So You Want to RV?
April 1, 2009
I can’t begin to tell you how many emails I receive asking about traveling with family in an RV. The questions go something like this: What kind of RV should I buy? What should I know about RVing? Where should I go?
My RV knowledge is not unlimited, but I have traveled with my family through a decent chunk of the good old USA by RV. We’ve traveled with as few as seven people and have now reached the insane number of TEN. We usually stay out on the road for several months a year, and last year we spent 100 nights in a row in our big old Familyman Mobile.
Instead of not responding to all the emails and questions, I’ve decided to post my thoughts on all that I know about RVing, traveling with family, and some of the great places we’ve visited. And I think I’ll write it in a Q & A format.
Q – What kind of RV do you recommend?
A – Let me just say when we started the RV adventure we knew NOTHING…I mean nothing about RVing. Neither my wife nor I had ever camped in our lives, and my wife’s idea of roughing it was staying at a Holiday Inn instead of a Hilton.
We were a little short on money and didn’t want to sell the farm just to try it out. We weighed our options, talked it over, and decided to look into buying a motor home rather than a pull-behind travel trailer (the bathroom while on the road is worth everything).
After looking at Class C’s (looks like a u-haul truck) and Class A’s (looks like a bus) we decided we liked the open feel of the Class A although the Class C often sleeps more. Now we had to settle on a price…which also determined the age of the RV.
Had we known, we would have looked on-line, but we didn’t, so we searched all the RV lots in northern Indiana (The RV capital of world).
We finally settled on a 1991- 30’ Mallard and paid $11,000 for it. It had a lot of miles but ran well and had ample storage. So we paid the money, spent 6 months getting it ready, and hit the road in the spring feeling our way through all the nuances of RV travel.
Within a month, a Mac truck hit us on the interstate totaling our RV.
Next, some nice people loaned us a 34’ Winnebago. It was big and old, and within two weeks nearly burned to the ground. Note: don’t go too ancient unless you have a gob of time and are handier than Goober down at Wally’s filling station.
Still convinced that RVing was the way to go, we bought a 1992 – 30’ Fleetwood Flair in Michigan for about $15,000. It had fuel injection, which gave us about 9 mpg (as opposed to 6 with the carburated Mallard.)
It turned out to be a great RV, and I’d highly recommend the Flair anytime. It is an entry level RV so it doesn’t have a lot of bells or whistles…but you don’t have to pay to fix them either. Really, we had few problems with it although we ended up fixing or replacing most of the major coach components (like roof A/C, furnace, and fridge).
Later, we replaced the carpet and had the seats recovered. It was like having a brand new RV at a fraction of the cost. The nice thing about gas RVs is that they’re no harder to operate and maintain than a big van. That ‘aint the case with diesel.
The problem with traveling with kids is that they grow and take up more space so unless we were going to train our children to sleep sitting up, we had to get a bigger RV. Since I knew that the gas RV’s we could afford all had the same size engine regardless of length, I decided that diesel was the way to go.
We looked on Ebay and PPL Motorhomes and saw gobs of great deals. We eventually landed on a design that we really liked—a Euro Premier. It was no longer being made but the price, the configuration, and the basics (engine, chassis, and transmission) were what we wanted.
So we watched and waited and eventually bought one in Florida. I flew down and drove it home as happy as a…guy in a big diesel RV with an incredible air horn. When I pulled into the driveway, my wife stepped inside and cried (although she tried to hide it).
I failed to see just how ugly, rough, and outdated it was. No problem. Six months of hard work could fix that.
So we gutted the thing, recovered all the furniture, the floors and walls, added new light fixtures, removed the washer and dryer and a big closet and built in triple bunk beds and got the thing running.
Let me just say that diesel is a different beast. Every part in it is big and expensive to fix…but it sure drives nice. The price tag was quite a bit bigger at $34,000 but it still is a fraction of the cost of anything new. In fact, the sticker price on our 15-year old RV was $165,000. It has all the bells and whistles, cherry cabinets, and solid surface counter tops instead of paper cabinets.
