Chickery's Travels

Chickery's Travels logo. A blue-green Earth globe with continents surrounded by dots with an arrow denoting movement or travel and "Chickery's Travels" as part of the dotted circle. Next to this is a photo of their blue and white Arctic Fox 5th Wheel with the awning out.
  • Home
  • Campground Reviews
    • Alternatives To National Park Campgrounds
    • Best Luxury RV Resorts For All RV Types
    • Best Waterfront Campgrounds For Every Budget
    • Alabama
      • Gunter Hill Campground (Montgomery, Alabama)
    • Arizona
      • Best Campgrounds in Arizona
      • Aspen Campground (Payson, Arizona)
      • LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, AZ)
    • Arkansas
      • Catherine’s Landing (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
      • Downtown Riverside RV Park (Little Rock, Arkansas)
    • California
      • Best Campgrounds in California
      • Crescent City Redwoods KOA (Crescent City, California)
      • Sea Breeze RV Park (Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station)
    • Delaware
      • Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware)
    • Florida
      • Best Campgrounds in Florida
      • Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area (Pensacola, FL)
      • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Southeast FL)
      • LazyDays RV Resort (Tampa, FL)
      • MacDill AFB FamCamp (Tampa, FL)
      • Military Camping in Key West
      • Patrick AFB FamCamp (Cocoa Beach, FL)
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Ocala, FL)
      • Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness (Orlando, FL)
        • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
        • Chickery’s Travels Podcast Episode 5: Fort Wilderness Campground Review
    • Maryland
      • Cherry Hill Park (College Park, Maryland)
    • Michigan
      • Port Huron KOA (Kimball, Michigan)
    • Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
      • Boondocking Near Las Vegas
    • New Hampshire
      • Lincoln / Woodstock KOA (New Hampshire)
    • New York
      • Round Pond Recreation Area (West Point, NY)
    • North Carolina
      • Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA (Coinjock, North Carolina)
    • Oklahoma
      • Oklahoma City East KOA (Choctaw, Oklahoma)
    • Texas
      • Best Campgrounds in Texas
      • Alsatian RV Resort (Castroville, Texas)
      • Maverick Ranch (Lajitas, Texas)
      • Texas Wine Country Jellystone (Fredericksburg, Texas)
    • Tennessee
      • Camp Margaritaville (Pigeon Forge, TN)
      • Crossville I-40 KOA (Crossville, TN)
      • Midway RV Park (Memphis, TN)
    • Virginia
      • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp (Alexandria, VA)
      • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA (Broadway, Virginia)
      • Luray KOA (Luray, Virginia)
      • Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah River State Park (Bentonville, Virginia)
    • Washington
      • Crescent Bar RV Resort (Quincy, Washington)
    • West Virginia
      • Harper’s Ferry KOA (Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia)
  • USA
    • Arizona
      • Apache Trail: A Crazy, Scary, Beautiful Drive
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, Arizona)
      • Phoenix Faves
    • District of Columbia
      • Budget Friendly Fun in Washington D.C.
      • Favorite Hikes near Washington DC
      • Indoor Skydiving and TopGolf: Just Another Day of Family Fun!
    • Florida
      • Best Walt Disney World Festivals For Adults
      • Blowing Rocks Preserve – Jupiter Island, Florida
      • Bok Tower Gardens
      • Daytona Beach – The World’s Most Famous Beach
      • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
      • Gasparilla – Tampa’s Pirate Invasion
      • 3 Days on the Nature Coast 
      • Florida Freshwater Springs on the Nature Coast
      • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
      • Kennedy Space Center – Cape Canaveral
      • Island Hopping at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks
      • Must See Sights in St. Augustine, FL – America’s Oldest City
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Ocala, Florida)
      • Sunny Sarasota
      • Tampa
        • Get Back to Nature in Tampa Bay
        • Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Spring Training in Tampa, FL
        • The 5 Best Beaches in the Tampa Bay Area
        • Why We Love Tampa
      • Tarpon Springs – The Gulf Coast Town with Greek Flavor
      • Top 5 Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
      • What Not to Do When Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
      • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
    • Georgia
      • Visiting Atlanta? Don’t Miss These Civil Rights Museums
    • Illinois
      • One Day In The Windy City – Chicago Itinerary
    • Maine
      • Coastal Maine Vacation
      • Monhegan Island Maine
      • Two Days in Acadia National Park
    • Nevada
      • Planning an RV Trip to Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
    • Tennessee
      • Burgess Falls: 3 For 1 Waterfall Special
      • National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis, TN
      • Window Cliffs, TN – I’m Not Afraid of Heights, But I am Afraid of Falling!
