School me: RVs

[tsorfas]

I have no clue about them.. I think I want one. I think they are cool and comfortable.
I have seen them from $5000 to $60k+ and of course the bus style ones at well over $100k.
I am not in a need of bus that's same price as my house.

Here is what I want:
Has an actual motor. Something I can drive, not tow.
Has a drop style rear door-ramp so I can load and unload bikes.
Is reliable. I don't mind if it is a bit older as long as it's reliable. Not sure which models are "good" and reliable. It is something I plan on driving to Daytona.
I hear they are terrible in gas consumption (<8mpg). Do any exist that they are any better? 15ish+?
Queen size bed. If it can sleep more than 2+ that's fine but I really don't care and it won't affect my decision.
I don't care if it has a kitchen or not. I would probably prefer if it does not actually but again one of the things that doesn't affect my decision.
As we develope this conversation I will probably realize more about my wants/needs.

What should I expect to pay? New/Used? Models?
Any leads?

[breakdirt916]

subscribed...

alternative retirement goal: buy/pay off single family house & rent it for income, live out of RV, dirt ride all over continent.

seems to me the kitchen/bathroom/shower is the added utility that warrants the purchase over a van/truck w' pop up trailer.

[maxim_X]

I don't know too much about them. Toy hauler is the term for one with a drop back door for bikes. I don't think any come without a kitchen of some sort. Good luck.

[jasnmar]

You are looking for a motorhome (which is a specific sort of RV).

In the US they generally fall into two classes:
Class A: AKA Motorcoach. Big, luxurious "bus type" get ups that can range north of $100K.
Class C: Generally built "on top" of a truck of van chassis
(there's also a class B, but I don't know if I've ever seen one in a "toy hauler" style).

The only RV's I've been around have been tow behind, either 5th wheel or bumper, so don't have much experience with these.

For reference... 2005 Four Winds Fun Mover 29&apos; Toy Hauler Class C motorhome Power Lift Gate | eBay

Seems as if Outlaw is a popular manufacturer.

[nhbubba]

Class A are bus based. Rolling luxury homes.
Class B is van based. Many are based on the Sprinter now.
Class C is based on a HD cutaway chassis. Ie Ford E450.

My honest opinion is that if you are looking for a reasonably fuel efficient option and don't care about wet facilities (kitchen, bath/shower). Then you are already living the dream. Keep the wambulance. I do not think it gets much better than that unless you start to need something with water hookups.

There is a company called Outside Vans. I think they are probably as close as you are going to get to a class B toy hauler. Awesome looking builds. Primarily using the Sprinter. But I've seen builds where they've used the Nissan NV as a base. I bet they'll use the new full-size Ford Transit too now that it is available. They are absurdly expensive but semi-custom. The custom bit means you could get one setup your way without the kitchen or bath.

If you're curious, my choice would be the "Basecamp" package. No wet stuff and a basic utility layout. But it comes with a $76,000 price tag.

One last thing to throw out is these toy-hauler fifth-wheels. You've seen them. The Buttler's is pretty nice. Roland has a nice one too. There are some very nice ones out there like the Quicksilver VRV. Local dealer had one on his lot last year and I checked it out. Was impressed. But then you'd need something to haul it with. Pick your choice of pickup or SUV with 5k+ tow rating and you're there.

[loudbeard]

This is a nice idea and all but...

You're honestly better off to trade in your zoom zoom for a decent 1/2 ton truck (reasonably economic daily driver) and buy a pull behind toy hauler. There are some basic models to be had for fairly short money.

2015 Octane Super Lite Toy Hauler | Jayco, Inc.

The above model is a Jayco, going to be on the pricier side, but gives you an idea of what to look for. Basically the living and hauling space is shared. Pull your junk out at the track and love in it. Has all basic amenities.

Another option is to buy a box truck and pay me to convert it for you.

[Falko]

Toy haulers while out there are a little more rare. I'd seriously look at what you get with a Class A/C toy hauler for the cost versus buying a slightly smaller motorhome and get a box trailer for it.
That said, I would personally look for a Super C type. Little smaller than a Class A, and I think built much better than most of the smaller Class A units.
If you go A, you pay a ton more for a Diesel Pusher in an A, but it is worth it in my opinion. Not just the power, but the general built construction. Then there is the advantage of air brakes, better fuel economy, etc.
But again, I would look at a Super C and a small box trailer.