My Advice
My advice when buying an RV is to look hard, look often, and wait for a deal. Go gas unless you’re absolutely convinced you need a big diesel. Class C is good for lots of beds but not as open as a 
Class A for a lot of on the road traveling. I’d buy on Ebay or PPL Motor homes…or some on-line RV seller. You have a huge selection and great deals are there to be had. Even if the RV doesn’t sell at auction, you can often deal with the seller afterwards.
I know some are afraid to buy used, but I’m telling you that every time I take my old RV into the shop, it is surrounded by NEW RV’s that are being worked on as well. In fact, I know new RV owners who have had many more problems than I have had.
Also, when you decide to sell a new RV, you take a huge hit and are never able to recoup your cost. We took a hit with our old RV (sold it at the collapse of the RV market), but we’re talking a few thousand-dollar hit, not a $50,000 dollar hit or more.
After RVing for 6 years, I still love it and think it is the best way to travel as a family. My children and even my wife love it. It has allowed us to see things we would never be able to see if we were confined to a hotel budget and schedule.
So my advice: pray for wisdom, watch the market and then do it!!! You may not get the best deal or the best RV but God is bigger than that. But you are guaranteed to make some incredible memories as a family…ones that will last a lifetime.
Q – What about renting an RV?
A – I don’t know much about the rental side of RVing. I do know several people who have done it and enjoyed it…without the pressure of owning it. Check out Cruise America and GetRV.com I think it might be a great way to ‘ease’ into the RV world just to get your feet wet.
Q – What do I need to know about RVing before I hit the road?
A – Two things: It ‘aint easy, but it is good. That’s about it. Sure, there are lots of things you’ll need to do differently than driving a regular car like…how to dump your waste tanks, the difference between black water and gray water, how to run your generator, when to use propane and electric, where to park, HOW to park, what roads to avoid, and how to cope with limited supplies.
You can do some homework beforehand, but you really need to be out on the road to learn firsthand. Expect some mistakes and some mean looks from your wife and children. But hey, that’s the fun of RVing.
Q – Can you give ANY advice?
A –Yes. Make sure you join Good Sam’s Club Road Side Assistance Program (not to be confused with the Sam’s Club started by Wal-Mart founder, Sam Walton). For less than $100, it gives you free towing up to 1000 miles, help in locating service centers, free flat repair, and a bunch of other things. DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!! IN fact, if you use the link below, Familyman Ministries will receive a portion of your membership fee.
I’m not kidding on this one!!!!
PS – Buy a GPS (saved my marriage).
Familyman Product Review
~Black Water Treatment
Q – How do you sleep everyone?
A – We use every square inch. Here’s the rundown: My wife and I are on the queen-sized bed in the back, two kids on the dinette (it folds down), two on couches, three in the bunks we installed, and a baby in a Peapod in the shower…or any available space. In our last RV, we installed a swing down bunk over the driver’s seat (it was a job) and one child slept between the two captain’s chairs on a board spanning the distance. Not super comfy…but it worked. In this newer RV we’re as comfortable as ten peas in a pod.
Q – What do you think about slide-outs?
A – Never had them. The older RVs we could afford didn’t have them. They do add a ton of living space although it can make things kind of tight while you’re in transit. I’m guessing they have their own maintenance issues because all the RV magazines offer after-market solutions for slide-outs.
Q – Do you ever spend the night in Wal-Mart parking lots?
A – We practically live there from April through July. In fact, I’d 
say we spend about 80% of our nights at Wal-Mart. If you’ve never stayed there, you’re in for a treat. Not only are they safe, they’re also practically everywhere. Just practice a little Wal-mart etiquette: park on the edges out of the way, return your carts to the cart corral, don’t use your leveling jacks (if you have them), and leave your spot clean when you leave.
Make sure you get a Ran McNally Map from Wal-Mart that lists all the Wal-Marts in the country—-indispensable.
Frequently asked Wal-Mart questions:
Q – Do you have to ask permission to park?
