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egurewitz's avatar
egurewitz
Explorer
Jun 01, 2013

Is this a good deal?

I am thinking about getting an RV. Have been doing a lot of research and think it may be a good way to travel with my dog & bird. I plan to travel an average of 30-90 days per year; 4000+ miles per year. I am looking at 30-34' used Class C and Class A (dp & gas) options. I find the Class A may work better for me as far as driving comfort. At just under 5', the Class C feels like I am siting in a well!

I just came across a listing for a 2009 Georgetown XL 378, Class A gas, 37' (a little more than I wanted, but should be OK) for $62,995. It has 19,995 miles and loads of amenities, including a fireplace, washer-dryer combo and air mattress, just to name a few. The pictures look really nice; I plan to take a look at it tomorrow.

Does this sound like a good deal? Is that too much mileage for a 2009? What should I look for and what questions should I ask to be sure it is in optimal condition. I don't want to save a few $$ upfront, only to have it cost more in maine & repairs.

Thanks.
  • Sea Dog wrote:
    Why do you think that you want a class A?
    Aside from the snob value,
    a class C might be much better for you.


    Snob value?

    What about storage. I like class Cs, I had one before. But I if you are going to spend much time in there, there is a big problem storing and finding your stuff. I know some are a coming with a large pass through in the back now but you would have to stack everything to use a big tall compartment like that.
  • afrescop wrote:
    How much do you plan on using the MH? First and foremost the floor plan should be the major consideration. There are very good MHs at all price points. Just because a coach is entry level does not make it junk. Buy what is practical and works best for you.


    No, what makes it junk is using cheap parts, cheap chassis. If you buy an older higher quality mh it will withstand use much better.
  • The big difference between DP and a gas rig? DPs are usually higher end coaches with a heavier chassis and larger carrying and towing capacity. DPs also have airbag suspension for a better ride, the rear engine so quieter ride, and my favorite is the engine brake especially when you are traveling in the mountain states. There are some entry level DPs that I would stay away from that are built with cheap fixtures, etc and usually a lower HP engine, stay away from these. Our first MH was a 05 34H Journey and it was a great MH, build really nice and great quality. DPs, if maintained properly, will last much longer than a gas rig, but do cost more to maintain, etc. IMHO the best manufactures for med level coaches are Winnebago/Itasca, Newmar, and Tiffin and all have been in business for 50+ years. We spent several years researching and going thru many coaches before we bought a MH as we were planning to full-time so a good coach was very important to us. There are many great gas MHs out there as well like the Winnebago Adventurer which is a high end gas rig. I don't get the sob appeal, maybe if you are talking about a million + Prevost, etc. LOL! Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
  • I need one large enough to put in a full-size cage for my bird. I've seen layouts that work from 24' & up. I don't want to stay around 30', but that is not a requirement. I would like to take some "min-trips" throughout the year and maybe one long trip each year (2-3 months)...great way to get out of Tucson for the summer! Total annual mileage will probably be 5000+ on average.

    I started looking at the Class C first. Class A was not even on my radar screen due to size and cost. But after just sitting in the driver's seat, the Class A was way more comfortable for me and I like being up higher. In the Class C, I could not bring the seat up enough. I felt too low and did not have the same level of comfort & security. I could care less about the "snob factor", if there really is one. I have not yet driven either, so that's my next step. Maybe I'll find the C easier to drive??

    I think I will stick to gas. I don't think I am going to need a DP and it sounds like a gas rig is cheaper and easier to maintain. My budget is @ $70,000 (not to exceed $80,000 with tax, license, etc.) I know I can get a newer C for that, but the driving comfort level will be the determining factor for me.