      • WWII History in Tennessee
    • Texas
      • Best Eats in Fredericksburg
      • Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View of Texas Hill Country
  • RV Resources
    • 3 Simple Steps to Find the Best RV Campgrounds
    • 5 Years Full-Time RV: Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret
    • Boondocking – What We Learned From Our First Dry Camping Experience
    • Tips for Boondocking Success
    • Essential RV Gear
      • Essential RV Gear Guide
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • RV Must Have: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
      • RV SnapPads Product Review
      • RVLOCK Keyless Entry Door Handle Installation and Review
      • Shop “RV Local” With TechnoRV
      • Top RV Gadgets & Accessories
      • WeBoost Cellular Booster Review
    • Living in an RV
      • 9 Lessons From 2 1/2 Years on the Road
      • Biggest Regret Full-Time RV Living
      • Dealing with my Biggest Full-Time Travel Struggle, Missing Family While Traveling
      • Downsizing: 3 Areas That Make The Biggest Impact
      • Full-Time RV: 2019 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV: 2018 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV Travel – 2017 Year In Review
      • How Full-Time RVers Celebrate the Holidays
      • How to Prepare for Full-Time RV Travel
      • Internet Solutions for RV Travelers
      • Learn How to RV Full-Time
      • Living in a Tiny, Traveling Home
      • Making Friends (and reconnecting with old friends) While Traveling Full-Time
      • Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Travel
      • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
      • Short-Term RV Storage: Leaving The RV Behind
      • Top 3 Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret: 3 Years Full-Time RV Living
      • What We Wish We Knew Before Full-Time RVing
      • What You Need To Know Before Selling Everything And Moving To An RV
      • Why We Are Traveling Full-Time In Our RV
    • Maintenance Tips
      • DIY Power Upgrade – “Solar Ready” Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • Easy DIY Project to Protect Your RV Water System
      • An Easy Way to Protect Your RV Water Heater
      • How to Reduce the Likelihood of Tire Blowouts on your RV
      • Odor Free RV Black Tank Tips
      • RV Condensation: What It Is, What It Does, and How To Stop It
    • Must Read Books Before Becoming A Full-time RVer
    • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
    • RV Remodel
      • Planning an RV Remodel
      • RV Kitchen Cooking Videos
      • Painting Your RV Interior
      • Update the RV Kitchen – Backsplashes & More
      • Updating Your RV Window Treatments
      • RV Bedroom Makeover
      • RV Remodel Costs with Before & After Photos
      • Vintage Camper Renovation
    • RV Holiday Tour – Decorating Our Small Space
    • RV Hurricane Evacuation
    • RV Misery Can Be Overcome By The Generosity Of Others
    • RV Travelers: How to Read Books While Saving Space and Weight in Your RV
    • Slow Travel
    • Small Kitchen Cooking
      • Cooking Videos
      • Eating Healthy on Travel Days
    • Staying Healthy
      • Traveling with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Other Chronic Pain Conditions
    • Trip Planning
    • Traveling with Pets
      • RVing with Your Cat
      • Traveling with Restricted Breed Dogs
    • Why I Prefer RV Travel Over Flying
    • Your Guide To Planning The Best Family Vacation This Summer
  • Travel Finance
    • 5 Tips to Save on RV Travel
    • 5 Ways to Fund Full-Time Travel
    • Full-Time RV Expenses
      • Annual Full-Time RV Expenses – The Big Three
    • Five Credit Card Strategies To Improve Travel
    • How Much Do Campgrounds Cost?
    • How Much Does it Cost to RV Full-Time?
    • How to Camp for Free
    • How to Start a Profitable Blog
    • How to Save Money on RV Fuel Costs
    • How to Save on Food While Camping
    • How We Earn A Living While Traveling Full-Time (And How You Can Too)
    • How We Paid $139,000 of Debt in 2 Years While Full-Time RVing
    • Learn How to Finance Your Dreams
    • The Top 7 Ways to Save Money While Traveling Full-Time
    • Roadmap to Financial Freedom
      • Roadmap to Financial Freedom: Accountability Report April 2018
      • Roadmap to Financial Freedom: Accountability Report May 2018
      • Roadmap to Financial Freedom: Accountability Report June 2018
      • Roadmap to Financial Freedom: Accountability Report July 2018
      • Roadmap to Financial Freedom: Accountability Report August 2018
      • Roadmap to Financial Freedom: Accountability Report September/October 2018
    • RV Purchasing
      • RV Purchasing: Understanding RV Types
      • Benefits of Renting an RV
      • Should I Buy A New or Used RV?
      • The Costs of RV Ownership
      • The True Cost of Financing an RV
      • Why You Should Attend An RV Show
    • Save Money Using the Public Library (On More Than Just Books)
  • Military Travel
    • Guide To Using Military Campgrounds
    • Health Care for Retired Military Full-Time RVers
    • Why Military Retirees Should Fly Space-A
  • Videos
  • About Us
    • RV Shows We’re Attending
    • Contact Us
    • Follow Us
    • Why We Are Full-Time RVers

