New guy, preping to Snowbird and full time

[Mayday]

From NW Montana and the wife and I full-timed in a 19' Mini motorhome with two dogs and a cat almost 40 years ago. Getting ready to do it again in a couple years. But this time with a wee bit more room.

Lots of research has been done and we know we will go with a Montana, but still are torn with regards to the floor plan.

Any thoughts and ideas would/will be much appreciated.

Mayday

[1retired06]

Pick the floorplan you like, ensure sufficient storage for your needs.

[DQDick]

It's probably just personal to us, but the front kitchen models we've seen have too many pipes in the way of good storage in the basement. Find a model you like then check how much storage is there and decied from that.

[mtlakejim]

It all boils down to your personal tastes and lifestyle. Some folks like the front living room but those tend to have smaller bathrooms (a real issue when full timing). Other folks like front kitchens but they have downfalls too. You really have to ask yourself which room will we spend the most time in and what are we willing to compromise on to get that room right. Since we are stuck in one place for work, the front living room works great but getting ready every day in a small bathroom really sucks.


I will say one thing is fairly common to everyone, bigger is better if your a full timer, especially if your going to be parked in one location for extended time frames. Storage is also a big deal most especially if you don't have a storage building for extra gear. We really like the massive storage on our HC 381TH but it is a lower trim level than a full Montana.


Speaking of lower level models, don't forget to include improvements to the running gear like IS, Hydraulic slides and leveling plus cushioned hitch pin on your must haves if you plan on traveling much at all. Likewise make sure to include big ticket items like your hitch, generator and washer/dryer in the purchase price and get them installed upfront before you take ownership! Down in humid Florida, I would make sure to add a third A/C and have it wired separate from the rest of the coach so you can run it off of the 110volt pedestal plug (IE: run all three A/Cs at same time on 50amp service and at least two on 30amp service)!


About the best you can do is make a list of must haves and deal breakers and then go look at lots of units.

[jimandlaurie]

We ditto what mtlakejim said. You have to get in the units, when one " feels" right , look close at your needs and desires and possible modifications that might work...

[mtlakejim]

Couple other things:


Don't rush it!


Take a LOT of time and really look over the market. Don't get married to one brand. We are biased on this forum to Montana's but they are not the only units around. Your basically looking at two major builders anyway Thor (who owns Keystone) and Forest River. Those two umbrella companies own about 75% or more of the brands and offer about the same thing with a different name on it across their entire line up with different names stuck on them (think chevy and GMC). That allows them to offer "exclusive" dealership territories and yet supply multiple dealers.


Second:


Don't rush the buy!!!
When you "lock in" on THE exact model you want get quotes from at a very minimum of three dealers as "cash out the door price with no trade". Once you get that price then add in a trade IF you have one and shop that around with at least three dealers. Talk financing last after you get the best CASH price and make sure you go outside the dealer to look for best terms. Finally, don't let them add in any extras like special protective treatments or warranties. This process will get you around the old 4 corners game (initial price-where they use bait and switch or high low gimmick 50K sounds real good after a 70K list price doesn't it, lowballing trade in, extremely high interest rate and add on charges) that salesmen use to make extra money off of you. It basically turns the sale into a commodity bid and WILL save you THOUSANDS on a new unit!


Under no circumstances do you ever walk into the nearest dealer and trust ANYTHING that they say. If they don't put it in writing it doesn't mean a thing. All those smiling salesmen are there to make as much money as they can off of you. You are there to make the best deal you can for YOU!!! Let them know you are shopping other dealers and will take the best deal PERIOD no matter where the dealer who you buy from is located. Don't fall for that total BS line that the local dealer says "if you buy from us we will take real good care of you" it is a total and complete lie. Also realize that as soon as they have your signature on the contract you lose ALL of your power and leverage!! Get every concession you can before you sign off on the deal (even if you have to make the final transaction CONTENGENT upon inspection of the unit and repairs being completed). That last one is big. DO NOT hook up and pull the rig off the lot until they have fixed EVERYTHING!!!!! Once you pull off the lot with a signed contract your totally at their mercy for any factory warranty repairs!!


Just remember that dealers are not your friends! You don't have to be ugly with them, by all means treat them with respect. But always remember it is a business deal.

[Mayday]

Excellent advice all the way around. I have been visiting this forum for a couple years and knew when the time came to jump in, I would get excellent advice and guidance from everyone.