We are looking to buy our first motorhome. Due to getting into the rv world later in life, we are not starting with a travel trailer and working our way up. Our hope is to start with a used class A. It will be 5 to 7 years before we become half-timers. Due to the nature of my job requiring working every Sunday, we will be making a couple of one week trips each year and several shorter trips each year. This will give us time to see what we would want to update on the unit before hitting the road for longer trips. So we are looking for wisdom from you veterans about buying used class A's. Our first question is. "How old is too old"? We have looked at several 2000 to 2003 Newmar Dutch Stars that seem to be better built than some of the newer models from other manufacturers. What are some of the main things to look for when buying used? we have read about pressing on walls to see if they give in spots that might indicate a leak at some point. We are trying to stay under 60k with this purchase. Any thoughts or bits of wisdom would be appreciated.

Hire a pro to inspect the unit once you find one you like.

Used class AWhat ever RV rig you choose, take it to an RV shop and have it completely checked out i.e. all systems, condition of motor and transmission, tires BEFORE you write the $$$$check. If any issues show up, make that a part of negotiationing of Price! The $200 or $300 for the inspection evaluatiion could save you $1000 of dollars in the future.

To me its kind of a compromise between unit age and mileage. MH's are not driven like a cars mileage. My rig is 3 years old and has 16000 miles and we travel a lot. Condition is everything. Like said you want to get every nut and bolt checked. You also need to ask ho w handy are you. There is always things that need to be done.

Make sure the floor plan works for the type of travel that you do. Almost every other thing can be changed as far as colors go but you are stuck with the floor plan and if it doesn't work for you, it can make your travels miserable. Even if you find the perfect coach, you might want to set aside a few thousand dollars for new tires, belts, hoses, batteries, mattresses, and other incidentals that you may need. If the dealer says the tires are "new" check out the manufacturing date and see if the tires all match. Dealers have a way of switching tires around from one coach to another.

Oh boy, Rv virgins and going Half T hopefully in a big MH... this should be interesting. I started early (1970) and did work my way up (score1 for starting at the top) and in the process learning a lot...4 DPs in the last 20 years. Last year I sold my 04 42’ Dynasty (to my son) which I’d planned on keeping until I aged out...it is that good a MH . Had to replace with a rig 10 years old or less (dumb 10 year rule where we snowbird) so bought much the same after looking at the new, overpriced junk...-08 HR 45’ Navigator and I’ll have to admit it’s a lot nicer but well out of your budget. A 10-15 year old top of the line rig will not need much updating....I spent $3000 updating my Navigator including new LED TVs, 900W of solar and 2 new front tires. Only the tires were needed.Do not make the mistake of buying a 36’ DP (like I did) because it’s a myth that 36’ is the max for NP, SP, USFS CGs (you’ll learn the abbreviations). In my not so humble opinion with $60K I’d buy a 40-42’ Monaco Dynasty...the most bang for the buck on the excellent handling RR10S chassis. Even for HT, you need a tag axle coach which will have plenty of CCC...unlike many single rear axle rigs of your vintage.At the top, read JohnnyT stickies and in the search box at the top is a lot of hidden info...RR10S, CCC You have a lot to learn, but you have plenty of time so do not rush into buying something until you’ve learned a lot and sat for at-least an hour in a lot of rigs and driven a few on various roads.

newbie needs wisdom | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Mar 25, 2019
Make sure the floor plan works for the type of travel that you do. Almost every other thing can be changed as far as colors go but you are stuck with the floor plan and if it doesn't work for you, it can make your travels miserable.
Even if you find the perfect coach, you might want to set aside a few thousand dollars for new tires, belts, hoses, batteries, mattresses, and other incidentals that you may need. If the dealer says the tires are "new" check out the manufacturing date and see if the tires all match. Dealers have a way of switching tires around from one coach to another.
craig7h
Nomad II
Mar 25, 2019
To me its kind of a compromise between unit age and mileage. MH's are not driven like a cars mileage. My rig is 3 years old and has 16000 miles and we travel a lot. Condition is everything. Like said you want to get every nut and bolt checked. You also need to ask ho w handy are you. There is always things that need to be done.
MarkTwain
Explorer
Mar 25, 2019
Used class A

What ever RV rig you choose, take it to an RV shop and have it completely checked out i.e. all systems, condition of motor and transmission, tires BEFORE you write the $$$$check. If any issues show up, make that a part of negotiationing of Price!
The $200 or $300 for the inspection evaluatiion could save you $1000 of dollars in the future.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Mar 25, 2019
Hire a pro to inspect the unit once you find one you like.

Forum Discussion

newbie needs wisdom

14 Replies

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Newbie power question

Any Words of Wisdom?

Newby needs help

Newby needs advice

Tire wear and causes wisdom needed