woolvey
United States
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Joined: 06/26/2009
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Hello all, I've been camping in trailers and pop-ups for the last 12 years. I'll be retiring here in the next few months and would like to full-time for a period of about 2 years. I can't currently sell my house due to market conditions in my area but would probably have a renter. My question is I have about $35000 to spend on a class A. That price range will get me a Bounder around 1999-2001 depending on options etc or a Tiffen around 1996-1999. All the ones I've seen have less than 50k miles. Is it possible to get a class a (Bounder or otherwise) in that price range that will work well for 2 years of full time use? Trying to avoid constant mechanicalor other problems. All adds say their coach is in great condition but they can't all be. I'd like to hear from other who full time that spent in that price range, if there are any. Seems like most of the full timers have newer coaches and spent considerably more.
Thanks so much,
Pat
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Locomotiveman
Willmar, MN
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Joined: 03/07/2005
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Woolvey, I see 2003 to 2005 Gulfstreams or Winnebagos with Ford V-10 etc. and less than 30,000 miles being sold in your price range. Move older and $40,000 will get you a Diesel Pusher for that kind of cash. You might be shocked once you really,REALLY start searching E-bay and making serious offers with cash in hand by whats selling for $40,000 Get to a library and check out NADA's Recreation Vehicle Appraisal Guide (The Gold Book) or 800 966-6232 to buy it. Locomotiveman
Locomotiveman..Yes I am a career cross-country Locomotive Engineer. Wife is an RN. We are CLOSE to retiring and 'downsized' to a Monaco Executive w/450hp Cummins and nice drapes. Locomotiveman
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BarbaraOK
Livingston, Texas, USA
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If you are set on just fulltiming for 2 years, you aren't really fulltiming - just on an extended vacation. That's OK - but you will probably need a unit that is a little newer in that you will be moving a lot in order to see everything in two years. We've been fulltiming for 3 years and have just scratched the surface. Fulltiming is a different way of looking at life, it isn't vacationing, it is taking the time to explore an area, it is about the sense of wonder when you flip that coin and decide to go right or left and see what is down the road.
Barb
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firedude
On the road
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BarbaraOK wrote:If you are set on just fulltiming for 2 years, you aren't really fulltiming - just on an extended vacation. Barb
You mean to tell me I wasn't a full-timer until I had 2 years under my belt?  I wasn't aware Barb that there was a set time limit for one to qualify as a full-timer? If you are on the constant move traveling the country so see all the sites isn't that form of extended vacation in itself?
To the OP, if you shop carefully there are a lot of good used rigs out there. Some are sold at greatly reduced prices due to illnesses and other financial reasons. Take your time and shop carefully. In regards to condition, just be sure to have a rig checked out thoroughly before purchase. Not everyone who full-times is in a new rig. I've met many full-timers in good quality used rigs and doing quite well. The way I look at it is even if you buy a new rig the minute you pull off the dealers lot it becomes a "used" rig.
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Klueck
Georgia
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I would think with the market conditions that you would be able to find something nice in that price range with lower than 50,000 miles. Have you considered going to a dealer? That way you could get some kind of warranty, be able to check out the RV and also be able to look at and drive it first? You could also purchase an extended warranty if you wanted to.
I don't know where you are at...We bought ours 4 years ago from Lazy Days in Tampa. We got a RV that was warrantied and great service also. We found the sticker price had a LOT of room for negotiation. Some have said in the 30% range.
Good luck and have fun!
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Locomotiveman
Willmar, MN
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Woolvey, I meant to include REAL Motorhomes selling for about $35,000 on E-bay this week. 2002 GeorgieBoy w/ 3,000 miles for $36,900. 2001 Damon Challenger w/ 11,000 miles for $35,000. Hope this helps. Locomotiveman
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woolvey
United States
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Thanks for all the quick responses and suggestions. The 2 year period is based on being unable to get for my house what I need and being able to rent it to my son and 2 other students. They will graduate in 2 years and at that time I'll either sell if the economic conditions have improved or decide to stay in the house. 2 years gives me kind of a full time trial. I live in the Atlanta area and so far have not checked any dealers. Did go to a RV show a couple of weekends ago in Atlanta but it was pretty poor. Only one dealer (Bleakley) and the salepeople were only interested in talking new.
Best,
Pat
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WTTCS
freedom , U.S.A.
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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woolvey, what for it is worth ...............I lived in the Atlanta area for several years, and it is so hard to explain to someone there that the rv market is bad.
Please get outside and look around the u.s. Try rvtraderonline.com and other means of advertising. Atlanta rv dealers really suck , sorry to say.
1997 chev crew cab 454, 5 sp. 4.10
2000 Fleetwood Caribou 11.5
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LewMichele&Paws
Cowlitz County, WA
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Joined: 09/29/2005
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...and don't forget Craigslist, on Craigslist the unit is usually close enough that you can look it over several times as new questions come up. Bookmark several newspaper classified sections around your driving area and check them every morning. And remember, the economy has lowered prices in the used RV market. Firedude is right about older people having slightly used rigs. I'm a senior citizen and see it all the time. My son-in-law is looking into an 11 year old camper right now that is like new, always garaged, and being sold by seniors. Debt, poor health, divorce, death, umemployment and other factors all lead to sales of used RV units that are in excellent shape and even when sold at a reduced price are a win-win for both parties. You should be OK with diligent footwork and some good bargaining. Good luck...
Lew
Don't lose your head...to save a minute...you need your head...your brains are in it...Burma Shave
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woolvey
United States
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Thanks again for all the good advice. I have been reviewing Craig's list for most of the southeast cities and also RV online. As I won't be purchasing until toward the end of the year, I have been hesitant to go see any local ones on Craig's list as I did not want waste the time of the seller as I doubt many will want to hold on to one for that long but I won't have access to the funds until then. Who generally provides the service of checking out a used RV? I tried 2 dealers in Atlanta but they don't offer that service.
Best,
Pat
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