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RE: New Member / First Time RV'er / Advice Needed
Don't pay too much! Research selling (not asking) prices for the unit you are interested in before making an offer. PPL (people) motorhomes on the net is a good resource. NADA is good to look at too.
You can also search eBay's completed sales for the unit or one similar.
I think it is important to understand your usage: traveling more than parking. That is the lure to a Class A for me (although I have not ruled out TT for many of the reasons stated here).
I also think a motorized RV would get more casual use than a TT. I would not consider bringing a TT to a ball game for tailgating, or to the sledding hill as a warming hut, or to pop a couple of hours down the hwy with family & friends to take a wine tour.
But I am in your shoes - not an actual owner. So discount this advise as you see fit.
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Haley
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02/08/13 06:55am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Opinions from those who have owned Pace Arrow or Bounder
Oh, and there seems to be a price cliff right at the ten year mark. I find the difference between a 2003 and 2004 is much more than between a 2002-3 or 2004-5. I am thinking this is because of financing. Harder to get a loan for a 10+ year old vehicle. Just my observation.
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Haley
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01/31/13 07:49am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Opinions from those who have owned Pace Arrow or Bounder
Jobe,
We are traveling down the same road - looking at A's in that price range with many of the same concerns. A few thoughts...
Pricing: I like to look at completed auctions on eBay. I think PPL lists motorhomes sold as well. PPL does not give the sale price but they show the initial asking price so you can figure it sold for that or less. If the seller can justify something higher (new tires, etc) than you have a number to start from. Not a number you or the seller picked out of the air.
Slides: If you are thinking resale these may add to it (although I agree with you on your concerns).
Water Damage: Seems to be a killer for resale. Even if it is something you can live with think about that.
Ford: I like the idea of the tried and true Ford 460. But search on "manifold" seems to be a common and expensive repair for these?
I am using same strategy - look for a higher end older unit. Diesel sounds great but intimidates me with repair costs like you mentioned).
Mileage: I do not like low mileage units. I think these beasts need their exercise.
Investment: I do not expect to get my money back. But if you purchase one as old as these the percentage of depreciation is much less. If I could buy for $20k and sell for $15k a few years later I'd be happy. Purchase price is the "down payment"; maintenance and fuel are the operational costs. I do not expect to get those back. Sure, adding new tires may make it sell quicker but I am not sure I'd get the expense back.
Upgrades: I see a lot of units upgraded. In real estate they advise "neutral colors." Any upgrade I do I want to be attractive to the next guy.
An ounce of prevention: Preventive maintenance (Eterna bonding seams, oil change, proper winterization) is important. If the repair costs eat the money set aside for maintenance you are in a downward spiral.
Use: How important is towing; how important is fitting easily into state park sites? What about MPG.
Tag: This was new to me. I thought more expensive tires. But if the rims are small / cheaper how much of an expense is it. And does it add to drivability.
CCC: The hidden number mos people overlook. I think you have it though.
My two cents. Good luck with your search. Right now PPL has a sweet Pace Arrow (no affiliation).
John
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Haley
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01/31/13 07:46am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Brand spankin' newbie Rochester, NY
Greetings,
I am in Rochester as well. I have tent camped Allegheny and state parks in 1000 islands. I think both are great destinations.
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Haley
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01/16/13 08:26am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: selling a motorhome
If your rig has a dedicated group of followers, you may find that they have their own web site with classifieds. I know Airstream owners do this.
You can view sale prices on eBay if you search completed sales. There is a make/model I am looking for just down the road, but the listed asking price is so high compared to what they are selling for I have not even bothered to call.
If using Craigslist, look into a way where you can link to or include more than just 4 photos.
Photos and descriptive text - what sets your model apart? Fiberglas roof, aluminum sides, recently purchased tires? Garage kept? Maintenance records?
I always like to see photos of a rig in use too. If it is sinking into the weeds in the back yard that says something. If you include a photo (date stamped) from a recent trip I know the rig is in use. Plus you are selling the lifestyle - not just the rig.
Find the biggest flaw and include it. If I get to your house and see that there is water damage that you have not mentioned the 3x we spoke I know right off the bat you are hiding stuff.
Not sure if I would suggest eBay if you do not already use it and have a lot of positive feedback. If you do, that is great.
my 2 cents...
