New Member

[Tom Cat]

Hey Everyone. My wife and I have no experience at all, but somehow we've caught a serious case of aluminitis. We've spent hours in a nearby (six hours away) dealership and keep coming back to a 30' classic - perhaps the SO.

I was wondering what it's like to pull something that big and what kind of a TV it takes to handle it. We'd love to hear from anyone that's got any suggestions. Like I said, we're just looking now, but we're going to make it happen - sooner rather than later!

Also should we try used or just go for what we want?

[myoung]

You know that the best bet is always to go for what you want. New or used is subsumed in that statement.

You might want to consider the size limitations in campgrounds you expect to visit. In general, as you might expect, the choices diminish with increasing length.

SOs weigh more than non-SO, which might factor into your decision as well. The capacity of the tow vehicle might constrain your choices. Research. Lots of good info here. Just use the "search" function.

[Eric 28]

Welcome to the Forums ,
I would buy one of the big three Ford, GMC, or Dodge. With a Diesel in it.
Sa far as new or used that is up to you and the wife. Good Luck and have fun.

[hendrie42]

congrats----you will find that aluminitis is hard to cure--------

[rickandsandi]

Originally Posted by hendrie42

congrats----you will find that aluminitis is hard to cure--------

Please don't give any of our newbies false hopes of a cure for aluminitis. There is no cure. Yes, more AS in the driveway and barn give some relief, but there is no cure!

[moosetags]

A big welcome to the forums. There is no known cure for Aluminitis. You just have to deal with it. A 30 footer wil REQUIRE a 3/4 ton. There's a lot out there; the brand is up to you.

If you don't go 3/4 ton, you will be unhappy.

[TomR]

Hey Tom Cat...you stole my motorcycle "name" TomCat (Tom and Cathy)...Cathy is ThunderCat...we both ride Harleys and are working on a transition to RVing. Maybe with a couple of Honda 90's in the bed of the tow vehicle.

As I study (verrrrry analytical...wife might have other description)...I lean toward 28'-30'...maybe even 34' if just the right 34' AS showed up at just the right time...see below!

We think we need/want a walk around queen bed...and a dinnette...along with some decent wardrobe space.

The s/o versions seem to add a nice space to the "living" area...but with it comes higher weight and tounge weight.

We will need to vuy a tow vehicle and I have already decided that will be at least a 3/4 ton, crew cab...maybe diesel. I want to have the flexibility to tow any AS up to the 34' w/s/o.

We are not quite ready to take the plunge yet...but getting closer.

BTW...did any of you see the 2006 NEW 34' Classic in the classifieds for nearly 29% discount? Something like $81K MSRP for sale for $58K. AT least it show there ARE deeper discounts out there .

From Cold Two Harbors, MN...TomCat (the original) and ThunderCat

[HiHoAgRV]

My 2 cents. We tow our 29' with a '06 Dodge Cummins 3/4 ton and get 17 mpg at 55mph (did it last weekend on a round trip to Natchez on the Trace) 14-15 mpg at 65-70 mph (July 4th MS - KY - Piegon Forge) and can pass almost any one we want.

It beats the heck out of our previous SOB motorhome that got 6 mpg!

[hendrie42]

you wont be un happy if you choise one of the big three,diesels be sure to drive them all--------

[alumibum]

Stella the Excella 29' towed beautifully with our 05 Dodge Hemi 1500 QC!
GA to VA

[Tom Cat]

Tom R, Sorry 'bout 'that, certainly didn't mean to step on any toes re the origianal Tom and Thundercat moniker. At any rate, thanks everyone for all the info on TV's. We were all set to do a little window shoppin' today (Ford and Chevys) but in the end the grand kids had other plans.....

Oh well, tomorrow's another day.

[TomR]

Hey Tom Cat...no problem...just used mine for motorcycle puposes ...Tom R

[Goin camping]

Welcome aboard TomCat.

Any 3/4 will pull it. Diesel really pulls uphill well and it would tow anything you could want.

If that 30 footer is the one of your dreams just go get it.