Pros and Cons of living full-time in a Motorhome?

I understand the weight issue. The bed in our newmar most definitely is not anywhere near as comfortable as we have at home. nor as large. .. Sounds likethey did better with the class a over our mountainaire 5th Wheel.
you can always change the mattress.
 
Here's my Renegade motor coach interior...

renegadeinterior.jpg


Here's the top-of-the-line "NewMar KingAire" motor coach interior that you keep trying to push on me. What am I missing? A few feet in the living room. Not a big deal, believe me! Especially when it will only be me (or an adventurous lady) living in it.

kingairinterior.jpg


I'll have the same appliances, same heating/cooling system, same satellite system, same generator, etc. etc. as the NewMar has, only I'll have the capability to haul more weight and tow heavier loads along with the additional safety factor (engine in front) than I would with the bus. If that's all not conducive to full-time living and traveling, then I don't know what else to tell you Tom. Like I said... I'm not out to impress anyone. I don't need all that cosmetic frilly foo-foo crap you find in the higher end coaches. I'm a meat and potatoes guy!
The Newmar King Aire isn't what I linked, or what I've been advising you to buy.
If you are willing to spend that kinda money for what you want to do, go right ahead. but $160k would have done the job. and done it well.
 
@Tom-D

I liked the point and counter point you and AZBB were going through.
Very interesting. I have debated getting a Class A RV or a yacht (I lean toward a yacht) as a portable second home to use as a regional base. I can see myself fulltime in a yacht, but only part time in the RV.
I hope you and AZBB keep brining up good points! Tim
spending that much money is a huge decision, it is simply a matter of what you like to do most.
It's hard to sail a yacht to Yellowstone . but just as hard to drive a motor home to HI. :)
 
The Newmar King Aire isn't what I linked, or what I've been advising you to buy.
If you are willing to spend that kinda money for what you want to do, go right ahead. but $160k would have done the job. and done it well.

The Essex you linked to is the model below the King Aire, and I'm not entirely ruling out going with an Essex or similar type model. My first preferences are the semi based chassis just because I know what they're capable of load and towing wise. I could have gold brick flooring and wouldn't even come close to maxing out my weight carrying capabilities. That's why I have larger fuel/water tanks with my coach than with a bus type coach. With the NewMar's (or similar type coaches) you have to be careful not to over gross them or max out the tow ratings. I don't have to worry about all of that with a semi chassis coach. They're made to haul/tow heavy loads.
 
The Essex you linked to is the model below the King Aire, and I'm not entirely ruling out going with an Essex or similar type model. My first preferences are the semi based chassis just because I know what they're capable of load and towing wise. I could have gold brick flooring and wouldn't even come close to maxing out my weight carrying capabilities. That's why I have larger fuel/water tanks with my coach than with a bus type coach. With the NewMar's (or similar type coaches) you have to be careful not to over gross them or max out the tow ratings. I don't have to worry about all of that with a semi chassis coach. They're made to haul/tow heavy loads.
Oh Dear, here we go again.
In all our travels and all the camp neighbors we talked to, we have never seen a full timer hauling more than the Essex or the mountain aire could tow.
But you'll do what suits you, I know I would.
 
. With the NewMar's (or similar type coaches) you have to be careful not to over gross them or max out the tow ratings. I don't have to worry about all of that with a semi chassis coach. They're made to haul/tow heavy loads.
do you realize that the Essex and mountain Aire, have weight hauling capability that can exceed the US Axel weight restrictions?
You can't exceed those in any coach.
Your truck type of coach will weigh more than a Class A thus have less weight carrying ability than the Class A. even with a Tag.
 
In all our travels and all the camp neighbors we talked to, we have never seen a full timer hauling more than the Essex or the mountain aire could tow.

Yeah, but I'm the weird one of the bunch. I'll have a car, 3 motorcycles, UTV, BBQ/Smokers, patio furniture, computers, video equipment, and a full assortment of tools that would match any NASCAR/NHRA garage. You're average Joe coach driver won't even be carrying 1/100th of what I'll be schlepping around. Thus the need/want for a semi based chassis that I know for a fact that can easily handle whatever I throw at it. ;)

Your truck type of coach will weigh more that a Class A thus have less weight carrying ability than the Class A. even with a Tag.

