Looking to buy an RV and need advice

[BHC Vic]

Get coachnet for roadside.
Since you are getting new tires, get coachnet tires as well. They are seperate transactions, but coachnet tire are one price for 5 years of coverage.

Insurance - I did StateFarm. Everything I have is with them. Nothing is cheap when it goes wrong in a RV, so set the deductible at 1k.

Do you have premier or ultimate package? I can’t see the price for ultimate but premier seems very reasonable

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Why not both?

Sure, have both, so when the mountain of a man from AAA shows up with real equipment to pull off the 19.5 inner dual he has something to replace it. Y’all can call me what you want, I am not in any “normal” circumstances going to drag out a spare, wedge my fat ass into wherever it is to get it out, fight lugs, dodge cars, sweat, swear, and overall be pissed when I can simply push out the slides, enjoy my time in a parking lot, and have someone who is equipped and setup to tackle it come handle the job. Owning a coach brings on enough BS, swapping tires along side the road is WAYYYYY down the list of activities I’m going to do on it!

 

[Singleton]

Do you have premier or ultimate package? I can’t see the price for ultimate but premier seems very reasonable

I picked premier

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

For insurance I’m thinking progressive? Anyone have any better ideas? I have AAA roadside I’m assuming I need to upgrade to RV. I’d like to have AAA insurance but it’s super pricey

Getting a contract tow company from any of this providers are sometimes difficult and you may be stuck for a while. There are not a lot of Tow companies that have these trucks available. It’s hit and miss

 

[PlumLoco]

I have the RV and trailer towing "coverage" from AAA. I have been a member for over 25 years.

1. When the boat trailer C-channel frame literally tore 3/4 of the way through, across the freeway from Victoria Gardens on the 15 we waited more than 8 hours. The first flatbed showed up and said the trailer under my 23' jet boat was too long. They said they needed to locate a landoll. Later they said they couldn't locate one closer than Lancaster, and it was tied up for a while. At hour 6 I called a mobile welder. At hour 7 he showed up and got us patched up in about 40 minutes. After 8 hours on the side of the road we decided to drive the 30 minutes back home rather than continue on to Parker.
2. When the tire blew on the 23' toy hauler out near Red Mountain there was no good place with firm dirt to use my jack on, so I called AAA. After two hours and several phone calls when earlier trucks never showed, a guy rolls up and changes the tire. He leaves and we get back on the road home. Very soon I feel like something is wrong so I pull over and find a broken leaf spring on the trailer. I'm sure the tow truck driver broke it as how could he have missed the issue if it was broken when he pulled the flat tire off? After at least 6 calls we could not get anyone out to address the problem. Ended up limping into town and parking next to an auto repair building. Big shop, 5 lifts, sign on the building advertises that they do complete engine and trans swaps so I figure they can fix a leaf spring. Nope. They wanted to tow it down the hill to a place in Riverside to work on it. I ended up sourcing the part and changing it myself with a great deal of difficulty because of my limited tools and lights as I am doing this at night.
3. My buddy's truck fries the transmission going up Cajon pulling the toy hauler. Yup, yet again AAA tells me they don't have the ability to tow my trailer to a safer place while his truck goes to the repair shop.

I really don't know how they can advertise coverage they can't provide.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Sure, have both, so when the mountain of a man from AAA shows up with real equipment to pull off the 19.5 inner dual he has something to replace it. Y’all can call me what you want, I am not in any “normal” circumstances going to drag out a spare, wedge my fat ass into wherever it is to get it out, fight lugs, dodge cars, sweat, swear, and overall be pissed when I can simply push out the slides, enjoy my time in a parking lot, and have someone who is equipped and setup to tackle it come handle the job. Owning a coach brings on enough BS, swapping tires along side the road is WAYYYYY down the list of activities I’m going to do on it!

Last few times anyone in my group has called AAA to exercize their RV "premier" roadside coverage, it resulted in a 5-6 hour wait and a few no-shows.
AAA has become absolute trash for RV towing or emergency assistance.

