Basic Motorhome Questions

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

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

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.

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.