A – No. Just look for posted signs that might forbid parking there…then go to Lowe’s. 
Q – I’ve heard they offer hook ups. Is that true?
A – In your dreams! Sorry, but you’ll be boon docking it.
Q – What if the signs say, “No Truck Parking?”
A – If you’re NOT a truck, you CAN park. RVs are NOT trucks.
Q – I need help!! My wife and I just bought our first RV. It is a class C Tioga, 1981 with a Dodge chassis. We cannot find parts. We need a new “gas tank filler neck surround” and a vacuum breaker for the Thetford Aqua Magic IV toilet. Have either of you encountered an RV salvage and/or parts dealer where you can get parts (reasonable)?
A – Repairing RVs goes hand in hand with RVing. As the old RVing saying goes: If it aint broke…it will be.
First place I go to is PPL Motorhomes. They have a large slection of RV parts, and those PPL folks know their stuff and have been very helpful. I’m sure they have a part for your Thetford toilet, and will get it right out (by the way tell them the Familyman sent you).
If that deosn’t work, because your part is ancient, then I would contact a RV slavage place like RV Surplus (call them) in our neck of the woods or Arizona RV Salvage (I bought the hardware fom my swing down bunks from them).
If those don’t work…Google. It may take you a little work, but you’ll find your old part.
Q – What advice would you give a 36-year-old father of three (11/daughter, 9/son, 7/son) who is considering stepping into his first RV? Is it good timing given my kids age? Does it really create amazing family bonding opportunities? Will it make me a real stud with my wife?
A – The age of your kids is PERFECT. Actually, any age is perfect…because NOW is the perfect time AND the ONLY time we have. I know some who wait for the perfect age and it never comes. They look for perfect econimic conditions, gas prices, and RV prices, and they never get any better. So my advice is sieze the RV by the horns and Do it NOW. It ‘aint getting any cheaper and you ‘aint getting any younger. Just do it.
Yes, it does offer amazing bonding opportunities. Being smashed into a tight space for any length of time is good for families…especially in our “give me my space” age that we live in. Your family will be forced to share space, the bathroom, and everything else. It isn’t always easy…but it is good.
Will it make you a stud with your wife? Oh, yeah…unless she kills you first. What it will do is give your family tons of great memeories that they will cherish for a lifetime.
Q – We ran across your blog while looking for RV tips. We are getting ready to travel to OH in our motor home. Do you think we will have a problem with freezing (in late October)? We are looking to purchace a farm in Ohio.
A – You shouldn’t have any trouble. I usually, don’t winterize my RV until Oct. 31. I’ve even gone later than that. We can have some cold weather, but if you’re living in the RV the heat from the coach should be enought to keeo things thawed. You need some really cold weather for several days to freeze things up. I once waited too long to winterize my RV and the drain pipes were frozen. It took my about half a day to thaw them out but there was no damage. I think you’ll be fine. Make sure you have a full tank of propane…you don’t want to run out because it can get a little nippy at night. I have run out of propane…not fun.
Q – What have been some of your favorite places to travel?
A – There are so many wonderful places to travel in the USA. But my favorite bang for your buck is THE FATHER ROAD. It runs from Chicago to Orlando and is dotted with nostalgic places all along the way.
Q – Where are the best Familyman Friendly Beaches in the USA?
A – I asked the same question. Here’s what a bunch of dads suggested.
Fellow familyman George Zavatsky along with his wife Michele have written a wonderful book called Kids Love I-75.
More RV Q&A to come ~
Karen Louise Blankenberger
Apr 2, 06:48 PM
Thanks for all of your useful and practical RVing advice. Most people with RV’s are retired grandparents. Their opinions and advice don’t always work when instead of being empty nesters we are toting 8 kids as well!! Would love to hear more of your favorite spots along the way! Just got back from driving a car to Florida. After all of the nasty bathrooms we seemed to find along the way, we too decided never again without bringing our own toilet! Happy trails to you!