Wrong again! You might want to check your facts on that one. ;)

I may weigh more, but I can also carry and tow more. That's kinda of the idea.
 
Now I am curious. A quick look at the links @azblackbird and @Tom-D have posted and I did not see any carrying capacity and towing capacity numbers.
If I follow, @azblackbird contention is that the truck chassis is designed to carry more, hence it has the excess power to effectively pull anything he needs. While @Tom-D contention is that you are capped by axle weight, so even if the engine can do more, you are still limited. Further, by using a truck chassis which is heavier than a bus chassis you actually reduce the available weight because your empty weight is higher.

So any chance we can get some actual numbers instead of theory? And did I summarize it correctly?

Oh, @Tom-D , yes HI is one of the places we want to go...

Tim
 
Yeah, but I'm the weird one of the bunch. I'll have a car, 3 motorcycles, UTV, BBQ/Smokers, patio furniture, computers, video equipment, and a full assortment of tools that would match any NASCAR/NHRA garage. You're average Joe coach driver won't even be carrying 1/100th of what I'll be schlepping around. Thus the need/want for a semi based chassis that I know for a fact that can easily handle whatever I throw at it. ;)



Wrong again! You might want to check your facts on that one. ;)

I may weigh more, but I can also carry and tow more. That's kinda of the idea.

Don’t forget the stripper pole
 
So any chance we can get some actual numbers instead of theory? And did I summarize it correctly?

Here's the run down on my coach...
  • Engine choices up to 600 Horse Power
  • Manual Transmissions from 6 Speed to 18 speed.
  • Automatic Transmissions with up to 6 speeds.
  • Automatically Shifted Transmissions in either 10 or 13 speeds.
  • Towing Capacities up to 40,000 lbs.
  • Engine Brakes in 1 – 2 – or 3 stage configuration (depending on engine)
  • Air Brakes with Air-Operated Parking Brakes.
  • Full Air Ride Suspension with ratings of 20,000 lbs. up to 44,000 lbs. carrying capacity.
  • Load Carrying Capacity ratings from 26,000 GVW to 50,000 GVW.
As you can see it's overkill, but that's what I want. I want the elephant hauling the flea rather than the other way around that you would get with most of your bus type coaches. I don't want to have to worry about counting my calories if you know what I mean. ;)

Here's more to add...

WHY CHOOSE A RENEGADE MOTOR COACH?
  • Renegade has been building coaches for over 10 years. And will be here for years to come. You don't have to worry about a dealer who will be here today, but gone tomorrow when you need them.
  • Renegade has also built over 2,000 coaches and over 1,500 Trailers. You don't reach those numbers without customers that understand the value of a Renegade.
  • Renegades number 1 buyer for years was the racing industry. Think about it, the people who race and understand mechanical things chose Renegade to haul their race cars, and house their racing teams and families.
  • Renegades are built in Amish Country by true craftsmen that put their passion for building and creating into each Renegade they roll out. Their future and their families future depend on it.
  • Look for the subtle things. Here's just one example of the subtle things; All Renegades have a single point drain so you just open a valve to drain the water for winter. There is no need to drag an air hose in and blow out the pipes. Renegade thought of everything.
  • Once you see a Renegade in person you will understand why Renegade has become so popular with people who are in the know.
  • Super C chassis drive and feel like you're driving a luxury pickup.
  • The person in the passenger seat will feel secure in a Super C. Many passengers in Class A Bus type coaches feel like they are falling off the road.
  • Getting in and out of the cab is much easier with a Super C. The Driver and Passenger each have a door just like in a pickup. You don't have to walk into the coach to get out like you do in Class A bus type Coaches.
  • Most people feel the ride of a Renegade Super C coach is nicer than in a Class A . The main reason is that on a Class A coach you sit on top of, or in front of the front axle and tires. Not only does that make for a rougher ride it makes for a different driving sensation that many people do not like. With a Super C Chassis you set behind the front axle and wheels just like in a pickup. The road vibrations go into the axle , suspension and engine compartment and not up through your seat
  • Safety, many people including myself feel safer with the engine out front. Looking out over the hood in my mind seems to me to be much more natural to drive then a bus type coach is.
  • Currently the Freightliner chassis are the most popular choices in the Renegade line up. Freightliner has one of the largest dealer networks in the trucking industry. Most of the Freightliner service centers operate 7 days a week. Servicing the engine is as easy as opening the hood. It's easy to check the oil, inspect the belts, or top off fluids. All these features make owing a Super C an easy choice.
  • Breakdowns. Super C Motor Coaches are much easier to tow then are Class A coaches. Most Class A Motorhomes must be hauled on a specialized trailer meaning long waits and expensive tow bills.
  • Engine and transmission repairs are much easier with Super C and much less intrusive. The mechanic works under the hood not inside your home.
  • Many smaller cities do not have the ability to work on Class A coaches, or lack the specialized training to do so. Conversely, most towns have a mechanic that can work on most any, truck-type chassis.
 