August 5, 2022 by J Chickery Leave a Comment

RV Purchasing: Understanding RV Types

The key to buying an RV is all about understanding the different types of RVs and how much they cost. But that’s not all. It also includes a list of things to consider when making your purchase, as well as the pros and cons of owning an RV.

Types and Costs of RVs

There are many different types of RVs on the market, from small campers to big luxury coaches. The two main categories of RVs are motorized and towable. But, within these two categories are many subcategories. Each has a unique cost and are targeted towards different groups. Typically, the Class A diesel motor coach buyer is not going to be the same person in the market for a pop-up camper. The interests and reasons for camping are very different for these two types of RV owners.

Motorized

There are many types of motorized RVs. Many of the different types, or classes, have both gas and diesel options. This even includes the smallest motorized RVs.

Gas vs. diesel motorhomes

There are pros and cons to both gas and diesel motorhomes. Gas motorhomes are generally cheaper to buy, but they can be more expensive to maintain. Diesel motorhomes are more expensive to buy, but they typically have the better fuel economy. The chassis is also built to last longer on a diesel motorhome. Diesel motorhomes will also be able to tow bigger vehicles and trailers and will generally have an easier time in the mountains.

Motorized RV Types

Motorhomes:

There are three main classes of motorhomes: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

large diesel powered motorhome

Class A motorhomes are the largest and most expensive type. Often referred to as coaches, they are like a small house on wheels, and include a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom — sometimes more than one. Class A diesel motorhomes typically cost between $150,000 and $500,000 but can go into the millions of dollars for a custom diesel pusher. This price range includes a wide variety of RVs, from small to large and luxurious. Gas Class A motorhomes are more reasonable in price. They average between $90,000 and $200,000 depending on the size and features. 

Camper van in front of the ocean

Class B motorhomes are smaller than Class A motorhomes, but still include all the amenities of a home. They are typically van-sized, and good for short trips. Although, many singles and couples are living full-time in Class B motorhomes. This would not be a practical way to travel with a family.

