RV as a regatta wagon?

I have a 23' Class C that has been fabulous for getting around and staying at regattas. However, I'm beginning to question the advantage of 7mpg to the keys vs. staying in hotel (break even is about 4 nights). For weekend regattas a couple of hours away it's spectacular! All the gear stays in the RV and the beer is cold when you get there.

If I were to start over again, I would do like you and look for a Class A in the 26 to 30' range. I initially bought the 23' thinking that it would be convenient to go to the store if we needed to and that the fuel mileage might be better...turns out it really doesn't matter if it's 23 or 30 feet long, the fuel mileage is pretty much the same. It is nice when we need to make a trip to the store but it's still a pain and we do most of our shopping before the weekend. I wouldn't rule out a class C because the cab-over sleeping area is nice when you have guests and you can get more value in them usually. Although my cab-over has an entertainment center with 19" TV, I do sometimes wish I had a bed available up there.

If looking at Class Cs (or all of them for that matter), take a good look at the wheel bases. Rear wheels that are farther back are a good thing when it comes to handling. Adjustable air bags on the rear end are nice to tailor your ride to the road - especially if their adjustable on the fly from the dash.

I highly recommend finding an RV with leveling jacks - they're prohibitively expensive to add later and not really worth it after the RV purchase although you WILL bitch and moan about having the manual jacks constantly.

Generators are the first items to be neglected on a used unit. They really need to be started and run with load for an hour at least once a month or the carburator suffers. A carb rebuild on a typical Onan will run about $350 to $400 - do it yourself for about $80. You can almost plan for that.

Upgrades that I have made:
-- no trailer hitch existed, had to weld one in place because of rear frame construction
-- CB Radio (vital for monitoring traffic on long trips and finding work arounds)
-- Satellite radio (sirius)
-- Upgraded stereo
-- trailer light isolator so they have their own circuit (I had a trailer light short take out my anti-lock brake module, my engine CPU, and all the running lights at 11pm somewhere in florida).
-- RV Bilstein shocks
-- Airbag suspension under rear end for more suspension travel
-- modified AC sine wave inverter for entertainment center so we can watch TV / movies from house battery without generator (also powers new rope lights for proper 'mood' lighting)
-- mast mount on roof was mounted until I could extend trailer tounge

I have been doing a lot of research lately on motorhomes because we (or, rather, I) want to downsize. I have sort of decided that a Class C is the way to go because it has the most room for the length and can sleep more people than a Class A.

With a Class C you can have the big bed over the cab plus either a double or queen or bunkbeds in the back, depending upon brand and model.

When you have a family, you need to have a dinette table, and you need to NOT have to break that down to use for a bed (except when you have a homeless sailor knock on your door in the middle of the night).

The Class A motorhomes look more classy, but I think the Class C's are more practical. AND they are less intimidating for women to drive, because it is just like driving a normal van. AND I think they are easier to service and maintain.

You don't want "pretty." For going to regattas you don't want pretty carpeting, you want vinyl flooring so you can sweep out the sand and mop up the mud.

Buying a motorhome is sort of like buying a cruising boat --always lots of compromises to come up with what works best for your needs. But if you are taking kids with you to a regatta, it's really the only way to go.

Storage is a big problem. Make sure there is storage under the dinette seats and that there is no wasted space. Outside compartments and drawers are good. And you can always put a storage container on the roof or on the back of the RV or on your trailer for the overflow.

It's nice to have an enclosed shower in the RV (not to use for a shower, but to use to hang your wet stuff after sailing).

If you are worried about gas mileage, don't get an RV.

That's my 10 cents.

P.S. After reading the post right before mine, I have to say that if it is just Rick and me, I kind of agree that it is probably more cost effective to just stay in a motel. But for a family, it makes more sense and is a lot easier to use a motorhome.

Big John,

Funny you that you inquire about this subject. I have started looking for an RV myself just recently. While working here in Raleigh, I went to an RV show in Greensboro two weeks ago. You name it, they make it. There is a show in Raleigh Feb. 11th, and Pensacola will have one around March 31st at the Fairgrounds -- don't know if you plan to wait that long. Not much to add to everyone above since I am learning, but I definitely agree with Mary on the flooring -- vinyl, no carpet. That carpet sure looks pretty, but...... You can put down runners or have area pieces made to fit, then take them out, clean them or start over. Also, in my opinion, the RV is not to save money, it's a convenience. By the time you pay for it and pay for gas, I don't see a big cost savings. It's just really nice to have -- especially with that new baby of yours. Go for it John -- you know you want it! I'll let you know if I learn anything. Thanks Mary and Jake for the input.

Hey daddy, "are we there yet?"

