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? ??

Any....ALLNo '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 BFor others ....TCs or TTsStart 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

Full Timing It | Good Sam Community

ncrowley
Explorer II
May 27, 2017
In my opinion, you can buy a nice diesel motorhome for full timing for the $90K. You are looking at 2008 models or so. A diesel will give you more pulling and carrying capacity than the gas motorhome you have, if that is what you need for full time. Be sure you get one with great maintenance records and owners that have kept it under cover and were really careful in its care.
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
May 27, 2017
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? ??

Do you not like your current coach? If not, why not? Remember that 90 percent of your time full timing will be stopped. If you liked your coach enough to buy it you should still like your coach. What is it that you are looking for that you do not have. Yes, a DP might be more quite but that's not a reason. For $90,000 you will likely not get a tag axle DP so you just have the same coach you have now with the engine in the back. In any RV, the floor plan is the #1 thing that will make an RVer happy or sad. What do you not like about your current RV's floor plan?
Is that $90,000 budget $90,000 plus your coach in trade or have you set a value of your coach and you want to spend no more than $90,000 less the value of your current coach?
Pandi
Explorer
May 27, 2017
We actually love our Dutchstar, but she is only 34' long with one slide. We have been looking around and have found quite a few Tiffin Phaetons (2006) and Newmar Ventanas (2005/2006) in our price range. A little longer than what we have now would be nice but more importantly we would like 3 or 4 slides. Hanging on to our current coach for a bit is not totally out of the question. Looking can be overwhelming and fun at the same time, but I know we will find our perfect home eventually.
Ivylog
Explorer III
May 27, 2017
Now that we have a better idea where you are headed, find the CCC sticker often hidden behind a cabinet door. In that vintage 40' with 3-4 slides many do not have enough CCC for full time use...less than 3000 lbs.

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