Dave Ferris
Apr 2, 09:42 PM
Hey Todd I’ve been getting your e-mail for awhile now and really enjoy your thoughts and comments on alot of stuff within your travels.
So my reason for this is I’m from a large family who owned a RV dealership in Southern Michigan(Ferris RV)that my grandfather started years ago but with modern production couldn’t compete with the big guys, so we decided to sell them instead and did so for over 40yrs. Which icluded all of our family working at some point in time through our lives(dad,mom,uncles,aunts and cousins)so my point is if you might need some technical advice on things or would like some info on parts and supplys I might be able to help,my dad still has all of his parts venders info and still is able to get parts at a good price. just a dad of 6 looking to help in any way I can, best of luck to your family in your travels and may The Lord Bless you.
Corry Ijams
Apr 2, 10:30 PM
That sounds awsome. My wife and I bough a pop-up camper last year. It is small but it works for now. Someday we look forward to MOVIN-ON-UP to the top, and no my wifes name is not Wiese like the Jeffersons.
Happy Trails
FreeEnterprise
Apr 3, 10:48 AM
As a fellow familyman RV’r who happens to have the perfect RV situation. We go on trips with my mother and father in law in their three slide discovery. They left for a trip last night, and when I called them they said the were shopping for duct tape… As their mirror just fell off!
I’ll honk if I see ya!
Don’t forget the plastic gloves for the dumping station…
Todd - The Familyman
Apr 3, 11:42 AM
Gloves for the dump station? Dead give away for a rookie.
Peter Hartman
Apr 3, 07:04 PM
Hi Todd and Debbie et al.
We just did 28 days crossing America in hotel rooms. I had a sudden ‘vacation’ and off we wen’t. I wished for an RV so I didn’t have to lug the luggage. Of course it was worth it and would have been better if we went to Indiana. It was January, after all. We thought of you. I hope we can see you again before the kids are off to college. God bless.
BRendress
Apr 4, 04:04 PM
Important Tip If you install a bike rack on your RV, make sure you install it right! : ) Last summer my husband and his favorite welder installed a great rack on the back of our camper. We were so excited that we wouldn’t have to haul the bikes inside the camper anymore! It worked super…on the way there. My husband kept bragging to all our fellow campers that all you need is a good welder.
Then came the trip home… I think we hit a bump on a bridge at a slightly too-fast clip. It was one of those bone-jarring jolts that knocks everything you didn’t stow well to the floor. BTW- another quick tip- Never stow a watermelon on the counter of your RV while traveling, unless of course, you enjoy wiping watermelon mush and seeds off the entire RV interior when you reach your destination!
Anyway, as we continued driving toward home after our bridge-jolt, I began to notice odd noises. It sounded somewhat reminiscent of Marley’s Ghost following us, chains and all. Unfortunately, I seemed to be the only one hearing the odd noises, causing everyone else to believe it was my overactive imagination. The racket gradually increased, but my husband still thought it was in my head. I finally came up with the bright idea of rolling down my window, at which point he had to admit something was definitely wrong. It sounded like our camper had fallen off and was being drug along. We pulled off to the side of the road and discovered that the great bike rack welding job hadn’t been so great after all. It was dragging on the ground with pathetic looking shredded bike tires and other parts trailing miserably along. We were completely minus one brand new bike. The weeping and howling inside our van quickly exceeded the previous din from the collapsed bike rack.
If you like happy endings though, there was a bright spot. I called the police department just in case some kind Samaritan might have seen and turned in our missing bike. Sure enough! The police called back moments later and we were able to pick up the bike, essentially unharmed!
RVing really is the best way we’ve found to make memories and most of them really are good ones!
Greg
Apr 4, 07:35 PM
We had talked…ok emailed each other… last year about buying your old FM rv. We’re still looking, praying and thinking about getting one. But I gotta ask this……When you say you gutted the one you currently have, does that mean you basically stipped her down to the walls and rebuilt her ala Steve Austin style…the 6 Million dollan man? New toidy, new appliances, new dinette? That seems like an awful time-consuming job.
