We have had a small 5th wheel for years and still enjoy it but are considering switching to a 25 to 27 ft. Class C or even a similar length Class A. But, like many of you, our income will require one older(early 2000's or even late 90's) How many of you have purchased a motor home with years and miles and how did it go. The last thing we want is to get one that is constantly costing hundreds or thousands for repairs. Our son tried one in the mid-90's for $11,500 but it was a ton of trouble and $$$. Don't know if that was unusual or typical?
Most will tell you what a big mistake you are about to make. Check my sig. Bought this about the time we joined the group and couldn't be happier. repairs, yes. But with good due diligence, the right older vehicle is out there.
1988 Mallard class c 24' Chevy chassis 350 cu gas.
Any motorhome you buy, no matter what age, is going to cost you thousands for repairs, maintenance and upgrades. The newer the motorhome, the more they cost. There are a lot of older rigs for sale out there that are in excellent condition and would make a great RV for you. Just start looking.
Miles
Miles and Darcey
1989 Holiday Rambler Crown Imperial
Denver, CO
In the older years, the "Holiday Rambler" units (I put that in quotes because there was also "Alumalite", "McKenzie" and maybe more) offer vastly superior construction unless you get into really rare like the few Airstream motorhomes that looked like their iconic shiny trailer, or the the B+ range like Telstar.
God Bless, jd
2003 Jayco Escapade 31A on 2002 Ford E450 V10 4R100
I bought a 95 in about 2007 and it wasn't bad at all. I had to fix some things while I owned it but nothing major. I knew I was in for tires and batteries when I bought it. During my ownership I had to replace dump valves, charging relay, fix a snotty water heater (plugged jet) and fix the fridge which had been disabled by crud in chimney. Never had a catastrophe and it's still good.
I know lots of folks with older RVs. If taken care of they are just fine.
My TT is not a class C but it was full timed in for years. As a matter of fact the PO I bought it from pulled it out from the lot where it lived for years, with a wood deck around it. Lol
I replaced the tires, repacked the wheel bearings, and inspected/repaired the brakes.
All systems work as they should.
If the rig was full timed in you may be suprised to find that most or all of the appliances work as they should.
When they sit, exposed , in the heat and cold with no use, that's when they can go bad.
However if the structure is sound everything else can be brought back at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
I would expect to replace the tires, do a full fluid change, carb rebuild (if equipped), check the propane system, check for water leaks and then go have fun camping!
Don't get discouraged, follow your gut, check your emotions, if something doesn't feel right then do a risk assessment and be prepared to walk on to the next one.
Thanks!
TT: 1995 Layton 2910
Tow Vehicle: 1999 F-350, v10, 2wd, Crew Cab, Dually
Hitch: Draw-Tite Trunnion WD Hitch
Sway Control: Valley dual friction sway control
Brake Control: Tekonsha Voyager
"It's Kind of Fun To Do The Impossible"
~Walt Disney~
It's a balancing act.....spend money for the newer one, or spend money ON the older one.....either way, owning an RV isn't for the faint of heart or wallet.
If you give it a good check-over and the miles are good, the unit looks well cared for, and they keep maintenance records, you can save a lot of money, and enjoy yourselves in a decade or older RV.
Just be willing to put aside some extra money for the repairs, as they will come along.
Look for any leakage (big item in a "C" cab-over) as well as the tires that were mentioned above. You may want to have the engine checked out, but other than the drivetrain, it's going to be very similar to your previous RV.
Have fun, and good luck
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
not sure what is most important dealer or private, bought mine in 10 its a 98 coachmen c had 29k 450h gen so far lost 1 coil, 1 awning (my fault) & ball joints but it was prv. & we love it just do a lot of searching we did 1 wkend 1000 mi(local State) & this was last i we saw. they are out there just takes time. MUST have all manuarls,also if ur handy can save lot $$$
98 Coachmen "C" Santara Model FL (Front Lounge) 304
Ford v 10
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FMCA# F407293
