Needing advice on which rig for full timing with family
This post will be a little long, as I have to explain our situation, so please bear with me. I've posted on here about my family plan for full timing in a couple of years, and have hit a crossroad of sorts. To recap, we plan on touring the states for a year for home schooling; 2 adults, 2 pre-teens and 2 small dogs. The trip itself is pretty much mapped out; the RV itself is the question, as we have a limited purchase budget to stick with, between $50 and $75k before down payment. Which ever option we choose will be what we keep, so this is critical, as it will also be used in retirement.
We're looking at a couple of options. First is keeping the current fiver, which will be more than enough for our needs, but the TV is not; we drove a new Mega yesterday, and the wife finally agrees the larger rear cab is needed, as my oldest will be about 6' by the time we hit the road (she is already squashed in the quad). We both have back problems, and need to be able to further recline the passenger seat, which is nearly impossible now. The cost is the issue, even used (found some 06 models near me, still asking over $35k).
The other option is motorized, and we've seen some nice, albeit not ideal, floorplans within our budget, which will be used, as even basic new is well out of our range. Considering our plan, I'm thinking a gasser A would be preferred due to the available space and ammenities (looking at a W/D, as well). We need space for the kids, and would prefer a bed platform over the cab, but most of the A's out there do not have that. The other option is 2 sleeper couches, which I know can be retrofitted.
The other consideration is an older A for cash; found an 03 Monaco gasser for $18k on a dealer lot in Jax; it seemed like a really nice, well cared for unit (had been kept under a shelter since new), just really dated and you can imagine. It also had less than 40,000 miles. It was inspected by the dealer, and I didn't see any obvious water damage or heavy wear and tear. What worries me about one that old is the mechanicals; most of what I'm finding are Ford chasis, and am not sure how stout that powertrain is. We can't really afford major repairs on the road, and need something reliable.
The C models all seem too small for our needs, and the larger ones are A sized. The A also has storage advantage, especially outside. Generally, the cost can be a wash on a dealer lot.
Finally, is is a bigger gamble to save cash by buying from a private owner, or spending the cash from a reputible dealer, such as Camping World (closest dealer to us, and I would prefer to buy local)?
Lots to digest.
We're looking at a couple of options. First is keeping the current fiver, which will be more than enough for our needs, but the TV is not; we drove a new Mega yesterday, and the wife finally agrees the larger rear cab is needed, as my oldest will be about 6' by the time we hit the road (she is already squashed in the quad). We both have back problems, and need to be able to further recline the passenger seat, which is nearly impossible now. The cost is the issue, even used (found some 06 models near me, still asking over $35k).
The other option is motorized, and we've seen some nice, albeit not ideal, floorplans within our budget, which will be used, as even basic new is well out of our range. Considering our plan, I'm thinking a gasser A would be preferred due to the available space and ammenities (looking at a W/D, as well). We need space for the kids, and would prefer a bed platform over the cab, but most of the A's out there do not have that. The other option is 2 sleeper couches, which I know can be retrofitted.
The other consideration is an older A for cash; found an 03 Monaco gasser for $18k on a dealer lot in Jax; it seemed like a really nice, well cared for unit (had been kept under a shelter since new), just really dated and you can imagine. It also had less than 40,000 miles. It was inspected by the dealer, and I didn't see any obvious water damage or heavy wear and tear. What worries me about one that old is the mechanicals; most of what I'm finding are Ford chasis, and am not sure how stout that powertrain is. We can't really afford major repairs on the road, and need something reliable.
The C models all seem too small for our needs, and the larger ones are A sized. The A also has storage advantage, especially outside. Generally, the cost can be a wash on a dealer lot.
Finally, is is a bigger gamble to save cash by buying from a private owner, or spending the cash from a reputible dealer, such as Camping World (closest dealer to us, and I would prefer to buy local)?
Lots to digest.