I can relate to the triple bunk need. There are about 7 of us. I think we have about 5 kids. Any chance you can post some interior pics of the triple bunk? What is it made of? Did you just kinda wing-it or did you have a weekend engineer help you out?
I’m curious because I may take the “budget” way out and make it a project but on the other hand, time is a precious commodity in my life and frankly, my work schedule is a killer. Regardless, congrats on getting it going and looking forward to hearing this year’s trek adventures.
BTW, why did the missus cry? Was it THAT bad????
Bill Niceley
Apr 8, 06:05 AM
Hey Todd and Dave Ferris!! I need help!!
My wife and I just bought our first RV. It is a class C Tioga, 1981 with a Dodge chassis. We cannot find parts. We need a new “gas tank filler neck surround” and a vacuum breaker for the Thetford Aqua Magic IV toilet. Have either of you encountered an RV salvage and/or parts dealer where you can get parts (reasonable)?
Zane Gillin
Apr 8, 04:43 PM
Todd, I always enjoy your excellent writing but the piece on RVing was especially fun to read. I bought my first RV, a 1998 Class C, last fall. Our first trip to Niagra Falls was fun, but it got cold and then our heater quit working, making for a lot of uncomfortable miles. I think I’ll take your advise and sign up for the Roadside Assistance program that Good Sam offers. We don’t have as many kids as you have but we are thinking about taking our two dogs with us. That should add to the adventure. Take Care and Keep up the Good work.
Dave Ferris
Apr 10, 09:41 AM
Hi Zane I got your info on your class c rv and will see what I can get for you as quickly as I can. Also what part of the country are from? this might help if I find someone close to where you might be able to pick up the parts.
Reese
Jul 7, 10:34 AM
Do you or can you add pictures of the bunks you built in the RV? My husband and I have younger children and are wanting to get an RV but would have to make the queen bedroom into 3 bunks so we have the main part of the RV to ourselves at night and any ideas on building/installing the bunks would be great. Thanks!!
Reese
Jul 7, 06:29 PM
Sorry, I see the pics of the bunks now. Thanks for all your helpful info!!
Dae
Aug 14, 09:24 PM
Wow—Great article! We are seriously considering living in an RV for the forseable furure due to my husbands crazing traveling schedule….so I need your wife to write an article on how to manage living in an RV for a few months at a time! Not that your managing skills aren’t tops ;) but how did she pull it off?? I have 2 kids 7 and 5 and I’m shaking in my shoes! thanks!
eric
Aug 16, 01:04 PM
my dad has a 26 foot gmc motor home —- there are only seat belts at the bench seats at the dinner table—can you buckle in an infant car seat there while driving?
Anna
Sep 1, 09:06 PM
Hi,
My family had planned on going on a RV trip with my husband, however he passed away in May-09. My children would still like to make the trip happen. We have looked into renting and RV- $5000.00 for 30 days rental, but I have also been looking at ones for sale. We found an add for a 1989 PACE-ARROW Bounder, 79,000 miles for $7,500 and were wondering if you knew anything about that model? Any information you can give me would be helpful. Thank You, Anna
Paul
Apr 18, 06:28 AM
Hey Todd. My wife wonders what the seat belt laws are for RV’s and whether you have the kids belted up when you travel.
Todd - the Familyman
Apr 21, 11:01 AM
I don’t know what the laws are…but I would never allow my children to ride unbelted. In a class A there is a huge front windshield and it would be easy if you tapped your brakes to send your child through the glass. We do allow them to get up but we ask them to ask us first. Sometime the traffic is thick or there is something happening on the road where I’ll make them wait. FYI -I had to add seatbelts to our last two RVs.
Marta
May 30, 03:34 PM
Hey Todd, a question about renting a RV for 4 adults and 4 kids (16,13,13,5) to sleep in, I noticed that most come with only 7 seatbelts. What to do? Is there any way to add an extra temporary seatbelt? I don’t think the dealer would put an extra if I asked them.