 

[69hondo]

Last few times anyone in my group has called AAA to exercize their RV "premier" roadside coverage, it resulted in a 5-6 hour wait and a few no-shows.
AAA has become absolute trash for RV towing or emergency assistance.

21 hour wait last time I had AAA tow my gasser Class A. They are horrible with rvs.
I have Coachnet for the pusher and hope to never need it but have heard nothing but good for them.

 

[Bigbore500r]

21 hour wait last time I had AAA tow my gasser Class A. They are horrible with rvs.
I have Coachnet for the pusher and hope to never need it but have heard nothing but good for them.

I'll have to check it out. I wanna ditch AAA but haven't shopped other options that have good feedback yet.

If you break down and it works out well, lemme know! lol

 

[rivrrts429]

only issues I’ve had with AAA is when it’s somewhat remote coverage/service areas.

If remote I just source the resolution on my own and fight with insurance on the back end to get made whole again.

The short story is make sure you have a high available credit card balance or bank account so you can source your own fix when owning an RV. Nothing is cheap with them.

 

[Singleton]

I have the RV and trailer towing "coverage" from AAA. I have been a member for over 25 years.

1. When the boat trailer C-channel frame literally tore 3/4 of the way through, across the freeway from Victoria Gardens on the 15 we waited more than 8 hours. The first flatbed showed up and said the trailer under my 23' jet boat was too long. They said they needed to locate a landoll. Later they said they couldn't locate one closer than Lancaster, and it was tied up for a while. At hour 6 I called a mobile welder. At hour 7 he showed up and got us patched up in about 40 minutes. After 8 hours on the side of the road we decided to drive the 30 minutes back home rather than continue on to Parker.
2. When the tire blew on the 23' toy hauler out near Red Mountain there was no good place with firm dirt to use my jack on, so I called AAA. After two hours and several phone calls when earlier trucks never showed, a guy rolls up and changes the tire. He leaves and we get back on the road home. Very soon I feel like something is wrong so I pull over and find a broken leaf spring on the trailer. I'm sure the tow truck driver broke it as how could he have missed the issue if it was broken when he pulled the flat tire off? After at least 6 calls we could not get anyone out to address the problem. Ended up limping into town and parking next to an auto repair building. Big shop, 5 lifts, sign on the building advertises that they do complete engine and trans swaps so I figure they can fix a leaf spring. Nope. They wanted to tow it down the hill to a place in Riverside to work on it. I ended up sourcing the part and changing it myself with a great deal of difficulty because of my limited tools and lights as I am doing this at night.
3. My buddy's truck fries the transmission going up Cajon pulling the toy hauler. Yup, yet again AAA tells me they don't have the ability to tow my trailer to a safer place while his truck goes to the repair shop.

I really don't know how they can advertise coverage they can't provide.

Similar story.
The rear-end of my 2500HD went out pulling the ToyHauler on Rice Rd. At the time, I had AAA RV and GoodSams.

Called AAA - they said it would be 6-8hrs for a toy truck for the truck and they would have another come for the trailer later.

Called GoodSam - said 2-3hrs. They were coming from Palm Spings.

GS shows up and places truck on tow truck and attacked the ToyHauler and away we go. Driver then tells me, I got the AAA call as well, but GS pays better so I gave AAA a BS wait time.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I have the RV and trailer towing "coverage" from AAA. I have been a member for over 25 years.