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Here's the run down on my coach...
  • Engine choices up to 600 Horse Power
  • Manual Transmissions from 6 Speed to 18 speed.
  • Automatic Transmissions with up to 6 speeds.
  • Automatically Shifted Transmissions in either 10 or 13 speeds.
  • Towing Capacities up to 40,000 lbs.
  • Engine Brakes in 1 – 2 – or 3 stage configuration (depending on engine)
  • Air Brakes with Air-Operated Parking Brakes.
  • Full Air Ride Suspension with ratings of 20,000 lbs. up to 44,000 lbs. carrying capacity.
  • Load Carrying Capacity ratings from 26,000 GVW to 50,000 GVW.
As you can see it's overkill, but that's what I want. I want the elephant hauling the flea rather than the other way around that you would get with most of your bus type coaches. I don't want to have to worry about counting my calories if you know what I mean. ;)

Here's more to add...

WHY CHOOSE A RENEGADE MOTOR COACH?
  • Renegade has been building coaches for over 10 years. And will be here for years to come. You don't have to worry about a dealer who will be here today, but gone tomorrow when you need them.
  • Renegade has also built over 2,000 coaches and over 1,500 Trailers. You don't reach those numbers without customers that understand the value of a Renegade.
  • Renegades number 1 buyer for years was the racing industry. Think about it, the people who race and understand mechanical things chose Renegade to haul their race cars, and house their racing teams and families.
  • Renegades are built in Amish Country by true craftsmen that put their passion for building and creating into each Renegade they roll out. Their future and their families future depend on it.
  • Look for the subtle things. Here's just one example of the subtle things; All Renegades have a single point drain so you just open a valve to drain the water for winter. There is no need to drag an air hose in and blow out the pipes. Renegade thought of everything.
  • Once you see a Renegade in person you will understand why Renegade has become so popular with people who are in the know.
  • Super C chassis drive and feel like you're driving a luxury pickup.
  • The person in the passenger seat will feel secure in a Super C. Many passengers in Class A Bus type coaches feel like they are falling off the road.
  • Getting in and out of the cab is much easier with a Super C. The Driver and Passenger each have a door just like in a pickup. You don't have to walk into the coach to get out like you do in Class A bus type Coaches.
  • Most people feel the ride of a Renegade Super C coach is nicer than in a Class A . The main reason is that on a Class A coach you sit on top of, or in front of the front axle and tires. Not only does that make for a rougher ride it makes for a different driving sensation that many people do not like. With a Super C Chassis you set behind the front axle and wheels just like in a pickup. The road vibrations go into the axle , suspension and engine compartment and not up through your seat
  • Safety, many people including myself feel safer with the engine out front. Looking out over the hood in my mind seems to me to be much more natural to drive then a bus type coach is.
  • Currently the Freightliner chassis are the most popular choices in the Renegade line up. Freightliner has one of the largest dealer networks in the trucking industry. Most of the Freightliner service centers operate 7 days a week. Servicing the engine is as easy as opening the hood. It's easy to check the oil, inspect the belts, or top off fluids. All these features make owing a Super C an easy choice.
  • Breakdowns. Super C Motor Coaches are much easier to tow then are Class A coaches. Most Class A Motorhomes must be hauled on a specialized trailer meaning long waits and expensive tow bills.
  • Engine and transmission repairs are much easier with Super C and much less intrusive. The mechanic works under the hood not inside your home.
  • Many smaller cities do not have the ability to work on Class A coaches, or lack the specialized training to do so. Conversely, most towns have a mechanic that can work on most any, truck-type chassis.
Insurance on a million dollar airplane is well into 5 figures. How much to insure one of these beasts?
 
