03-27-2016, 09:51 PM
If you are spending a great deal of time in a coach, bigger is better. That being said, we lived full time in 36' RV's for several years. We got into many National Parks with a 36'. It was a little tight a couple of times. Each foot you add makes some area of the coach larger. In some cases, the extra space seems wasted, in others, it really adds to the usefulness. My wife loves to cook so to her, having a good sized kitchen is important. To others, they would consider a large kitchen/gallery a waste of space. Same with the bathroom. Layout is frequently more important than absolute length IF the layout works for you.
Longer coaches typically have more bay space but they can have a slightly reduced weight carrying capacity until you get to 40' with a tag axle. The tag axle is a dead giveaway at National and many State Parks that you are too big but it can add thousands of pounds of extra weight carrying capacity. Just find something you are comfortable with and remember that the maintenance and condition are critical in an older coach. You can fix most problems but sometimes it is cheaper in the long run to buy a coach that is in better condition to start with. Many/most of the Classics will have already had many of the more spendy items replaced (AC's, furnaces, refrigerators, electronics) but they may need replacement again when you are looking at a 30 year old coach. Look for one with good bones and it should give you years of enjoyment (as well as an opportunity to develop your mechanical skills).
Longer coaches typically have more bay space but they can have a slightly reduced weight carrying capacity until you get to 40' with a tag axle. The tag axle is a dead giveaway at National and many State Parks that you are too big but it can add thousands of pounds of extra weight carrying capacity. Just find something you are comfortable with and remember that the maintenance and condition are critical in an older coach. You can fix most problems but sometimes it is cheaper in the long run to buy a coach that is in better condition to start with. Many/most of the Classics will have already had many of the more spendy items replaced (AC's, furnaces, refrigerators, electronics) but they may need replacement again when you are looking at a 30 year old coach. Look for one with good bones and it should give you years of enjoyment (as well as an opportunity to develop your mechanical skills).