New to forum

[reylocs]

Just wanted to say hello. My DW and I have decided to purchase a new RV. We are new to Rv'ing, and are looking for advise and information before our purchase. We have never owned an RV before. We are both amature astronomers and have been camping at different Star Parties. We are looking to upgrade our accomodations a little. We have been looking at three different models and would appreciate advise others might have. We were looking at a Crossroads Rushmore "Washington" also a Montana 3582RL. And we were also looking at a Redwood 38GK. Anyone with any thoughts tips help would be greatly appreciated. My DW will be posting a hello soon also. We need to get a hitch also and are looking for advise on brands and types. Hello and thanks

Shawn

[wingnut60]

Welcome to the forum. With the truck, you have plenty of capacity for any ot the units you mentioned. I would suggest that you spend time in each one and come to a consensus which works best for both of you, then start working on best pricing.
I don't have personal experience with any of the brands mentioned, but would expect them to be somewhat equal in quality. Each of them has plenty of marketing hype to get through to see what makes the most sense for you both. Might also suggest a Jayco Pinnacle as a similar quality unit.
As to hitches, get more than the minimum capacity--probaly 20000 lbs--in case you want to upsize later.
There also should be owner review forums for each of the brands if you just google "_________owners forum"
Good luck.
Joe

[reylocs]

Also we were looking at the Montana 36 CKTS. We are hearing good things about Mobile suites. Not sure of any particular models yet. Thanks for your thoughts.

Shawn

[wingnut60]

I did not mention Mobile Suites as I consider them a step above the models you listed--also much heavier. But they are fine trailers.
Joe

[reylocs]

What is the pecking order from most expensive down (to the models we listed). And is the quality of the rv the same. If that makes sense. We are not going to buy based on price. We just like a certian layout. We are finding out models and manufactures that we didnt know even existed. Is there a "SUPER" Rv show that would have almost all brands and models? What is the largest show that there is? What is the largest show that is coming up soon?

[wingnut60]

Try this link for show schedules: http://www.rvtravel.com/?q=RVshows

Also, just google 'rv shows' to see what comes up. There are several big ones around the country, I think one is in Hershey.

You should be able to ascertain from the individual mfg websites which are the entry-level to mid-level to high end from the way the models are presented.

Joe

[99roush2]

What is the pecking order from most expensive down (to the models we listed). And is the quality of the rv the same. If that makes sense. We are not going to buy based on price. We just like a certian layout. We are finding out models and manufactures that we didnt know even existed. Is there a "SUPER" Rv show that would have almost all brands and models? What is the largest show that there is? What is the largest show that is coming up soon?

Largest show is in your backyard. Hershey PA in September.

[reylocs]

Thanks for your help. Yesterday,we went for a drive and came across a dealer in lancaster pa. They were having a "event". We got to see a Holiday Rambler Presidential. The model was (Washington 363RL.) we really fell in love with it. Its GVWR is 18400. The max our truck is allowed is 19100. Its the heaviest we have looked at yet. I have a question as to axles, the gross is 18400 but it has 8000 lb axles. Why wouldnt they use9000 lb rating axles, on a 100,000 list coach cost seems negligable to me. I see this on many coaches. Is this allowed? Guess if they do it, it must be.

We also looked at Mobile Suites we love the coaches but hate the small corner shower they use. The shower ruines it for us.

[wingnut60]

The axle ratings get a lot of people, myself included, a long time ago. What you haven't considered is the pin weight (weight of the trailer transferred to truck when hitched up) that has to be subtracted from the gross weight. At 18400 gross weight, about 20% will be on the truck when hitched up. 20% of 18400 is 3680 that is on the truck, leaving 14720 on the axles. With 2 8000lb axles, you would have 1280 extra capacity. Besides, almost all 9000lb axles require dual wheels/tires that would complicate the frame layout. That 3680lbs mentioned above is also what you should use when considering the weight capacity of the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
Lots of things to think about when looking at larger fifth wheels.
Joe

[reylocs]

That make sense didnt think about it that way. Any one have any yhoughts on the new Holiday Rambler

Shawn

[wingnut60]

Believe it got 'Best of Show' or something like that at Louisville dealers show?
Joe