Another newbie!

[living simple]

G'day all,

I'm so glad i've found this site!! What a wealth of information!

After looking about a bit on this site i have a couple of questions to start:

My hubby and i are from Australia and are keen on doing a roadtrip from West-East spanning 2-3 months over summer (possibly 2008) - i would put us in the basket of Quest/Jaunt traveller! Yes, it's a while away, but i'm big on planning, planning, planning!

My main ambition in life has been to visit Tennessee (don't ask!) and especially the Smokey Mts. The roadtrip has grown considerably from there!

We think the best thing for us to do (financially) would be to buy a secondhand RV for the duration and sell it at the end. It seems hiring a car/plus accommodation is just as expensive and more restrictive for us.

My first question is, 'does anyone have a break-down of what Class RV stands for'? In other words, whats the difference between say, Class A and Class C RV?

Also, we really like the idea of a small camper (preferably with bed over-head) and hopefully shower/toilet unit. Other than that, we are not fussy! Planning on spending as much time out-n-about and not in the vehicle (unless driving!). Any recommendations on vehicles/make, etc would be most appreciated!

Well, that's just for starters! Thanks in advance . . .

Cheers

[Mark Sedenquist]

I'm so glad i've found this site!! What a wealth of information!

Thanks! Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum!

My hubby and i are from Australia and are keen on doing a roadtrip from West-East spanning 2-3 months over summer (possibly 2008) - i would put us in the basket of Quest/Jaunt traveller! Yes, it's a while away, but i'm big on planning, planning, planning!

Questers are always welcome here!

My main ambition in life has been to visit Tennessee (don't ask!) and especially the Smokey Mts. The roadtrip has grown considerably from there!

I like Tennessee -- so many great things to discover there!

We think the best thing for us to do (financially) would be to buy a secondhand RV for the duration and sell it at the end. It seems hiring a car/plus accommodation is just as expensive and more restrictive for us.

I dunno, 2-3 months is way, way below break-even in our experience.

My first question is, 'does anyone have a break-down of what Class RV stands for'? In other words, whats the difference between say, Class A and Class C RV?

Here is an excellent article about what this classification is all about!

Hurry on back!

Mark

[living simple]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply! The 'Class breakdown' was exactly what i needed and explained things perfectly!

I dunno, 2-3 months is way, way below break-even in our experience.

So, what other suggestions? Accommodation and car hire must be really quite cheap in the US compared to here in Australia?

I thought if i bought a secondhand camper and sold it for $2000-3000 less a couple months or so later, then i'd be out of pocket between $70-$80 per night. That seemed reasonable to me, considering i'd have my home on my back. Am i missing something really obvious? Please help! : )

Thanks again,

Looking forward to your replies . . .

Cheers

[Mark Sedenquist]

So, what other suggestions? Accommodation and car hire must be really quite cheap in the US compared to here in Australia?

No, I don't think is the case. The problem is that even though there is plenty to choose from, I would be worried that you could find a used RV to purchase in good enough condition to last such a journey and spend less than USD $5 or 6,000 (Considerably more than a rental which would be new or nearly new). There are firms that will sell you a RV or car and guarantee to re-purchase when you are through with it -- look at the Gear up section for more info.

No matter what you need to read this article about rental RVs and read and print this one when you pick up a used RV.

Mark

[Midwest Michael]

Am i missing something really obvious? Please help! : )

Well, part of the equation is also license, taxes, and insurance fees - all of which can be significant extra expenses and often become very complicated when you don't have a "home" address per se.

I would agree that Renting or going with a "buyback" company would likely work out to be options that are just as cheap, and would give you a nicer vehicle without nearly the headaches.