The typical cost for a Class B is between $60,000 and $200,000. There are many reasons why the price of these is just as high as a gas Class A. One is they are very popular right now. The other is that these are usually more labor intensive to build since the shell of the van is already in place rather than the manufacturer building the inside and then installing the walls around it, which is the case for most RVs.

Small camper van in front of a lake

A Class B+ RV is a type of motorhome that falls in between Class B and Class C RVs. It has the size and amenities of a Class B RV, but with a little more space. This makes it a good option for families or larger groups. These can range in price from $100,000 to $300,000. They are a little more roomy than a Class B and have more storage but can still fit into many spaces that a van or large truck would fit.

Gas powered Class C motorhome

Class C motorhomes are the most affordable type of motorhome for families. A Class C motorhome will cost between $50,000 and $200,000. These are great for families since the dinette usually turns into a bed and there is usually another bed above the cab. Most have enough towing capability to be able to tow a small car to use when you get to your destination. 

A Super C RV is a type of Class C motorhome. It is larger than a regular Class C motorhome, and includes more amenities, such as a separate bedroom and living area. Super C RVs are a good option for families who want more space and comfort while traveling. Most of the models available are diesel powered, so they are more expensive. These average about $250,000 to $300,000 in price. They have a lot of towing capability and are larger than a standard Class C motorhome.

Skoolie

A skoolie RV is a type of RV that is made from a school bus. Skoolie RVs are popular among people who want to explore the great outdoors. They are also popular among people who want to live in an RV full-time.

Skoolie RVs offer the benefit of being able to design the interior of the vehicle in any way imaginable. Depending on the size of the school bus, there can be a lot of room to design an RV interior that is comfortable and spacious.

Skoolie RVs can be expensive to insure and maintain. It’s important to consider your budget when choosing a skoolie RV. Skoolie RVs are expensive to insure because they are made from a school bus. School buses are typically not designed for use as an RV, which can make it difficult to find an insurer.

Skoolies are made by converting a school bus into an RV. This can be done by purchasing a school bus and converting it yourself, or by hiring a professional to do the conversion for you.

If you want to convert a school bus yourself, there are a number of things you will need to do:

  1. Remove the seats and flooring from the bus
  2. Install a kitchen and bathroom area
  3. Install a bed, seating area, and storage areas
  4. Install electrical systems and appliances
  5. Install a water system and plumbing

If you want to hire a professional to convert your school bus for you, there are a number of things you will need to consider, including:

  1. The cost of conversion
  2. The size and features of the finished RV
  3. The availability of conversion professionals in your area

Above the cost of acquiring a school bus, you can expect to pay $20,000 to $30,000 in expenses to convert the interior into a livable space.

Non-Motorized RV Types

Towables are defined as RVs that are towed behind a vehicle, such as a car or truck. This includes travel trailers, pop-up campers, and fifth wheel trailers. Towables are generally smaller and less expensive than motorhomes. This lower cost is mainly  because they have no engine or other components required for being able to drive on its own. 

Travel Trailers

Bumper pull camper at a road side stop

A travel trailer camper, also called a bumper pull, is a type of RV that is towed behind a car or truck. It is smaller and less expensive than a motorhome, and includes all the amenities of a regular camping trip, such as a bed, bathroom, and kitchenette. There are different types of travel trailers.

  1. Traditional hard-sided trailers: Hard-sided trailers are the most durable type of travel trailer. They include a metal frame and walls, which makes them resistant to weather and pests. However, they are also the heaviest and most expensive type of travel trailer. The average cost of a travel trailer is anywhere between $11,000 and $80,000 depending on the type of trailer. 
  2. A-frame trailers, which are small and lightweight. They are easy to tow, and can be set up in minutes. A-frame trailers are a good option for people who want a basic camping experience without all the bells and whistles. The typical cost of an A-frame travel trailer is between $10,000 and $50,000. However, this can vary depending on the features and amenities included.
  3. Teardrop trailers are a type of travel trailer that is becoming more and more popular. They are small and lightweight, and can be towed by most vehicles. They also include a bed, kitchenette, and bathroom, making them a complete home away from home. Teardrop trailers are perfect for people who want to take their trailer on frequent trips. They are easy to store and transport, and can be set up in minutes. They are also very affordable, between $15,000 and $35,000, making them a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
  4. Pop-ups are small RVs that fold down when they are not in use. They are less expensive than other types of RVs, but also less comfortable. People like the affordability of pop-ups. They are less expensive than other types of RVs, and they can be easily stored when they are not in use. You can expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 for a pop-up camper.

