Once we get rolling, we’ll update this with a “Cribs” style video, but for now here’s what we got and why.
We did a lot of research on what type of rig to get, and we decided to go with the ultimate in RV-Travel, a diesel pusher. That means that there’s a diesel engine in the rear pushing the coach down the road. The advantage to that is that it’s quieter when you’re runnin’ down the road because the engine’s behind the master bedroom way in the back. At night if you have the generator running up front, you can barely hear the purr. Not to mention, diesel’s last forever, so these coaches hold their value pretty well if you take care of them.
We needed a “bunkhouse” model for the kids, and they’re actually harder to find because most RV’s are designed to give more amenities and floor-space for empty nesters.
We also wanted a booth dinette with enough seating for the 5 of us to be able to sit around and have dinner or play a game without having to fold up a chair every time.
After doing a lot of research we decided on a used Fleetwood Discovery 40G. This model is loaded with livable features and amenities like a domestic refrigerator, fold out sofa that turns into a queen bed, a king bed in the master, 2 bunks, washer and dryer, and a coveted U-shaped booth dinette that all 5 of us could fit around.
This model is somewhat of a unicorn when you want to buy used, but buying an RV new has the same serious depreciation factor the second you drive it off the lot. Plus, there’s so many moving parts that can go wrong, we heard that you end up spending the first 6 months in the service department when you buy new.
We eventually found a 2013 Fleetwood Discover 40g with just under 40,000 miles, which is nothing for a diesel. It was very competitively priced from a broker representing a private seller in Dallas, Texas. They were motivated to sell, and knocked a good chunk off the price since we had to fly out and drive it back. Using the same methods of being your banker that I preach in www.BankingTruths.com we handled our own financing through our life insurance policies and pulled the trigger. We flew out to Dallas on a Friday and drove it back over Mother’s Day Weekend.
We named her “Flo.” She’s part “Kiss my grits!” from Mel’s Diner and part sassy Progressive Insurance lady. Part of it was the double entendre of “flow” since we intend to be in the flow quite often on this trip
Check out the pic below of Jess driving the rig through the harsh West Texas winds. Whoosh when a semi flies by.
Here’s Flo from the front with her awnings fully extended.
Flo showing off her muscles
The master suite and bunkhouse in the rear. You can’t see the stackable washer and dryer.
The coveted U-shaped booth dinette and sofa. Both fold out to Queen Beds so come visit.
The kitchen when Flo is all popped out. Both those chairs swivel around and one reclines.
Pretty comfy indeed. But think about it, our family of 5 will be living in this thing for 10 months, so we may as well do it right.
“Cribs” style video coming soon.