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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Buying First Motorhome - Help Please | Good Sam Community

kansanforlife
Explorer
May 11, 2013
Ive had 2 older class a motorhomes. One 1987 and one 1996. Doesn't seem like I had any more problems with them then people I have seen posted on here with 2005 and up class a mh that has problems. I live one block away from a rv repair shop. Lots of newer mh getting worked on.
DanTheRVMan
Explorer
May 10, 2013
While you can find class A MHs for under 20k it is difficult. A few lottery winners who got great deals does not also include the people who bought c*r*a*p got frustrated and quit RVing as they do not post here.

Based on your budget and less than full time usage I would consider a fifth wheel or trailer as I believe it is more likely you can get a better unit with less issues. Of course if you still wish a class A I would search long and hard. Either way I wish you good luck as no matter what you choose the journeys will be wonderful.
woodbutcher1953
Explorer
May 10, 2013
I appreciate all of the advice on buying a used motorhome. I realize that 20,000 won't buy a newer, trouble free rig. I'll be doing the majority of repairs/improvements I can myself. I've got a lifetime of experience in carpentry and construction. I am NOT a mechanic, so I need to find a rig with a good engine and transmission. A fifth wheel is not an option for us. I've got plenty of time until November to use this and other forums for guidance and info. Now, if I'd just hit that powerball soon, then we're talking a whole new plan. Thanks again, for all of your help.
Yankee_Clipper
Explorer
May 10, 2013
You might want to expand the scope of your seach. Take a look around traditional retirement areas, and see what's on the market there. I drove through Brooksville, Florida this spring, and it seemed like there was a used RV for sale behind every tree.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 10, 2013
If the RV needs tires NOW you should take that into consideration and price it out accordingly. same with any repairs / replacements necessary.
bumpy
shaneperch
Explorer
May 10, 2013
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

Happy retirement. I would say 20Gs if you look older you will get a lot for that amount. Just because something is 20 plus years old don't mean that it is unworthy of consideration. I got my Holiday Rambler for a hunting rifle. But I am busy as a beaver cleaning it installed an Onan Generator now will try to fix one of the AC units and find a missing icemaker. But it runs great and the tranny is in great condition the roof is great and no leaks. point is that I have not much into the motorhome but need a lot of elbow grease. If you go to the Vintage Vogues yahoo groups there is a guy selling a 1984 DP Vogues and it has a Cat 3208 and is in good condition for 22 thousand. That will serve you for many years to come. I much rather buy older for less. My friend bought me a Pace Arrow for 1600 bucks. again it is old 1982 but the only issue is the generator fuel pump leaks or don't work. So expect to spend 15 thousand or more for an old Diesel pusher. well there is one in Milwaukee that has an Oshkosh chassis and body by Foretravel that is goin for 11K but is built in the early 80s. they are out there and I have noticed the prices a little lower as the fuel is 4 bucks a gallon. something else to consider. (why my buses sit) I can't afford to drive them. I only hope someday that the prices will fall or income rises to the higher costs of fuel. I like the gas HR as easier to repair and more mechanics familiar with a 454 Chevy than a Cat C7 or C9 or DT466 or 71/92 series engines. So if it is diesel you want there are deals out there that are in you budget. just not ones built in the late 90s and newer. Don't let age worry you as much as what others state here being care and how it was treated.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
May 10, 2013
The links given you by Ivylog are very good examples of what you can purchase for your price range. Many good deals on good motorhomes are out there.

To the other posters who say they had to buy new tires or batteries - every vehicle has to eventually have new tires or batteries so that statement shouldn't apply. New TV - that would be an option, not a requirement. Bottom line - you CAN find one in your price range and you CAN find a good one. You know it's not going to be perfect but if you can do some inside decorating or fixing-up yourself that's great. The important thing to look for is the chassis, if service records are available and if there's any sign of water leaks you should pass it up immediately. Good luck and we know you'll enjoy RVing!!!
Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 10, 2013
I would avoid a chevy P-30/32 chassis, rubber roof, and Fords prior to 1999. and that is probably what you are looking at for under $20K. As an example, my 1999 Chieftain on a Ford chassis that I traded in on my TT the dealer was asking $35,000 for.
bumpy
mena661
Explorer
May 10, 2013
I agree with others. Finding a MH at $20k or less that doesn't need some work is rare. I have a couple friends with mid 90's Bounders that they paid $20k for and both had to replace the fridges, do some electrical work, new TV's, new batteries, tires and some other little things. Neither of them drive theirs very far from home. Both chassis are in good working condition though. I know you have a budget but another $20k on yours gets you a LOT more MH. A LOT more. Just be prepared to spend more money.
ThorResidencyNe
Explorer
May 10, 2013
All of these comments are valid. However, if you are patient and have some mechanical skills you can get agreat RV at an incredible price. I bought my first RV 2 months ago. My price was half your budget and I bought a 1997 36.5 ft class A with 2 slides and only 35k miles. The slides, jacks and generator did not work which is why the price was so low. However, for about $350 I was able to fix all the problems.it. Now I have a great RV. Just be careful in your search something nice will show up.