Fifth Wheels

Fifth Wheel camper in front of the mountains

A fifth wheel is a type of travel trailer that attaches to special hitch in the bed of a pickup truck. Fifth wheel RVs offer a lot of amenities and features that other types of RVs do not have. They are larger and more expensive than other types of travel trailers, but many people feel that the extra space and features are worth the price. 

Some of the most popular amenities in fifth wheel RVs include:

  1. High ceilings compared to other towables and motorhomes.
  2. A large living area with plenty of space for relaxing.
  3. A well-equipped kitchen with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
  4. A spacious bedroom with a comfortable bed.
  5. Multiple bathrooms with separate showers and toilets.

Typically, you can expect to pay between $50,000 and $150,000 for a fifth wheel RV.

Toy Haulers 

Toy haulers are becoming more and more popular. They are designed specifically for people who want to take their toys with them on trips. Toy haulers include a large cargo area, which is perfect for storing motorcycles, ATVs, or other recreational vehicles. They are also larger and more expensive than other types of travel trailers.

Toy haulers can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $300,000. They can be fifth wheels or traditional bumper pull towables. There are also a couple of motorized toy haulers.

Truck campers

A truck camper is a small RV that attaches to the back of a pickup truck. They are generally less expensive than other types of RVs, and are good for short trips.

Standard benefits:

– Low cost

– Portable

– Easy to store

Emotional benefits:

– Get closer to nature

  • Feel the wind in your hair

Truck campers have become more popular in the last few years. They can be as high as $60,000. You also need a truck that is capable of carrying the camper as well as several after market parts needed to hold the camper securely in place and beef-up the suspension.

Overland Vehicles

Overland vehicles are off-road vehicles that can be used as RVs. They are also popular among people who want to explore the great outdoors. Overland vehicles can be divided into two categories: hard-shell overland vehicles and soft-shell overland vehicles.

Hard-shell overland vehicles are more expensive than soft-shell overland vehicles, but they offer a lot of features and amenities that soft-shell overland vehicles do not have. Hard-shell overland vehicles are typically made from sturdy materials like aluminum or fiberglass, which makes them resistant to scratches and dents. They also include a variety of features, such as:

  1. A large cargo area for storing gear
  2. A powerful engine that can handle difficult terrain
  3. A high level of insulation, which keeps the vehicle cool in summer and warm in winter

Soft-shell overland vehicles are less expensive than hard-shell overland vehicles, but they do not offer as many features and amenities. Soft-shell overland vehicles are made from lightweight materials like canvas or nylon, which makes them easy to transport and store. They also include a variety of features, such as:

  1. A large cargo area for storing gear
  2. A powerful engine that can handle difficult terrain
  3. A high level of insulation, which keeps the vehicle cool in summer and warm in winter

Overland vehicles will also come with solar, batteries, generators, and adequate water storage to keep you off-grid for long periods of time. The price range is fairly wide. They can cost anywhere from $48,000 to more than $500,000 depending on the size and amenities. .

Conclusion

If you are considering buying an RV, now is the time to do it! RVs are becoming more and more popular. There are a variety of different types of RVs on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It is important to consider what you need in an RV before making a purchase. If you want a basic camping experience without all the bells and whistles, then an A-frame trailer may be right for you. If you have a large family or group, a fifth wheel or class C may be a better option. If you want the most durable and luxurious RV possible, then a diesel motorhome would be the best option as long as you have the budget to pay for it. Toyhaulers are perfect for people who want to take their toys with them on trips, while pop-ups are good for people who are looking for an affordable RV option. You can find an RV that fits your needs and budget, and you can be on the road in no time.

