Did We Make The Right Decision?

When we first brought home our 2025 Fleetwood Palisade, we were excited, a little nervous, and honestly wondering if we had made the right decision.


Buying a Class A diesel pusher is a big investment. No matter how many walkthroughs you do or how many YouTube videos you watch, you never really know if a coach is the right fit until you start putting miles on it.


Since taking delivery, Guy and I have traveled through several states, climbed mountain roads, spent nights at Harvest Hosts, visited national attractions, stayed at the REV Service Center in Indiana, and learned something new on every trip.

Looking back, here are the ten things we have come to appreciate most about our Fleetwood Palisade.


1. It Feels Like Home, Not Just an RV

This was probably the biggest surprise.

We expected the Palisade to be comfortable, but we did not expect it to feel so much like home.


Whether we are making coffee in the morning, watching a movie after a day of exploring, or simply relaxing while it rains outside, it never feels like we are "roughing it."


That feeling alone has made every trip more enjoyable.


2. The Floor Plan Was Absolutely the Right Choice

When we were shopping, we kept telling ourselves that the floor plan mattered more than almost anything else.


After several trips, I can confidently say that was the right decision.


Because it is just the two of us, we did not need bunk beds or extra sleeping space that would rarely be used.


Instead, we have a layout that gives us room to move around, cook, work, and relax without feeling crowded.


I honestly cannot imagine choosing a different floor plan for the way we travel.


3. The Ride Has Been Better Than We Expected

One of the things that impressed us most was how comfortable the coach feels on long travel days.


We knew we wanted a diesel pusher, especially because we planned to travel through mountain areas, but we did not fully appreciate how much quieter and more relaxed the driving experience would feel.


When you spend several hours behind the wheel, those little differences really add up.


4. Storage Makes Life So Much Easier

Every trip reminds us how valuable good storage really is.

The basement bays swallow up camping gear, tools, outdoor equipment, chairs, and everything else we seem to collect along the way.


Inside, everything has its place, which means we spend less time looking for things and more time enjoying where we are.

That may not sound exciting, but after a few trips, you realize organized storage is one of the best luxuries an RV can have.


5. The Residential Refrigerator Was Worth It

One thing we love is not having to think like campers when it comes to groceries.


Instead of squeezing food into a tiny refrigerator, we can shop more like we do at home.


That means fewer grocery runs and more flexibility, especially during longer trips.


It makes the coach feel much more like a real home than a vacation vehicle.


6. It Is Comfortable on Travel Days and Camping Days

Some RVs are wonderful once you arrive but tiring to travel in.

Others drive well but do not feel especially relaxing once you park.


The Palisade has done both well.


Long driving days have been comfortable, and once we arrive, we genuinely enjoy spending time inside the coach.

That balance has been one of our favorite surprises.


7. Tatsu and Tanq Have Adjusted Beautifully

If you travel with pets, you understand that they are part of every decision.


Our two Shih Tzus, Tatsu and Tanq, settled into RV life much faster than we expected.


They have their favorite spots for naps, they know the routine, and they seem just as excited about each new destination as we are.


Watching them enjoy the journey has made our adventures even more rewarding.


8. Every Trip Teaches Us Something New

Even with all the planning we did before buying the coach, ownership has been a learning experience.


Each campground, each travel day, and each destination teaches us another trick or another way to make life on the road a little easier.


Instead of seeing those lessons as frustrations, we have started viewing them as part of the adventure.


That mindset has made RV ownership a lot more enjoyable.


9. We Love the Lifestyle More Than We Expected

This might be the biggest surprise of all.


Yes, we bought an RV.


But what we really gained was a different way of traveling.

Instead of rushing through destinations, we find ourselves slowing down.


We stay longer.

We ride our bikes through small towns.

We discover local restaurants, Amish markets, hiking trails, and places we never would have found otherwise.


The coach has become more than transportation—it has become part of the experience.


10. We Are More Excited Than Ever About Future Trips

Every time we return home, we start talking about where we want to go next.


That probably tells us everything we need to know.


The Palisade has not just met our expectations—it has increased our excitement for the adventures ahead.


Whether it is another national park, a scenic mountain drive, or a quiet campground we have never visited before, we cannot wait to hit the road again.


Final Thoughts

People often ask if we are still happy with our decision.

Without hesitation, the answer is yes.


No RV is perfect, and every owner will eventually have a list of things they would change or improve. That is simply part of RV ownership.


But when we look at the things that mattered most to us—comfort, layout, drivability, storage, and creating a home that supports the way we travel—the Fleetwood Palisade has exceeded our expectations.


We know we still have plenty to learn, and we are sure our list of favorite features will continue to grow with every mile we travel.



For now, though, one thing is certain:

Choosing the Fleetwood Palisade was one of the best travel decisions we have made, and we are excited to keep sharing the journey with you.