[RandyO]

I think you should ask Clark Griswold

[Falko]

I think you mean cousin Eddie.

[rolker]

...and of course the bus style ones at well over $100k.
I am not in a need of bus that's same price as my house.

Sell your house for a nice class A. Two birds with one stone, great accommodations at the track and you solve your ice dam problems!

[tsorfas]

The fifth wheel ones won't work for me although they are the cleapest because I got nothing to tow them with.
I'm not exactly opposed to shower/bathroom, and I won't hate it if it has a kitchen. It just won't get used.

[tsorfas]

Gonna look at some box trucks too.

Bubs yes the ambulance is great. 22mpg, fits two bike, registered as a Van, will last a life time, and carries all. I am just looking for a bit more room and comfort.

This is more of a want than need and I might not even do it

[burnham]

If you're looking at box trucks the Isuzu NPR's are good trucks. In the newer ones you can get their Ecomax engine, which is supposed to get great mileage. A lot of them have lift gates too.

[nhbubba]

What's your price budget? How much more space are you looking for? Where does the ambulance fall short for your needs?

[RandyO]

The fifth wheel ones won't work for me although they are the cleapest because I got nothing to tow them with.
I'm not exactly opposed to shower/bathroom, and I won't hate it if it has a kitchen. It just won't get used.

your not looking for an RV, your looking for a toy hauler

[tsorfas]

What's your price budget? How much more space are you looking for? Where does the ambulance fall short for your needs?

I don't want to have to move so much stuff around in such a tight space. Legit a couple morr sq ft and a bit teller inside would have been perfect.

Also i cannot think I can drive the ambulance to Daytona. I would shoot myself. It is not comfortable.

- - - Updated - - -

your not looking for an RV, your looking for a toy hauler

Sure

[jasnmar]

Also i cannot think I can drive the ambulance to Daytona. I would shoot myself. It is not comfortable.

Get a seat for the ambulance and save thousands.

[Paul_E_D]

You want a Sprinter...

[tsorfas]

Get a seat for the ambulance and save thousands.

Ohhh I dig that a lot

[tsorfas]

Just a reminder this is more of a let me learn a thing or two about RVs instead of I am buying one tomorrow.

Ideas for mods on the ambulance are extremely welcomed.

[nhbubba]

Do you think the ambulance has enough space and is maybe just allocated wrong for your needs? Could you take out some of the built in crap and have the space you're after?
What about roof storage? I bet Pinned could help you weld up a pretty solid roof rack.
Or maybe a small enclosed trailer for the longer trips (ie Daytona). Maybe even rent as needed from uhaul.

I really do think you already have what you want. Especially if it is the desired 7.3l turbo with less than 100k on it. My $0.02.


Box truck would probably require the same upgrades for comfort as your ambulance already does. And you would probably be going to a less efficient gas drivetrain.

[Paul_E_D]

This is exactly why I chose a rig that I will NOT put the bikes in. Sounds so convenient, but loading a small trailer is really a LOT less work than constantly converting space from garage to living and back.

Unless you are into a class A fun mover. Then you don't have to reconfigure.

[nhbubba]

Plenty of downsides with a trailer towed behind a van too. Especially an open one. It's really a YMMV thing.

[Paul_E_D]

I don't see the downsides. Makes for a MUCH more comfortable and useful vehicle. Small box trailers are cheap.

[tsorfas]

Do you think the ambulance has enough space and is maybe just allocated wrong for your needs? Could you take out some of the built in crap and have the space you're after?
What about roof storage? I bet Pinned could help you weld up a pretty solid roof rack.
Or maybe a small enclosed trailer for the longer trips (ie Daytona). Maybe even rent as needed from uhaul.

I really do think you already have what you want. Especially if it is the desired 7.3l turbo with less than 100k on it. My $0.02.


Box truck would probably require the same upgrades for comfort as your ambulance already does. And you would probably be going to a less efficient gas drivetrain.

I don't disagree with anything you say.
I actually appreciate the input and I think I'll take that root