A 2000 or newer Ford V10 (and likely Chevy 8.1) will handle a 5000 lb toad and the hills as well. With a $35,000 budget and not a lot of miles per year, that might be a better option.
http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2003-Winnebago-Adventurer-35-U-113447197http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2003-Winnebago-Adventurer-35U-113614843http://www.motorhomeclassifieds.com/307046.htmlYeah, I know, I'm prejudiced with the Winny/Itasca 35U floor plan. We love it, and I chuckle every time I see a thread about not buying the right MH the first time. This is our first (bought 9 years ago) and will be our last (unless it gets wrecked).
If you end up looking at Workhorse chassis, do some checking on the brake recalls for them. If the recall has been done, they are good units also.
Oh yes, with a 2000+ gasser, the chances of a very expensive engine or tranny failure is much less than on a 20 year-old diesel. Check out the price for a new/rebuilt diesel injection pump or turbo some time.
