Forum Discussion

zach477's avatar
zach477
Explorer
Jun 28, 2015

Narrowing Down My RV Search...

I'm starting to narrow down my search for my first RV. Planning on Full Timing. I live within 30-45 minutes of 4 different dealerships so I've been able to look at quite a few. I have it narrowed down to a few, but they fall into very different categories.

08 Fleetwood Fiesta bunk house- Unknown miles - asking 40k

02 Fleetwood Southwind - 50k miles - asking 32k

99 Holiday Rambler - Diesel 90k miles - asking 40k

03 Beaver Santium - Diesel 37k miles - asking 40k


I haven't seen the Fiesta yet. I will see it in two days. The sales person told me over the phone that it's coming in on a trade in two days. I'm not sure yet if its the 34b or the LX 34n, but it has bunks which I like. I'll be living in it full time, but also taking a small 3 or 4 piece band on the road. It's the newest of the group, but also an "entry level" coach.

The Southwind is kind of my backup plan, its cheaper and a little older, but if I'm on the road with musicians I won't have to worry as much about it getting beat up.

The Holiday Rambler appeals to me because of the longevity of the diesel engine and construction of the house, also has a washer/dryer which is a cool bonus. Only 1 slide. Next time I go look at it, I will have to check if the engine is the Cummins "53 block", if so it's not worth the risk to me...

The Beaver appeals to me for the same reasons as the HR, although it does not have a Washer/Dryer, it does have 2 slides. Low mileage at 37k...is this too low?


The Fiesta is at the top of my list unless it has super high mileage or is too beat up...I'll know in two days. The HR is second on my list unless it has the 53 block. What are your thoughts on a newer "entry level" model versus an older DP? Or any thoughts on the Fiesta in particular?

Thanks!
  • Dick_B wrote:
    To help you decide on what RV to buy you could go to www.rvknowhow.com and read Joe and Vicki’s suggestions and/or download their e-book `RV Buyers Homework’, which walks you through the process of choosing the best RV for your needs, selecting the right floor plans and features, determining the RV’s cargo-carrying and towing capacities and evaluating its livability. (Nov-Dec Highways, pg. 21)
    RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have a DVD that covers the same subject
    (http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=710&m=2) and Chuck Woodbury has an ebook with similar advice.


    So when I went to rvknowhow.com it was just a bunch of random sponsored listings. Some of which had to do with RVs, some did not. Ex: erotic eBooks, haha. Basically just a bunch of ads. Definitely didn't see anything about Joe and Vicki. Perhaps that domain has expired... :/

    I'm mainly interested in hearing advice from you guys about full timing in a newer "entry level" model versus an older high end model.

    Also, since the Fiesta is currently at the top of my list, any input or experiences on that particular model would be appreciated.

    Zach
  • To help you decide on what RV to buy you could go to www.rvknowhow.com and read Joe and Vicki’s suggestions and/or download their e-book `RV Buyers Homework’, which walks you through the process of choosing the best RV for your needs, selecting the right floor plans and features, determining the RV’s cargo-carrying and towing capacities and evaluating its livability. (Nov-Dec Highways, pg. 21)
    RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have a DVD that covers the same subject
    (http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=710&m=2) and Chuck Woodbury has an ebook with similar advice.
  • Regarding your 1999 Holiday Rambler - here's another with very low mileage of 36,284 miles for $25,900. You might compare the two.

    http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/diesel/diesel-motorhomes.php

    Low mileage doesn't necessarily mean it's bad because of not being driven enough. Have someone check it out thoroughly and naturally, you'd want to see it in person. PPL does basic checks of the normal components such as stove, refrig, etc. but you'd need someone to check the engine, etc. This unit looks extremely clean in and out. It might have been a snowbirders unit which stayed in a southern park during the winters and just moved back and forth.