Well, we got several good comments about our first installment on this subject, so let’s push forward with more of our observations in our ongoing attempt to find the ideal diesel pusher motorhome.
So, where are we so far in our project to design our ideal DP? Well, we want a fairly large, midship LCD TV that you can watch with the slides in, and no full wall slide. So far, so good. Now, here is another item that we want, and that makes me wonder when looking at motorhomes on display at various RV shows. Our motorhome has solid surface countertops and we really like it. Our stove top is also covered by the same material. However, our stove top is also hinged. In other words, when you want to use the stove we simply raise the top, fold it to the back of the stove and it resides there until we are finished and the stove has cooled, then we fold the top back into place. On virtually all new motorhomes, the same stove top is supplied as two loose pieces laying on the stove top. If you want to use the stove, you lift the pieces off, and then stand in the middle of the kitchen, looking foolish while you decide if you want to put the pieces in the bedroom on the bed, or, better yet, put them in the basement for permanent storage. Cost of two hinges: $2.50. Go figure that one.
My next subject is not really within my area of expertise and I defer to my lovely wife and partner, Linda, to inspect and pass judgement. That is the area of storage within the living quarters which includes the kitchen, the bath area and the bedroom.
In the kitchen we need room for all sorts of cooking and storage utensils as well as an endless array of food preparation implements. Add to that the necessary food items including canned goods, boxed goods, bottled goods, spices and other ingredients, paper towels, plastic bags, foil and waxed paper, etc, and you have the need for a lot of kitchen storage.
In the bath area, you need room for towels, washcloths, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products including spares, hair dryer, iron, and the list goes on. Obviously a lot of storage space is necessary in the bath.
In then bedroom, you need closet space for the range of clothing items including hanging space, and drawers. If you live in your coach for extended periods, this supply of clothing can be extensive.
Finally, you will need room for the stuff you need to keep you entertained while traveling, including hobby and reading material. In my wife’s case, this is an extensive collection of sewing “stuff” which occupies a lot of room in our storage areas.
When you go into a motorhome and look around at the provided storage in these areas you begin to realize how poorly many manufacturers address this need in the category of Class A motorhomes. It should go without saying that all the provided storage drawers and cabinets should be built in a high quality manner with strong joints, solid wood and strong drawer slides. One recent example we came across was a DP that had no storage in the bath area, none! When Linda inquired of the salesman where she should store her towels, the salesman responded, “I’m sure your husband can come up with something”!!
So, a lot of usable storage space is essential for an ideal motorhome. We will talk more about this in a future installment. Until then, happy RVing.
Larry