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Like most people , i often dream of driving around America, but there's so much to see a few weeks does not seem enough time. At the risk of being niave, my plan is to buy a RV and take a year to do it then sell it on completion. There are a few very basic questions i hope someone out there can help me with.
1) A or C class motor home ?
2) petrol consumption and price
3) chances of a year long visa (i'm in the UK)
4) is a year to long
Tony
Hello and welcome to the R.T.A forums.
Would you be a lone traveller, or a group? If you are going alone or a couple I think you would be better of with a car and camping as an option.
Your main problem with trying to purchase a vehicle will be if you do not have a U.S.A address to register it and insurance e.t.c.
1] A 'c' class is the more popular choice as it's more like a van to drive rather than a coach. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
2] I wouldn't expect to get more than 10m.p.g. Prices vary dramatically but for a year long trip you would be looking at something reliable that's not going to cost you a fortune in repairs, so it won't be cheap. There are company's that sell with a buy back clause.
3] If you don't have a criminal record and can prove you have the means to fund your trip and something to return to the U.k for, a visa should be possible.
4] Not if that's how long you want to go for.
Personally if this was my first trip I would be looking at up to the max 90 days without visa worries, and renting a car and buying camping equipment which is very cheap over there. That will give you plenty of time to explore and see plenty, and there's always another time. :-)
It seems to me you've really set yourself up as dealing with only extremes. Even the title of your thread as dream or nightmare, kind of sums up things - there's no middle ground.
While certainly just doing a trip lasting a few weeks would be far more limiting than spending a year on the road, no matter how much time you have, you'll never be able to see everything.
Spending a year old the road would be a dream for many people, but we're not talking about many people here, we're talking about you. If you aren't 100% sure this would be a dream trip, then I wouldn't invest in the tremendous committment of spending a full year and purchasing an RV. There's nothing wrong by any means of spending a full year on the road, but you might also consider doing a smaller trip first like Dave suggested. That could give you a better perspective on what you like/dislike and have you better prepared for a major year long adventure.
Hi
the title of the thread was not so much indecision Mike, the trip would be the dream part, the planning is the nightmare. I was hoping i could just turn up buy a RV and ride off into the sunset.
Now i need to get a visa, hope that when i arrive on US soil that the POE guy is in a good enough mood to give me a 12 month stamp, and then buy, register and insure a RV , plus have an address in the state i buy it in to register it at.
The reason i wanted to do a year was because i wanted to be able to drift along rather than follow a tight schedule, which i feel i would have to do on a 90 day trip, particularly if i take a couple of weeks sorting out the stuff i mentioned earlier. Also i think i might need to pass a US driving test?. I don't understand that bit, i thought i could drive on my english licence for a year in the states?
Another point you could help me with is overnight parking in Walmart, is that an urban or is it true that you can stay overnight in Walmart car parks free of charge?
Tony
Well the length of the trip seems to be a big part of the potential "nightmare," thus a possible suggestion of starting with a shorter trip. With a shorter trip, it would make more sense just to rent an RV, thus eliminating many of the potential problems. With your current plan, you are right that you won't be able to just get off the plane and ride into the sunset.
I will openly admit, I am not well versed in all the requirements for obtaining a visa, but I know that you certainly won't be allowed to get on a plane and hope that they let you stay for a year once you arrive. You need to have that taken care of well in advance. I believe its a rather lengthy process, and you will have to go to the US Embassy/Consulate to be interviewed prior to your approval. I would start by contacting US officials in the UK ASAP to get more information about the process.Quote:
Now i need to get a visa, hope that when i arrive on US soil that the POE guy is in a good enough mood to give me a 12 month stamp,
Your UK license will be legal to drive in the US, however, you may find that it difficult to insure or even register the RV without a US license. Getting one might not be required, but it may make things a bit easier. This is something where you'll have to start contacting insurance companies, and probably the DMV of the state where you hope to buy, register, and insure the RV.Quote:
Also i think i might need to pass a US driving test?.
Sometimes. You need to check with store management first, however. Some cities have outlawed the practice. Generally, its prefered if you don't push out the sliders and/or make it look like you're planning to stay awhile. Truckstops are another good place to boondock.Quote:
is it true that you can stay overnight in Walmart car parks free of charge?
the year of travelling around at our liesure is the main draw, leave the kids at home(although they should all have flown the nest by then) buy myself a davey crockett hat and wagons ho!
i have the visa bit in process
your second point is helpful about maybe not needing a US licence, i sent a letter to the PA dmv on that very subject
the walmart and truckstop idea is great as well. Although we would obviously want to see the scenery, but bearing in mind the finance side of things, they could be handy.
we still can't decide on the bigger "A" class or the "C".
