First motorhome

I understand you to say that you have no previous experience. The Class B Roadtrek will be experienced. Class B's hold their value pretty well ... you may be in the market for a fairly older model. Are you handy with mechanical things?

I never see a Class B in that price range in my area. You are indeed looking at something no younger than mid-90s and probably with identified issues.

Another choice is one of the V6 Toyota models from the early 90s that trade in $10-15 range. It is a class C but about the size of a Class B.

A search on RV Trader for any Manufacturer's B in the $10k to $20k range shows about 68 vehicles available. Latest model seems to be 2001 or 2002.

With zero experience you are going to be spending a lot of money on having RV service shops do the repairs and replacements on the components in an older unit. It is not impossible to find one in excellent condition but that means the owners did all of the repairs and replacing which is usually reflected in the price. Don't buy anything pre-owned without a through inspection of both the RV coach/components/appliances and the mechanics of the van. This will be a small investment over what it will cost you when you find out after you buy that it needs a new tank, a new hot water heater, or a new transmission, etc.

Looking online for local vehicles I figured I'd be getting something in the 1994-2000 range. Ontario requires an E-test and Mechanical Fitness Certificate before issuing plates. I always have my mechanic look at the non-safety related items before buying a used vehicle so the "motor" part of the purchase should be ok, at least initially. The "home" part is where I have zero experience. What are the weak points I should be paying special attention to, if any? I've looked at a couple of threads about restoring older units and don't want to do an extensive rebuild. But I am reasonably handy and probably able to do a lot of routine maintenance. I very much appreciate all your input.

You can do it! Be patient, ask lots of questions of the forum, weed through the negative responses, include pictures where it makes sense, etc. You may find a unit that has been well maintained and is being sold at a great-for-you price. You never know! If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is - that's when you need to take a step back and rely on the forum.

Some things I have learned from my many used camper purchases ($s are based on taking the campers to shops for repairs):
-Do not buy a unit that doesn't have a current inspection unless you can spend at least $3,000 and still be getting a good deal
-Do not buy a unit for which the current owner cannot demonstrate that all of the the RV systems work unless you can spend at least $1,500 and still be getting a good deal
-Test drive it - if you don't feel safe, you probably aren't

Refrigerator is number one. Make sure it runs on propane. Take no ones word. Ask them to have it running long before you get there. I'm not sure how you will know at this time of year in your neck of the woods but at least make sure the burner on the back of the fridge lights. Water pipes would be next but it has probably been drained of all water for winterizing. You don't want a water leak. That can be real expensive due to the pipes running behind cabinets. Propane furnace should be easy to check. Roof air will be tough this time of year. Generator should run smoothly and run microwave and roof air. Many times if they are not exercised regularly the carburetor will gum up and at that point is pretty much dust and will need replacement. I changed mine myself for about $200 plus my own labor. You've got a mechanic to check the drivetrain so that should be good but as you know things will happen. Tires should be no older than five years and should be LT truck tires not P paasenger tires.

Whoops double post.

I wanted a smaller RV after my wife died and looked in Craigs list to find a '95 Roadtrek Popular 19. I got all of the service records since new. It had always lived in Kentucky since new and had been stored indoors. It has 2 year old tires, all kind of maintenance done on schedule, and only 86,000 miles. Everything works great. The best part is the fellow who bought it here in Holland lives in the same condos I do and his problem is that he is 4" longer than the bed. He used it once and sold it. I paid $12900. for it and it was a great deal. It is still stored indoors with my other MH.

Because you are in Canada check out the rental companies for B class units. Around you in the summer
almost all the rental units are class B's or small class C units. Rent one to try it out for size, plus they sell
them after so many miles. Do you home work and you might get a used unit with its complete history.
Most are Pleasureway units which are made in Saskatoon Canada. We toured the the factory this last summer and were very impressed. We bought a 2006 PW Excel TS used and have never been happier.
Good luck in your adventures. Bob