Hello,
Glad to find this website - you all seem to be very helpful and passionate about your RV's. A few important questions to ask. Our background:
My wife and I have decided to take a year off from the careers, focus on our family and travel the country with our two young children (Alex age 3 1/2, Avery age 2). Our dream has evolved and in addition to our plans for living in Northern California this summer/fall and Telluride, Co this winter - we are planning to spend about 60-70 days on the road seeing this great country. This is where the RV comes in. Specific questions:
1.) Considering buying a Class A about 35' with bunks - looking at Winnebago Sightseer 35J and Damon Daybreak 3276 - open to new or used 2005 -2007. Thoughts on these particular models - and other ideas? Given the economy - hoping to spend less that $85K - see question three below.
2.) Any strong convictions on dealers to buy from or avoid in Washington DC, Maryland area?
3.) Began by thinking about towing a car behind for short trips, site seeing etc - but discovered our cars aren't towable (one is all wheel drive and the other is a Suburban and too heavy). Should I buy a flat bead trailer and make it work? Or just learn how to drive the RV well and have the car shipped to California/Colorado/then home. What do you all do trying to drive down narrow streets in small towns, the drive-through at McDonald's or trying to get to "Main Street USA" somewhere? After going to this effort - I don't want to be stuck seeing only the most convenient attractions or staying in Walmart parking lots. HOW EASY ARE THESE THINGS TO DRIVE? Unfortunately with young children we are limited in ability to do lot's of walking or bicycling - so even though we are active - it is not practical to hike two miles into town or an attraction.
4.) Given the economy and gas prices - worried about reselling the RV in a year if this does not turn out to be our thing. IF we can buy a new Class A as I described above and pay around $75-85K - what kind of depreciation if we sell it in a year with say 10,000 miles, but well kept and all services done?
Hey, if you have read this far - my sincere thanks - hope the questions are not too ridiculous. Any help and insights are much appreciated!
Best,
Paul Volkman - Laura, Avery and Alex
Annapolis, Maryland
Glad to find this website - you all seem to be very helpful and passionate about your RV's. A few important questions to ask. Our background:
My wife and I have decided to take a year off from the careers, focus on our family and travel the country with our two young children (Alex age 3 1/2, Avery age 2). Our dream has evolved and in addition to our plans for living in Northern California this summer/fall and Telluride, Co this winter - we are planning to spend about 60-70 days on the road seeing this great country. This is where the RV comes in. Specific questions:
1.) Considering buying a Class A about 35' with bunks - looking at Winnebago Sightseer 35J and Damon Daybreak 3276 - open to new or used 2005 -2007. Thoughts on these particular models - and other ideas? Given the economy - hoping to spend less that $85K - see question three below.
2.) Any strong convictions on dealers to buy from or avoid in Washington DC, Maryland area?
3.) Began by thinking about towing a car behind for short trips, site seeing etc - but discovered our cars aren't towable (one is all wheel drive and the other is a Suburban and too heavy). Should I buy a flat bead trailer and make it work? Or just learn how to drive the RV well and have the car shipped to California/Colorado/then home. What do you all do trying to drive down narrow streets in small towns, the drive-through at McDonald's or trying to get to "Main Street USA" somewhere? After going to this effort - I don't want to be stuck seeing only the most convenient attractions or staying in Walmart parking lots. HOW EASY ARE THESE THINGS TO DRIVE? Unfortunately with young children we are limited in ability to do lot's of walking or bicycling - so even though we are active - it is not practical to hike two miles into town or an attraction.
4.) Given the economy and gas prices - worried about reselling the RV in a year if this does not turn out to be our thing. IF we can buy a new Class A as I described above and pay around $75-85K - what kind of depreciation if we sell it in a year with say 10,000 miles, but well kept and all services done?
Hey, if you have read this far - my sincere thanks - hope the questions are not too ridiculous. Any help and insights are much appreciated!
Best,
Paul Volkman - Laura, Avery and Alex
Annapolis, Maryland