If there is one question Guy and I hear more than any other, it is this:

"Why did you choose the Fleetwood Palisade?"

The truth is, we did not buy the biggest motorhome we could find or the one with the flashiest features. We bought the coach that fit the way we actually travel.

Everyone's dream RV is different. Some families need bunk beds. Some travelers want a toy hauler. Others plan to live full-time in their RV.

For us, it came down to comfort, storage, drivability, and creating a home that would let us explore North America with our two Shih Tzus, Tatsu and Tanq, without feeling like we were constantly sacrificing comfort.

After months of research and walking through what felt like hundreds of coaches, the 2025 Fleetwood Palisade 45CS checked every box.

We Travel as a Couple

One of the biggest decisions we made was being honest about how we travel.

It is just the two of us.

We are not planning to travel with grandchildren.

We are not hosting overnight guests every weekend.

We did not need bunk beds.

Instead, we wanted a spacious living area that felt open and comfortable for everyday life.

The Palisade has a sofa that converts into a queen-size bed if someone ever does stay with us, but we did not want permanent bunks taking up valuable living space.

Buying an RV based on your real lifestyle—not the "what ifs"—made our decision much easier.

We Wanted a Diesel Pusher

One feature we knew we wanted from the beginning was a diesel pusher.

Living in Florida means many of our trips involve heading north, and we knew mountain driving would become part of our adventures.

A rear-engine diesel coach provides more torque for climbing grades and generally delivers a quieter driving experience because the engine sits behind you rather than underneath the driver.

That was a huge selling point for us.

Long travel days are simply more enjoyable when conversations do not have to compete with engine noise.

We Fell in Love with the Floor Plan

It is amazing how two RVs can be the exact same length and feel completely different inside.

The moment we walked into the Palisade, something just clicked.

The coach felt open.

Bright.

Comfortable.

We could picture ourselves making coffee in the morning, relaxing after a day of exploring, editing YouTube videos, and simply enjoying the journey.

It did not feel like we were squeezing into an RV.

It felt like home.

Storage Matters More Than You Think

One thing that surprised us while shopping was just how different basement storage can be from one coach to another.

The Palisade has generous storage bays, which means we can carry everything we need without constantly playing a game of RV Tetris.

Camping chairs.

Outdoor rugs.

Grill.

Tools.

Bike gear.

Extra supplies.

There is a place for everything.

When you spend weeks on the road instead of just a weekend, storage becomes one of those features you appreciate every single day.

We Love the Residential Features

There are a handful of features that simply make life easier.

The full-size residential refrigerator means we can stock up on groceries instead of making constant trips to the store.

The heated floors might sound like a luxury, but after spending time in cooler climates, they quickly became one of our favorite features.

Little touches like these make the coach feel less like camping and more like living comfortably wherever we happen to park.

Outdoor Living Was Important

We love spending time outside.

Whether we are relaxing at a campground, watching a game, or simply enjoying the evening, the outdoor entertainment area gets used often.

The outdoor television makes movie nights easy, and having an exterior cooler nearby means fewer trips inside for drinks and snacks.

An RV should help you enjoy the outdoors—not keep you inside all day.

It Is a Great Home for Tatsu and Tanq

Our two Shih Tzus, Tatsu and Tanq, are part of every adventure.

One of the things we appreciated about the Palisade was how easily they could move around inside.

They have plenty of room to stretch out while we're driving, cozy places to nap, and enough floor space that we are not constantly stepping over them.

Traveling with pets changes the way you evaluate an RV, and we wanted them to feel just as comfortable as we do.

The Size Was Right for Us

Some people prefer shorter coaches because they feel easier to maneuver.

Others want the biggest RV available.

For us, the 45-foot length was the right balance.

It gives us the interior space we wanted without feeling like we compromised on comfort.

Yes, you have to pay attention to campground lengths and route planning, but for the way we travel, the extra living space is absolutely worth it.

We Wanted a Coach We Could Grow Into

Buying an RV is a significant investment.

We did not want something we would outgrow in a year or two.

Instead, we wanted a coach that would support the kind of travel we dream about—long road trips, national parks, scenic back roads, and extended stays in places we've always wanted to explore.

The Fleetwood Palisade gives us that flexibility.

Our Final Thoughts

Could another RV have worked?

Absolutely.

There are many excellent motorhomes on the market.

But after countless hours of research, touring coaches, comparing floor plans, and thinking honestly about how we travel, the 2025 Fleetwood Palisade felt like the perfect fit.

It is spacious without feeling oversized inside.

Comfortable enough for extended trips.

Powerful enough for mountain adventures.

Practical for life on the road.

And, perhaps most importantly, it already feels like home.

We know we will continue learning new things with every mile we travel, and we are excited to share both the highlights and the lessons along the way.

If you are currently shopping for a motorhome, our biggest piece of advice is this:



Buy the coach that fits the way you actually travel—not the way you think you might travel someday.