1. When the boat trailer C-channel frame literally tore 3/4 of the way through, across the freeway from Victoria Gardens on the 15 we waited more than 8 hours. The first flatbed showed up and said the trailer under my 23' jet boat was too long. They said they needed to locate a landoll. Later they said they couldn't locate one closer than Lancaster, and it was tied up for a while. At hour 6 I called a mobile welder. At hour 7 he showed up and got us patched up in about 40 minutes. After 8 hours on the side of the road we decided to drive the 30 minutes back home rather than continue on to Parker.
2. When the tire blew on the 23' toy hauler out near Red Mountain there was no good place with firm dirt to use my jack on, so I called AAA. After two hours and several phone calls when earlier trucks never showed, a guy rolls up and changes the tire. He leaves and we get back on the road home. Very soon I feel like something is wrong so I pull over and find a broken leaf spring on the trailer. I'm sure the tow truck driver broke it as how could he have missed the issue if it was broken when he pulled the flat tire off? After at least 6 calls we could not get anyone out to address the problem. Ended up limping into town and parking next to an auto repair building. Big shop, 5 lifts, sign on the building advertises that they do complete engine and trans swaps so I figure they can fix a leaf spring. Nope. They wanted to tow it down the hill to a place in Riverside to work on it. I ended up sourcing the part and changing it myself with a great deal of difficulty because of my limited tools and lights as I am doing this at night.
3. My buddy's truck fries the transmission going up Cajon pulling the toy hauler. Yup, yet again AAA tells me they don't have the ability to tow my trailer to a safer place while his truck goes to the repair shop.

I really don't know how they can advertise coverage they can't provide.

How in the world did the tow truck break your leaf when changing the tire?

 

[wzuber]

How in the world did the tow truck break your leaf when changing the tire?

It might be the other way around? The broken leaf caused the tire to fail?
Maybe he's thinking when changing the tire they jacked off the leaf instead of frame or axle? Interesting perspective.

 

[mjc]

For insurance I’m thinking progressive? Anyone have any better ideas? I have AAA roadside I’m assuming I need to upgrade to RV. I’d like to have AAA insurance but it’s super pricey

I have National general for my RV. Have been good so far and includes towing.

 

[PlumLoco]

It might be the other way around? The broken leaf caused the tire to fail?
Maybe he's thinking when changing the tire they jacked off the leaf instead of frame or axle? Interesting perspective.

When he was finishing up and dropped the jack we heard something that we didn't think was right. Maybe he just dropped it too fast, but my wife and I looked at each other and said WTF? He was not being gentle, it went from up to down instantly, and we thought we heard something like a metallic crash.
Yes it was my belief that he was using the leaf spring to jack up the trailer. I honestly don't remember doing sufficient detective work at the time, but I do remember when I was under it that there were not too many good solid locations to position the jack.

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok so camping in the backyard trying to get this figured out. So when I’m plugged into the house the fridge micro and TVs are working. When I unplug from the house and plug back into the generator the TVs and micro won’t power unless I have the generator running. Is that how it is or am I missing something. It would be kind of nice for the boys to watch tv at night before going to bed but without the generator running. Is this where I need an inverter or whatever?

 

[boatnam2]

Ok so camping in the backyard trying to get this figured out. So when I’m plugged into the house the fridge micro and TVs are working. When I unplug from the house and plug back into the generator the TVs and micro won’t power unless I have the generator running. Is that how it is or am I missing something. It would be kind of nice for the boys to watch tv at night before going to bed but without the generator running. Is this where I need an inverter or whatever?

Yes, that is why I have the bluetti power box.

 

[boatnam2]

Micro takes lots of juice, i have run blow dryer and vacuum on it, might last 10 minutes.

 

[Done-it-again]

Ok so camping in the backyard trying to get this figured out. So when I’m plugged into the house the fridge micro and TVs are working. When I unplug from the house and plug back into the generator the TVs and micro won’t power unless I have the generator running. Is that how it is or am I missing something. It would be kind of nice for the boys to watch tv at night before going to bed but without the generator running. Is this where I need an inverter or whatever?

Only an inverter will run 120v items without the generator.

 

[BHC Vic]

Only an inverter will run 120v items without the generator.