The A would give us the extra comfort but i assume that the "C" is more economical??????
Tony
If you can take a full year to make the trip happen, great. I by no means am saying you shouldn't do it. It just will require considerable more time planning than taking a shorter trip, and that sounded like it was a potential "nightmare" for you. If you're willing to do the work involved leading up to the trip, then you should have a great time.
Our planning section has a ton of articles about planning an RV trip. Some ones that should help answer your questions include Pros and Cons of Types of RVs and Boondocking Etiquette.
Hi there,
I think you will find the A class to be a bigger outlay to start with but perhaps that will square itself up at the end when you come to sell it. I am not sure but I would imagine they would be dearer to service or repair if needed ,replacement tyres e.t.c.
Our 'C' class returned 9.5 m.p.g and I would think an 'A' class would return somewhere close.
One thought that maybe worth you considering is that if you are going to go to the lengths of registering an R.V, is whether it would be worthwhile getting a small tow vehicle [Toad] at the same time. When you are set down in certain places it would be far more economical to use this for sightseeing and easier for trips into town and over a year could pay for itself.
The National parks are great for stopping in, right in the heart of it for around $20 a night.
thanks for the comments and i will take them all on board. I reckoned on about 50,000 miles in a full year which might seem a bit high but thought it better to exaggerate it rather than under estimate it.
Looking around various sights i think if i'm lucky could pick up a RV for under $20,000 mind you i don't know what it will be like after a year on the road?
A toad sounds good if we can afford it
i have to say that this site is really helpful as are the people on it, and wether we go the whole hog and take a year for our trip or have to go with the 90 day's you guy's have been a big help.
Thanks
Tony
With the price of fuel in the US right now, there are a lot of RVs for sale. It might be a good time to get a good price. Although that could change rapidly if the price of fuel falls. And then, when it comes time to sell at the end of your trip, this could factor into what you get for it.
You might want to consider a Class B for just a year on the road. Yeah, it's smaller but they are really laid out great. You will use far less fuel. And they eliminate the need for a toad. And you can always purchase a "screen house" for those times when you are spending a few days in a campground and want a bit more space to stretch out in.
We are in the planning process for a year's road trip and can't decide on the mode of transport. So what do you think
A) "A" Class
B) "C" Class
Do i go for comfort or the better gas consumption, for year trip i think we will have to go for a fixed bedroom.
your opinions would be welcome
Tony
Hi ferry dreamer.
I think which ever one you go for I would look at getting one with a slide out for such a long period. It will feel much less cramped when you are parked up.
To get a full size bedroom at the back[as opposed to over the cab] with a 'c' class I think you are looking at least at a 28- 30ft R.V. which is geared then to sleep around 6 people.
If there are just the two of you then it would be worth considering one of the smaller 'A' classes of a similar length.
Both will do the job, I guess it's down to personal preferences, so I would have a look at various floor pans, sizes and see what you think suits your needs and finances the best. It appeared to me that most rentals are 'C' class and most "full timers" go for the 'A' class, so for a long period I guess there may be a clue there somewhere.
is there not much differance between the A & C Classes when it come to petrol then??
and if not how would a "B" Class compare petrol wise (there the ones that are more or less a camper van aren't they?
Tony
Hi Tony,Quote:
Originally Posted by ferrydreamer
A like for like comparison, I doubt there is much in it.
I remember trying to get an idea of fuel consumption when I was looking, but as there's so many factors it's hard to find a definitive answer as engine size, weight of the vehicle and different driving styles are all factors. I took it as a rule of thumb to expect anything from 8-12m.p.g from either depending on the for mentioned, I would look at 10m.p.g. but when you are looking to buy one, amazingly the seller almost always seems to be able to get 15 m.p.g ;-)
I would certainly expect to see more return from a 'B' class but I am not sure that will suit you for a year long trip, unless you went with breaks in a motel along the way. They are more of a "camper van" of which we are used to seeing in the U.K. only with more comforts. It could start to feel a bit cramped after a while, and less storage space for the stuff you will need to carry could be a headache.
I ask that question because I really feel that a Class B would be great for a one-year trip. At least for me. I'd get the screenhouse I mentioned in a previous post, preferably one with the option of also being a full tent with zip-downs to reveal the screens. This would give a place to stretch out and have some privacy when you're stationary for a few days. I see too many people with bigger rigs who never get outside. Many...certainly not ALL...seem to spend their time camping inside their big rig. Doesn't make much sense to me.
