Trip planning and purchasing for potential RV'ers

[n2music]

Hi,

My name is Scott. My family and I live in Northwest Indiana. We have talked a good many times about renting an RV and going out west to visit places like the Grand Canyon or see the Hoover Dam & Crater Lake in Oregon but never really had the time. Now we find ourselves having more time and giving RV'ing a second look. We have 4 dogs that we want to travel with us and that is what appears to make it difficult for being able to rent. So now I guess we need to look at purchasing. I own a new pickup truck so pulling a trailer wouldn't be an issue but I don't think things would be very comfortable with the 4 dogs. They are medium size by the way. So, I guess as well as introducing myself, I am also asking a lot of questions here.

1. Which type & size of RV should my family and I be considering based on 4 dogs, my wife and I, our 11 year old son, and possibly a guest or two?

2. Based on the recommendation given for a particular RV, what would be the best used models to look out for and what items should be
scrutinized or checked on inspection?

3. Are there any other items I should be considering before plunging into the world of RV'ing?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Carl L]

Size and type is going to be dependent on your truck.    All trucks have a tow rating which will limit the size of trailer that you can pull.  What is the tow rating of your truck, and is it diesel or gasoline powered?  If you do not know, describe your truck to us and we'll see if we can come up with a number for you.

Passengers cannot ride in trailers in most states as a matter of safety.  There are exceptions but, as a matter of good practice, plan on your humans riding in the truck.  Can you comfortably seat 3-5 people in your truck?  Your cattle is another matter, they can ride in trailers.  I would plan on crating them if you do so.   

Four dogs!  That is a lot of critters and will be a problem -- several problems in fact.  Most of us RV with critters, I did for 15 years with a secession of medium sized (30-60 lb) dogs, but we did one at a time.  They rode with us in the truck and stayed in the trailer unless tethered outside with us present with them, or on leash, lead by us.  No problems and they enjoyed the attention and adventure.  Plenty of folks have two dogs, but parks get leery of more.  They also get very leery about certain breeds:  pit bulls, Doberman, Rottweilers, and such.  Advance arrangements with campgrounds will be necessary.  I would recommend kenneling at least some of them during your vacations.  Anyway 3-5 humans and 4 dogs will make for a very crowded trailer -- or motorhome for that matter. 

Anyway, welcome to RVForun!    ;D    Give us the truck data we need and let's start figuring out your problems.  I suspect other folks will chime in shortly -- hopefully we will attracts some dog people to give you the benefit of their experience.

 

[SeilerBird]

1. Which type & size of RV should my family and I be considering based on 4 dogs, my wife and I, our 11 year old son, and possibly a guest or two?

First off I would forget about the guest or two. Three adults, a kid and four dogs are more than enough for all but the largest RVs. Yes you can cram that much into a smaller RV, but you are talking about going across country and back. Your truck will severely limit your options as to what you can tow unless you have a really heavy duty diesel with duallys. If not I would suggest at least a 35 foot class A and forget about the truck.

2. Based on the recommendation given for a particular RV, what would be the best used models to look out for and what items should be scrutinized or checked on inspection?

The best plan of action is to look at floor plan, condition and price. The make and model are not as important to most RVers. All items in the RV should be scrutinized. You should hire an RV mechanic to give any RV you are thinking about buying an inspection. That should cost around $100 and might save you thousands of dollars.

3. Are there any other items I should be considering before plunging into the world of RV'ing?

As others have said 4 dogs will be a huge problem. Very few RV parks will allow 4 dogs in one RV. There are many RV parks that have a weight limit, usually 20 pounds on any dog. And there are breeds that are not allowed in many parks. I will be necessary for you to call any RV park in advance and make sure your dogs will be welcome. Personally I would board three of them for the duration of the trip. The dogs aren't going to give a darn about visiting the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas.

 

[n2music]

Thanks for the replies.

My truck is a gas powered 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche 5.4L 4X4. Since it isn't considered a diesel workhorse, I guess now I am looking at a Class A motorhome? The dogs are 2 Aussie's, 1 terrier mix, and 1 old chocolate lab mix. The Aussie's are the largest but still just under knee high in size. Our reason for RV'ing is so we can take them with us. We don't like the idea of kenneling and usually have to get a friend or neighbor to watch them when we travel. Our intention was to visit these places humans only and leave the herd back in the RV. I guess maybe we should forget about RV'ing for now.

 

[Carl L]

Is that a small terrier mix, like a Jack Rusell?    A pair of Aussies snould not be a problem.  Yes, 4 is a bit much but 2 are do-able, and 2-1/2, may be also.  Time will tell. 

 

[ironrat]

The dogs are for sure the big problem. Most parks don't want you to leave them alone in the RV also and for good reasons too.