Insurance on a million dollar airplane is well into 5 figures. How much to insure one of these beasts?

A commercial policy will run me about $3000 per year since I'll be running a business out of the coach and will be full-timing and would need the extra protection.
 
Ooh, that's nice. It's also just a little less money than my house.
Yeah, but your house won't depreciate $100k within a years time. That's why I'm buying used. I'll let a Mr. Moneybags eat the initial depreciation. I'll write whatever is left off my taxes.
 
Here's the run down on my coach...

[*]Towing Capacities up to 40,000 lbs.

[*]Load Carrying Capacity ratings from 26,000 GVW to 50,000 GVW.
[/LIST]
As you can see it's overkill, but that's what I want. I want the elephant hauling the flea rather than the other way around that you would get with most of your bus type coaches.
[/LIST]

I think what @Tom-D is saying is that no matter what solution you end up with, you can’t legally exceed 80K lbs total and there are per axle weight limits in addition to that depending on how much space is between your axles.
 
I think what @Tom-D is saying is that no matter what solution you end up with, you can’t legally exceed 80K lbs total and there are per axle weight limits in addition to that depending on how much space is between your axles.
My axles (both drivable w/lockers) are rated for that weight just as a regular semi is. The motor coach buses.... ehhhh not so much. Especially the ones with the tag axles. They're not made nor are they really designed to carry a huge amount of weight or pull the huge stacker trailers. Can you... sure you can, but it's usually a case of the tail wagging the dog. I can easily pull a 40k lb. trailer if I so desire. Most of your buses are only rated for 10k to 20k lbs towing capacity. I like knowing I have that "comfort zone" already built-in. Will I ever break the 80,000 weight limit. Not even close... even if I paved my floors with bricks made of gold. Once again... elephant carrying/pulling the flea. ;)
 
With a 54K GVWR on the renegade rv, that leaves 26K GVWR on the trailer to stay under the 80K lbs GCWR limit.

Given the empty weight of a 24’ hallmark trailer is ~9K lbs and a GVWR of 21K, that leaves 12K lbs max you can legally put in the trailer. Cabinets, toys, tool add weight faster than you think.

Just b/c the tow vehicle has 40K rated rear axles doesn’t mean you can exceed the 80k limit.
 
Insurance on a million dollar airplane is well into 5 figures. How much to insure one of these beasts?
Our Liability and collision runs a little less than 10 bucks a month. that is with zero deductible on glass, and full replacement collision.
 
With a 54K GVWR on the renegade rv, that leaves 26K GVWR on the trailer to stay under the 80K lbs GCWR limit. Given the empty weight of a 24’ hallmark trailer is ~9K lbs and a GVWR of 21K, that leaves 12K lbs max you can legally put in the trailer. Cabinets, toys, tool add weight faster than you think.

Just b/c the tow vehicle has 40K rated rear axles doesn’t mean you can exceed the 80k limit.
I can load my coach with full fuel, full water, gold bricks, etc, plus the stacker trailer with all the toys/tools I plan on carrying and be nowhere near the 80k max limit. The NasCar/NHRA crews and many rodeo/horse show people that I know of do it everyday and they carry way more than I'll be carrying. I'm about 45k empty (58k GVWR) on the coach and 9k empty (22k GVWR) on the aluminum stacker trailer. I have plenty of margin to play with.
 
A commercial policy will run me about $3000 per year since I'll be running a business out of the coach and will be full-timing and would need the extra protection.
Your business has nothing to do with the costs of the coach liability and collision .
your insurance on that rig will be high simply because of the costs of repair and the amount of driving you do. The insurance companys know that type of coach will be on the road much more than the typical class A.
Our insurance is right at 1k per year. (18 year old coach) every year the value of the rig goes down, so does the collision part of the insurance,
 
I'd seriously think of renting for a season....see what works and what doesn't for you. Then, buy what you like.
 
