Full Timing It

Any....ALL

No 'one' fits best. Really depends on personal choice.

For us it was a 5th wheel and 3500 truck.

For some it is a Class C or B

For others ....TCs or TTs

Start checking out RVs for sale near by and go looking.
Then when you find one..have an RV Inspection done (RV and Chassis).
If seller has issues.......RUN RUN RUN

If your 1999 Gasser is going strong keep it.
Send oil samples (engine, tranny) out to see what is going on internally.
Fix up your interior so you are happy and then start out.
If the right one comes along get it otherwise $90,000 can buy a lot of repair.

Never trade a good horse for an unknown Nag

Welcome, you will hear Prevost, Newell, and Foretravel are the only way to go but you will have to go older than your current rig for $90K and no slides. The main reason for going DP is because the rig is over 38' long, otherwise a V10 will do the job. Assuming you are wanting something 40' or longer and for FT I agree, but you will hear...buy what I have as I must have made a good choice when I bought.

So, the only way to go is a Monaco Dynasty 42' or longer :B Having owned my rig since almost new (13 years) I hope to use it for another 13 years. If I had to replace it would would be with much the same or maybe up to 2006 and maybe one level up...Executive which would be within your budget. It's been a good rig and I'd hate to go through the learning curve on a different brand MH with different system.

I somewhat agree with the above post...keep what you have as even on a 04 DP the systems are a lot more complicated BUT I have 9000 lbs of CCC and even for half time we use a lot of it. Good luck in your search.

*Here is some reading on this subject.

Pandi, this is where it gets tricky. If $90K is your top budget and you find a diesel coach that you like, it will probably need some type of repairs, maintenance, tires or updates.

You will have to back off that budget price to allow for additional expenses. Your budget is not going to get you all that much of a different coach than what you have. You will be going from an 18 yr. old coach to maybe a 15 yr. old coach.

If your coach is running good, try it for a while to see if you even like full-timing. I should preface this by saying we don't know anything about you, your lifestyle, plans or the condition of your '99 Dutchstar. There are a lot of variables to consider.

Good luck, have fun out there!
MM.

Pandi, You are asking a very open ended question. There are many good used diesels out there but finding one is a process. The most important thing in my opinion is to find a floor plan you both like.

Beyond that factors concerning looks, upkeep, miles, condition of the coach and of course price are important. It seems as though you have a pretty nice coach to start with and after some time on the road you will get a chance to see and talk with some coach owners to help with a decision about a diesel. PPL and Motorhome Specialist are two sites to look at coaches on line. Best to you and safe travels. Arnold

We spent two years searching for the older DP that fit our budget and needs. We ended up buying a 2001 Beaver 40' DP with a CAT motor 5 years ago. It had 33000 miles then and 46000 now. For us it is a perfect fit, no payments and a good solid coach for under $70,000.

Pandi wrote:
Just joined this site and am hoping for some feedback. We currently have a 1999 gas class A Dutchstar. We are retiring soon and will be full timing it. We want to upgrade to a diesel. We are on a budget and would like to keep our purchase under $90,000. Which RV's are popular for full timers? ??

A diesel motorhome is not so great if your on a budget, just ask around what some people have paid out on diesel repairs, its not cheap and it will break down at some point.

Gas motorhome is the best way for a budget and for $90,000 you can almost get a new one at that price.

Thanks for all the feedback. Looks like I came to the right place for help. You all definitely gave me lots to ponder.

Mr.Mark wrote:
Pandi, this is where it gets tricky. If $90K is your top budget and you find a diesel coach that you like, it will probably need some type of repairs, maintenance, tires or updates.

You will have to back off that budget price to allow for additional expenses. Your budget is not going to get you all that much of a different coach than what you have. You will be going from an 18 yr. old coach to maybe a 15 yr. old coach.

If your coach is running good, try it for a while to see if you even like full-timing. I should preface this by saying we don't know anything about you, your lifestyle, plans or the condition of your '99 Dutchstar. There are a lot of variables to consider.

Good luck, have fun out there!
MM.

I think that depends on a lot of factors. I have a 2004 National Tropical 35 foot DP with perfect tires in perfect running condition and kept in indoor storage that I'd sell to him in a heart beat for $90k! Even though it's not for sale, if I could get $90k I'd take it now. But realistically, I'd be lucky to get $60k for it. That is about what they are selling for.

Msmith1199,

It certainly does depend on a lot of factors. I know that there are many, many excellent condition older coaches that run like a top. Finding them is the next task.

My point was, going from a 1999 to an '02 '03 '04 '05 (whatever it may be) may not be worth $90K. Sometimes going from a 'known' to an 'unknown' can be daunting.

Nationals are good motorhomes, a good friend of mine had a '03 Tropical, loved it. I was thinking they were talking about older Dynasty's, Executive's, Signature's, Foretravels, Travel Supremes, older Newell's, etc.

Safe travels,
MM.