Kbeck8328
Utah
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Joined: 12/13/2021
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My wife and I are really wanting to get a class c rv. We are contemplating the below choices.
2010 Winnebago Chalet 224VR, $22k, 80k miles
2015 Four Winds, $33k, 117k miles
2013 Thor Chateau, $35k, 44k miles
This is all really new to me so I'm not exactly sure what questions I should be asking to further help my decision making. Any advice? Or any sites I should go to for more research.
Thanks in advance!
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Joined: 05/06/2013
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Welcome! And yeah the plethora of RVs out there makes it tough to compare apples to apples especially until one has been searching for a while and develops a feel for what they want and what mfgs seem better.
No one can give you specific advice as we don’t know your preferences and non of us can analyze the condition of said RVs.
So a few basic things.
Don’t get a Ford unless it’s a V10. The 5.4 is a dog.
Don’t get a Chevy 6.0 (basically only engine offered in your vintages) if you’re towing heavy, or at least know the 6.8 Ford has more power. But I’d take a 6.0 in general = to a ford.
Once you’ve found what you “like” for size and amenities, the rest is not different than buying a house and a car. 90% of what makes up a good used rig is its condition and how well it was maintained. And to determine that, use any means available to you.
Good luck!
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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Generally speaking most RVs are sold based on the inside looks/layout. Give serious consideration to access with the slides (if any) in - bed, bathroom, refer, cabinets, etc.
It's like buying a used car with the house bouncing and vibrating down the road. If you are not a DIY person then be prepared to hold your CC high in the air.
Search Google for ideas. Among other things search and develop a Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) and make it extensive. Expect to spend hours checking YOUR list not a dealers or seller list. HOURS. Be prepared to walk away after you've drive 5 hours for the great deal. It's like buying a used car - don't believe anything they say.
Coveralls on and look for (rust, flooding, items that need repair. Look extensively for water leaks - water and wood get very expensive.
If you can find a good RV inspector hire him. Ditto mechanic for the chassis. NO one associated with the seller. Check tire dot age.
Make sure the RV meets your travel/living expectaions and the equipment and mechanical aspects also.
Good luck.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
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Bob
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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And then if you like the life style within several years of experience you'll be ready for the next RV.
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Dusty R
Charlotte Michigan 48813
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Joined: 04/05/2003
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We are on out 3rd new mh 2nd Winnebago/Itasca. I've felt that Winnebagos are better built.
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azrving
Oatman
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Joined: 05/17/2013
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There are two types of RV. Those that have leaked and those that are going to leak
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RetiredRealtorRick
St. Augustine Beach, FL
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Joined: 04/17/2020
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Dusty R wrote:We are on out 3rd new mh 2nd Winnebago/Itasca. I've felt that Winnebagos are better built.
I agree. I'd rather have a Winnebago that's 3 - 5 years older than a slightly newer Thor product. Do your due diligence.
. . . never confuse education with intelligence
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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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Are you looking at used rentals? A 2015 with over 100k miles sounds like a rental unit. 80-100k miles is a lot for an rv let alone a gasser.
When looking at used units condition is always more important than brand, but all things equal I would put Thor at the bottom of the list. Thor owners don't get ruffled, I've owned 2 Thor gassers. Enjoyed them both, but you get what you pay for in terms of quality.
When looking at RV's your first priority should be floorplan. Figure out what type of floorplan is going to work for your needs. Envision driving, life while driving, and every aspect of daily life in the rv, moving and not moving.
2020 F350 STX 6.7L Turbo Diesel
2020 FR Cedar Creek Silverback 29rw
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klutchdust
Orange, California
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Joined: 06/09/2004
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RetiredRealtorRick wrote:Dusty R wrote:We are on out 3rd new mh 2nd Winnebago/Itasca. I've felt that Winnebagos are better built.
I agree. I'd rather have a Winnebago that's 3 - 5 years older than a slightly newer Thor product. Do your due diligence.
My 09 Itasca Cambria was built pretty strong compared to others I looked at and those my friends owned. If you know little to
nothing about RV's I strongly, strongly recommend that you have the rig inspected by a mobile RV mechanic or someone with RV
experience. A leak that goes unnoticed will ruin your day quickly. The experience and excitement when looking can lend to make a
decision that could be costly. You have two pieces of equipment to consider, the chassis and the house. As mentioned a thorough
checklist to test components is important. If it was cool out you may not check the air conditioner or vice versa the furnace.
If you have a rig in mind have a 3rd party with you that has no interest in it and can observe the Rv.
Tires, understand DOT numbers and how to check their age.
I personally will not purchase a vehicle that does not have some maintenance records. Dealers sell re-po's and trade-in's that may
have been sitting somewhere for a period of time. A creeper and a flashlight is your friend. Get under there and look.
RV's are fun. A class C gets 8 to 9 MPG but it's the best room I ever had for the night with my favorite foods next to a beautiful stream
under a starry sky. Enjoy your search.
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jdc1
Rescue, Ca
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Joined: 05/30/2011
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Newer is better, lower miles is even better than that.
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