Gas or DP

13 years and 80K miles...plan on going another 13 years or until I age out with this rig.

OP, at that short a rig you don't need diesel but do not go that small because of NP, SP CGs as those are my favorite.

We decided on a 10 year old diesel pusher when we bought 6 years ago. We bought a 2001 Beaver Contessa 40' with a 330 hp CAT motor. Of course we have put some $$$ into repairs and replacement parts. The biggest expense was: refrigerator cooling unit(1800), generator repairs(2800), tires(3200) and all of the roof vent covers(250), roof ac unit(1300), and some little things....that was over the course of 6 years. But we are still ahead of the game with a good solid paid for coach with lots of life left.

To the OP:

You won't know until you go look at some DPs in your price range. We bought ours when it was eight years old, it's now twelve years old and great shape. Just turned 66,000 miles with this trip.

I also bought a used TT. The biggest problem was finding an RV that wasn't filthy regardless of what ever age or mfg it was. If you're worried about the age of the accessories, then stop and think about how old they are in your house. Ours are all 15 years old and doing fine except for the work we had to do on the dishwasher, and I expect it to last many more years now.

Bill

We purchased our DP ten years ago, when it was new. In the past ten years, we've made numerous mods and have had some repairs. We go to RV shows every couple of years to checkout the new coaches. Just as ten years ago, we could afford a new unit, but at just ten years old, our coach is reliable, comfortable and known. No reason to look at replacing just because it's ten years old. Not sure if this answers your question or not, but I certainly wouldn't dismiss a DP I liked because it was ten years old.

Gjac wrote:
What size MH are you looking to buy? Are you looking for 38-40 ft to full time or part time in RV resorts? Or are you looking to dry camp in a 30-34 ft to camp in SP's,NP's or NFS CG. I think if you can answer these questions it will help you find the right MH for your needs and camping preferences.

I am looking at 34'-38' and we stay at a mix of parks. Not a lot of dry camping except the over night when on the road.

rgatijnet1 wrote:

midnightsadie wrote:
don,t worry about the if,s an,butts get what you want. 10yr old diesel with about 50k or so is just broke in.

Maybe engine wise but ALL of the systems and accessories are still 10 years old. Also the radiator, engine AC system, suspension, charging system, are also all 10 years old, and are expensive to repair.
The facts are there is no guaranty as to the longevity of any used RV. When it comes to mechanical repairs, DP's are a lot more expensive to repair than gas engine coaches.
Buy the unit that best fits your needs when parked and check in to an extended warranty if you are concerned about future repair costs. If you have a lot of extra money, instead of buying an extended warranty, you can put $20,000 in a savings account to cover future problems that may crop up.

Yep there that the parts are 10 yrs old

I like rgatijnet1's answer above.

One thing to keep in mind, is that upper-end Diesel coaches will have nicer everything (cabinets, higher end appliances, air brakes, air suspension, large cargo carrying capacity, etc.). Anything used will need maintenance, updates, etc.

Go with the best that you can afford and keep a nice savings account.

Safe travels,
MM.

What size MH are you looking to buy? Are you looking for 38-40 ft to full time or part time in RV resorts? Or are you looking to dry camp in a 30-34 ft to camp in SP's,NP's or NFS CG. I think if you can answer these questions it will help you find the right MH for your needs and camping preferences.

midnightsadie wrote:
don,t worry about the if,s an,butts get what you want. 10yr old diesel with about 50k or so is just broke in.

Maybe engine wise but ALL of the systems and accessories are still 10 years old. Also the radiator, engine AC system, suspension, charging system, are also all 10 years old, and are expensive to repair.
The facts are there is no guaranty as to the longevity of any used RV. When it comes to mechanical repairs, DP's are a lot more expensive to repair than gas engine coaches.
Buy the unit that best fits your needs when parked and check in to an extended warranty if you are concerned about future repair costs. If you have a lot of extra money, instead of buying an extended warranty, you can put $20,000 in a savings account to cover future problems that may crop up.

don,t worry about the if,s an,butts get what you want. 10yr old diesel with about 50k or so is just broke in.