34J Windsport in Frisco, TX

[mccharliejr]

Hey Community!

I am thrilled to be here and loving the RV life so far. I had been wanting one my entire life and finally got the DW (I had to look up what that meant ) on board when our girls advanced in tennis and would need to start hitting the road for out of town tournaments. We did a few before we got the "Rig" and the economics made getting one a no-brainer. Hotel for 5 for two nights, boarding two dogs for two nights, eating every meal out for 5 for two nights... crazy expensive! You do the math and all of those expenses shrink a ton! And we get to take our dogs with us which is fun.

We purchased our Windsport at MotorHome Specialist South of Ft. Worth. Huge selection and prices were better than anywhere else I could find. However, their inspection and prep is way over blown. I did the overnight at their lot and it was obvious that they didn't do their 200 point inspection nor wash it as promised. I am over it now but just sharing for anyone that might make their way over there.

We got ours in Feb. and have done 2 overnights for fun and 1 tennis tournament and I love it. I have become such a geek and am always looking to learn more! I informed my family yesterday that we will own a coach for the rest of my life!

Would love some thoughts here... we are now trying to figure out the toad situation. I have a 2-wheel drive Grand Cherokee that I have had for 3 years before ever thinking about needing a toad so totally missed the boat on not getting a 4WD. And my wife drives Yukon so I don't want to tow that beast... anyway, I am not sure that I can given the weight. Considering we need a toad that can accommodate 5 and not wanting to break the bank... any thoughts? I have thought about towing the Jeep 4 up thinking that is cheaper than buying a 3rd car. Long story why I need to hold on to the Jeep and my wife loves the Yukon and how "safe" she feels in it. We could find space for a trailer if we needed. I know there is a bit more work to get it secured than 4 down but given our situation... thoughts? If I go with the trailer where would you all recommend looking? And what is the most compact yet functional option out there that you know of?

Again, great to meet you all and very excited to be a member of the community. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about me and I look forward to getting to know more about you all too!

Charlie

[Cabangan]

Welcome aboard! I'm new with the same model. I had a similar experience with La Mesa of San Diego...yep.

[Jmccombe]

Hi Charlie,

Welcome. My toad is a Jeep Wrangler, and I tow 4 down. I've had the brake buddy in the past and it works great, but takes some time to get setup each time you tow. This time I went with blue ox tow bars and the SMI Stay n Play in the Jeep. I love it. Now, its pricey, and only work is the vehicle where it is installed, but getting ready to tow is as simple as hooking up, flipping a switch, and checking the lights. I'm sure others will chime in, but I'm super happy with my setup. I also had a couple of "oh ****" moments on my shakedown run. The RV and the Toad stopped quickly, with control.

All the best,

Jim

[mccharliejr]

Thanks Cabangan & Jim!

It is great to be here and will be fantastic learning from others as my family and I continue our new life with a coach!

Glad to be a member of the community.

Charlie

[Jegdrum5050]

Welcome from Florida! Happy trails

[SuperD]

Charlie, Congratulations on your new coach!!! We have a Windsport 29M that we bought at MSHRV also you're right about about prices, selection, and nice people!!!

We got the 29M because there is just the two of us and are very happy with our choice!

If you look on the forum under class A, Jerry's Hurricane mods, you will see a lot of great ideas that will apply to your coach also. We have a Yukon so I know what you are getting into if you want to take it with you, we don't tow ours. You will need a car hauling trailer at least 18 feet long and capable of carrying 6,000 lbs which will mean at least a double axel, it will be heavy, and it won't be cheap. You'll also need an electric brake controller for your coach. You will have a big heavy trailer, even when it's empty and a place to park it. You'll also be approaching, if not going over, what your coach is capable of towing which is 8,000 lbs. Towing your Jeep would be much more practical and a lot cheaper to set up. I know how DWs can be, I'm married to a redhead, but maybe you can explain it just isn't practical and probably not doable!

I hope you and your family enjoy many safe and happy miles, and have FUN!!!

[scottb34J]

We just got a 34J ourselves and for a toad we use our 2012 Chevy Equinox. I purchased a ready brute elite tow bar which has the braking built into the tow bar. Plus it will tow 8000 lbs. Super simple system.

[mccharliejr]

Thanks, Super D! I agree that the Jeep is the only option to do four up unless we get a new toad. Just not psyched at the thought of spending more money.

29M is great and what we were first considering. Then realized converting the couch and dinette each night for our two girls would have become a headache. We love the 34J with the bunkhouse. Our girls (8 & 10) both have their own rack so they always have their "own" space. My 12 year old son loves the power loft and I love not converting furniture each night we are out!

Thanks again for taking the time to share your 2cents!
Charlie

[mccharliejr]

Thanks Scott! I am not familiar with the Brute Elite so will definitely check that out if we get a new toad. I do love the idea of four down and the ease of managing it. Thanks for sharing!

Charlie

[SuperD]

For a family with three children I think you made a Great choice! I love the layout of the bunk house 34J. Our grandson tried out the drop down bed on our 29M, he's 11, and we almost couldn't get him out!!!