I wonder if I could get that done before new years trip. Not a huge deal but first world problems

 

[DoughBallin14]

And once the inverter is added if it doest have one, then at the same time is battery bank upgrade. Usually to Lithium, then updating the charger/converter for lithium, then solar etc. haha

My next rig will most likely have a hybrid inverter/charger like a victron multiplus 2x120

 

[bilz]

Camping , no tv try games, uno, yahtzee

 

[BHC Vic]

Camping , no tv try games, uno, yahtzee

It’s more of a bed time thing. But to be honest they can watch you tube on a tablet or something really not a big deal. Just something I noticed while getting things dialed in here

 

[BHC Vic]

And once the inverter is added if it doest have one, then at the same time is battery bank upgrade. Usually to Lithium, then updating the charger/converter for lithium, then solar etc. haha

My next rig will most likely have a hybrid inverter/charger like a victron multiplus 2x120

I do want to do some solar. I guess I need to do some research

 

[DoughBallin14]

I do want to do some solar. I guess I need to do some research

Get ready! Your head will start spinning if you go to deep. You'll start at basic 12v systems then fall into the 24v system people and so on.
Best start for inverter at least is find out what the power consumption in watts for the items you want to run without the genny.
Usually its tvs(100ish watts each), a couple outlets for phones, another for a coffee maker( kurig is i think 1000 at start up. So like a 2000w inverter.
Want to add in a microwave or fridge and your at 3000w, pure sine wave inverter not modified.

I like a hybrid one with passthru, built in auto transfer switch.
My plan is catch the feed coming from the factory ats for the shore or genny power…. run that to the hybrid inverter charger….. then to the 2 main breakers in the distro Box panel (if a 50amp rig)….. run wire from inverter/charger to battery bank so it charges them and can draw when its inverting.
Remove/unplug factory 12v converter/charger typically built into the breaker distro box.

From my research this will cover all my circuits in the rig instead of selecting certain ones.
If its a 30amp rig options are more available in my configuration because your not dealing with 50amp 120/240 split phase or 2 legs of 120

This guy breaks it down pretty good.

 

[yz450mm]

I do want to do some solar. I guess I need to do some research

At this point you're peering down the rabbit hole and ready to jump in, but my advice would be not to do it until you have a solid plan laid out. The solar, inverter, and battery bank all need to work together and be sized correctly, otherwise you're always going to be fighting with something.

If you don't want to run the coach generator at night for the kids to watch TV, get a small 2k or 3k watt inverter generator and plug the shore power cord into that. Make sure the fridge is on propane, and turn the breaker for the converter off. This will let the generator power the TVs and phone chargers, but also remind the wife not to fire up the microwave or hair dryer while running on that small generator. If you end up getting a 3k, then you can use the microwave and leave the converter on as well.

 

[BHC Vic]

At this point you're peering down the rabbit hole and ready to jump in, but my advice would be not to do it until you have a solid plan laid out. The solar, inverter, and battery bank all need to work together and be sized correctly, otherwise you're always going to be fighting with something.

If you don't want to run the coach generator at night for the kids to watch TV, get a small 2k or 3k watt inverter generator and plug the shore power cord into that. Make sure the fridge is on propane, and turn the breaker for the converter off. This will let the generator power the TVs and phone chargers, but also remind the wife not to fire up the microwave or hair dryer while running on that small generator. If you end up getting a 3k, then you can use the microwave and leave the converter on as well.

I have the generator from the trailer. 5000 but very quite. When I pulled the trigger on this one I was happy to save the extra money because I wanted to get dolor and inverter anyways. Is it expensive for a full setup done the right way?

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Doing an inverter/ solar/ lithium right is expensive. Especially if you expect to run a microwave. There’s nothing wrong with running the generator, get out and camp a bit before you jump in and spend a bunch of money upgrading.

You should have some usb or 12v plugs that the kids can charge tablets, etc on when running off battery.

I usually run the generator for a few hours in the evening from dinner time until bedtime and let my son watch a movie or something if hes not out by the campfire. During the day he’s usually outside- that’s the point of camping, right?

There’s a big difference between “camping” at home, and actually camping. I recommend using the thing for a year or so and decide how far down the upgrade rabbit hole you want to go. It might be fine just the way it is. A lot of people end up upgrading or changing direction after a year or two. Make sure this is the Motorhome you want long term first.

