Ongoing Motorhome search

if by owner? listen to them talk about there rv stay around a bit some will tell you alot .

Wjohns02,

If I remember from one of your previous posts you had a budget of about $100k and were thinking about used models with the options being either newer lower line models or older mid-to-upper line models. Is that still your gameplan?

I've heard good and bad about Fleetwood, I have never owned one of their products so I don't have a dog in that fight. However, in a previous thread you did mentions something about the "Those Foretravels being really nice", or some such. :)

Are you limited to diesels or are you including gassers in your search?

For me, I'm planning to squeeze another couple of years out of our rig. Who knows, may keep it till we can no longer go RV'ing. BUT, if I do get bitten by the bug to replace it, I most likely will look for an early 2000's higher end rig rather than anything newer. My budget will probably be similar to yours and by the time we are actively looking, the rigs will be at least 20 years old.

I just think you get so much more bang for your buck with an older, high-end rig than you will with any rig in the years you mention. On top of that, if you're looking for DPs, I believe that most in that year range require DEF, which I'd rather avoid. I also noticed that it seems like a lot of rigs beginning in that era started have darker interiors, something wifey and I are not fans of. We like light colored, bright interiors. We'd be at shows and every light in the rig was on and it STILL felt like we were in a cave. Yuck! Lastly, that era of rigs, in my recollection, started including too many electronically controlled gadgets. I don't need everything in the rig being run by a remote control, or worse yet, an app on my phone! Convenient? Yeah, maybe, but I've had smart devices long enough to realize that old apps don't always work on newer devices. I just don't want to deal with all of that. What happens if I get a new phone and the old controller app no longer works to control the AC/Heat/Fans/Slides/lights/etc. etc. Give me a physical switch, knobs, buttons, dials. REAL controls, dagnabbit! LOL But that's me.

So, not a slam on Fleetwood, but about other things I'd investigate for any rig in that era. You probably have different likes and dislikes, but just thought I'd mention some other things for you to think about in your search.

If you have specific models and years in mind, though, you might want to post them as you'll hopefully be able to get some direct feedback from folks who own or have owned those models.

Good luck in your search. Don't rush, take your time. Your ideal rig is out there. The one in my signature was our first RV purchase of any type, and with a couple of years of research and A LOT of advice from the great folks on this forum, it has proven to be about the best choice we could've made at the time within our budget. We still have not really seen any other rig which has a floorplan we like better than the one in our rig. Floorplan is EVERYTHING!

~Rick

Rick, you are correct. Our budget is $100,000. Based on my research so far and a lot of feedback from others, if we move to a Motorhome I do plan to go with diesel. I currently tow with a F350 diesel so pretty convinced at this point I wouldn’t be satisfied with a gas Motorhome. Additionally most of the feedback I’ve gotten indicates the heavier unit will provide a much better driving experience.

Realize all of this is subjective but seems to make sense for us. That means looking at somewhat older models and finding one in good shape at a price we can afford is proving to be challenging but we’re not necessarily in a hurry.

My comments on the Foretravels came after following a link in one of the previous replies to my post. A dealer in TX had a few of those and yes they do look very nice but not in our price range.

Have found a 2013 Fleetwood that is great on the inside. Has a little damage on the outside body but the price they are asking reflects that. The damage is cosmetic and wouldn’t necessarily have to be fixed. Being a 2013, it does require the use of DEF so that’s another item that has to be consider. Interestingly enough I have a diesel truck and Jeep that both use DEF and so far no issues but time will tell.

Again, appreciate your feedback. The search continues.

Wjohns02 wrote:
My comments on the Foretravels came after following a link in one of the previous replies to my post. A dealer in TX had a few of those and yes they do look very nice but not in our price range.

I followed that link, too. MotorhomesOfTexas Did you check out all of them? I think there were 5, maybe 6 Foretravels that were under $100k, one was a tad over, but I'm sure could be negotiated down, if needed. I believe there were some early 2000's models and late '90's non-slide models. Check out some of the other manufacturers as well. You can select a max price of $100k and Class A Diesel as search filters. There ARE some nice older rigs out there in that price range.

Is that 2013 Fleetwood you found nearby so you can check it out in person? Post the model so possibly others here can possibly share their experiences. You're right to take your time. The search can sometimes be a long process, but I think well worth it in the end to find the rig that's best for your needs.

While it's hard to believe that a 2013 model is TEN YEARS OLD already, it still might be loaded with more electronic control gadgetry that I'm trying to avoid. :) I know when/IF I start looking for a replacement, it's going to be difficult to find one with the "all in one" bath as opposed to the "split bath" floorplans. It seems the majority of Class A's in the "up scale" categories use the split bath concept. Unless we end up with a bath & a half model with the full bath in the back. Wifey and I are just not fans of the bathroom/shower that separates the coach front to back if someone is in it. Probably OK with just two people, but with more, it could be a pain. Needless to say, our rig has the all in one option so people can still walk from front to back when the facilities are occupado! :)

C'mon Fleetwood fans, what say ye? Any advice on a 2013 Fleetwood DP? :)

~Rick

Rick, thanks for your feedback. Found a couple of options, a 2013 Fleetwood with a great floor plan, 13,000 miles. Has the mid bathroom but all on one side with three entry points which is kind of nice. It’s over our price range at $134,000 so thinking that through.

Also found a 2006 Tiffin Phaeton which appears to be in great shape. 88,000 miles asking $85,000.

Never imagined this was going to be so difficult.

Phaeton's are one of Tiffin's top sellers and are very high quality. However, the devil is in the details! First, Floorplan, floorplan, floorplan. If it works for you, terrific! If it does not you just have to walk away (this applies to every purchase option). Beyond that, service records and a VERY detailed walk through. A professional inspection is also worth the money as the few hundred dollars could save you thousands in future repairs.

How anxious are you in purchasing your RV? I have a 2016 Georgetown by ForrestRiver. It is a 36.6 ft. in length. It has two slides, main salon and kitchen and master bedroom. It is beautiful inside and out. Only 12K miles. You can contact me at blazenpm2@cox.net for more discussion if interested. I am in no hurry to separate ownership it is all determined on my physical condition.

Update - so made the plunge. Traded the travel trailer for a 2006 Tiffin Phaeton. 40 ft 4 slides, appears to have been well taken care of. Obviously a little dated on the inside but I think we can do minor changes that will make it look a little more modern . Just getting started so look out for the question from a motor home newbie.

Wjohns02 wrote:
Update - so made the plunge. Traded the travel trailer for a 2006 Tiffin Phaeton. 40 ft 4 slides, appears to have been well taken care of. Obviously a little dated on the inside but I think we can do minor changes that will make it look a little more modern . Just getting started so look out for the question from a motor home newbie.

Congrats and good luck!!!

Great!!!! Congratulations!

~Rick