Our RV

Ultimately, floorplan determines which RV you choose to buy. We can argue gas mileage, Azdel or composite, and quality control, but none of that can trump the perfect floorplan. For us, we needed the following:

• A total overall length under 36′ to fit in our driveway and most national parks.
• Space to sleep at least 6 adults
• A dedicated space for our daughter that did not have to be torn apart and remade each night for bed.
• An entry-level Class A or Class C in our price range, under $100,000.
• A model that Mark could repair and troubleshoot.

Although we considered buying a used diesel pusher, Mark really wanted a gas model for our first motorhome experience. He is confident in his abilities to troubleshoot engine problems on a gas engine. Since that would not be my niche, he trumped my desire for a big pusher.

It is also much easier to find a Class A or C that is under 36′ in total length, so we had more gas options than diesel ones.

Sleeping space was the hardest to find. If a model had the desirable walk-around king bed, then many of the dinettes and couches had very short sleeping areas. Most manufacturers consider a jackknife sofa will sleep two, but in reality most only sleep two small children and one average height adult sleeping at an angle. We soon realized that we were leaning toward a bunk model with a drop-down overcab sleeping space.

We narrowed our search to several similar models. All have either a full-wall slide or two smaller slides and overhead sleeping areas. Click the links to go to RVUSA Specs:

• Thor Ace 32.3
• Jayco Alante 31R
• Coachmen Mirada 35BH
• Thor Miramar 34.1
• Fleetwood Storm 32H
• Tiffin Allegro 35QBA
• Forest River FR3 32DS
• Georgetown GT3 31B3

After narrowing the field and touring models, we just waited for the right deal. The one we found was from a private seller, who had already upgraded to a diesel pusher. Best of all, they lived less than an hour from us and asking a price we could afford without breaking into our retirement funds.

This model has two slides, a king walk-around bed, a bunk with a sofa underneath, a drop-down overcab queen bed, and less than 6000 miles. It only took us about 6 months to find it. Let the adventures begin!