I am educating myself in preparation for full-timing sometime in the next four to eight years (primarily contingent upon how long the kids will be in school).A review of online ads shows that one can obtain used diesel pushers with model years from the late 1990s to the early 2000s from what I gather are better quality manufacturers such as Newmar, Tiffin, etc., with 60K to 80K miles in the 35 ft to 40 ft range for somewhere around $30K.Is it realistic to think that one could purchase such a motorhome and have refurbishment done in a cost effective manner?I have been toying with the following example ($ in thousands):Coach 30.0 Roof e.g., RV Armor 6.0 Tires 4.0 Batteries 1.0 Brakes 2.0 Fluids, Filters, Belts 1.0 Flooring 3.0 Furniture 5.0 A/C 2.0 Furnace 2.0 Washer/Dryer 2.0 Range/Oven/Micro 2.0 Generator? 5.0 Air Suspension? 2.0 Shades, Blinds, etc.? 3.0 It seems to me that one should be able to wind up with a refurbished coach at $60K to $70K; this is costly, but a small fraction of the price new. I would think this is realistic from the perspective of the mechanical aspect of the coach: if properly cared for, the diesel drive-train, chassis, and suspension should last longer than I will.I wonder if the rest is realistic? Are there places that specialize in older motorhome refurbishment? I know of at least one place that does so for fifth-wheel trailers; I assume comparable businesses exist.Thanks!

You're probably pretty close. Certainly in the ball park.Mine is a 40 with 4 slides which give a lot of room.

You might find many coaches that have had at least some of that work done, with a heavy discount to the buyer (you)!On that list, flooring and furniture seem to be the only two items that offer any synergy in doing them at the same time. Projects could be done while enjoying the RV.One item not on your list that could apply - exterior paint - finish and decals!BTW, I have done seven of your items with no prior specific experience.Generator can be a wild card for sure - if it works properly and has been serviced, it is likely as dependable as a new one.Matt B

Mr. Russell5000,If you are going to put $60K-$70K total in an older unit, look for the newest, cleanest coach in the $60-65K range and save $5K for minor updates. No sense in putting $40K in an older coach when you can move up to a newer coach that may not need much work. Just feed for thought.Safe travels,MM.

I'm with MM above.. You'll never get your money out of the remodeling or replacing. Maybe $4K for tires and batteries in a newer rig and a lot less work.I do not foresee needing to spend $5K in the next five years on my $80K DP.

Mine would not require refurbishing, but not ready to sell it.

Older Diesel Pusher Motor Home Refurbishment for Full-Time

RUSSELL5000
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
Thanks much for all of the responses. I conclude that my idea is practical.

To the point about looking at more recent years requiring less refurbishment or even an older unit requiring less refurbishment - amen. Certainly, I will be looking for the most overall cost effective initial purchase.

I anticipate doing much of the ongoing maintenance and upkeep myself. I need to have something pretty much ready to go to start out in - the DW has made it clear that after decades of home maintenance, home remodeling, and children maintenance that she does not want a "project".

Thanks!
jplante4
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2016
My rule of thumb is to expect to spend 10% of the purchase price the first year to get things right.

Your estimate for tires (assuming 6 not 8) is high. I think $2500 would cover it, unless you insist on Michelins.

You should be able to get 4 Trojan 105 6 volt batteries for less than a thousand, and these are probably the most expensive batteries in the bunch.

Most of us that own older coaches are able and willing to do the work ourselves. If you can and are, you'll spend about half your estimate for things like roof repair and flooring.
Gjac
Explorer III
Aug 08, 2016
I think your estimate is high. I bought a used MH 12 years ago for 30k. I spent $12k for repairs, mods and maintenance over the 12 years that I owned it. Roughly 1/2 was for repairs and mods. Look for a well maintained MH where the owner has records of what he has fixed as well as maintenance records.
Cloud_Dancer
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2016
Mine would not require refurbishing, but not ready to sell it.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Aug 08, 2016
I'm with MM above.. You'll never get your money out of the remodeling or replacing. Maybe $4K for tires and batteries in a newer rig and a lot less work.
I do not foresee needing to spend $5K in the next five years on my $80K DP.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
Mr. Russell5000,

If you are going to put $60K-$70K total in an older unit, look for the newest, cleanest coach in the $60-65K range and save $5K for minor updates.

No sense in putting $40K in an older coach when you can move up to a newer coach that may not need much work.

Just feed for thought.

Safe travels,
MM.
oldmattb
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
You might find many coaches that have had at least some of that work done, with a heavy discount to the buyer (you)!

On that list, flooring and furniture seem to be the only two items that offer any synergy in doing them at the same time. Projects could be done while enjoying the RV.

One item not on your list that could apply - exterior paint - finish and decals!

BTW, I have done seven of your items with no prior specific experience.

Generator can be a wild card for sure - if it works properly and has been serviced, it is likely as dependable as a new one.

Matt B
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
You're probably pretty close. Certainly in the ball park.
Mine is a 40 with 4 slides which give a lot of room.

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Older Diesel Pusher Motor Home Refurbishment for Full-Time

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