$$$ to maintain and repair?

I have a 2004 Winnebago - like new inside and out. My only problem just happened with the slideout not working. Had to crank it in by hand. Repair company diagnosed the problem and cannot get the parts as they are now no longer making them. The failed parts are the actuators to both motors. Getting parts is the main problem with older units - although I do not think 15 years should be so obsolete that companies no longer make parts that may fail.

Forgot to mention. Just replaced all 6 tires. And it does have 2 slides.

For cars, and likely RVs too, it's almost always better financial sense to repair than to replace with new. Of course, there are a lot of intangibles that come with buying a nice new RV: peace of mind, and all the modern technology and innovations.

We bought our 1990 Winnebago Warrior Class C about 10 years ago. It was 20 years old when we bought it. We paid $7500 for it. Needed new tires ($1000), fix cab AC and convert to modern refrigerant ($800), generator repairs ($500). On top of this the roof leaks, unit had mold and disintegrated foam from the headliner. It probably was not a wise purchase and we probably over-paid.

But, it was all we could afford. It probably costs me $500 a year in repairs, but usually it's every few years that something major requires fixing. I try to do most of my own work but it is hard because we live in a subdivision and the RV can't be in the driveway more than a 24 hours. Last year I put a new radiator in it myself - probably $300. Had to fix the generator again, probably $400. And new tires since the ones we put on 10 years ago aged out - another $1000. The year before that I had to put new ignition modules in both the refrigerator and the water heater ($200).

But, I use the RV about every month.

We'll never be able to afford another one, so I just keep patching this one up. I tell everyone it runs on dollars. :)

Without knowing what is being worked on, hard to say if that means anything. That may be a bargain or they may be robbing you.

As mentioned, 6 tires could easily be $1500-1800 alone. If you have some rot from a leak, opening it up and fixing it right can easily be a few grand. Engine issues...easy to go north of a grand.

Jayco-noslide wrote:
We have a 2003 30 ft. Winnebago Class C with 35000 miles. We like it and it currently serves our needs. Right now it's in a shop getting a whole list of things done to fix or prevent more problems. The estimate is $2,400 to $3000. I'm not shocked at all but how much would you spend to service and repair your present unit. If we traded we would downsize but would just have to find another 5 years old or more and with some miles.

In reading several forums over about 5 years, I have read where some "seasoned" owners have stated they planned for $3500 per year repair/maintenance expenses with their DP's; one guy had owned both and stated his gas Class A ran about 1/2 that. They did their own routine maintenance. I do mostly all my own work on my Class C and it runs a bit less than than their estimates for Class A's. I do note that some folks say there seems to be a maintenance "spike" at about 10 years of age...... that squares with my experience; e.g. new rooftop AC at 10 years (self installed) and new front brakes at 11 years and 50K miles (self installed.)

I note your coach is w/o slide so that will work in your favor; although in 12 years my only slide expense has been for dry lube spray cans (which I use religiously) and a new slide topper. I consider myself lucky in the slide department. :^)

Obviously one can estimate the average, but the amount of + or - around the mean will be dependent on a lot of factors (and it will probably be a pretty big number.)

Then there's the rate of depreciation........ ouch.

Safe travels..............

I put $8000 in my clipper to rebuild the engine and put in a new 4 barrel carb. Had it been maintained before I bought it, I would not have needed to do so.

However, I still have less than $20,000 in it (including purchase).

If the rig fits you and you have the money to fix it and it will fix it (not just be a bunch of duct taping to get through another day), then I think it's worth the expense.

It seems there is a cycle to needed RV repairs. When new once the bugs are all worked out you'll go for 5-10 years without a problem then it seems like every 2-3 years something will need to be fixed or replaced. I usually do the work myself so the cost is typically $100 to $1200 for whatever parts(s) are needed. Things like brakes, suspension, new fridge coils, new cpu for fridge, roof reseal, plumbing issues, batteries, tires...etc. We are on our 3rd RV which were all purchased new and this has been the case with each one.

Preventative maintenance is the key to prevent major repair issues.

3k you must be getting a hole bunch done? wonder how much is really needed. but six new tires is a huge chunk.

I service my own vehicles but when i have a problem i am not familiar with i have used mobile RV service. Less than brick and mortar stores and you deal directly with the mechanic.

As far as cost, depends on what the issue is. Depends on the general condition of the vehicle also.

My 08 Jk toad had 140K on it. I purchased new. Being a mechanic I could see what needed to be done in the next year or so. I had to decide weather to keep it and commit to some heavy duty repairs or sell it in good condition in a great resale market and purchase a new one.

Knowing what you have is best also. getting into another used vehicle has many uncertainties. If you are the original owner that is huge.