An older class A for a single traveler
It's me again, the dreamer. But it's all about all you can do though when you're saving up for a motorhome. I know an older class B would be the most practical motorhome for me. Most of the time I ...
Forum Discussion
Matt_Colie wrote:
Matt (a different Matt)
You are laboring under the weight of the preconceived misconception. Overdrive and transmission gear counts don't really do great things for fuel economy. As a great real world example, I am an owner and a member of the group (cult) of owners of an older coach. Said were originally build with an Olds 455 and later (because the BB ended) with a 403. All were OE with a 3.07 rear end and a 3 speed Hydramatic. The 3.07 puts the engine speed right about where a typical OD trans would land. A 455 can survive this, but the 403 takes a beating. Later coach owners that have done to an aftermarket (we have amazing support) rear end have all reported improvements in fuel economy and better response. The fuel economy improvements are never great. Going from open loop carburetor to a closed loop with timing control gets the best, and then they report going from the common 8~10 to ~11 and even 12 on rare occasions.
Another issue just as big is that unless you travel a great deal (like 8~10Kmi/yr) fuel will not be one of your bigger costs. If you plan to stay at any crampgrounds, plan on 40+$/night. Tires only go 7/8 years and 16" are 250$us/ea. You should start a lockbox for maintenance of about 1K$/yr.
Somewhere, some idiot started a rumor that motorhomes can be inexpensive to own and operate. If I ever find that sucker, I plan to pummel him profoundly.
If you buy an older coach that has been in use this last year and has no water leaks at all and you can do all the work yourself, you can have it affordable. But, you have to be super diligent with both the regular and preventive maintenance to keep it reliable and affordable.
Matt
This is a good post. I also have an older coach and like it. In my case I have a done a big upgrade, but it is NOT suggested for others to do. FMC's in decent running condition can be gotten for 5-10,000. But with any older coach, (or newer one in my opinion!) you need to be able to do maintenance and minor repairs yourself. Also and motor homes and fuel mileage shouldn't be discussed in the same conversation! But I love my 29ft unit!
