An unofficial survey - cost and setup of used MHs

In December 2010, I purchased a very clean 2000 36 ft Holiday Rambler Endeavor Gaser with 52k miles for $24,000. It was a Bank of America repo at auction. I have spent about $6000 on it in 3 years. Most of that was the first year. Six new Michelins (had original tires on it), 4 new 6 volt batteries, new slide out cover on large slide (was missing), rear spring rework, new shocks and sway bar bushings, 2 new flat screen tv’s, new custom built mattress and new fluids, belts, etc…..

I do most of my own maintenance for things like fluids, belts, sway bar bushing, installing the new batteries and TV’s.

I also put about $4000.00 into a 1994 Class A purchased for $8000.00 in 2006. Sold it in early 2011 for $10,000.00 after about 20k miles of use. Same as above with new tires, some alignment and spring work, new laminate flooring and a few minor repairs.

I put about $3000.00 into a 1989 Class C purchased for $7000.00 in 2002. Sold it for $7500 in 2006 for $7500.00 after about 20k miles of use. Again, same as above with new tires, new carpet and a few repairs.

I have yet to purchase one that didn’t need new tires. The tires did all look good, but I prefer not to travel cross country in the summer heat with 7-10 year old tires.

Since I am capable of doing most of my own maintenance I will likely never purchase a new unit and take the depreciation hit. I prefer paying cash for an older, clean unit and spending a little more getting it the way I want it.

Hopes this helps answer your question.

Michael

Seems to me it depends on what cost trade-offs a buyer makes in the first place. Unless the seller throws in everything, plan on a long list of provisioning. Linens, towels, flatware, plates, glasses, cookware, chairs, folding tables, repair kits/tools, air compressor, camp grill, water hoses,etc. Don't forget the stuff DW must have.
The refurbishing is a different animal: in my case, new tires, repairing a rotted skirt panel core, chasing down a tail light issue, and setting up a toad. They can all run into money to do it right. Shop hard and find the right deal, and ensure you can manage the expense of getting a rig on the road equipped they way you want it.

Yaj wrote:
We just bought a second Motorhome strictly to rent it out. A 1995 28ft Georgie Boy Cruise Master. Chevy P30 chassis with a 454. We paid $8500 for it and have so far put about $1000 into it. It will most likely need tires for next year. We figure we'll get about $150 a day or $1000 a week plus, so it should pay for it self rather quickly, hopefully turn a profit, if it goes well we may expand. We're almost done with the clean up and prep, and are getting all of our ducks in a row to cover the legal issues and will be starting to rent it out soon! Wish us luck!

Good luck with that. I would seriously think about new tires before the first rental.

We paid about 30,000 under wholesale NADA price for our motor home 3 1/2 years ago and we and extended warranty have spent about 30,000 in repairs and upgrades. Funny how that worked out.

We bought a 7 year old rig 11+ years ago. It had 26,000 miles on the clock. It now has 91,000 miles.

Our major repairs are:

Failed Injection pump $4,000
Exhaust Manifold Gasket $1,500
Partial Clear Coat Repair $1,000
Failed Dash AC Compressor $ 600 DIY
Generator Voltage Reg $ 350

Total $$7,450 (about $700 per year on average)

In addition, I have repaired a water system printed circuit board $4.00 and replaced the refrigerator circuit board $100, water heater circuit board $60, rear furnace blower motor $100, three refrigerator door handles $150, OTA antenna parts $150, and replaced some peeling clear coat myself $200.

Of course we have expended money on batteries, tires, re-upholstery, and other similar things that are routine costs or wanted vs needed costs.

I bought an 02 Dutch Star in 04. Has 84K miles and we just spent 12K on engine work. I also spent about 6K on radiator work. Yearly maint up till now has been about 1000/yr plus new tires every 5-6 yrs. It's the greatest way to travel around the USA and I figure we can't take the $$$ with us to you now where!!!

We just bought a second Motorhome strictly to rent it out. A 1995 28ft Georgie Boy Cruise Master. Chevy P30 chassis with a 454. We paid $8500 for it and have so far put about $1000 into it. It will most likely need tires for next year. We figure we'll get about $150 a day or $1000 a week plus, so it should pay for it self rather quickly, hopefully turn a profit, if it goes well we may expand. We're almost done with the clean up and prep, and are getting all of our ducks in a row to cover the legal issues and will be starting to rent it out soon! Wish us luck!

I bought a 76k mile 96 Monaco from original owners who gave up due to their age/health. It had excellent care with them

I put $5k in the 1st year

Must dos:
6 tires
all filters, oils, lubes
repair of 1 AC control board

Wanted to dos:
new flat panel frt tv
new dash stereo
numerous little odds and ends that did nothing but please me

Costs are going to vary greatly....

1. can new owner do their own work?
2. how good or bad was vehicle maintained prior?
3. quality of vehicle at time of manufacture
4. use/mileage of vehicle(some low mileage vehicles have been lived in 24/7/365..so wear is high but mileage is low

a lot a variables to consider

Great thread. Thanks!

I'm very interested in the possibilities for coaches in the 8- to 12-year-old range and what the costs have amounted to in real world experience.

Wayne

I suggest also adding the year bought, as in addition to the other info (may have missed this).

-2004 Country Coach Allure
-2010 Bought used with 13K miles and in 'Very Good' condition for about a net of $130K. ("about net" was due to owners allowances to us as buyer for new tires, shocks, and a few other areas.)
-About $25K on maintenance and other new baseline items, but many of these were higher cost then needed to be spent. (AGM Lifeline L16 Upgrades, 6 Road Kings, new Magnum 2800 PSW Inverter, LED TV, Cell and WiFi boosters and antenna, Amish Cooling Unit for fridge, etc., etc.)
-Another $5K in nice to have and mod's to generator and all fluids changed to synthetic, etc.

Best to all,
Smitty