To the people who owns either RV or Motorhomes, how do they exactly work?

[FinalFantasyBro]

One of my biggest goals in life is to hopefully travel, when I isn't taking a trip to another country I wouldn't mind doing a cross country road trip too other US states. But I were thinking instead of using a simple car or constantly booking hotels I been wanting to own not only rent but actually buy my own motorhome. But I have never done something like this before especially considering I haven't drove in the day of my life. I am currently reading and studying in hoping of receiving my driver license.

It has gotten me thinking though how do people actually operate and live in one of these living vehicles, I don't permanently want to live in a motorhome because in the future I honestly want to have my own house hopefully in a big metropolis city. Basically my question I am asking is how do these motorhomes and RV actually works and where would I need to get gas at, also do everything come inside of these homes or will I need to buy everything just like I would need to buy everything for a regular home?

[msc545]

Ok, so these are a lot like cruising sailboats - they are self-contained and among other things, you need a way to cook, refrigeration, a place to sleep, electric power, propane gas for the stove, and many other things that involve basic survival and/or comfort. Depending on where you live and plan to travel, you may need heat and/or air conditioning which means having a generator (and NOT the one on the engine) since you cannot leave the motor running while you sleep. I've done a lot of long-distance sailing, and the electrical and power generating systems (wind and solar) are absolutely critical. There is a LOT to consider. Most of what you need will come with it, but if it is used those things may be in poor condition or missing. CHECK everything.

Also, the motorhome is like a car in a way - if it isn't new, how many miles are on it? What is the condition of the engine and the tires and suspension? You need to evaluate the condition the same way you would evaluate a used car - very carefully, and with the help of a professional.

[FinalFantasyBro]

Whoa I definitely will be needing to contact a professional and thanks for answering this question. How do people get a generator for a motorhome?

[msc545]

Many motorhomes come with them or can have one installed. You absolutely NEED one.

[msc545]

Also, be aware these things are not inexpensive, but they are really FUN! I hope you get one!

[FinalFantasyBro]

Thanks, I can't wait to not only own my own motorhome but I can't wait to hit the open road. Of course I would have to also think about work though.

[msc545]

Work can be an issue, but if you can work from "home", home can be almost anywhere - even a Mcdonald's or Starbucks parking lot with WIFI access.

[FinalFantasyBro]

Thanks for the valuable tip! I can imagine how difficult traveling and bringing work must be for a lot of people. But thanks for the help though!

[msc545]

glad to help - best of luck!

[horatiohornblower]

They got all the fixtures and such. If you're just looking to cruise around some and go camping. Pickup a small one used for $5,000 to $10,000 off Craigslist. In good working order.

The value of these things plummets. I remember 16 or 17 years ago I got one for $3,000 and it was huge. Ran fine but I had to screw with it some to pass the smog test. Plus coat the roof with sealant to stop a leak.

Just be aware these things guzzel gas. If you think you're going to save money by not staying in a hotel. You won't. You're better off driving a car and staying in cheap motels.

[FinalFantasyBro]

Thanks for the advice

[LikeALog]

Go visit a motorhome dealer. Walk through some. The big ones that look like a bus on the outside start around $100,000, fancy ones upward of $500,000. Others start around $65,000. Parking one in a subdivision may not be allowed.

Once you get to your destination, you probably won't be able to drive that motorhome everywhere. You'll need a towable car for around town driving.

[FinalFantasyBro]

Thanks for all the tips I definitely wouldn't mind getting one of those fancy ones, they tend to be really cool.

[LeftHappy]

Walmart is the place where people park their RV's for the night, you're close to food there too.

[Redstang88]

What do you mean how do they work? Turn the key and drive?
Get gas (or diesel) where they fit, furniture and anything built in will be in it. You need power hookup or generator, and water and septic.

[FinalFantasyBro]

Thanks, I was basically wondering does it work like any other vehicles or do they required more steps and tools.

[LeftHappy]

You only need water fill-up and a place to dump the sewage, both can be done at a truck stop!

[jimmy2]

Well drove to where you want fibd a hookup for water, electric abd sewer than you are good

[FinalFantasyBro]

Thanks, I definitely keep this in mind.

[jimmy2]

Welcome

[LeftHappy]

They have water tanks and some people carry a generator so you don't need to be tied to an TV camp site necessary.