ALWAYS something!

atsrmf wrote:
I bought an 80s motorhome for under $2000 with 15,000 miles...Now I have a completely dependable Class A for $25K, ready to go anywhere. It looks good, too. Stay away from the newer RVs that are impossible to troubleshoot and cost a fortune to repair.

Meh...not happening. Your idea of "completely dependable...looks good too" is subjective, at best, and 80s vintage puts it 40 years behind current technology, not to mention wear and tear on the drive train. There's a reason you got it for 2K.

You have many operating systems to go wrong. In many campgrounds and RV parks I have seen Class As stranded for days with mobile mechanics troubleshooting while I go fishing, hiking, sightseeing, etc. Good luck to your future.

I feel for you. Wife and I lived on the road for six months a year for over a decade. What I found out is the more you used the rig the less they break down. They still do, but things like to be used.

atsrmf wrote:
If you plan to buy a motorhome of any class you should be a mechanic, plumber, electrician, and overall handyman. Don't buy if you don't have a complete set of tools and know how to use them, as you will spend a fortune hiring someone else every time there's a problem.

Though some stuff I hired done the first time.
I'm all the above and more so I did most of my own repair work.
Hired oil changes (Surprisingly low cost if you find a good dealer).
And major 2-person jobs.. but most of the one man stuff. DIY.

Learned a lot watching the partner on the 2-person jobs too.

If you plan to buy a motorhome of any class you should be a mechanic, plumber, electrician, and overall handyman. Don't buy if you don't have a complete set of tools and know how to use them, as you will spend a fortune hiring someone else every time there's a problem.
Don't be cheap on maintenance, either, and keep records of oil changes, etc. Check tires pressures every time you go anywhere, this is huge for safety!
My Dad bought a new Winnebago in 1976 and eventually knew the mechanic at the dealership on a first name basis. He could afford it, but I dread the thought of spending that much money.
I am in the process of replacing the carpet in my Class A. So far it turned out quite well, I bought a pair of carpet shears before starting. Patience and precision is the key with carpet. Change razor blades after every second cut for best results.

Blaster Man wrote:
You must remember, all RVs are in one of the following three conditions....in any order:

1. It's broken.
2. You just fixed it.
3. It's getting ready to break.

I laughed out loud. Those are FACTS, and cracked me up (in a dark sort of way).

Like others have said every trip something breaks. Parts that failed mods, and upgrades I spent as much as the MH cost in 2004. Having said all that, there are some systems that have held up well for a 1996 MH. The slide has been trouble free which is electric with cables, the only thing I did was lube the rollers and adjust the pot on the motor. The roof top AC's are original and still work fine along with the furnace maybe because they are rarely used. The Norcold refer is original with a Dinosaur board, burner tube and ignitor replacement along with the WH with a board replacement. Steps are original, I had to straighten them out when I bought the MH and the control panel went out and was no longer sold, they wanted over $1200 for a new one. I solder in a new relay for $3.42 and it has worked fine for the last 7 years. Kohler genset was problematic and no longer works. The IFS cost a small fortune to repair over the years, but engine and transmission have been trouble free, just general maintenance. The maintenance, repairs, mods and upgrades over the last 18 years and 100,000 miles of travel added another .25 cents per mile over the cost of fuel. I don't know if that is higher or lower than others on this forum but compared to the cost of fuel, I don't think it is too bad.

Well it is a sad state indeed, that the RV manufacturers present us with such poor quality.
Every time I see posts like this I go out and give my old Bounder a Lub, Oil, filter and a big hug..............
When we went on out 4 month trip to Alaska, I had one failure. Had to replace a clearance light lense, that someone else needed.

Richard

I bought an 80s motorhome for under $2000 with 15,000 miles. I restored it bumper to bumper, replacing a LOT of old original mechanical and electrical components. Kept the original interior but replaced the cushions. The driveline is bullet-proof with no computers or modifications except for headers. Now I have a completely dependable Class A for $25K, ready to go anywhere. It looks good, too. Stay away from the newer RVs that are impossible to troubleshoot and cost a fortune to repair.

But, have you noticed that when you are motor home shopping, "Everything works well, no problems ever"? Actually we had a 2007 revolution and everything did work well. Sold it to a lovely family and last I heard it is still going strong and they are happy. Husband was very ill and we sold out. He has passed away , but I still miss camping.