like his own bunk, so look for a floor plan with room for 7-8 people, as the back bed and the over-cab bunk, and dinette will be rated for two people each.
Where you plan to go will be important...in that some of the larger rigs may have trouble getting around on narrow roads or in some smaller campgrounds. So, you want the smallest RV you can fit into comfortably...and for 7 weeks....without killing each other!
Going to local campgrounds, and talking with some people might be helpful too.
Good luck!!
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris
The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 
The Pets
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jambo101
Montreal
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Joined: 01/07/2006
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Make sure in your planning that everyone going on the trip is asked if there is some special place they would like to go and make a point of including that in the itinerary,make sure the travel plans are versatile and can be changed if necessary,make sure every one feels they have a say in decision making.7 weeks with a Cptn Blye attitude and you may be coming home alone
On a recent 5wk trip out west what really helped cut the kids boredom and they do get bored was their desire to stop at Mall of America in Minneapolis and then West Edmonton Mall, so much as i hate malls we went out of our way to give the kids what they wanted.
"Second star to the right, and straight on till morning."
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emeup
Crown Point, NY
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Joined: 08/07/2008
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We too are in our planning stage we had a class c and traveled with 2 adults and 4 daughters. we did bring a tent too, because the girls wanted their own space.
We just sold the old class c and are going to the Hershey,PA RV show with the last 2 daughters left to rv, to look at TT's.
Ten years from now we will be thinking of okay we have 3 of us left and what do we want to live in when we fulltime, I think we may go 5'er not sure though, our disabled daughter needs a bedroom since she is 22 now she needs her space too, but not many TT's offer it except the Heartland so not sure where it will lead us in the future.
My DH said "Ouch!!"  , when I read your post he remembers trying to please all! LOL!
Good Luck, we will be going to shows and dealer too but will be watching the forum too for info and knowledge from seasoned RVers. 
Rayshel & Theresa Mac Dougal
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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It is highly unlikely that you will be able to rent anything except a motor home. That may or may not be your best choice. Research is half the fun. Depending on how you plan this adventure a MH might be a good choice. It offers the ability to drive for long distances without stopping, and if you are going to only park for one or two nights and then move on, it could be a good choice. As far as the kids, I would suggest a couple of small tents for them and let them sleep outside unless the weather is bad. RV shows can be a good or bad thing. Remember they will show only the latest greatest and most expensive units. However, a show would afford you the opportunity to narrow your search for the "perfect" RV down to only a few choices. Have fun in the search and let us know if we can help more.
Donn
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windriderjr
Massachusetts
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Joined: 03/20/2007
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I can see you are a planner, but to me half the fun of RV travel is in the surprises. I use the Trailer Life Campground Directory on CD to find CGs wherever we need them. We've had some wonderful times in places we never planned to visit. It has gotten to the point where we will sit around the computer after dinner in the TT and just figure out where we want to go the next day.
You will need to be self-sufficient and self-contained at times so you might want to consider a generator and inverter in whatever RV style you choose. Big holding tanks will let you dump less frequently.
Have fun planning but be flexible on the trip. That's the adventure of RVing.
DW and I in our Gulfstream Amerilite 21MB
Chevy Silverado 2500 HD - Duramax Diesel 6.6L - Allison Tranny
"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into the area." - Major Mike Shearer - British Army - Basra, Iraq
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Zypster
Connecticut
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Joined: 08/27/2008
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Thanks everyone for some great initial advice. I didn't want to be presumtive, but I pretty much felt that we would end up in a motorhome of some sort, probably Class C. Considering that we are coming from a tent background, any
step up (as many responders mentioned) would be welcome; and, I'm concerned that a Class A would be more than we need. We don't have a truck for towing and I don't anticipate buying both a truck and trailer (or pop-up) for the trip.
With respect to the Class C motorhomes, what is their general capacity for
towing a small vehicle behind?
I agree with those responders who wanted to ensure that the kids have a say in
our itinerary. The trip is as much theirs as mine; and, at this point they are
excited about the prospects. I'll keep researching and I'm sure will have more
questions as we go on.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Generally speaking you will find that a class C motor home is built on a cutaway van chassis and therefore is quiet limited in it's tow ratings, primarialy due to the fact that they are already at or near capacity before you add any personal gear to them. Not that it can't be done, but most cases not really a good idea
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Chock Full o' Nuts
GA
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Joined: 02/02/2007
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Or you could do what we did DH loses his job in Feb., DW buys him a new TT to cheer him up. DW takes a new job with the school system in May, suddenly realizes that she will now have the whole summer off. DD14 passes all her classes thereby eliminating the need for summer school. May 31 call Yellowstone for ressies in July. June 1 load up and hit the road with two teens & a couple of laptops. Don't come home until the tires are worn through or August 1, whichever comes first.
"Those who dwell...among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life."--Rachel Carson, environmentalist, 1956
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