 

[DoughBallin14]

Depends on your needs and if you do the work.
Go basic to wild top tier stuff.
You could get 800watts worth of generic panels and a suitable mppt charge controller for under 1k, 600ah lith battery bank for $800-900,
inverter/charger around $1000-1300. Misc wiring, fuses, mounts couple 100 bucks

Or top line stuff shunt, split inverters, 2000w 24 system with stepdown converter etc and reach 5k in a heartbeat

 

[yz450mm]

I have the generator from the trailer. 5000 but very quite. When I pulled the trigger on this one I was happy to save the extra money because I wanted to get dolor and inverter anyways. Is it expensive for a full setup done the right way?

I would throw two (200) watt panels on the roof and wire in a nice solar charge controller with Bluetooth at minimum. You can do without the inverter, especially for the first year or two.

Having the solar means that your battery will start getting charged as soon as the sun comes up, so you won't be waking up to a dead house battery after having the heater run at night. The solar really cuts down on having to run the generator to charge house batteries, but you will still need it for other 120 volt stuff.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Another thing to consider, is how you end up using the RV. If you spend a lot of time off-grid/ boondocking a nice inverter/ lithium setup will be useful, but if most of your trips are to places with shorepower you might not use it as much as you think.

 

[DoughBallin14]

Here is a basic full kit from Rich solar in ontario. Easy 400watts for basic camping and keeping battery topped off.

400 Watt Complete Solar Kit

Our 400W 12V Complete Solar Kit includes all the essential components to begin your solar journey. Start building your energy independence today!

richsolar.com

 

[Done-it-again]

I wonder if I could get that done before new years trip. Not a huge deal but first world problems

Unless you do it yourself sure not sure you are going to get anyone to do it for you before that trip at a shop, maybe a mobil guy.


have you checked to see if you have an inverter? It’s something you need to turn on.

 

[mash on it]

I wonder if I could get that done before new years trip. Not a huge deal but first world problems

12 volt TV.
Done.

Dan'l

 

[RVRKID]

When I dry camp I usually just fire up my 2k Predator at niight When we get back to camp and let it roll until we go in to go to bed and that handles TVs and battery charging for the heater at night. There were a few times when wind is howling I let it run until It runs out of gas so I can fall asleep with TV on. I wouldn’t worry about solar this season just get used to camping with your new RV and then see what you want to throw at it over the summer before next desert season.

 

[BHC Vic]

I have a 5000 wen gen/inv o think that’s will be the ticket for this trip

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Neighbor gave me one of these little 650 Hondas a couple years ago. I top it of before we get ready for bed and just let it run until it runs out. No need to get up and turn off the TV or the generator. If I know we won’t be up long watching TV I just put less gas in.

 

[Justsomeguy]

When I dry camp I usually just fire up my 2k Predator at niight When we get back to camp and let it roll until we go in to go to bed and that handles TVs and battery charging for the heater at night. There were a few times when wind is howling I let it run until It runs out of gas so I can fall asleep with TV on. I wouldn’t worry about solar this season just get used to camping with your new RV and then see what you want to throw at it over the summer before next desert season.

X2. I got my predator and never looked back. I just let that sucker run. I use the big one just to run it an hour here and there to keep it running well or if I happen to need the ACs.

 

[boatnam2]

if you want to borrow my box for a weekend to give it a try your more than welcome, it has solar panel also that will charge it Durning day.

 

[boatnam2]

About the size of an 18pack, it will run fridge and tv's all day long, battery charger, trickle charger, like i say, i did a test in the house with blow dryer and home size vacuum and it ran them. I bet it would even run a micro long enough to make a cup of soup lol. I run my electric ninja smoker on it all the time.

 

[Singleton]

I have the generator from the trailer. 5000 but very quite. When I pulled the trigger on this one I was happy to save the extra money because I wanted to get dolor and inverter anyways. Is it expensive for a full setup done the right way?