Get a diesel (Chevy 6.5L TD most likely), and read up on using biodiesel fuel. Do a Google search for it, and follow links until you learn how your diesel engine was originally designed to run on vegitable oil, and all modern diesels will do so just fine. With the proper filters, you can pour used veggie oil from McDonalds, Burger King, etc. (they usually have to pay to dispose of it and love to give it away free) right into a fuel tank and run the RV on that. You'll need to start it on "dino-diesel" and warm it up, then switch to veggie oil, then run it for a minute on dino-diesel before shutting it down. A small 5-gallon dino-diesel tank will usually suffice, with the main tank used for veggie oil. The only mod that should be made is some way to heat the veggie oil in its tank. Electric heaters, exhuast heaters, and radiator heaters could be used. It's less of an issue here in FL than up north where cold temps can cause veggie oil to gel up, but hot veggie oil works better anyhow and if you travel up North it's a worthwhile modification.

With the fuel prices of today, you'd better believe my next DD will be a diesel for just this purpose!

Funny you should mention that - the top of my short list (no jokes, please) is a 6.5L GM diesel in a 28-foot Class A here in P'cola. We're going for the test drive this weekend. Slightly better mileage than the small-block V10s and big V8s. How dirty is the boat going to be when I get where I'm going? Any diesel drivers out there?

Thanks for the tips, folks - knew someone would have some good advice.

Rick's motorhome is a diesel, and the first few times he trailered our Waves, they got all black and sticky from the exhaust fumes. And then he figured out that if he drives slower (i.e., doesn't push it so hard), that doesn't happen.

If you get a diesel, make sure you are not sacrificing power just in hopes of getting a few more miles to the gallon. Otherwise, you will lose that advantage when you tow something -- and you will wish you had more power when you are going over a mountain or trying to pass somebody. PLUS, diesel fuel currently costs quite a bit more than gasoline, doesn't it?

Personally, I hate diesel engines. They stink. They're noisy. They're slow. Now, if I could just convince my husband.....did I mention that I HATE them?

Yeah...but he has a theory that diesel exhaust soot is a long chain polymer which could reduce the friction of the Wave hull through the water!

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Yeah...but he has a theory that diesel exhaust soot is a long chain polymer which could reduce the friction of the Wave hull through the water!

Actually, that is my theory. I passed it on to Rick, and he embraced it enthusiastically, because it gave him a good excuse not to wash the boats.

P.S. We have been hoping that we won't get protested out of a regatta for having the long-chain polymers on the hulls.

nood sells RVs. Give him a call. He's sure to send u in the right direction [color]

Really?!?!?? Over here it is cheaper, altough the politicians and bureaucrats have an agenda to raise taxes on diesel to make it as expensive as gas. Currently one liter gasoline costs US$1.46 while one liter diesel goes for US$1.37.

There are some persons owning american cars over here, and they really have to dig deep in their pockets when filling their tanks. They will probably be outlawed soon, come to think about it, they are not very friendly to the environment. Something to consider when buying a car as well..

Diesel fuel is less expensive to refine from crude oil, so it should be cheaper than gas. 70% of the price here is taxes going directly on the state budget.

The good thing about diesels tough, is their reliability, higher utilization grade of fuel (and hence less pollution, altough a bit more dangerous for humans) and higher turning moment. Towing with a diesel is much better, in my opinion.

Having a RV when going to regattas would really be nice. We have been tenting, to keep costs low, and have been a bit jelous when other teams have snuggled into their vans.. Hotels are way to expensive..

The tent we got last year is quite nice tough 🙂

Sami lavvu

"We have been tenting, to keep costs low, and have been a bit jelous when other teams have snuggled into their vans"

Whatever you do, don't accidentaly leave bread on top of other peoples motor homes. Particularly if there will be seagulls about at 4.30 in the morning.....

Diesels (turbo) should have more power. Modern ones don't blow black smoke like they used to. Newer ones are also much quieter. I bought a diesel truck and for towing it's awesome.
Canadian prices are currently about $0.80/litre, gas and diesel being about equal. Up until a few months ago, diesel was running about$0.60/litre (gas was the same).
I don't know what accounted for the 20 cent increase, other than someone figured out I was driving one

Rolf -

If that picture represents your type of sailing conditions... well, I bow to your machismo.

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Whatever you do, don't accidentaly leave bread on top of other peoples motor homes. Particularly if there will be seagulls about at 4.30 in the morning.....

I went round the camping area at a regata two years ago, followed by a flock (do you say "flock" - about 20) of ducks, throwing bread into and onto the tents For the few who did not wake, I took out the guitar and sang Kris Krisoferson's Sunday Morning Sidewalk - well it was Sunday- and it was morning (early). - At my age !

Yeah...it was weird really. Up until about 12 months ago, diesel fuel was considerably cheaper than gasoline. Then we had a large increase in both prices but Diesel increased even more. Currently Diesel is about $2.00/gallon ($0.53/liter) and Gasoline is $1.78/gallon ($0.47/liter) in the US. When comparing this to European prices however, it's hard to complain about it.

I found this tidbit of an explanation. Sounds like poor management to me.

The Diesel price increase really hasn't received much media attention - which is strange considering how much such a change impacts the transportation industry.

John, you may have seen my Volkswagen Van in Key Largo. It´s a diesel, TDI, which I am using since another 4 years now. Just wanted to evaluate a little on the engine:

32 miles per gallon (with a trailer behind), makes more than 100 mph! (I know you cannot run this here in the US). Easily tows a doublestack TIGEr. And it is very clean. Yes, you should polish your boat once in a while but after the trip back from Key Largo to VA Beach, we just rinsed off the "diesel dust".
The van itself will be too small but similar engines are also available in the EUROSPRINTER Mercedes Van, which is sold here as a DODGE SPRINTER. And Airstream (the producer of these silver campers) has the most unique campversion from the SPRINTER on the market here that fits for a family.

Fritz-R. Klocke
VA Beach

Also, with a propane injection system you could have some extra "power on demand" for passing or mountain-climbing situations. Just watch the temp. guage!

Hey John,
I know how much you like driving Nigels' Mini Cooper so you ought to buy one of these
http://www.travelsupreme.com/products/me2.asp

Hi John, why not go with a House Boat and have an all purpose rig? See http://www.catamarancruiser.com/deluxe/8x31%20Lil%20Hobo.htm

Just saw one at the Seattle Boat Show. You could rig up a ramp, and put the Cat on the roof. Best of all worlds, and a possible Committee Boat also.

Caleb

Now that is just wrong....however, what I DO want to see is the driver get out of the minicooper that he just pulled in there.

Houseboat for a committee boat? NO! The windshadow would be relentless...although it probably would discourage barging.

Hi Jake,
I saw them demonstrate that motorhome on the Travel Channel.
It has a hydralic lift which lowers and slides the mini out for you

If you are buying new, ignore this. If you want good used consider 73-78 GMC's (23 or 26 ft). Often considered the best motorhome ever made. The only one ever puspose built from the ground up and crash tested by a manufacture. Around 11,000 made and somewhere around 8000 still licensed and driving today.

Here's mine... I am restoring as I go... a little every year.

There are some quite nice GMC's available. Many have had frame off restorations some by companies for which it is their only business. The 77-78 models get as much as 12-14 mpg, they fit in a double parking space, drive like a van. They were built for boondocking (not being connected) so many of the standard features are quite power concious.

You can pay as much or as little as you want... $3000 if you are an excellent mechanic, woodworker, cabinet maker and automotive painter... $70,000 if you want one that compares to new deisel pushers (recent ebay sale, 3 plasma screens, leather and mohogony).

Here is a link to find them on ebay Ebay GMC Search

Mike,

That's some great advice. Those GMCs have quite a following and every owner I've ever run into has been very enthusiastic about theirs. A div 9 Hobie 17 / 20 sailor has one that he has been restoring and it's been fun hearing his stories through the process. Your website is great!

Since those GMC's are so popular, why did they stop making them? It is exactly the kind of thing I am looking for, but we are not fixer-upper people.

John

I just bought a 1996 Class A diesel pusher after looking at a lot of RV's. I read not to buy a new RV for your first one because you are not really sure what you want in an RV and really won't know until you have owned one. I was lucky to have friends that bought before I did so when I traveled with them I could check things out to see what I liked. I chose an A class because I think they look better, drive better, hold there value better, less wind noise, better drivers view, made on a chassie for an RV. I chose a diesel pusher because of better resale, better mileage, engine in rear so it is quiet up front, diesel does not work as hard as gas engine,( I haul my boat with my diesel Ford truck and do not notice diesel smoke on boat). I also got a slide because of resale, the rv gets real big and Nigel said so. I think the qualty of most was pretty cheap until you started to get in the higher price range over 200K (I am a custom home builder though). You just have to buy what is in you budget.

They stopped making them because they stopped selling. They were selling for close to $40,000 in 1978... right in the middle of the gas crisis and when the auto makers were reinventing themselves to survive. GMC Motorhomes didn't make the cut. Rumor has it they ended up spending over $100,000 per coach by the time it was all added up. The plant was switched over to make highly profitable light trucks. The GMC Sierra series of pickups was produced in the plan and the numbers show that was probably the best decision a manufacture ever made. It was the beginning of the SUV trend in the US.

Several companies have tried to revive production but there just aren't enough RV's sold to justify a ground up build. Current manufactures build on chasis like the Workhorse, or other multipurpose truck chasis. They are into extreme cost savings, even budgetting the number of wire connectors they can afford to use on a coach. I am afraid the cost of a new GMC today would be laughable... probably $500,000.

Anyone willing to start production? The molds are available... Molds on Ebay When bidding just remember they are 400,000 lbs and you have to pick them up 🙂

One more link... The leading restorer of the GMC motorhomes is in Orlando, FLA. Jim Bounds at the GMC Coop. Web Site Link Look at the examples. You don't need to be a fixer-upper. Jim does that for you at very, very reasonable prices.

See....I told you they were fanatical.