Buying First Motorhome - Help Please

bsinmich wrote:
There are some deals out there but they are very rare. Are you handy to do jobs yourself? A set of tires for my MH would run me between $3000 & $3500. Tires need replacing every 5-8 years and we RVers don't usually wear them out. They rot away from nonuse in that time. There is constant maintenance to be done that will take either time & money or a lot more money if you don't have any basic knowledge of repairs. In that price range the actual brand makes very little difference. The real difference will be condition.

Very well said! That pretty much describes MH ownership.

woodbutcher1953 wrote:
Hello, I am going to be retiring this November, and we are going to purchase a used motorhome to do some traveling in. We live in Indiana, and our son and grandkids live in Oklahoma. We plan to take a few trips a year to see them, and also a few others to whereever might strike us. I'll be using some of my retirement funds to purchase our motorhome. I'd like to keep the purchase price at $20,000 or less, so that we'll have the funds for insurance and travel expenses. I'd appreciate any help/ opinions on what you think might be a good choice in a class a motorhome in that price range. I understand that it will be an older one for that price, but I'm not willing to get a loan to finance it. I want to just be able to pay for it without a loan on it. Thank you in advance for your help. David and Susan

David, We just got ours on feb of this year, with that said to tell you the truth if you don't have the funds a class A can be a money pit. I just bought 4 new tires for it before our first trip to FL, now I am dealing with a small water leak that I have no idea where is coming from I may have to take it to one of those places where they conduct a leak test, which may cost a $100.00 or more if I have them fix it the right way. Don't get me wrong we love our class A I would not do with out it. Ours is a 2005 and we paid $45,500 out the door ,its very clean, and 1 one owner. I wish you luck to you and Susan. Remember take your time I think I rushed into it too soon, and did NOT take my time shopping around. Because we fell in love the first time we laid eyes on it.

Good luck on your search.

Kennedy, and Lisa:W

For $20K I'd be looking for a Class B+ or C, but they are more likely to have damage from water leaks. In any older RV look for one with a all fiberglass molded body... less chance of leaks. Something like this or this or this.
Up your price to $25K and you can get a 8-10 year old with a slide like this.

There are some deals out there but they are very rare. Are you handy to do jobs yourself? A set of tires for my MH would run me between $3000 & $3500. Tires need replacing every 5-8 years and we RVers don't usually wear them out. They rot away from nonuse in that time. There is constant maintenance to be done that will take either time & money or a lot more money if you don't have any basic knowledge of repairs. In that price range the actual brand makes very little difference. The real difference will be condition.

I agree with DICK B about his $20K comment. That price surely is nowhere around anything new....and old...well, really. I would offer a thought that 20 grand would buy you a wrecked motorhome, either a Class A or C. IMO, the modified van motorhomes would be way too small....bu then again...being at the right place at the right time with the right seller....things DO happen sometimes.....
Perhaps you might be better off looking at a travel trailer. Some good ones out there for the price range you want. Of course, now you gotta get a truck to pull it with. If so...always get a "towing package". And good luck.

Welcome to the forum.
My advice would be, start looking. Look online, go to RV dealers, check private sales. See what is available in your price range.
You'll find something. Condition is the important thing when buying used. You need a floor plan that works for you.
Take your time and don't be in a hurry.
In the meantime, read prior posts on the forum and ask questions.
There's a lot of information available here, just ask.
You need to check for leaks, or evidence of prior leaks that's a big issue with RV's.
Educate yourself before taking the plunge.
Enjoy the search.

Have you considered other options? How about renting for a few times to be sure you like the lifestyle. How many times will you be driving to Oklahoma during the year? Will the weather be conducive to driving a MH? You could stay at a cabin in a campground to get a flavor of the lifestyle without committing a large sum of money.
Not sure what you will get for $20K that will add to your enjoyment of RVing without also adding a few headaches.