I can load my coach with full fuel, full water, gold bricks, etc, plus the stacker trailer with all the toys/tools I plan on carrying and be nowhere near the 80k max limit. The NasCar/NHRA crews and many rodeo/horse show people that I know of do it everyday and they carry way more than I'll be carrying. I'm about 45k empty (58k GVWR) on the coach and 9k empty (20k GVWR) on the aluminum stacker trailer. I have plenty of margin to play with.
just think of all that money you'll be saving....:D
It seems he is willing to spend $300,000-$500,000 bucks to over kill the needs, while trying to start a new business.
Simply doesn't make sense to me.
 
It seems he is willing to spend $300,000-$500,000 bucks to over kill the needs, while trying to start a new business.
Simply doesn't make sense to me.
nope....certainly not frugal or common sensical.
 
Your business has nothing to do with the costs of the coach liability and collision .
Right, I'm quoting the total overall coverage included in the policy. Just like any regular commercial insurance for any storefront business owner, or that an owner/operator truck driver would want to carry, except my business is basically a combination of both and is rated as such.

It seems he is willing to spend $300,000-$500,000 bucks to over kill the needs, while trying to start a new business.
Simply doesn't make sense to me.
We already discussed how bad these depreciate, remember? I can get exactly what I pictured (late 2010's and up) used for $300k... done deal! Quit worrying about how I'm spending my money or what type of rig I'll be getting. This was supposed to be a thread on all the tips and tricks on full-timing.
 
and you'll lose at least $100,000 after that when you're done with it in a year or two. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer....but that's a horrible investment in housing.
 
and you'll lose at least $100,000 after that when you're done with it in a year or two. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer....but that's a horrible investment in housing.
Not quite that much. They do slow down somewhat in depreciation over the years after the intial slap up the side of the head. Just like an airplane does. Besides, I'm not buying a house... I'm buying the adventure. Same could be said if I was buying a new Cessna or Cirrus. Those are pretty pricey in their own right. ;)
 
Here's the run down on my coach...
  • Engine choices up to 600 Horse Power
  • Manual Transmissions from 6 Speed to 18 speed.
  • Automatic Transmissions with up to 6 speeds.
  • Automatically Shifted Transmissions in either 10 or 13 speeds.
  • Towing Capacities up to 40,000 lbs.
  • Engine Brakes in 1 – 2 – or 3 stage configuration (depending on engine)
  • Air Brakes with Air-Operated Parking Brakes.
  • Full Air Ride Suspension with ratings of 20,000 lbs. up to 44,000 lbs. carrying capacity.
  • Load Carrying Capacity ratings from 26,000 GVW to 50,000 GVW.
As you can see it's overkill, but that's what I want. I want the elephant hauling the flea rather than the other way around that you would get with most of your bus type coaches. I don't want to have to worry about counting my calories if you know what I mean. ;)

Here's more to add...

