When Guy and I decided it was time to purchase a Class A diesel pusher, we quickly realized there was no shortage of opinions. Every owner seemed convinced that their brand was the best, every dealership had a different recommendation, and every YouTube video highlighted a different "must-have" feature.

At first, it felt impossible to compare them all.

What finally helped us was shifting our mindset. Instead of asking, "Which RV is the best?" we started asking, "Which RV is the best for the way we travel?"

That one question changed everything.

If you are beginning your search, here are the things that mattered most to us—and why they should be on your checklist, too.

1. Buy for the Way You Actually Travel

This was probably the biggest lesson we learned.

It is easy to shop for the vacation you might take someday instead of the trips you know you will take.

For us, it is just the two of us—and our two Shih Tzus, Tatsu and Tanq.

We are not traveling with kids. We are not planning to host overnight guests every weekend. We are not looking for bunk beds or a second bathroom.

Instead, we wanted a coach with a spacious living area, a comfortable kitchen, plenty of storage, and room to relax after a day of exploring.

Being honest about our travel style immediately narrowed our choices.

2. Gas or Diesel?

One of our first decisions was choosing between a gas coach and a diesel pusher.

Neither is inherently "better." It simply depends on how you plan to use your RV.

Because we wanted to travel throughout the country—including mountain regions—we felt a diesel pusher made the most sense.

We liked the idea of having more torque for climbing steep grades, a quieter ride thanks to the rear-mounted engine, and a coach designed for longer-distance travel.

For us, those benefits outweighed the higher purchase price.

3. The Floor Plan Came Before the Décor

Beautiful cabinets and fancy finishes can catch your eye, but they were not what sold us.

We spent much more time imagining how we would move through the coach every day.

Could we cook comfortably?

Would there be enough room to watch a movie?

Could one of us work while the other relaxed?

Would we still love the layout after spending several weeks on the road?

A floor plan that works for your daily life will always outlast trendy finishes or color schemes.

4. Storage Is More Important Than You Think

Every RV has storage.

Not every RV has usable storage.

As we toured coaches, we paid close attention to both the interior cabinets and the basement storage bays.

We knew we wanted to carry folding chairs, tools, outdoor gear, cooking supplies, seasonal clothing, and everything else that makes extended travel comfortable.

The more organized your storage, the less stressful life on the road becomes.

5. Think Beyond Weekend Camping

We were not buying an RV for occasional weekends.

We wanted something comfortable enough for extended trips.

That changed how we evaluated everything.

Instead of asking, "Will this work for three days?" we asked, "Will we still enjoy this after three weeks?"

That led us to prioritize features like a residential refrigerator, comfortable seating, generous counter space, and a bedroom that felt relaxing rather than cramped.

6. Consider Your Pets

Our two Shih Tzus are part of every adventure.

When we walked through different motorhomes, we found ourselves looking at them from a dog's perspective.

Was there enough open floor space?

Would they have a comfortable place to nap while we traveled?

Would they constantly be underfoot?

If you travel with pets, think about their comfort as much as your own. They spend just as much time in the coach as you do.

7. Pay Attention to the Little Luxuries

When you first shop for an RV, it is easy to focus on the big-ticket items.

• Engine.
• Length.
• Horsepower.
• Slides.
• But sometimes it is the smaller features that improve your daily experience the most.
• Heated tile floors.
• A residential refrigerator.
• Comfortable furniture.
• An outdoor television.

Easy-to-reach storage compartments.

These may seem like bonuses at first, but when you are living in the coach for weeks at a time, they become part of what makes it feel like home.

8. Think About Where You Want to Go

The places you plan to visit should influence the RV you buy.

• Do you dream of state parks?
• National parks?
• Luxury RV resorts?
• Cross-country road trips?
• Mountain driving?

Your travel goals will help determine the size, power, storage, and features that matter most.

For us, we wanted a coach that could comfortably handle long travel days while giving us the space to enjoy the destinations once we arrived.

9. Research the Service Network

This is something many first-time buyers overlook.

Even the best-built RV will eventually need service or warranty work.

Before purchasing, we looked at where service centers were located and whether we would be able to get support while traveling.

Knowing there was an established service network gave us additional confidence in our decision.

10. Do Not Rush the Decision

Buying a diesel pusher is a significant investment.

Take your time.

• Walk through multiple coaches.
• Sit in the driver's seat.
• Pretend to cook a meal.
• Open every cabinet.
• Stand in the shower.
• Lie on the bed.

Picture a rainy day when you are inside for hours.

The more time you spend imagining everyday life in the coach, the more confident you will feel when it is time to make your decision.

Our Biggest Takeaway

Looking back, I am glad we stopped searching for the "best" motorhome and started searching for the best motorhome for us.

There is no perfect RV.

Every coach has strengths, compromises, and features that will appeal to different travelers.

For Guy and me, our priorities were simple:

• A comfortable home for two.
• Plenty of storage.
• A diesel pusher capable of mountain travel.
• Residential features that made longer trips enjoyable.
• Space for Tatsu and Tanq to come along on every adventure.

Those priorities eventually led us to our 2025 Fleetwood Palisade, and we could not be happier with the decision.

If you are shopping for your own Class A diesel pusher, my advice is simple:

Do not let someone else's "must-have" list become yours. Build your own list based on the way you truly want to travel. Chances are, you will end up with a coach that feels less like an RV and more like home.