Buying an A Class RV

For another thought, you could go older and larger and buy like what I have for your $90K budget. This came after much research on my part and still haven't found a quality like floor plan, with a better bang for the buck.
Not only will you get used to the extra length with your first outing, you'll most likely not want to go any less.
These models keep you out of the recession years and some later emission controls, including having the extra expense of adding DEF fluid.

If you want to buy and hit the road maintenance records are CRITICAL. You need to know the age of the tires, etc.. You might budget for a purchase and replacing tires, oil change, etc.. I'd not recommend a long trip without knowing exactly what the maintenance is at the moment your trip starts. Better to go a couple of years older and have all the tune up, tires and fluids changed IMO.

Good luck with your trip and stay in touch. Gute Nacht.

PPL Motorhomes is a good place to look and see prices and availability. They have everything from almost new to very old. I wouldn't buy sight unseen though. Inspection is necessary.

Guten Morgen, good morning :-)

thanks for all the postings !

At the first entry we arrive at the East Coast. Are there difference between the prices North (example New Hampshire) or south (Florida) ? I think there are more vehicles in the south or not ?

If you buy in the South, be careful you aren't buying a hurricane damaged one. also anything stored in salt air could/would have corrosion.
bumpy

Hello Stefan

I don't think you can wrong buying an Allegro but I'm a little biased as that is what we own! Tiffin does stand behind their product and we have been very happy with ours. We live in NH and drove down to Rhode Island to purchase our MH . We do have salt on the roads here in New England so that is something to keep in mind on an older MH. You may want to factor in buying a small car to tow so research that as all can't be towed 4 wheels down. There is lots to learn if you haven't done any of this Rving, we hadn't and had no idea how much we didn't know. We are getting used to ours doing short trips and having lots of fun, hope to do a big trip next year out West when we both retire.
Norm

I would not buy from a owner of one in a northern state or the Fla keys. Once you get 15 miles from the ocean salt air is not a problem. More choices in the SE and SW.

For your planned shorter term ownership, I would not get too hung up between Gas vs DP. And as this will be your home for that period of time, I'd look at the 34-36' lengths. The Bounder's you have listed are a well known Bread & Butter RV, and would have higher ease of reselling when the time comes. Most of these should be on the Ford F53 platform, and I'd look for a 2006 or newer. (But validate, as some early 2006 models, could have 2005 4spd chassis.).

I'd also add the National brand, the Dolphin was a nicely built and appointed RV. And they came in both the F53 and Workhorse chassis. Either one would be good. The 8.1 in the Workhorse chassis is a little quieter while climbing mountains.

For your intended usage, you will find very few limitations with a 36' and under rig. A few sites may not work for you in some parks, but we frequently go to parks with a max of 36' limits. Drive our Toad around to scout out sites, an very seldom do not find a location that we can fit our 40' Diesel Pusher.

If you decide to go the Diesel route, I'd suggest the Winneabogo Journey and sister coach Itasca Meridian. They come in 34-36' lengths, usually with a CAT C7 - which is plenty of power for that size. And again, these are lengths and coaches that should be easier to sell when the time comes.

Toss in Newmar Dutchstar and Meridian, which had some 36' gas models.

And Alpine made a very nice 34-36' Diesel Pusher. They're more in demand, and move fast when they become available. IMO, of all of the coaches mentioned in your, or even my added units to - the Alpine on the Peak chassis would be the best handling of them all.

More important then specific make and model, is finding a gently used coach that fits your budget. If you are not buying in person, I'd suggest you budget funds for an independent inspection by a second party to review your potential purchases. Pictures are nice, but hey do not always show the reality of condition of a rig.

Happy hunting, and have a blast!!
Smitty