In the next article in this series, we will discuss what you should consider when shopping for an RV as well as choosing the best RV for your situation.

Other articles we’ve written on this topic include:

Should I Buy New or Used

True Cost of Financing an RV

Other Costs of RV Ownership

Filed Under: RV Purchasing Tagged With: buying an rv, Choosing the right RV, rv purchase, rv types

January 14, 2018 by Julie Leave a Comment

Why You Should Attend An RV Show

RV Shows are great events to attend even if you aren’t in the market for a new RV! There’s really something for everyone and we always enjoy them. Two of our favorite shows to attend are the Florida RV Super Show in Tampa, FL in January and America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, PA every September. Smaller shows are great too and we’ve been to several across the country. Here are some of the reasons we recommend attending a show even if you aren’t in the market for a new RV:

Seminars

What better way to learn about RVing than from your fellow travelers? Choose from topics like “Basic RV Maintenance” or “RV Trip Planning” and get all your questions answered in a relaxed and unpressured environment. Many of the vendors also conduct live demonstrations so you can see products in action. And guess what? We present seminars at several shows too!

Come out and meet us at an RV Show. We provide seminars at several RV shows throughout the year. We'd love to see you at one.

We keep this list updated, so please let us know if  you’ll be attending one of the same shows as us. We’d love to meet you! 

Vendors

The larger shows have every kind of  vendor you can imagine: RV accessories, Satellite TV experts, and numerous campgrounds. We’ve received expertise from someone on a satellite tv system we already had, purchased a new sign for our “yard”, bought a custom RV mattress (that they later delivered), and got offers for free stays at various campgrounds all at one show. The Florida RV Super Show has two buildings full of vendors with many more outdoors and most often they offer great deals! Click here to see our list of 17 essential items for every RV. 

Factory Representatives

Most of the RV shows will have representatives from the various RV manufacturers right there to talk to you and answer your questions. Talking to dealers is one thing, but let’s face it, they are trying to make a sale. The factory reps can tell you what can be done (or can’t be done) at the factory level as far as options are concerned.

We were very fortunate to be able to talk to the Arctic Fox representative at the Outdoor Expo in Scottsdale, Arizona last year. We went back all three days with more questions, and each time he was very patient and helpful. On that last day, we purchased it. Learn why we choose the Arctic Fox.

Looking for a show near you?

Click here to check out this list of RV shows published by the RV Industry Association.

Thinking of Purchasing an RV?

In the market for a new RV? Click here for our free RV shopping tips download.

If you are in the market for an RV, read our article: Should I Buy A New Or Used RV? Also watch our video on Calculating the True Cost of Financing a RV.

Still have questions? 

Feel free to drop a note in the comments below or send us an email. We’re happy to help. 

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Learn why you should attend an RV show even if you aren't in the market for a new RV! RV shows are for all camping enthusiasts. There are seminars, vendors, campgrounds, along with RVs and campers of every type including motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and campers.

Filed Under: RV Purchasing Tagged With: buying an rv, chickerys travels, full time rv living, full-time rv, how to prepare for an rv show, learning about RVs, new or used RV, rv life, rv lifestyle, RV Living, rv living full time, RV shopping, rv shopping tips, RV show, rv show 2018, rv shows, RV SuperShow

November 15, 2017 by Julie 2 Comments

Podcast: Tampa Bay Fall RV Show

See the best new RVs from the Tampa Bay Fall RV Show. We picked our favorites from each category: Class A Diesel, Class A Gas, Class B, Class C, Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer, and Truck Camper.

