Quality construction

Sorry, I'm STILL trying to PICTURE MrMark off roading....:B:B:B...Dennis

All good answers so far. IMHO, look for floor plan first, quality a close second and anything else bringing up the rear. Whatever you choose will be fine for the use you describe. The suggestion of PPL Motorhomes web site is a good one. They have units for sale, mostly consignments, but the real value of their site is the floor plans they present. They also have a SOLD section that you can use to determine, in real world prices, what coaches are selling for.

As far as mfg go, look for a quality coach...especially if you're looking at 10+ yrs old. Don't worry if a company is no longer in business. Country Coach, Monaco, Fleetwood..all have changed hands over the past few years...they built some quality coaches and will still offer many years of excellent service. Look at the cabinets...are they put together with screws or staples? Fit and finish...does it look like they took pride in building the coach? Small things like faucets...plastic or metal?

The main differences between gassers and diesels are: Diesels are heavier so the ride is smoother. The diesel engine, (most often)is in the rear so you don't have any engine noise while driving and the generator is in the front, so no noise while you're sleeping. Gassers are cheaper in price but not necessarily cheaper in build quality. Choose what meets your needs best.

Finally, check the tire DATE CODES. MoHo tires age out at around 7 yrs max. regardless of tread depth. Six tires will run you about $4k so factor that into whatever offer you might make if the tires need replacing.

Here's some links..good luck and happy hunting...Dennis

PPL Motorhomes
SOLD Diesels
SOLD Gassers
Tire Date Codes

I have seen morer motorhome construction videos than I can count. I like Newmar and Winnebago. Some motorhomes (not mentioning names) use cabinetry for structural support whereas Newmar and Winnebago don't. they use interlocking framework. I would go diesel when you go to class A that is my feelings. I get almost 10 mile per gallon with my old bus. If it were me I would get a used winnebago Vectra or the like. I really like the Winnebago Journey as well. If I was going to get a gasoline model i would go with a larger class C again look at how the walls are constructed interlocking roof and wall supports are key. I can't find any manufacturer that don't use vacuum formed walls. Buses are built with skeleton structure than hang skin on the outside than install interior walls on the inside then trim it out. Motorhomes have the chassis and they put premade walls and floors on them and then tie them all together. and it's how they tie them all in that i focus on. That is my advice. If diesel I want a sleeved engine so I look for 350 cummins or higher. the Cat C-7 the Cummnins 5.9/6.7 are not sleeved but parent bore constructed.

Oh,

Speed isn't an issue, We aren't worried about who gets to the mountain top first. She is disabled so I will let her pick out a floor plan that will suit her needs. Do you all know if there were better years for manufacture than others? Like the tundra I drive, 2010 was a good year, does that apply to Motor Homes too, or are they revamped every 10 years or so?

Look on DreamFinder RV Answer to DUST intering MH ...Close all windows & vent, Turn on Vent on dash on high ..This will preserize Coach .. Very little dust will inter ..

for the amount of miles the average guy puts on a Class A there is not much difference. It is not uncommon to find 10-12 year old coaches with less than 50,000 miles on them.
You probably will not travel much over 65 so how fast isn't a criteria. As far as going uphill. If it takes 30 seconds longer in a gasser to get up a steep grade and you are in that much of a hurry then; you should find other means than a class A to travel. Think comfort of a class A speed of a corvette. two different things both nice but not the same.
If you were full timing or snowbirding then you might want a big DP for the luxury of home but for your "long distance through mountains twice yearly and camp all in the mid Atlantic states" either will serve you well. Find a solid well maintained class A if your are looking used. A poorly maintained DP is worse than a well maintained Gasser and the opposite is just as true.

Remember length is a limitation in some Public CG so if you plan any out west trips and stay in National parks etc that could be a factor

Handicap accessible RV's can be custom made and I am sure that a search will turn up some on the used market. Since the demand is low I would guess that a used handicap accessible RV should be reasonably priced.

Real4u2c,

Just to get an idea of what $50K will buy, check out www.pplmotorhomes.com in Texas. They show floor plans, have pics, etc.

Newmar makes a handicapped unit that has a lift on the passenger side mid way down. Not sure if you could find one used or not.

Good luck,
MM.

I am going to stay under $50,000 if I can, I will most likely by buying from the southern states. Prices round here (Hampton Va.) are astronomical. I have heard horror stories about big rigs getting stuck in far off places paying hundreds of bucks, not my idea of making da wife mad. She like amenities, I like functionality. We just really need to sleep us and maybe 4 more guests from time to time when visiting. Da wife has diabetes, and neuropathy in her legs and feet, so I will have to get maybe a lift gate / stair lift I don't know if motor homes come that way. I have looked at some $$ at the Camping worlds in SC, GA,FL.

Any coach you pick, whether gas or diesel, will make it to the top of any Western mountains. Unless you want to spend really big bucks, the speed while climbing that mountain is all about the same, in spite of what some DP owners will tell you. If you know how to drive, descending that mountain is also no problem as thousands of people do it every year with both gas and diesel coaches. Find the best floor plan that suits your needs.
Now, for off roading you need to consider what emergency road service will cover. CoachNet will tow you, if stuck, on any dirt road while going to or while in any designated RV park, whether it is private, state, or federal run.
If you want to travel down some undesignated dirt road, and you get stuck, CoachNet puts a limit of 100 feet from the end of a paved designated road. This means that if you want to head out on your own, and you get stuck, you may also be stuck with a HUGE towing bill.

Below 36' gas, above 38' diesel. Other than the dust of a dirt road... logging trucks use them.