WHY CHOOSE A RENEGADE MOTOR COACH?
  • Renegade has been building coaches for over 10 years. And will be here for years to come. You don't have to worry about a dealer who will be here today, but gone tomorrow when you need them.
  • Renegade has also built over 2,000 coaches and over 1,500 Trailers. You don't reach those numbers without customers that understand the value of a Renegade.
  • Renegades number 1 buyer for years was the racing industry. Think about it, the people who race and understand mechanical things chose Renegade to haul their race cars, and house their racing teams and families.
  • Renegades are built in Amish Country by true craftsmen that put their passion for building and creating into each Renegade they roll out. Their future and their families future depend on it.
  • Look for the subtle things. Here's just one example of the subtle things; All Renegades have a single point drain so you just open a valve to drain the water for winter. There is no need to drag an air hose in and blow out the pipes. Renegade thought of everything.
  • Once you see a Renegade in person you will understand why Renegade has become so popular with people who are in the know.
  • Super C chassis drive and feel like you're driving a luxury pickup.
  • The person in the passenger seat will feel secure in a Super C. Many passengers in Class A Bus type coaches feel like they are falling off the road.
  • Getting in and out of the cab is much easier with a Super C. The Driver and Passenger each have a door just like in a pickup. You don't have to walk into the coach to get out like you do in Class A bus type Coaches.
  • Most people feel the ride of a Renegade Super C coach is nicer than in a Class A . The main reason is that on a Class A coach you sit on top of, or in front of the front axle and tires. Not only does that make for a rougher ride it makes for a different driving sensation that many people do not like. With a Super C Chassis you set behind the front axle and wheels just like in a pickup. The road vibrations go into the axle , suspension and engine compartment and not up through your seat
  • Safety, many people including myself feel safer with the engine out front. Looking out over the hood in my mind seems to me to be much more natural to drive then a bus type coach is.
  • Currently the Freightliner chassis are the most popular choices in the Renegade line up. Freightliner has one of the largest dealer networks in the trucking industry. Most of the Freightliner service centers operate 7 days a week. Servicing the engine is as easy as opening the hood. It's easy to check the oil, inspect the belts, or top off fluids. All these features make owing a Super C an easy choice.
  • Breakdowns. Super C Motor Coaches are much easier to tow then are Class A coaches. Most Class A Motorhomes must be hauled on a specialized trailer meaning long waits and expensive tow bills.
  • Engine and transmission repairs are much easier with Super C and much less intrusive. The mechanic works under the hood not inside your home.
  • Many smaller cities do not have the ability to work on Class A coaches, or lack the specialized training to do so. Conversely, most towns have a mechanic that can work on most any, truck-type chassis.
Right, I'm quoting the total overall coverage included in the policy. Just like any regular commercial insurance for any storefront business owner, or that an owner/operator truck driver would want to carry, except my business is basically a combination of both and is rated as such.


We already discussed how bad these depreciate, remember? I can get exactly what I pictured (late 2010's and up) used for $300k... done deal! Quit worrying about how I'm spending my money or what type of rig I'll be getting. This was supposed to be a thread on all the tips and tricks on full-timing.
The biggest tip or trick is how to do this with out spending a million bucks per year.
When you blow 500K on a coach. when 150K would have done the job, doesn't
t show me the ability to plan ahead.

I can't seem to grasp if this thread was meant to convince me or you.
When my full timing friends do it on 10k per year, you seem way over the top
 
The biggest tip or trick is how to do this with out spending a million bucks per year.
When you blow 500K on a coach. when 150K would have done the job, does show me the ability to plan ahead.

You're still hell bent on me becoming a bus driver aren't ya Tom? :lol:

My budget is $300k for coach and trailer. That's what I've planned for. If I can't find what I'm looking for in a semi chassis based coach, then I'll definitely be exploring the buses. :cool:
 
You're still hell bent on me becoming a bus driver aren't ya Tom? :lol:

My budget is $300k for coach and trailer. That's what I've planned for. If I can't find what I'm looking for in a semi chassis based coach, then I'll definitely be exploring the buses. :cool:

You do what ever you like, I'm gone.
 
for that kinda jack....buy an R-44 and fly home every day after work and sleep in a real house.
 
Any one reading venture a guess what it will cost to outfit a coach before you can spend a weekend in it. The coach linked above is priced at 428.999 and you haven't even bought a roll of toilet paper for it yet.
 
You do what ever you like, I'm gone.

You don't have to leave. Just quit trying to sell me on driving a bus. Let's talk about some tip or tricks you may have picked up in all your journeys. I'll be doing a lot of boondocking also, so what tips or tricks do you have on that aspect of full-timing that I can store in the 'ole memory bank? :dunno:
 
Oh....you'll learn soon enough what works when flushing the grey water....and what just clogs it. :D
 
You don't have to leave. Just quit trying to sell me on driving a bus. Let's talk about some tip or tricks you may have picked up in all your journeys. I'll be doing a lot of boondocking also, so what tips or tricks do you have on that aspect of full-timing that I can store in the 'ole memory bank? :dunno:
You've still not shown me a coach that meets your spec, at a price in your 300k budget.
So why should tell you what to expect from it?

I do know a few friends that full time, and they do not require all that you do.
 
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