Forum Discussion
Bordercollie
Jun 15, 2015Explorer
There is no quick and easy way to choose and buy a motorhome the best suits your needs, tastes and desires. Most major brands have levels of quality/features/cost and multiple floor plans. If you are mostly alone with two dogs, you won't "need" a 32 footer with slides, etc. A motorhome is a van with a house-box full of appliances and an AC/DC electrical system with a charger/converter and batteries that must be maintained to control and power the air conditioner, appliances and devices that give most of the comforts of a small apartment. If you buy a new "rig", you may not have many things to fix under the warranty. With a used rig, you may have things to fix/have fixed/replaced before you can safely travel and fully enjoy all of the features. Tires may need replacement due to sidewall cracking from just sitting parked long before they are 7 years old by date codes imprinted on them. Figure on tire replacement after 5 years regardless of tread depth/appearance. Appliances and air conditioning units may need major repairs or replacement after some 10 years. Roofs need periodic inspection and re-sealing to prevent expensive to repair dry rot water leak damage. The Ford E-450 engine, cooling system, and drive train are pretty much trouble free for 100K+ miles with normal maintenance. Take your time and get familiar with brands, features and floor plans and choose the best compromise. Many RV'ers own a succession of two or 3 different rigs as their needs change. Try not to buy an older "money pit"
and investing in cost of repairs that exceeds market value.
and investing in cost of repairs that exceeds market value.
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