Unless you know exactly what it needs in repairs, replacements and upgrades for safe and reliable driving and enjoyment, and you have the money to pay for parts and labor (or) you have all the skills, tools, materials and time and work space to do most of the work yourself. Look for any signs of water damage, mold smell, etc. Don't rely on the seller's honesty, have the rig inspected by a pro truck mechanic and an RV repair service and get estimates before you buy it. If the seller balks at this, run!! Don't buy on impulse. Try to make sure that the length, floor plan and features, including sleeping arrangements fits your forseable needs and desires. If possible, save your money until you can buy a rig no more than 3 years old, needs nothing, and is ready for cross-country travel. Cost of ownership of an RV is not cheap, do not buy on impulse. Do your homework before you buy. I will not repeat this same mantra again.

Bordercollie wrote:Unless you know exactly what it needs in repairs, replacements and upgrades for safe and reliable driving and enjoyment, and you have the money to pay for parts and labor (or) you have all the skills, tools, materials and time and work space to do most of the work yourself. Look for any signs of water damage, mold smell, etc. Don't rely on the seller's honesty, have the rig inspected by a pro truck mechanic and an RV repair service and get estimates before you buy it. If the seller balks at this, run!! Don't buy on impulse. Try to make sure that the length, floor plan and features, including sleeping arrangements fits your forseable needs and desires. If possible, save your money until you can buy a rig no more than 3 years old, needs nothing, and is ready for cross-country travel. Cost of ownership of an RV is not cheap, do not buy on impulse. Do your homework before you buy. I will not repeat this same mantra again.X2

Good advice. :) I have to admit I did not know what was meant by "mantra". Google turned up one definition as "a commonly repeated word or phrase". Thank you.

Bordercollie wrote:save your money until you can buy a rig no more than 3 years oldAw shoot. I was just about to buy a 4 year old immaculate Newell. :(

You are correct. But experiences differ. Our 88 was 10 years old when we bought it. Still love it ans still use it and everything works. We have a tiny leak in the old R-12 ac but we have a supply so all is good.

I have a friend who always buys fairly used cars. He always figures to put into the car an amount of money equal to what he paid for the car. So, if he finds a car for $2,500, he figures on spending $5,000. Since I met him, I have used the technique and it seems to work out pretty well. My 1988 motor home was 19 years old when I bought it. I have put into it an amount about equal to what I paid for it and feel comfortable taking off on a cross country trip in June.

Don't Buy and Old Motorhome Unless... | Good Sam Community

45 Replies

punomatic
Explorer
Apr 21, 2013
I have a friend who always buys fairly used cars. He always figures to put into the car an amount of money equal to what he paid for the car. So, if he finds a car for $2,500, he figures on spending $5,000. Since I met him, I have used the technique and it seems to work out pretty well. My 1988 motor home was 19 years old when I bought it. I have put into it an amount about equal to what I paid for it and feel comfortable taking off on a cross country trip in June.
pbitschura
Explorer
Apr 21, 2013
You are correct. But experiences differ. Our 88 was 10 years old when we bought it. Still love it ans still use it and everything works. We have a tiny leak in the old R-12 ac but we have a supply so all is good.
Altern
Explorer
Apr 21, 2013
Bordercollie wrote:
save your money until you can buy a rig no more than 3 years old
Aw shoot. I was just about to buy a 4 year old immaculate Newell. :(
Harvard
Explorer
Apr 21, 2013
Good advice. :) I have to admit I did not know what was meant by "mantra". Google turned up one definition as "a commonly repeated word or phrase". Thank you.
winnietrey
Explorer
Apr 21, 2013
Bordercollie wrote:
Unless you know exactly what it needs in repairs, replacements and upgrades for safe and reliable driving and enjoyment, and you have the money to pay for parts and labor (or) you have all the skills, tools, materials and time and work space to do most of the work yourself. Look for any signs of water damage, mold smell, etc. Don't rely on the seller's honesty, have the rig inspected by a pro truck mechanic and an RV repair service and get estimates before you buy it. If the seller balks at this, run!! Don't buy on impulse. Try to make sure that the length, floor plan and features, including sleeping arrangements fits your forseable needs and desires. If possible, save your money until you can buy a rig no more than 3 years old, needs nothing, and is ready for cross-country travel. Cost of ownership of an RV is not cheap, do not buy on impulse. Do your homework before you buy.

I will not repeat this same mantra again.

X2

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Don't Buy and Old Motorhome Unless...

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