First Time RV Buyer

At the age you are looking at I would look for one with a hung wall like the Newmar or HR. Also stay away from the IFS look for the straight front axel. Check for leaking exhaust manifolds which were common in a 460 or 454 engine. Look for one with headers that eliminated the problem. The length you are looking at is ideal. Look for one with the longest WB it will have less overhang over the rear wheels and ride better. If you can find a 28 ft that meets all other requirements I would take that. Basement storage with pass trus would be important to me along with FW storage if you dry camp. At that age how the MH was maintained or modified would be more important than the brand. I would choose the 8.1 over the early V- 10 in the years you are looking at. After 2006 they both had most of the chassis improvements. 340 hp for the 8.1 and 362 for the V-10 and more speeds in the transmission. Check the ride ht front and rear many that I looked at the springs needed replacement. The shorter and lighter the MH generally the higher CCC, which means less wear on the suspension and more stuff you can carry. Good luck on your search.