Older Class A
Hi everyone,
I have a few question about older class A. I will give you a little background first. DW and I have recently finished over 4 years living and traveling full time in a 5th wheel. For several reasons we decided to go back into a sticks and bricks. We have sold our rig (2005 Carriage and 2005 Dodge 3500). and a bought a small low maintenance house.
We are in our late 50’s and while on the road work camped at several different RV parks and volunteered with both national and state parks. We really enjoyed the volunteer work.
So we have determined we are gypsies at heart and are already missing the RV lifestyle. We are a few years away from retirement and are again building the nest egg. In about 4 years we would like to do more traveling and volunteer in places we want to see. We live in Florida so getting out of the summer heat will be nice.
We will use the rig for weekend trips throughout the year and for one long trip during the summer. We will line up a volunteer gig and travel there and spend the summer. We are thinking about Montana, Wyoming and other western states. Once at our destination we will be parked for the summer. I figure we will put about 6k a year on the RV.
Our plan is to buy an older gas powered class A. I have been looking around and there seem to be a lot of 10-15 year old models that would fit the bill. Buying new is out of the question. We do know from living in a RV you have to be comfortable. Our 5th wheel was perfect for living full time but with only summers and weekends we don’t need as much room. I think a 30-35’ with one slide would work. We will also tow a small car. (Honda or similar)
I come from the 5er world and not real familiar with class A. I do understand that rigs of this vintage have to be looked at very carefully. So my questions are
What brand names are best? I know Tiffin, Newmar and Winnebago are well thought of. The Winne is the only one that would probably fit in my price range.
What about Holiday Rambler?
What bands should I stay away from?
Would a diesel with high miles like (130k) be better than a low mileage gasser?
How many miles on a gasser are too many?
Is there anything other than the obvious that should be considered? I am pretty well versed with RV systems.
Are there drive trains and motors that are better than others?
I realize that I am asking very broad questions but I want to educate myself with class A just as I did with 5 wheels. As I learn more I will make my future questions more concise.
I know I am probable opening up a worm can with this post. That is not my intension. I know some think that a 10-15 year old RV is already toast. That has not been my experience. We met many people who traveled in older class A and C. I am particularly interested in hearing from people who have taken this similar path and how it has worked out for you.
Thanks as always.
I have a few question about older class A. I will give you a little background first. DW and I have recently finished over 4 years living and traveling full time in a 5th wheel. For several reasons we decided to go back into a sticks and bricks. We have sold our rig (2005 Carriage and 2005 Dodge 3500). and a bought a small low maintenance house.
We are in our late 50’s and while on the road work camped at several different RV parks and volunteered with both national and state parks. We really enjoyed the volunteer work.
So we have determined we are gypsies at heart and are already missing the RV lifestyle. We are a few years away from retirement and are again building the nest egg. In about 4 years we would like to do more traveling and volunteer in places we want to see. We live in Florida so getting out of the summer heat will be nice.
We will use the rig for weekend trips throughout the year and for one long trip during the summer. We will line up a volunteer gig and travel there and spend the summer. We are thinking about Montana, Wyoming and other western states. Once at our destination we will be parked for the summer. I figure we will put about 6k a year on the RV.
Our plan is to buy an older gas powered class A. I have been looking around and there seem to be a lot of 10-15 year old models that would fit the bill. Buying new is out of the question. We do know from living in a RV you have to be comfortable. Our 5th wheel was perfect for living full time but with only summers and weekends we don’t need as much room. I think a 30-35’ with one slide would work. We will also tow a small car. (Honda or similar)
I come from the 5er world and not real familiar with class A. I do understand that rigs of this vintage have to be looked at very carefully. So my questions are
What brand names are best? I know Tiffin, Newmar and Winnebago are well thought of. The Winne is the only one that would probably fit in my price range.
What about Holiday Rambler?
What bands should I stay away from?
Would a diesel with high miles like (130k) be better than a low mileage gasser?
How many miles on a gasser are too many?
Is there anything other than the obvious that should be considered? I am pretty well versed with RV systems.
Are there drive trains and motors that are better than others?
I realize that I am asking very broad questions but I want to educate myself with class A just as I did with 5 wheels. As I learn more I will make my future questions more concise.
I know I am probable opening up a worm can with this post. That is not my intension. I know some think that a 10-15 year old RV is already toast. That has not been my experience. We met many people who traveled in older class A and C. I am particularly interested in hearing from people who have taken this similar path and how it has worked out for you.
Thanks as always.