We just attended the Tampa Bay Fall RV Show hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association. This was a great warm-up for us since we plan to attend the big Florida RV Supershow in Tampa January 2018. Now, you may be asking why we are attending these shows? Are we shopping for a new RV? Yes, and no. Yes, we eventually want to purchase a smaller RV as we discussed in our previous discussion in Episode 4: Top 3 Lessons Learned After 3 Years of Full-Time RVing. However, we’re not planning to buy it in the next few months, but we still enjoy the shows to see what new features are coming out and to see the vendors as well.

Click here to listen to the podcast episode now. 

RV Show Tips

We’d like to share just a few tips on how to get the most out of your RV show shopping experience. First off, attend a small one like this first if you can. There was still a lot to see, but we felt we were able to cover it all in about 3 ½ hours. If you’re going to a larger show, consider attending more than one day. You can look at RVs one day and vendors another. This will allow you to enjoy it more fully. Finally, know your budget before you go don’t allow the sales people to pressure you into a sale with, “This is the last one at this price…” Usually the pressure comes from them needing to make a sale, which should tell you something.

RV Dealerships

At this particular show there were 7 RV dealerships represented:

  • General RV (Largest Representation)
  • Lazy Days
  • Como RV
  • RV One
  • America Choice RV
  • Gerzeny’s RV World
  • Arrow RV

Between the dealers, all types of RV were represented from truck bed campers to large diesel class A coaches. In addition, most of the major brands were represented. The only brand we did not see was Airstream.

Best in Show


We focused on looking at smaller RVs at this show. By smaller I mean smaller than our 44’ fifth wheel, so that covers a lot space. Here are some of our favorites from this show and the pricing that was displayed:

Class A Diesel: Tiffin Breeze 31BR – MSRP $241,993 Show Price $196,780

We considered a Class A before we purchased our Fifth Wheel and decided on Tiffin based on their reputation among RV consumers. The thing I liked about this one is that it is diesel, but it is smaller than many. Some of the diesel Class A’s these days are 40’ so this one was refreshing. However, I don’t like how the bathroom is right across from the kitchen. Just seems icky to me. We also looked at a Tiffin Allegro Red 33BR (MSRP $257,250 Show Price $216,965). It was also beautiful, but had the bathroom in the same place.

Class A Gas: Winnebago Vista 29VE – MSRP $132,971 Show Price $99,728

This is a nice little gas Class A that has everything you need for under $100,000. We didn’t really like the placement of the TV in the front room, and again-the bathroom in the kitchen. This is such a popular feature, maybe it’s just me that doesn’t like it.

Class B/C: Leisure Van Unity MB – Starting at $130,000

Leisure Van calls this a luxury Class C, but it is on a Mercedes Sprinter Chassis, which I usually considered a Class B – so you decide. Either way, I fell in love with this RV online and have been hoping to see one in person. It did not disappoint! We sat inside this RV for quite a while, and went back to it three times! The sales personnel from Gerzeny’s RV World of Lakeland were very helpful and answered all of our questions. The thing that I really love about it is that with the murphy bed, you get a full bathroom in the back. The draw back is that this thing is in such high demand, there is no break on the price and you have to wait about 10 months for delivery.

Class C – Winnebago View 24J – MSRP $159,040 Show $119,280

I think this is a cute little unit for someone with a child who wants to RV and be very maneuverable. It has the over the cab bunk and the dinette that makes into a bed. I personally don’t like the bed tucked in the corner so you have to crawl into it, but some people don’t mind.

Fifth Wheel – Grand Design Solitude 360 RL MSRP $95,249 Show Price $74,970

We’ve heard good things about Grand Design and are thinking of getting a smaller Fifth Wheel (unless we decide to splurge on the Unity) so I wanted to check one out. We looked at the Reflection as well (MSRP $48,304 Show Price $39,907), but the Solitude is the winner to me. I pretty much loved everything about it (except maybe the bowl sink in the bathroom—not a huge fan), but that was minor. The major problem is that this particular model is still 39’, and we’d like to go down to no more than 36’. They do have a shorter Solitude floorplan, but I’ll have to see one in person.

