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?
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?