Simple answer is YES.
When I was looking to redo my ToyHauler, I was around 12-15k for a complete overall.
Quote included 1500w solar, new inverter/charger, and new batteries.
System was designed so everything (excluding AC’s) could be run off the inverter and battery system for days.

Systems can be done for a lower cost. It all depends on what you want to run and for how long.
The biggest expense are the batteries and the new inverter/charger.

 

[bilz]

I use an eco flo 500 battery box(I refuse to call them generators).
My wife brings her old school dvd's and the TV with biilt in player. We get 5 hours of movies with the eco flo. I have a 160 watt blanket that will charge it back up during the day. I also have the same 160 blanket to charge and maintain the battery. Cheap "dokio" brand from Amazon. Had one for 3 years and one for 2

 

[BHC Vic]

This is the way I like to work too I’m jk good dudes glad I was recommended to come here. Also I’m not sure I could change a tire in the side of the road. This is pretty heavy duty

 

[wallnutz]

Do you have premier or ultimate package? I can’t see the price for ultimate but premier seems very reasonable

Check for roadside with your insurance. I have State Farm, when I lost a transmission line in my RV the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving a few years ago, I had both Good Sam and the SF roadside. The first call was to GS, they pretty much told me I would be waiting until Friday and to be safe since I was on the side of I-10. Call the roadside with SF, they told me to call whoever could come that night and it would be covered. 15 mile tow to Quartzsite was $3500.00 lol. Turned the bill in, no questions asked and had a check within a week. They did have to send two trucks, needed the trailer towed also.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

About the size of an 18pack, it will run fridge and tv's all day long, battery charger, trickle charger, like i say, i did a test in the house with blow dryer and home size vacuum and it ran them. I bet it would even run a micro long enough to make a cup of soup lol. I run my electric ninja smoker on it all the time.

Very similar to a Jackery. That's a similar option, not sure which is better cost wise.

 

[boatnam2]

Very similar to a Jackery. That's a similar option, not sure which is better cost wise.

Pretty much, i got the AC180, think it was about $700-800 with solar panel.

 

[Andy B.]

Very similar to a Jackery. That's a similar option, not sure which is better cost wise.

I have a jackery for emergency power outages at home. Can't let any of Joel's meat get harmed!

 

[Singleton]

Very similar to a Jackery. That's a similar option, not sure which is better cost wise.

Used the jackery for my portable refrig.
Would run the refrig all night. In the morning would charge it up with the solar panel and the ToyHauler solar would keep the refrig running until night.

Allowed me to limit the pull on the batteries at night and run the heater.

 

[DoughBallin14]

@BHC Vic
Meant to send this over the other day when you mentioned solar upgrades. Like others have mentioned a powerstation like a jackery etc.

This one in standard form is pretty much a 300ah lifpo4 battery (3600 watt hours) that you can hook up folding portable solar panels to charge it. Up to 2400watts, It has a built in inverter up to 6000w output like most of them, you can buy additional battery expansion packs down the road.

(This only matters if your rig is a 50amp)
But this is also the only one i have found to actually have a rv nema 14-50 split phase female plug built in so you can set the up in a compartment or roll it around and plug your shore power cord directly into it and your rig will work every thing normal like you were camping at a hook up camp ground. It will charge your house batteries as well.
All of it can be monitored and adjusted through the phone app as well.

Plug in your portable ground solar panel and it will charge the powerstation up as needed or fire the generator plug in the charger cord to quick charge it as well.

Some youtube channels have shown you can start your ac and run the micro at the same time! Depending on how your breakers are laid out.

Otherwise you can use a dog bone to drop down to 30 amp rv plug if you rig is 30 and have plenty of power to run your stuff.

https://www.anker.com/products/b179011f

 

[DoughBallin14]

This basically takes place of mounting panels on your roof that arent adjustable, mppt charge controller, wiring, new inverter, this also doesnt care what chemistry your batteries are in the rig since it supplys power like shore power your rig battery charger will see it as shore power and charge your batteries in the coach, no need for to pay an installer either