Light Fifth Wheel – Open Range Light MSRP $54,018 Show Price $45,915

This had a surprisingly spacious layout in the living room/kitchen area. It had a small refrigerator/freezer instead of residential, but perhaps that was for weight considerations.  The weird thing to me though was the bedroom. The headboard end of the bed was against a slanted wall. I don’t understand why it was like that but it seemed odd. Also the only dresser was 3 little drawers in the closet.

Travel Trailer: Winnie Drop WD170S – MSRP $24,911 Show Price $19,985

This was a cute little travel trailer that I thought would be perfect for a solo RVer or a couple that doesn’t mind being real close all the time. There is no separation between the living room, kitchen, and bedroom like you may have in something larger. One thing I really liked about it was the lighter cabinetry.

Travel Trailer: Forest River Wildwood HG 282RK – MSRP $43,976 Show Price $29,999

I was really surprised when we walked into this travel trailer. The layout was very similar to a Fifth Wheel and I felt like I was in a small apartment. The only thing I didn’t like was the slanted bedroom wall like the light fifth wheel. This one had some cabinets on each side and they stuck out awkwardly.

Truck Camper: Lance Truck Camper – MSRP $19,999 Show Price $15,330

I’ve never seen the inside of a truck camper before and was pleasantly surprised. I could live in it alone. I don’t think the two of us could because there is not much room to maneuver around each other, and it has the most limited storage space of any RVs we looked at.

Vendors

Another great thing about RV shows are the vendors. Especially at the larger shows, you can find anything and everything related to RVs and campgrounds. The show was small compared to the January Supershow, but there were still a lot of vendors representing all facets of RV travel.

  • Satellite Steve – We spent several minutes chatting with Satellite Steve. He is a great resource for all satellite questions and how to save money on satellite subscriptions. We have decided to use him to install an additional receiver in our RV as well as possibly mounting a quick-release mount on the roof of our Fifth Wheel.
  • Craft Village – We actually purchased our yard sign from this vendor 2 years ago at the Florida Supershow and it has held up perfectly to the weather. They hand paint and letter the large 16″ x 11 1/2″ x  3/4″ oak- stained resin signs. They have routed holes in back for easy hanging. You can get it at the show where they will personalize it while you shop, or you can order one online.
  • Travel Resorts of America – We’ve never heard of this campground membership that has 8 different east coast campgrounds in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. We plan to take a closer look at them next summer and try the resort at Gettysburg.

Other vendors included:

·      All American Gutter Protection
·      Ameriprise Financial
·      Bigfoot Leveling
·      Canterbury Creations
·      Cummins Coach Care
·      EZ Star Hitch
·      Fine Jewelry
·      Frogfur Woodwork
·      General RV Store
·      Health Craft
·      Hide Rugs
·      HiDow Professional Pain Management
·      Home Remodeling
·      Lazy Days RV Rental
·      Lazy Days Store
·      Luxury Airstream Escapes
·      Queen of Pain Relief
·      RV Awnings Under the Sun
·      RV Windshield of Florida
·      South Florida Water
·      Sprint
·      Suncoast RV Rental
·      Thousand Trails/Encore
·      Vision Auto Glass
·      Wyndham Vacation Resorts

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Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged With: attending an rv show, buying an rv, chickerys travels, Forest River Wildwood HG 282RK, full time rv living, full-time rv, Grand Design Solitude 360 RL, how to prepare for an rv show, Lance Truck Camper, learning about RVs, Leisure Van Unity MB, Open Range Light, rv life, rv lifestyle, RV Living, rv living full time, RV shopping, rv shopping tips, RV show, rv show 2018, RV Show Tips, rv shows, RV SuperShow, Tiffin Breeze 31BR, Winnebago View 24J, Winnebago Vista 29VE, Winnie Drop WD170S

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