Cabover or Toy hauler???

[Doin' It]

zjeep,

Our 1998 Monaco Safari is a 30 footer, couch, table, over the cab bed/entertainment package, and queen walk around. The RV is built on the Ford E Super Duty (E450). You can go smaller if the couch is not important to you. Look around at the different floor plans and get some kind of idea what you like. That having been said, stay open to something that will work for you if you find that low mileage, excellent condition, well maintained RV.

I really wanted to get a 24' class c, but when we found the Safari the looking was over, same price as the smaller ones we had seen, a lot better condition and more room. We paid 17K and spent another 2k getting everything just right, so for under 20K we have a real nice class c with 50K miles. Look around and you might find a better deal, it's a buyers market.

The Ford V10 Triton engine is a strong powerplant. I like Fords, many like the GM based units. I think you will find more E 450 Ford based RV's for sale.

Gas mileage???? Don't expect to get much more than 8 mpg, if you do it's a bonus, budget for 8.

I'm really glad we went this route, having a great time in the dunes and desert this season.

Good Luck with your search.

[rocmoc]

I have had a short class C Dodge, a 29' class A gaser Chevy and currently a 36' class A Diesel Pusher Cat. Have found each time the longer the better. Don't worry about being too long, doesn't make much difference when you are on the road. The DP gets 9 1/2 pulling my toy trailer and 10 by itself. You can find some great buys out there, a buyer's market. Mine is a '97 (mint with 60,000 miles) with only 275 hp but has no problem pulling the toys or my pickup, just a little slower up the hills than the big boys but I get better mileage. What is important is the 6sp Allison Tranny, it is a MUST. Tanks are big enough to dry camp for a week and the diesel gen purrs along in the high temps of the desert. Take a look at what is available in craigslist, worked for us. My gaser class A only got 6 mpg by itself and 3-4 pulling my enclosed trailer at the time plus heating issues, Chevy 454.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

[rondo]

I am in the process of selling my toyhauler and shopping for a cabover. there have been several occasions where i could not get my toyhouler where i wanted to camp so i was stuck leaving it home. I have been hunting and camping with friends that have cabovers and they can get to the out of the way places where i would never attempt to take the TH. I am concerned about not having enough space for my wife and 2 small kids. but the last two elk hunts i was freezing in a tent while my toyhouler was wasting away at home.

[ragdude]

if you haven't already; look at cruiseamerica.com, they sell their rental units at a pretty reasonable price.

[zjeep]

Originally Posted by ragdude

if you haven't already; look at cruiseamerica.com, they sell their rental units at a pretty reasonable price.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check it out.

Really only looking at Class C's now, just waiting to find the right one for the right price. Just want to have one before next dune season!

[zjeep]

Its been awhile but I told you guys I would post up what I ended up getting....



Its a 2005 Fleetwood Gearbox, we are pretty happy with it and look forward to no longer tent camping!

[SPORTSMAN 4X4]

Nice looking set up.

[Arizona Griz]

Nice. I have almost the same setup.

[Polar Bear]

This was an excellent post and sharing of information. Thanks guys!

[skyzer]

Nice set up. That's the type of rig I would buy if I had the time and a place to store the hauler.

Are you back in town?