John
PS Seat belts. I found a model I liked and made it all the way out to the lot before I found out that the 30+ foot vehicle had only seat belts for 2 (no belts in slide)
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Haley
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01/16/13 08:17am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: How difficult is it to sell motorhome on ebay?
I shop eBay and Craigslist. This is what I look for:
Price: Sure, check NADA. Me? I check completed auctions on eBay for the identical or similar item. To me, this is true market value. I think PPL lists them too. And when I come knocking with an offer I will have these to show that I am not just pulling the number out of thin air. Sort of like what Realtors do selling houses.
Photos: Plenty of photos. Good lighting. No fish eye cameras. A basic walk through. Video is great as well. If you are selling in summer, and there is snow in the photo that is bad. And clean it up a bit, but leave some items out to show that it is used.
Usage: I shop older motorhomes. I do not want to many miles, or to few. If you can tell me you just got back from a trouble free trip that is good news to my ears. Not interested in the rig that sits next to your house unused months on end.
Floorplan: It has to work. I think every RV is a compromise though. I am amazed how many people do not include something as simple as # of seat belts in the ad.
Fibs: If you say it is ready to hit the road, but the photos show it out back next to the shed behind a bunch of tall grass I will wonder. If you say your tires are "new" because they only have 3000 miles on them but they are original equipment on a 10 year old rig I will think you are being creative or don't know your rig. If you say it has to go this week and it is August but the photos show snow... See where I am going here - not really lies but pieces of information that may not fit together just right. I do not want to find out about its shortcomings when I get there. I would preferably discuss it up front.
Make: Care is often more important than make with the older MH's I shop, but somethings help. Like Airstream and Winnebago offer Fiberglass roof. I view this as a plus. If you list maintenance, that is a plus. If you list repairs, that is a plus too. I do not expect a trouble free rig in the years I shop but if I hear you have spent a bit of money on it recently I view that as a good sign - continued care.
Just my two cents as an active shopper.
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Haley
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09/18/12 10:37am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Winnie Adventurer
Seller says Ford V10 Triton... So I will look for the 2 issues. Can anyone confirm that there are belts in the dinette?
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Haley
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09/18/12 07:11am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Winnie Adventurer
It is 33', has a large slide and no barrel chair so from the brochure I am thinking the 33wq.
Yes, I found the Winnie brochure archive - very handy indeed. Thank you.
Owner says she sees slots for seat belts in dinette, so I will have to check. That is actually important fir us. Ability to bring friends or give each kid som space.
Thanks for he 2 plug issues, good info.
Jh
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Haley
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09/17/12 04:47pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Winnie Adventurer
Oh yeahhh. Aluminum threads or something. I believe there was a correction for it though. Something to look into, thank you Tom.
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Haley
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09/17/12 01:37pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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Winnie Adventurer
Hello all,
Looking at a '98 Winnebago Adventurer on a Ford Triton chassis. I looks like this year has the fiberglass roof, which seems a plus. Also newly purchased tires and regularly used which are pluses. A bit tight for sleeping a family of 4, and only seat belts for 5 are minuses in our book.
Would welcome feedback on this model from those in the know. Use would be family vacations (2 teenagers) and the occasional soccer match, football game, fall foliage tour to keep it exercised.
John
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Haley
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09/17/12 01:25pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Toyota Land Cruiser
Yes - I liked the 3 bay version. My kids are 11 & 13. They have more fun when friends are with them. I saw some great pointers about space for rainy days - although at 19' that is touchy. Sleeping with fold outs closed for 2 would be nice to - would allow dry camping in colder weather. Low weight, low cost...
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Haley
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09/11/12 07:21am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Toyota Land Cruiser
It is a '96 with factory tow package.
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Haley
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09/11/12 05:55am |
Tow Vehicles
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Toyota Land Cruiser
Rated for 5000lbs. Looking at hybrid trailers in the < 4000 lbs range, < 25ft. Would welcome thoughts. Woul add WD gear as well as sway control.
Thanks
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Haley
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09/10/12 06:58pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: What CG for Finger Lakes New York in the Fall
Oops - duplicate post
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Haley
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08/23/12 09:40am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: What CG for Finger Lakes New York in the Fall
We tent camped T-Falls this Summer and I was disappointed how tight and non-private the sites were. Also, we listened to rt89 all night long. I am a tent camper though, used to not seeing your neighbor so may be spoiled. I did talk to Ranger, and since we were checking IN on Sunday they let us select a different site (still tight).
jh
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Haley
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08/23/12 09:37am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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