How to Make the Leap

I would go for it. There is so much to see in this country and you and your family should see it while you can.

Yes you can get a good, used DP for your budget if you shop carefully. I would look for a well-build higher quality rig in the years that keeps you in that price range. Some brands/models to consider are:

Country Coach
Newmar
Travel Supreme
Monaco
Beaver
Foretravel


Since you plan to do your own mechanical work, strongly suggest you shop for a side radiator coach. You will see the difference in side radiator and rear radiator when you look into the engine bay.

Good internet access is easy these days. We use a Verizon MiFi gizmo that works very well so no need to rely on often unreliable RV park WiFi systems.

One thing you might consider is that many RV parks limit the amount of data you can send and receive. I stayed at one KOA and it cut me off after uploading three or four photos to Photo bucket.

I did it! Migrated from tents, to 5th wheels, and Truck Camper (Still have Truck Camper).

I passed on a real nice 2005 Country Coach DP for $52,000 a few years ago. Everything worked fine but there were a few items that needed some TLC and I was going to have to finance a portion of the deal.

I paid cash for a 2000 Thor Hurricane with 12,000 mile on it with the expectation of doing some much needed maintenance to a few items.

Here is what I had to fix that proved to be absolutely necessary:

1. Windshield wipers - replaced knurled pieces and blades
2. Cleaned generator carburetor
3. Cleaned dirt dauber nests from blower and burner on heating system
4. Replaced tires
5. Changed oil and filter (even though the most recent oil change had <1,000 miles)
6. Replaced all batteries
7. Cleaned the engine compartment
I drove the Hurricane 6,000 miles since purchase.

Things I am doing now:

0. Flush Radiator b4 changing hoses
1. Replace radiator hoses
2. Replace Serpentine belt
3. Fix A/C leak
4. Replace Fuel filter
5. Replace shock absorbers
6. Add rear track bar
7. Replace LP gas regulator
8. Replace LP and CO detectors
9. Replace Smoke alarms
10. Replace ABS sensor on differential
11. Replace fuel tank filler hoses

Just a bunch of 'small' things to do. I obtained a good buy well below NADA/Bluebook and have a well equipped shop to correct anything I find needed.

Did any of you make the leap before you retired?
I say go for it !!! My first RV was a 34' Winne Vectra (gasser, no slides) and now a 38' Travel Supreme (DP w/four slides), all before I retired. If a Class A is where you want to end up why keep spending $$$ and taking a hit at each move?


Did most of you start with smaller RV's or travel trailers?
I did start with sailboats if that counts.

What are my pitfalls?
None that I see.

I already have a place to park it when not being used. I am a hands-on kind of guy who can turn wrenches when needed. Can much of the maintenance be done DIY?
I do all my own maintenance. As a matter of fact I have never had a car, truck, boat or MOHO in a shop in my life. Break it down one system at a time and it's not very complicated.


Can I expect a halfway decent Diesel pusher for <$70K?
Yes, if you are willing to go a few years old. Just start with a quality rig.

Should I be concerned with a rig that has approx 100k in mileage? Or would years old be more of a concern?
Not so much with todays engines, but you should be able to find plenty of rigs out there with fewer miles. The key is maintenance.


Good luck.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy