Basic Motorhome Questions

The 2-3 yr. old Diesel Pusher can have a huge range depending if you are talking entry level or top-of-the-line. I would say entry level at least $100,000.

Honestly, depreciation doesn't matter as it will be worth what it's worth when you sell it or your kids sell it. A lot also depends on how long you want to keep it. One thing is for sure, it will be a lot less than what you paid. We all would love to see inside that crystal ball.

Maintenance is generally about $500-$800 a year on ours, we drive 8,000-9,000 miles a year.

Yes, you can go to the bathroom while going down the road and even make a sandwich but you really have to be careful. If you were to hit the brakes for an unexpected reason, wifey is going to come flying to the front and may possibly get hurt. I would always pull over at a rest stop or large fuel station and make lunch and take a bathroom break. It's always good to stretch anyway.

Good luck, safe travels,
MM.

I can't answer your questions about diesel pushers but yes she can get up and go to the restroom and also make a sandwich while going down the road. I am not sure for safety reasons if your wife should sleep in the bed while driving but since most class A motorhomes have reclining/swivel front seats, that may be more of an alternative because your wife will be still supported by seat restraints in the event of an accident.

do you need a diesel? lots of nice gassers out there.
bumpy

5thwheeleroldman wrote:
Been a 5th wheeler for 17 years, but wife now has colitis and we are getting older, weak bladders, etc. Wondering if I should go to a motorhome for the last few years we travel.

What might a 2 -3 year old diesel pusher in good condition cost me? Depreciation for the next 5 years or so? MPG? How much would maintenance (oil changes, etc) cost per year? Can your spouse get up and go to rest room, make a sandwich while you go down the road? Can the spouse lay in bed while travelling?

Yes you can get up and do the lunch thing while in motion, but we don't normally. we normally stop for potty brakes and lunch..

what will it cost? I spotted This last week, buy quality and enjoy. it should go for about $75k

1. I would buy a higher quality diesel 6 yrs or newer. Gasser 2-3 yrs. Diesel will be easier and more comfortable to drive. Prices will be about the same.
2. Passenger may use the restroom while underway with no problems unless you're on a very winding road. Use common sense.
3. We make sandwiches BEFORE leaving the campground and have them in the fridge. That way we can either stop at a rest area to eat or do so while underway with a minimal amount of fuss.
4. Passenger can sleep while underway either on the sofa or in the bed. Again, the diesel will provide you with a more comfortable and stable ride quality so more comfort while sleeping.
5. We spend the same as Mark for annual maintenance...$5-800. Annual oil changes, lube, filters, inspections etc. cost $289 @ Speedco.
6. We travel about 15,000 miles annually on mostly secondary roads and average about 8.7 miles per gallon. Secondary roads means many small towns, traffic lights and varied speed limits so less mpg but more things to see and do.

Good luck.... hope this helps...Dennis

.

My wife has no problem getting up and using the restroom or sleeping on the bed or couch.

Walking around going down the road it certainly possible but i recommend doing it on STRAIGHT SMOOTH roads (i.e. interstates etc)...and certainly anyone walking should try to keep a hand on something to stabilize their movement.

the cost of an oil change will depend on the motorhome & engine - i do my own but there are places that can do it cheaper than i can buy the oil and filter for.....10 gallons of oil & a filter are not cheap.

not sure where in Texas you are but....
have you looked at PPL ??? or Motor Home Specialist ?

Might give you an idea of used prices.

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/used_rvs_for_sale.htm
http://www.mhsrv.com/mhsrv-corporate/rv-sales/pre-owned-motor-homes/

I would suggest that anyone that allows walking around in a motorhome while in motion have a safe word such as the driver screaming "FLOOR" to signify that the roamer should immediately flatten him/herself on the floor. and yes, my wife rarely pranced around in mine while in motion.
bumpy

On the walking around, it may actually be illegal in some states. It is in California as the seatbelt laws now apply to motorhomes. However, my wife still does it on occasion. I just make sure to slow down a little and make sure I have plenty of distance between traffic in front of my while she's up. If you're worried about a ticket, just keep the blinds closed so the Highway Patrol can see somebody walking around inside.

If you have not compared Gassers to Diesels, I will give you a comple things I wished I had known sooner.

Gasser, Cargo carrying capacity often less than 1000, pounds
Diesel, generally over a ton of CCC

Towing Gassers usually come with a 5,000 pound hitch and may not be able to tow that much (I should not tow more than 3000-4000 pounds, do tow 2500)

Diesels, 10,000 pound hitch and many can do it too.