Hi,My wife and I are planning to purchase a Class A diesel in the next month, to use as a part-time liveaboard for work.Given the potential sensitivity of this subject - and I certainly don't want to initiate any flame wars here - please PM me with your responses.Our budget is somewhat limited, so are looking for something used, in the $30k-$60k range, with relatively low miles if possible.Given the number of manufacturers out there (it's mind-boggling), it's difficult to know what brands are more reliable than others, and which are known for having a better build quality.We do want to be able to tow another vehicle (trailered).We were considering a 5th wheel, but realized that with two 160 lb dogs, that carrying them in the back of a RAM 3500 Quad Cab was not going to work well (only one would fit in the back seat at a time), and so the next logical choice was the Class A.I have noticed that the longer the motorhome, the higher the price, but I have no idea what brands I should be looking at, and which I should avoid.I should also add that I may need to use it through a midwest winter as well, so it should be able to keep me comfortable during potential ice storms.I would appreciate any input the members here might have.Thank you in advance!

There are a lot of parks that don't take one dog at that weight good luck with two.

With those perimeters, you're probably limited to big, high quality rigs built in the early to mid 1990's. So, for comparison look at Holiday Rambler Imperial, Scepter or Navigators in the 42 to 45 foot length. They are all diesel powered and well insulated for winter use. Once you've narrowed down which features to want and those you can live without, check out the sold units listed in the on-line web site for the consignment lot, PPL in Texas. That will give you some idea what your money will buy. There are many, many good brands that will have similar features, such as Newmar.

Welcome to the forum.I would start by looking at all different brands. Check online, dealers lots and private sales.Find a floor plan that works for you. Also, condition is very important.Start looking, there's something that will fit your budget and situation. I'm sure you're excited but, don't be in a big hurry to buy. Don't hesitate to ask questions on the forum, there is a lot of info available. Good luck, enjoy your search.

Even if you spend full time on this from Branson, you'll be lucky to find the right DP in the next 30 days with your requirements. Other than Alfa I would not worry about the brand as each make entry level MHs and many make high end MHs. At that old and winter use you need high end. Even at $60K you'll be in the 95-98 years with maybe one slide. I would not worry about floor plan as in those years they are all about the same if they are front entry. You need double pain windows, a 10K hitch, 40', a Onan quite diesel generator, and AquaHot if possible. Good luck as in a year you'll probably be trading which costs $$$$ if you rush into this.

Newbie planning first purchase | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

Passin_Thru
Explorer
May 12, 2013
Who said you can't? You can tow it witha pickup. Ford Class C motorhomes are rated for up to 10,000 pounds towing capacity. What difference does it make what you put in the trailer?
dcbopp
Explorer
May 12, 2013
Hjarttagold, I'm sending you a PM. David
2112
Explorer II
May 11, 2013
PPL
ncrowley
Explorer II
May 10, 2013
Do a lot of research. I used the RV consumer group to get information about the different manufacturers and models. I also hired an RV consultant to look at the coaches before I purchased. Go with a higher end coach that is older.
RFCN2
Explorer
May 10, 2013
The first thing I did 4 years ago when looking was to get everything written on the subject of motor home quality I could. I read this and a couple other forums. I also just googled some brands. You can get a lot of information by just googling Tiffin, Country Coach, Newmar, Fleetwood, and so on (BTW I just picked those names that is not my list of quality coaches) Four years ago I found that the most complete information by far was from a group called the RV Consumer Group. Things may have changed in four years, but if I was going to buy a coach today that is the first place I would go. They are at RVCG.org - join and then buy their compilation CD set that gives the basic statistics of thousands of RVs. They do also give quality ratings. I found their ratings very accurate.

I also spent a huge amount of time following sold's on ebay. What something actually sells for gives you and idea of what you should be paying. There is also the NADA assesment of value. The banks do pay attention to the NADA values. I paid substantially under wholesale NADA for my coach. But when I bought it the Dow was 7,000 and not 15,000. Today you likely will have to pay at least wholesale to get a good coach.

Most important by far is your perception of the coach. The motors and transmissions generators and so on are the same. Chassis are not. One made specifically for a motor home is better. People will argue this depending on what they have, but every writer I looked at giving an educated opinion on this said purpose built chassis is better. From there just look in the corners when people normally don't look and see how well it is built. And of course how comfortable you are driving it. By all means!!! Do not buy a coach that does not handle well BEFORE you put money on the table. Do not write to this forum saying you just bought a coach and it handles terrible, "what should I do". The answer is you should not have bought it till the previous owner got the problems fixed to your satisfaction.

Have fun. I did. I spent two years in research and still love our coach. Drives like a dream.
Hjartagold
Explorer
May 10, 2013
Thanks for all the great input, as well as the very helpful PM's ... I really appreciate the wisdom that comes from experience.

I hope that after the accumulation of miles, I will be able to contribute some wisdom of my own here someday.

:B

Thanks again!

Bjorn
Tom_Barb
Explorer
May 09, 2013
In this RV industry there have been a few companies that are no longer in business after the economy crash, So my best advice is buy a older coach that still has support from its manufacturer.

Advantage ….> Newmar
paulcardoza
Explorer
May 09, 2013
I agree that given your requirements, an older, higher end rig will seem to fit you best. An early-to-mid 90's American Coach, for example. Also, for winter camping, an Aqua-Hot is definitely something you need to consider. Without it, you can plan on going through a heck of a lot lot of propane in a mid-west winter. Aqua-Hot uses onboard diesel and does an amazing job of heating the coach.
pianotuna
Nomad III
May 09, 2013
Hi,

I'll have to tell that to my cousin who has been towing a trailer with a car in it behind his class C for for five years.

Ivylog wrote:
You cannot tow a trailer with a car in it with a class C.
Ivylog
Explorer III
May 09, 2013
You cannot tow a trailer with a car in it with a class C.