HDT MOTORHOME AT RV PARKS

[JG1199]

I am considering a purchase of a 45ft HDT motorhome. At a recent rally someone brought up the weight of the HDT as an issue when parking at rv parks (damage of roads ect). I was wondering what experiences you HDT motorhome owners have had at rv parks.

[Radman]

JG,
We had an HDT issue at a high-end RV park last summer but not that one. One of the managers at this “exclusive Class-A only” resort tried to classify us as a Commercial truck or a Super C. I had my MO DOT papers that classified us as an RV and the write in area had us listed as a Class A Motorhome. Not to mention we meet the literal definition of a Class-A with the cab opening into the living area and clear overhead area with no bunk or storage. After a brief discussion and a walk into the truck and we were given the OK. The interior is first class all the way and that was all they needed to see. We didn’t show them the motorcycles in the garage area out back.

Now about the weight, we scale at 37K LBS and that isn’t any more than a typical 40 foot diesel pusher so I can’t see where that would be much of an issue.

Rad

[Bob86ZZ4]

Just a bit of nomenclature too. The term "hdt" usually refers to using a semi tractor type truck to pull a 5th wheel camper. A single unit rv built on a semi tractor type truck chassis would more commonly be referred to as a "truck conversion." Yay for looking at a truck conversion purchase. They are great. Weight isn't the issue as Rad said. My t/c is 36' long and with full (200 gallons) water tanks I'm under 27k lbs. The only place you might not be allowed in is one of those "class A only" parks. Their rules sometimes say if it's got a hood it's not a class A. Who would want to stay with a bunch of class A rigs that don't allow hoods anyhow?

A t/c is a great rv platform. Don't let any salesman from a rv dealer that doesn't sell t/c's tell you otherwise.

[Global Auto And RV]

I know that on the back roads it can be a pain to have such a large rig, I know when i am planning my trip i call around to most all of the camp grounds on my route and let them know what i have and when i plan to camp there, that way they can have a spot open for me (if they have trees in the way they will find a spot that is accessible. They will also tell me what roads i can use to get in/out of the park.

Melbourne RV

[bushpilot]

Ok i can see the issue from a SNOB appeal perspective - but ive got no more OVERHEAD clearance need and weigh no more than a PUSHER...Every park we've been in (and im still new to this), we've attracted as much or more INTEREST than most of the "ordinary" pushers (its to the point that a high end pusher is common place).

any place a pusher can go, i can go and i can back in to any RV slot....i dont need a pull thru like some non driving TOTER HOMER owners.

[#90-GTSC]

Last summer I looked at a 1981 Prevost (I think it was a Marathon conversion). In 1996 it had a new engine and transmission installed and the Marathon factory (or whoever did the original conversion) did a complete update of the interior and updated the outside lights to bring it into the 20th century. I was really impressed how nice the coach looked ... looked like something less than 15 years old! I think the miles on the new engine and trans was in the 150K area; no idea of the miles on the chassis.

Price was $75,000. I suspect I could have horse traded to something less than that.

So if the park has a Class A only ... no hoods allowed policy ... I could show up with my $75,000 Prevost and "be welcome" but you guys who bought your $200K or $300K Renegades or NRCs or Showhaulers are going to get pointed down the road?

Doesn't seem right. But then its a free country and type of RV is not a protected class under any anti-discrimination laws I'm aware of!

If I get an under $100K Prevost, get it into an exclusive Class A, no hoods allowed park and any of you are in the area ... you're more than welcome to come and visit. Please bring your potato cannons and lets see who can get a potato the furthest out in the pond! Winner gets to blow the train whistle!

[Bob86ZZ4]

Good one, #90.