Choosing Your RV

Choosing Your RV

Written by Nancy Carter, Making My Own Lane

My RV journey started long before I sold my house, moved into Daisy and drove away on my first adventure.

I have been camping since I was a kid. Starting out with tents, and moving into a pop-up camper when my daughters were younger.

We had so many happy trips in the pop up. Exploring Florida State Parks and camping at Disney Fort Wilderness for holidays and special occasions.

Once my daughters moved out on their own, I bought a tent again, a couple of cots, and went camping maybe once a year. It got harder to find time to get away, as my job got more demanding and the girls’ social schedules got busier.

But it was always a dream to travel and explore more.

Creating My RV Wish List.

In December of 2022, I created my wish list of what I would want in an RV. I had no desire to buy one, but one can dream, right?

I had been watching a lot of YouTube videos about different types of rigs. Originally I thought I would want a Class B, or van type of rig. Then I thought maybe a small Class A would be better. Until I finally settled on a Class C. You know, the one that has that overhang over the cab.

Here is my list. I wrote it on December 1, 2022. Remember the date.

Class C with overhead bunk
Used
25,000 to 40,000 miles
Backup camera
Outside storage areas
Composting toilet
Tires less than 2 years old
Maintenance records
Solar equipped with lithium batteries
Lots of outlets
Ford E450
Outside awning
Working AC

Very specific. Close the book and never look at it again.

Until December 2nd.

I was watching YouTube (my favorite pastime), and this video came up with an RV for sale.

A Class C, with a composting toilet, and lots of solar…

Located in Florida, less than 2 hours from my house…

I turned off the TV and let it go. There was no way I could afford it.

But I kept thinking about it, and on December 4th I watched the video again and checked out the FaceBook ad. Sale pending.

Of course. But, I emailed the seller to let him know how much I admired his rig, and I asked him to contact me if the sale fell through.

Which he did!

So, we made plans for me to come and look, after I got back from a trip to visit my family in New Jersey.

I got off the plane and went straight to his house, and fell in love with Daisy.

Inspecting an RV before you buy it.

When you buy a used RV, looking at it through those rose-colored glasses can be dangerous. I asked him if it would be OK if I had someone come and do an inspection, and he said yes.

I highly recommend doing this with an NRVIA certified inspector, whether you are buying a used or a brand new RV. If the answer is no, run.

Daisy checked out well. I had a short list of things to look out for or fix. And on December 20th Daisy was mine.

I have found in my life that writing my intentions and the things that I want down has a crazy power. In fact, instead of New Year’s Resolutions, I have written down things I wanted to do or accomplish during the year, including buying a new roof or ac or taking a trip somewhere.

Once I write them down, I don’t look at the list again until the following New Year’s Eve. I am always amazed, looking at that list one year later, how much of that list can be checked off.

How does it work? I don’t know. The power of intention? The power of the written word?

And it worked again for Daisy. In record time, in a very strange way.

Daisy came with a few things I hadn’t put on my list that have proven to be so helpful.

Important RV options to consider.

A mini split AC. With an air conditioner that takes a lot less energy that a traditional roof AC, and the 1640 watts of solar, I am able to leave my pets in the RV while I go into the grocery store, or take a day-trip where I am not hooked to power. It also allows me to stay overnight (or longer) without being hooked up.

It also allows me to not have to hook up the RV immediately when I get to my destination. I can turn on the air and take the dogs for a walk.

I can also run the fridge on solar power while I am driving, as well as my internet!

Diesel engine. I don’t know a lot about engines, but I do have a lot of power when going up hills.

Extensions on the dually tires, so that I can easily check the air pressure. Some people hate them. I love them.

The 26.5 length makes it easier for me to drive/park in smaller areas, especially since I am currently not using a toad, or tow vehicle. Basically, wherever I go, I need to bring my home.

Why did I choose the items on my list? After thinking about the options for a long time, I will explain how I came to each decision.

Class C - I didn’t want to tow anything. After years of towing a pop up, I didn’t want to deal with the hooking up and backing up. I knew I wanted to travel the country in this RV, and I wanted a “simple set up” - no slides and not too big, but larger than a van. I wanted a separate and dedicated bedroom area, a bathroom with a shower, and lots of windows for the beautiful views I planned on waking up to.

Used - I wanted a camper that was “broken in”, and updated for real life living.

25,000 to 40,000 miles - Daisy had 60,000 miles. That is really good, especially for a diesel engine. Sometimes having too low miles isn't good. Motor homes are meant to be driven to keep the fluids flowing.

Backup camera - so I could back into sites easier.

Outside storage areas - to store camping items needed, like chairs, leveling blocks, hoses, etc.

Composting toilet - I really didn’t want to mess with a black tank. Yes, there is a learning curve, and the bucket does need to be cleaned. But I am amazed at how easy it is to clean and maintain.

Tires less than 2 years old - with the cost of the RV, I didn’t want to have to invest in tires for a couple of years, especially since I now have 6 tires.

Maintenance records - being able to see how well your RV was taken care of, and having a record of previous repairs and where they were done, as well as the original owner’s manual, is so helpful.

Solar equipped with lithium batteries - Daisy has more solar than most. She is a beast! This has allowed me to camp in some places that would be difficult without power. It has proven really beneficial with pets. Having solar and a temperature monitoring system that I can check from my phone allows me to leave the camper but know that my fur babies are OK.

This has helped, even hooked up to shore power! If the electricity goes out in the park (yes, that does happen), I don’t even notice and my AC stays on to keep them safe.

Lots of outlets - I wanted a “smart” RV with a security system, which means lots of things to plug in, both 110 outlets and USB connections. I also have a couple of 12V outlets, which I haven't had to use yet, but they are there.

Ford E450 - I like Ford, and wanted a powerful engine because I plan to travel across the country, AND (even more importantly), this rig is able to be worked on in a standard truck mechanic shop. I didn’t know or understand what this would mean, but when I needed new brakes and rotors, I was able to get it done in one day, in the truck shop. And the savings over having to bring it to an RV shop was considerable.

Hint - find a good mechanic in your “home” area and create a relationship with them.

Outside awning - important, but which I have yet to use.

Working AC - living in Florida, not having AC is not an option, and

A Kitty Door! - Because I planned on traveling with my dogs and a cat, I had been thinking about where I was going to put the kitty litter. Daisy came with a cat door going into the bathroom, where I could keep the kitty litter in the shower, away from the dogs. Perfect.

If you already own an RV, what items were on your wishlist? Which ones were important, and which ones did you find not so important?

Are you still in the dreaming phase? Think about how you plan on using your RV and then you can decided what options might be essential for you.

If you are a full-time RVer and have any tips or suggestions on creating a wish list, leave a comment here.

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Thanks for reading!