I just bought a '08 Jayco Greyhawk 31ss 10 days ago, and have already been on one long weekend trip. Left the day after we brought home for a short shake down cruise. All went well and enjoyed the trip. Next one planned is Labor Day weekend. I am NOT an experienced camper , I think Boy Scouts was the last time I camped.
So far, the pros are:
Makes the wife happy as she wanted one, I was not all that interested in the idea, but we all know several old sayings' about making the wife/boss happy. I have two boats as toys, so..... It is enjoyable, at least from my POV, but it is a LOT of work/effort in owning one so far. If you enjoy camping, and I snicker whenever I think of someone "camping" in a fully contained house on wheels with AC/electricity and a full, but small bath in the RV, this is the way to go imo. First trip met some really nice people in the same CG, everybody was nice and friendly, and everybody loved Roxy the boxer.
The downsides are more right now for me:
$$$$$ WILL be spent
MPG, can't say for sure but expect about 7-8 mpg from everything I've read and been told. RV's are NOT aerodynamic.
At the start this endeavor will be very time consuming, learning how to stock the RV, set it up, make the connections (electrical, sewer, water), set the awning out, set up "camp", what to take, what not to take, will I need this, do I want this, do I have room for this?
You will need to be a decent shade tree mechanic, with some knowledge of AC/DC current (RV's have both), a DIY attitude is helpful/beneficial as you can do a lot of maint stuff yourself, as it's about $100/hr shop labor rates around here + parts, etc. If you can maintain your house, car and boats DIY style, then you'll be ok.
Storage is an issue right now as ours is parked in our backyard, and storage spots are more $$, depending on if you want covered/with electricity, etc. I plan on building a parking spot, in our yard in the future, but have not decided on a exact spot yet. My wife even said I could park it in the front yard :LOL2:. I'm sure if the RV had been my idea instead of hers, the front yard would be the LAST place a 31' RV would be parked. It's amazing how attitudes change when it's their idea, and not the male species.
Any RV will be a money pit, just like a boat, some cars, some houses, etc., it all depends on if you are willing to spend the $$ to have some good times. GL