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wishin_andhopin's avatar
wishin_andhopin
Explorer
Dec 03, 2013

Tell me if you think this is a wise purchase

I don't have much information, so I know that it may not be enough to go on.

We have been looking for rv's , mainly at 5th wheels, to full-time in. Our plans are to stay put most of the year in a long-term park and travel during vacations and summer. We wanted an rv that was less than 10 years old.

Someone at my husbands work has a rarely used, 20 year old, diesel pusher, class A motor home. I don't have any specifics on amenities, slides, etc, but, supposedly, it was owned by someone's father who passed away and had taken very good care of it and properly stored it when not in use.

The price is $15,000.

The thing I am worried about is the ten year rule, especially in a long-term park. We will take a picture of the vehicle and take it to the park before we purchase, if this is a good deal, and see if they would accept it. From what I have read, most rv parks don't enforce the 10 year rule unless the rv is showing its age - I still worry a bit about it, though.

I'll have more info on this unit, hopefully, later today. I just need to be armed with as much information as possible before I go look at it.

We've traveled in a bare bones class A before...a very old class A (1978)

What do you think about the price and age? My husband is an automotive instructor in a school with a diesel program and is quite handy, if that makes a difference.
  • Larryzv7's avatar
    Larryzv7
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    I purchased a brand new 2012 Heartland Prowler 5th Wheel last year for $16k from Camping World, and this was in California, one of the most expensive states in the lower 48. Have been full-timing in it for over a year now and love it.
  • Boonedocks's avatar
    Boonedocks
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    Don't give up. Maybe it is a Newell worth $100K that any park would love to see roll through the gate. We just need to know what it is to advise you.


    wishin'andhopin' wrote:
    I don't have more info yet, but JAXFL's response:

    In this area a 20 year old MH is way below $15K. I see 8-15 year old ones for sale for $8-12K all the time.


    was exactly what I need.

    I'm not worried about the mechanical end of it. Like I said, my husband is an instructor in a school with a diesel program and can adequately assess whether it is sea worth, so to speak.

    After more consideration, it's probably not going to be a good deal and won't be what we need.
  • hitchup's avatar
    hitchup
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    We've stayed in many different parks in the Eastern part of the country. Rarely is the 10-yr rule in force. We've seen some with lots of gray Duct Tape holding them together.

    That doesn't mean they are bad places to stay, rather they are cheap enough rent even for fulltimer's who never move.
  • ncrowley's avatar
    ncrowley
    Explorer II
    Dec 04, 2013
    I have a diesel pusher and given the lifestyle you described, I would stick with the fifth wheel. You stated you would be staying put most of the time. Engines like to be exercised and the maintenance costs for a diesel pusher will be much higher than that of a fifth wheel even if your husband does the work. You are also looking at an older coach so even if the engine is in good shape, you need to look at the house items, such as the refrigerator, hot water heater, stove, etc.
  • JAXFL's avatar
    JAXFL
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    RVcrazy wrote:
    Do you already have a capable tow vehicle if you choose the 5th wheel? If not, your costs will be substantially higher to purchase a truck to tow the 5th. Since you plan on sitting for a large part of the year, I would go with the 5th for a more livable floor plan and more space than an older MH is likely to provide.


    I also agree with this and about the tow vehicle. If you don't have one and are going to set in one place for long periods, have the dealer or seller pull it to the site and set it up for you and leave it there.
  • RVcrazy's avatar
    RVcrazy
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    Do you already have a capable tow vehicle if you choose the 5th wheel? If not, your costs will be substantially higher to purchase a truck to tow the 5th. Since you plan on sitting for a large part of the year, I would go with the 5th for a more livable floor plan and more space than an older MH is likely to provide.
  • Scott16's avatar
    Scott16
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2013
    Personally, I would keep your original plans to find a Fifth Wheel. It will keep the confusion down. This is what I am doing in my planning. Norrowing possiblities and reaserching to find the right fit. For me its down to a Fifth Wheel or a TC. Even have the 5'vr and TC picked. Just have to find the right fit, leaning 5'vr for more room, but like TC's also, for remote camping.
    Jmho, best of luck in your search.
    Scott
  • Usmcsousa's avatar
    Usmcsousa
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2013
    93-97 diesel pushers around my area are around the 10k range..most are hurting pretty badly.
  • wishin_andhopin's avatar
    wishin_andhopin
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2013
    I don't have more info yet, but JAXFL's response:

    In this area a 20 year old MH is way below $15K. I see 8-15 year old ones for sale for $8-12K all the time.


    was exactly what I need.

    I'm not worried about the mechanical end of it. Like I said, my husband is an instructor in a school with a diesel program and can adequately assess whether it is sea worth, so to speak.

    After more consideration, it's probably not going to be a good deal and won't be what we need.
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2013
    I would think that in purchasing a 20 year old motorhome the 10 year rule would be the least of your concerns. Engine, tires, Brakes, leaks,roof appliances, water heater, generator, electrical all should be examined closely.

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