Rating of the class C 90s Class Cs???

We bought a 1993 Jayco Designer class 'c' last
year with new tires and had to replace nothing.
63,000 miles. Motor and transmission runs like new.
We did reseal roof because of some small leaks.
The outside is faded some and decals peeling but
can live with that for awhile. So there is some older
models still with a lot of use in them without going
broke for newer.

I understand the differences of viewpoints regarding age of MH. My 5 previous MHs have all been older and I got along fine. May have been lucky but I tried to do my homework and screened the MHs carefully before purchase. It took 4 to 6 months of searching and looking before I purchased. I am going to look at one now that is still held by the original buyer, bought 1994, and even though it is an old one, mileage indicates it has been used regularly and has always been garaged. It is said everything works, tires Michelin 2010, no leaks, delamination, etc, but inspection will tell. Thanks for the advice.

I think folks here are way toooo conservative and scarey in some instances. If you can find an RV that you like and its 10yo or more, there is a good chance everything will be fine. The 2 biggies would possibly be the AC, the other the hot water tank. Water pumps are small items that go bad even in newer if not used and only cost around $100 or less to R&R. Stoves rarely go bad, could be an issue with the regulator but again a $40 fix if you do yourself. Heaters generally dont go bad ,maybe a blower unit, but most of this stuff can be found in RV salvage lots all across the country. You could run into some leaking l=water lines but you will find these in newer units also. So take some of the talk here with a grain of salt, You have a budget so try to stick to it, just do your homework 1st. I havent seen any responses from the post I gave you regarding craigslist listings and some of the real issues you might need to confront based on where you would purchase. Another item of concern could be an awning cover if one is installed, but again it is something that replacement fabrics are not that expensive for small ones. R&R of upholstery is something your other could maybe handle or even your self if you can do basic sewing.

So really consider what you think is important and go from there. But like anything its buyer beware, have someone that is knowledgeable do a check before you write one.

fighterpilota wrote:
With the difference in cost for MH 10 years apart can't one buy the necessary items that might fail and still be money ahead? Even better yet, maybe those items have already been replaced in the older MHs. Tires for sure are possible.

Yes, you can have items replaced as needed and save considerable money. Just be mindful that any ten year old, or older, rig will probably need original appliances and equipment like furnace, water heater, fresh water pump, generator and awning repaired or replaced at over $1000 or more per item sooner or later after you buy it. The exterior appearance will be deteriorated from sun damage and interior items like dinette cushions and carpeting, day/night window shade, woodwork and cabinets may need fixing.Roofs and windows must be maintained to prevent water leak damage. Also be mindful of other initial and recurring expenses when determining your intial and recurring cost budget.

If you find an older "cream puff" rig that actually has had major items replaced recently, including all six name brand tires, and is fully safe mechanically and ready to drive cross country and back, and is the size/length with the features you want/need, you may save enough money to make it worth owning for your purposes. I would recommend that you buy a rig that is not much older than three years old if you can get a good price and set aside money in a bank account for eventual repairs, etc. Our first Class C was an 11 year old "money pot" that we bought on impulse in 1990 from a private party for $13K . We had to spend over $10K parts and labor, the first year making it usable for serious touring and camping. It smelled of mold and looked it's age and didn't have the features we needed. We eventually sold it for $4500. We bought a 2004 Tioga 26Q new in late 2003 for $52K cash. We have recently spent around $3000 for replacement/repair of roof AC, fridge, fresh water pump and awning.

Initial and recurring costs for motorhoming are not cheap and how you store, maintain and use any rig will affect your cost of ownership and enjoyment. If you, or your offspring, are unable to do basic maintenance, troubleshooting and replacement work, your cost of ownership will be higher than that of an owner/handyman who has tools, workspace, time and skills of a truck mechanic, electrician, plumbing, and RV body work person.

With the difference in cost for MH 10 years apart can't one buy the necessary items that might fail and still be money ahead? Even better yet, maybe those items have already been replaced in the older MHs. Tires for sure are possible.

The Dometic fridge and roof AC unit on our 2004 rig died at about ten years old. It's about due for two new 6 volt Trojan house batteries now, and maybe a better converter/battery charger. Tires can go 4 to 6 years before developing sidewall cracks and becoming unsafe. Of course, how much you use your fridge and roof AC etc., can effect how long they will run before needing replacement. So, if you buy rig that is ten years old and everything is working, you can expect that some expensive repairs and replacements will be needed in the near future.

check out craigslist. there was a nice and well maintianed 30ft 1998 jayco out here that we looked at he wanted around $10k. no vehicle leakes (oil etc), started right up as did the gen etc, some solar panels no slides is why the wife didn't like!

Saw a couple others. Fla has a bunch of used but need to caution ya, they have problems with rust/corrosion to check. We found a nice melbourne by jayco, it came out of canada and all the storage latches were rusted and not functional, lots of surface rust on frame and running gear. WHen I talked to some maintenance types they advised about east coast fla in particular problems, said texas was bad also, calif was a******shoot. we bought a az rig so no problems. They are out there but ya may need to travel a little to get the right one.

Would suggest you consider researching the problem years of the early V10's with "spark plug spitting" and see if this is a issue for you or not.

Ok, back on the hunt again. Just got a price on renting a Class C for next summer and have decided to buy. Have two, 2400 mile trips planned for next summer so might as well try to buy something. Looking at Callista Coves as a start because of the fiberglass end caps. Born Free floor plan doesn't work. Others in the 25 to 30 foot range will be considered--10,000 the budget, but some flexibility for the right situation. A month ago there were two in that price range but hadn't decided to buy for sure-just doing research. Of course they are sold now. Leaks and delamination big consideration. Will be seeking your advice as things come up. Thanks. FP

We purchased a 20 yr old Jayco and had some minor
roof leaks but caulked and resealed and good now.
Mechanical it is very good barely can hear mtr run.
63k miles. All apliances work good and generator.
Even new ones they will go out. So if they have
been maintained well, lots of life is left in them.
A lot less then spending 20k to 50k for newer.
Owned for 1 1/2 yrs and made several trips and it gets
over 10 mpg every trip on 27" chasis.