Is an old Class-A affordable to drive?

Hi you all. I don't have a motorhome, but I sure am dreaming of owning one! A few weeks ago I went to a used RV dealer in Phoenix, AZ. They had a 1985 Winnabego Chieftain 23' that was in awesome condition. They wanted 10 grand for it. But when I found out the mileage these old Winnabego Class A's get, 6 or 7, I wanted to cry.

I know where are more economical choices, a class B or small class C would get better mileage. But I just love the look of Class A's, especially older ones. They're like a massive Vanagon. When I sat in the driver's seat, it felt so right. The width, the huge windshield, I felt like I was the commander of the Starship Enterprise.

The Thor Axis 24.1 is a much more modern, fuel efficient class A, and the closest thing to the short old class A's of bygone times. But now you're talking payments, and they're due whether you drive the thing or not. At least with an old one, you pay cash for it, and if you you can't afford to drive it than it just stays parked. I still remember when gas hit $4/gallon like 8 years ago. I like to operate under the assumption that it could happen again.

My brother is always selling me on one of those Nissan NV200 mini-cargo vans. I suppose you you could spend a couple nights in it. New they start around $21K. So I'd probably be looking at payments and I just don't want that. Plus I already own an old car that I love.

As I said I live in Phoenix, and a major travel destination for me is going to be southern Cal and Los Angeles. If you've ever been to LA you've probably noticed alot of rough old motorhomes parked throughout the city. There are homeless people that live in these motorhomes. Well when I visit LA I want to do the same. For a few days I just want to drop out of society, live in my motorhome and surf. I'm not actually homeless, I have a house in Phoenix.

Do you think old Winnebago Chieftain would be appropriate for me, or is it a foolish purchase?

Class A

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Apr 26, 2016
The AVERAGE mileage put on an RV is 3500 miles per YEAR. That means that for the AVERAGE owner, the fuel mileage is really not that big of a deal as far as a cost to deal with.
If you realistically plan on only a few thousand miles a year, the old Chieftain may do just fine and the cost of fuel should not be much of an issue to worry about.
If you plan on putting many thousands of miles a year on your RV, then I would recommend going with a newer coach from a reliability standpoint. Remember, with a 1985 coach there are many system items that are over 30 years old that can fail at the most inopportune time. These can be items like the AC, water pump, furnace, etc.
gbopp
Explorer
Apr 26, 2016
I-10bound wrote:
So a 30+ year old RV will definitely be needing repairs and maintenance,

A 3 year old RV May need repairs and maintenance.

Take your time and do your homework before buying a RV. There is a lot to learn but, it's mostly fun stuff.
Don't be in a hurry to buy. There are plenty of Good deals out there.

Learn as much as possible. If the Winnebago you're looking at has a generator with low hours, thats not necessarily a good thing.
As you now know, RV tires usually age out before they wear out.
Water leaks and damage can be a deal breaker.

Ask lots of questions on the forum or, use the search block. Someone will have an answer for you.

Enjoy your search, RVing is a great hobby
NAUTIQUE
Explorer
Apr 26, 2016
Yeah $10 grand for the 85 Winnie is a bit extreme! :h
Maybe it was already totally renovated??

As others have said, no MH is going to be GOOD on MPG.
But the smiles per gallon can be fantastic!

Personally I find the DIY tweaks & mods a big part of the fun in owning a MH. Since you say you're handy, you should have a ball with that.

If you can find an older rig that is in great shape, good running condition, & everything working, you'll have a good starting point. Then I'd budget another $3000 or so, to go through it with all new tires, brakes, hoses, tune-up, etc.
Personally I'd be looking at 2000 and newer rigs (unless you were springing for top older diesel).
Shop, Shop, & Shop some more (especially private party) - great deals can be had!
Best of luck!
bogeygolfer
Explorer
Apr 26, 2016
X2 on "if you're worried about mileage you shouldn't be looking at motorhomes". Most Class C's will not be much better; B's might be slightly better but none are fuel-efficient.

I'd also add that my experience is that fuel is the lowest of your expenses when RVing, no matter what kind of RV you choose.

I just had this conversation with a close friend considering a B, and I told him that RVing almost never makes good financial sense; you do this because you love it. It's an expense and a luxury.

Good luck to you in your search.

Chris
I-10bound
Explorer
Apr 26, 2016
Wow! Quick responses, I like this forum. So a 30+ year old RV will definitely be needing repairs and maintenance, I'm alright with that. I'm also glad to know that $10 grand was overpriced. Maybe I could find an clean older class A for around $5K. Then I wouldn't mind putting some money into it. Today I'm reading up in fuel injection conversion kits for big V8's. That might be a good upgrade in the future.

This motorhome could be a hobby for me too. I'm good at woodworking, and I could learn other stuff as I go, such as plumbing and electrical.
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Apr 26, 2016
Do the arithmetic.

5000 miles per year divided by 7 MPG equals 714 gallons of fuel.

714 times $2.25 per gallon is about $1600.

Change the MPG to 11 and total fuel costs equals about $1000.

Is $600 going break you?

People get hung up on MPG when maintenance and depreciation is what eats you up.
Effy
Explorer II
Apr 26, 2016
I think mileage is probably the least of your concerns. It doesn't sound like you will be driving a lot so, 7 mpg vs 9-10 for a newer class A (and that's being generous - most still get 6-9)doesn't really translate into a lot of savings. There is something to be said for paying cash for an older motorhome, but things will beak and a lot of stuff on that coach (if it's original) has exceeded it's life expectancy. Fridge, AC, pumps, plumbing, roof, electrical, etc all may need some attention soon. Then there is the drivetrain. I am not trying to dissuade you, just that you need to be realistic in your expectations of a 31 year old motorhome. Think of a truck that was manufactured in 85, then think of a house that was built in 85, then combine the 2 and subject them to random earthquakes (what driving a MH feels like to the house) and consider what age and use does. As long as you are prepared to do or pay for repairs to the house and drivetrain, I would say go for it. But have it in your budget.
darsben
Explorer II
Apr 26, 2016
$10,000 way to high.
First you need to look at the date code on the tires. Any Class A or C with tires over 5 years old should be assumed to need new tires. Yes the tires have plenty of tread, sure they look good but they are at the end of life for a tire that may or may not have been taken care of. Problem is you do not know if the sat in the sun leaching there needed chemicals out or if the were covered when not in use. The salesman will lie and tell you they look fine BUT THEY ARE NOT.
Figure at least $1600-1800 for new tires. Yep you can take a chance but you risk thousands in body damage (not uncommon).

I would offer $3000 for the rig and go no higher than $4000 if everything worked and verify it works before taking possession or giving him the money.
If you want to cheap out on the tires be sure to replace at least the 2 fronts so the eventual blowout on old tires will be less catastrophic.
fyrflie
Explorer III
Apr 26, 2016
If your worried about gas mileage then you should not be looking at motorhomes.
Even the newer Class A coaches don't get that much better mileage.

RV's in general are a want and not a need. Just like a boat.

I would be skeptical about buying an older coach to save money only because of the likely hood of some major items needing replacement. I.e. Tires, refrigerator, roof, dry rot repair, chassis repair, etc.

It's not a matter of IF but WHEN you will need to sink more money into your coach. This applies to new and old alike.

Good luck with your search.

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Is an old Class-A affordable to drive?

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