I think it depends on how much gear you think you need for a year. For me, I would go minimalist just to make things easier. But I realize some folks might not like that. Also, it depends on where you'll be traveling and at which times of year. If you are going to keep to warm climates in the winter and save the more northern areas for winter, again I think a B would be fine. But if you want more flexibility while traveling and might find yourself where it's cold/wet for extended periods of your trip, then the bigger C and A rigs would probably be a better choice.
Just my 2 bits and, on this issue, probably worth less than that! :)
I take all those points on board, I like the idea of just arriving in the U.S. with just a rucksack each, buying a vehicle and dissappearing into the sunset.Leaving aside the problems with buying and registering a vechile, there would be two considerations, the first being accessability, a "B" class would be easier to get around in if i ended up in the middle of somwhere like New York, and the other thing is of course, cost, How many MPG do you think i would get in a "B" Class??. If it's a big differance that could allow for a few motel stays if it's cold.
Tony
Any thoughts from Judy are worth a fortune in my book. ;-)Quote:
Originally Posted by PNW Judy
It's great mulling over different ideas, and there are definitely pro's and con's for each of them.
Once again there are many factors, but I would of thought you could be looking at 50% + more m.p.g. Quite significant with your total amount of miles you are considering covering.Quote:
originally posted by ferrydreamer How many MPG do you think i would get in a "B" Class??.
My main concern that in an earlier post you were referring to a main bed and comforts, I am not sure that they offer one without a bed settee type thing and it may feel small, however I like Judy's idea of a screen house outside.
The other thing I would think about is the type of camping you are thinking of doing. Most resorts [that will cost more to stay] have full hook ups whereas if you're thinking of cheaper, more remote sites or even rest areas and Walmart, the 'B' class has smaller holding tanks for fresh, grey and blackwater, which isn't a major problem, but may become an annoyance if you are dry camping for a period.
By the way, I liked the Shakespeare quote :-)
While I know that gas mileage is a concern for almost anyone planning a major trip, I really think you are being focused way too much on that one relatively minor detail: fuel mileage. Even at the largest spread, the overall difference in your fuel cost between an RV with great mpgs and poor mpgs is only going to be a couple thousand dollars. And while a couple thousand dollars isn't totally insignificant, when you are talking about a trip of this magnatitude that will undoubtedly cost tens of thousands of dollars, its a very small percentage of your overall expenses for your trip. Just the differences in purchase prices for RV sizes and types will likely be far more than the difference in what you'll spend on gas, especially when you consider that even among each class, you could see a difference of several mpgs between specific models.
Certainly, its your money and you are the one that has to pay the bill on this trip, but using mpgs as a major factor in deciding which type of RV to use, seems a little bit like stepping over a dollar to pick up a penny.
If I was going to be on the road for a full year, then personally, I'd be a lot more focused on how the differences of each type (living quarters, ease of driving, total cost, etc) would affect the overall experience of how I want to live for that year must more than a detail like mpgs.
Of course you are absolutley right, All of you, and i can see the benifits of each. I think i need to research more into individual "C" class maybe and try to get a "smaller" fixed bed so at least we are sure of a relativly comfortable nights sleep.What price do you put on that?
Actually, I think a properly appointed class "B" makes more sense given all that you have mentioned above. RTA contributor, Carol White, traveled in a class B RV for a year while writing her book. I've been partial to the Chinook Baja (but they are not inexpensive). Class A's are for more navigable in big cities than Class C's because their turning radius is often shorter (but they are taller and longer and require a different set of driving skills).
I would certainly suggest you read this article -- and think about the kinds of things you would like to do with this vehicle.
But of all the possible road trip choices -- I think you ought to seriously consider a normal passenger vehicle, get some camping equipment and plan to camp and stay at motels -- This is option will be the least expensive plan AND offer you the greatest range of mobility and parking ease.
Mark
Having slept in my share of pull-out beds and/or beds made from the table/seating area, I have always had a comfortable night's sleep. I'm not convinced a fixed bed is needed for that. For myself, the minimal time to make-up/take-down the bed at night is more than worth it to get more maneuverability a smaller rig allows. But, again, your call.
My ideal travel combo is a regular car pulling a teardrop trailer. You can drive a vehicle you like, the trailer is lightweight and doesn't add much to fuel consumption; you have a comfy bed/kitchen/storage that stays dry and secure; you can add the screenhouse or large tent to put up if you're staying in one place for awhile and want more room for changing clothes or whatever; and it's small enough to take through congested traffic with ease and other "tight" areas like you might find in national parks, etc. And, compared to the price of an A, B, or C RV, they're very reasonably priced. You can also leave it at the campsite while doing daytrips in the car.
Just something else to consider.
As you can see, different people will offer different options but the only way to find out what suits you best is to try things for yourself.
I would refer you back to post 2 and 3 where we suggested dipping your toes in the water as opposed to diving in the deep end.
One question [and an important one I.M.O. Have you any experience of camping, whether under canvass or a motor home or are you looking for a financial alternative? Perhaps renting, or at least going to a specialist [American ] R.V. dealer here in the U.k first and having a good look around will give you an idea of what your living will be like.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for "living the dream" and think it will be wonderful, but you need to know what will work for you, as it is a huge commitment. I love camping, under canvass and vans, but it isn't for everyone. If it's more for financial reasons [i.e Motel rooms being "dead money"] then I would definitely do a trial run. If you are campers as such then any of the options mentioned could work, if you are looking for a "motel on wheels" with comforts, I think your initial choices will work for you.
You could rent rooms the entire year for a similar outlay on an R.V. and although you won't have the re sale value when done, the fuel savings and other associated costs against a smaller vehicle could be significant.
Yes we have camped a bit, and are not really looking for a "hotel on wheels" As i said earlier we just want to arrive and wander about a bit. We both feel that motels would not give us that freedom to just stop where we fancy.The cost is of course of great importance to everything, but again it has to be weighed against the experience. The amount of miles we anticipate covering,will i think almost make the cost of the RV at journeys end "dead money" anyway. any money we manage to get back will be a bonus.
We have looked at various vans over here and if all were the same price i am still not sure we would go for an A because of the overall size. It is looking more likely to be around about a 26-30 footer allowing for a fixed bed, what sort A or C will have to depend on initial cost and MPG as michael said in an earlier post stepping over a dollar to pick up a penny wouldn't be much of a saving if it screwed up the whole trip.
This might not be a decision you make until you are actually in the US and can test drive a couple for yourself. While reading about the differences in classes can give you some good information, it will never be the same as actually getting inside one.
When you arrive in the US, I'd plan on spending a couple of days looking and test driving RVs. That would really be the best way for you to know what exactly you'll have available, what will really work best for you, and to find one that will fit into your price range.
With the rising cost of petrol -- many RV owners are dumping their vehicles on the market at cost or at a significant discount and so the liklihood exists that you will be able to find an amazing "deal" on a lightly used RV.
Mark
You will need to stay in campgrounds which can often be harder to find than hotels as there aren't as many of them. There are some limited other options, i.e. some Wal-Marts allow overnight parking, but not all and you will need to get permission from the store first.Quote:
Originally Posted by ferrydreamer
Of course, camping, whether in a tent or RV, allows you to stay overnight in places with far more grandeur than most hotels can offer so it's still a great option. That's why I travel with my trusty tent.
But you need to plan for finding campgrounds and account for that in your budgeting. For the most part, full hook-up sites are usually $25-plus, and tent-sites without hook-ups are below that. But that's very general as prices can vary widely based on location, amenities, etc.
Not really, for many travelers, RVs do offer the ability to boondock and not stay at formal campgrounds. There are some "rules" about boondocking -- here is a good overview about the practice of boondocking -- it is generally easier to do in the western part of the country, but you will find boondockers "camping out" in virtually every state in the USA.Quote:
Originally Posted by PNW Judy
Mark
Hi ferrydreamer,
Well you certainly have some ideas to think over there.
It will be great if you keep in touch and let us know how it all unravels, with choice of vehicle and the whole process of buying and registering it.
Of course, if there is any other info you want regarding this trip then just ask away.
Dave.
just one other query, can i drive any RV on an ordinary car licence. And of course i will let any one who is interested the outcome of all this.
We actually had a very recent discussion about the licenses and RV that you should check out.
But in a nutshell, An average license is all you need to drive an RV, and generally speaking, if you would be allowed to drive it in your home country, you should be able to drive it in the US.
i'm not sure which forum to post this in but as most of mine seem to end up being moved i might as well put it here.
my road trip is very much at the planning stage, and as such has no definite starting point. If i were to use one of the round trips found on here (about 12'000 miles total) Which of the points would you chose as a starting point to allow for good/reasonable weather?? and what time of year to correspond with the starting point?
We try and keep all posts about a single trip in the same thread -- since your original post was about what kind of vehicle (which is a Gear-up topic) most of your posts were merged here.
And then... unfortunately, there was an operator error (mine) and I put this entire thread in Planning Summer trips -- I've since moved it back here....
Mark
thanks for the explanation i can see your point, i just worry that my latest post might not get any attention at the end of four pages
FD
the newest posts are what show when visitors log on -- and so this post is back in the forefront.
That being said, any gratitous posts made to "bump" a post on a thread would be deleted by the Moderator of the day.
Mark