Just wanted to introduce myself, and thank you all for the advice and opinions I've read so far.
The "best rig for $300,000" thread was the deciding factor that motivated me to join, this, my first RV forum.
The $300k is my number for a class "A" too.
I subscribe to the school of "letting someone else take the depreciation hit" thought.
I have just decided not to buy a boat for around that sum, and have already re-structured my porfoilio, so while I have the cash available, I would like to make the purchase. However, I know that it will take some months before I am certain about "The One" to buy.
Finally, my question: Where is the best place to look for quality used rigs, about 3 years old? I have owned and operated many diesel rigs in the past, and know, beyond the shadow of doubt that a quality rig with 20,000 miles on it is just broken in.
Other than just falling into a deal, where should I look? Manufacturers pre-owned sites? Reputable dealers(are there any?), publications.
My requirements for a rig would be cold, dry camping, lots of solar panels on the roof and batteries(AGM)in the basement. I would like to do the desert in the winter and the high country in the summer.
Ditto to DiMartini and Lazy Days. I got a great deal on my 2007 Beaver Contessa at Lazy Days, and saw some really nice rigs at DeMartini. Don't be in a hurry to buy, and when you decide on a few potential models, contact a salesman at each place and ask them to contact you when a really nice one is coming in. They don't last too long.
With today's market and fuel prices, you should have no problem finding a private owner wanting to sell for cash. With cash you are going to have a huge selection to chose from in a high dollar MH. I would look for a private owner before a dealer.
DeWayne & Judy
04 3810 Dutch Star
ISL 370
Frank's autoformer
01 Sahara Jeep-toad
F 374382
It is hard to kiss the lips at night, that has chewed your butt all day long!
Economical Handyman wrote: With today's market and fuel prices, you should have no problem finding a private owner wanting to sell for cash. With cash you are going to have a huge selection to chose from in a high dollar MH. I would look for a private owner before a dealer.
What do you guys/gals think about the future of big rig RV'ing in light of the ever increasing fuel costs?
On the one hand there seem to be a lot of fine rigs for sale out there, on the other, I have this twinge of a notion that I might be shopping for a soon to be extinct beast that will be harder and harder to service and maintain.
Please for give me if I am stepping on some toes, but this a lot of cash, and I want to spend it wisely.
If you have the cash to buy a nice rig, then I'd hope you have the cash to pay for fuel. It's a much smaller expense than the rig...
I think we will see the middle class families dropping out of going RV's in motorhomes as much as they used to with the inflation squeeze on fuel, food, etc.
If you have the income, then you have to ask yourself - does it really matter?
I plan to buy a motorhome soon, and I am looking for something to fit my family. I want to get something that's in the 34-36' range so I can fit easily into all the state parks, as well as I want a fuel efficient diesel rig. For me that means I'm looking for something with the Cummins ISB motor and my budget range is $40-50K. That will put me into a 1999-2001 age range diesel's, which I'm fine with. At that price there isn't much depreciation left...
SSSStefan
2006 Chev 2500HD - Crew Cab D/A
2005 VW Passat TDI wagon - tow vehicle for the pup!
2005 Fleetwood Allegiance
The most important thing you will ever do - www.claybe.com
TDI, you bring up a point I've been thinking about,(one of many). What size Class "A" is best for boondocking? Or, CAN one boondock in a class "A"?
I want to do wildlife photography and will be pulling a 2007 Toyota 4wd 4ruuner toad. I'll also need some sort of office to do stock and options trading in. Of course I realize I'll have to be, at least in range of a cell tower. I am sure I won't be able to bring my server sized comupter and the 5 24" monitors I presently use aboard. A toy hauler would probably modify for the office but being in the rear would beat the cr@p out of my equipment. Any ideas?
Well - I have a popup camper now - and I really enjoy it, but with the two young boys - and we want to travel some - go see the USA... it's the best way to travel.
What I've heard is that when boondocking - you need to be conservative with all your "resources" that being water, battery life and fuel.
If you plan to use your massive computer system out in the boonies - then you'd need mega batteries with solar panels on the roof, or run the diesel generator...
So you have 5 monitors? Gee I only have 2 24" monitors, but I'm not a stock/option guy. Maybe I should throw a few buxs at you and have you make me a few more, then I'd go and buy a $300K coach myself!
Bring yourself a nice laptop and get a docking station to hook up extra monitors. Maybe you should get a coach with a BID LCD tv that you can use as a monitor, or maybe a video projector and screen - I've seen it done before...
I'd be happy to chat more - if you'd like to send me a PM with your contact info.
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