How many is too many

Blutoyz wrote:
Get away from rental units and you will likely find the same rig for less money with about 30K on it....just my $.02 of course

As someone who actively shopped rentals vs. non-rentals, I can tell you that my experience was the exact opposite. Similar campers from regular owners were 20-30% MORE expensive. That’s the exact reason people buy used rentals - they’re cheaper than similar non-rental units.

Although your post didn't mention it, a previous post noted you are thinking of buying a 28A. I have an '05 Thor 28A which I bought new. Mine has the Chevy 6.0L engine but otherwise it is the same. It has been a great RV, suits us fine. I have made many mods to personalize it. Don't off hand know the mileage but probably about 100K. The only mechanical problem has been a leaking gasoline filler pipe.

klutchdust wrote:
Transmission and engine rebuild @ 100K?

Then again ... the 5R110 5-speed computer controlled transmission in our 2005 Ford E450 motorhome (2005 year chassis and coach) failed at around 60,000 miles just as we were leaving for a trip. So bad things can happen.

FWIW, I replaced it with a remanufactured heavy-duty version 5R110 transmission - hoping to prevent this from ever happening again. The remanufactured transmission seems to be smoother and better behaved than the original transmission ever was, for some reason.

So bad things can happen under 100K miles. I have our mechanic always check the hoses and I had them replace the serpentine belt under 60K miles some time ago and I carry a spare just in case.

My biggest concern now is the electric fuel pump - should I have it replaced just in case? :h

Properly maintained, that unit is barely broken in.

Beware of motorhomes that have sat around all their lives. They soak up water like a sponge and are a Pandora's Box of other peoples problems.

Farmboy666 wrote:

klutchdust wrote:
"I would not buy a gas motorhome with more than about 60k miles, or a diesel with more than about 110-120 k miles. "

These aren't your grandpas engines anymore. My gas engines have easily gone to 300K and diesel is even better. A diesel at 120 is about 1/4 of it's life. Big rigs go 500K and then get some rings and bearings. Ford's V-10 is a well engineered engine, i say that and I am not a fan of Ford products.

I agree.

Another person wrote:
"At 100,000 miles, a Ford E-350/E-450 likely will need new hoses, new brakes, spark plugs and coils, a new heater core, fuel pump, air filter, oil filter, transmission rebuild, engine rebuild, alternator, shocks, tires, brake pads, and calipers. That's just the drivetrain. The RV part will likely need a ton of work as well, just due to all the twisting and vibrating that it has gone through."

Sorry but this is just inaccurate information that may frighten away a potential newbie from getting a MH. I have owned numerous vehicles of all brands and haven't experienced issues like you refer too at 100K miles. Transmission and engine rebuild @ 100K? Some vehicles do not even recommend ATF fluid changes before then or coolant changes. Some folks on here are wasting their dough for this "peace of mind" thing. Again, this is not your dad's coolant or ATF anymore.

VA-Apraisr wrote:
...V10 motor... At 100,000 on mine, just replaced the plugs/coil packs ($150) and every plug looked perfect...

If you sourced 10 plugs and 10 coils for $150, I and many others would like to know where! Best I found on coils was about $30. Plugs, I forget, but I think around $5. Genuine Motorcraft for both, and that would put parts alone to do a Coil/Plug job around $350.

prolandsurveyor wrote:
Thanks for the input' I think we are gonna pull the trigger on it .

Welcome to the former rental club! I hope you love it as much as we do and have years of enjoyment. Fell free to message me if you have any questions!

klutchdust wrote:
"I would not buy a gas motorhome with more than about 60k miles, or a diesel with more than about 110-120 k miles. "

These aren't your grandpas engines anymore. My gas engines have easily gone to 300K and diesel is even better. A diesel at 120 is about 1/4 of it's life. Big rigs go 500K and then get some rings and bearings. Ford's V-10 is a well engineered engine, i say that and I am not a fan of Ford products.

I agree.

ctilsie242 wrote:
SXSW is in town in Austin. What people are doing to their Cruise America or other rigs, especially after one too many... I really wouldn't want to use that rig unless it was hosed down with a good antiseptic and ran through an ozone machine.

At 100,000 miles, a Ford E-350/E-450 likely will need new hoses, new brakes, spark plugs and coils, a new heater core, fuel pump, air filter, oil filter, transmission rebuild, engine rebuild, alternator, shocks, tires, brake pads, and calipers. That's just the drivetrain. The RV part will likely need a ton of work as well, just due to all the twisting and vibrating that it has gone through.

This is all assuming there is no water damage, but almost certainly the cabover will be rotted to black goo unless really lucky.

Used ones from a reliable rental place like Cruise America that have a good reputation? Possibly. High milage ones from other sources, no.

That a long list of things it needs from someone who hasn’t seen it, For all you know most of that could have been done at 80k. 100k isn’t a lot on today’s engines and if the price is right it could be a good deal.

Get away from rental units and you will likely find the same rig for less money with about 30K on it....just my $.02 of course