Forum Discussion

rykbell's avatar
rykbell
Explorer
Aug 07, 2014

Smoothest Ride under 35k

My wife and I are looking for a better way to travel than flying with two kids, or worse driving our Honda Civic which is great for gas mileage but impossible to keep children happy and entertained. We travel twice a year for work (I work 5 months away from home, essentially off the other 7, at least that work can be done while mobile), and we have family across the nation we want to visit for holidays and special occasions.

Most important to us is ride quality, we also want width enough to move freely to the fridge or bathroom while driving, both of which had drawn us to Class A (from what we've read and seen)

My work provides housing for the 5 month work season, so we will probably be storing it for those months. So we won't be full timing, but we will be sleeping for a week or so at a time when visiting family. We don't really want a 40 footer, the smaller the better (provided there is a queen sized bed), but if we have to go big to get the ride quality we will.

Anyway, all that for a budget of about 35k, including initial maintenance or repairs to get ready to roll.

All of my reading has made me think an older DP is the way to go, but that is why I am coming to you all, the experts.

Couple of notes.

I'm okay with the added cost of scheduled maintenance of DP.

We want something that will serve us well for 2 or 3 years and we will can sell and upgrade.

If the best way is a $10,000 RV with $10,000 in initial cost to get rolling we're in.
Class A
  • gabriela's avatar
    gabriela
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    Hey:

    Good advice. I actually think I've zeroed in on another DP RV (another well-cared for, local HR, sparing the details cuz don't want to jinx it)--now if the seller just comes down... I have decided to go diesel--after reading many posts and watching the Wynn's video about diesel versus gas. I hate noise and I hate being under-powered. So, the waiting and watching game.

    Gabriela
  • gabriela's avatar
    gabriela
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    jwoodie wrote:
    My approach has been to make the widest possible survey of options out there. Then identify one which seems to meet your criteria and PRETEND that you bought it. Live with it in your mind while you check availability and prices. If it still seems like a good idea, decide on the model, options and price you are willing to pay. Then start monitoring Craigslist, etc. every day until the right deal presents itself. Once you find it, jump on it (it won't last long). Don't be afraid to travel to get it, but watch out for rust from Southern/Eastern states.

    Hopefully, you will be able to leapfrog some of the steps on your RV journey.
  • Deano56's avatar
    Deano56
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    2bzy2c wrote:
    Below is a 2000 Monaco Diplomat on auction. The reserve has been met at 12K

    Monaco Diplomat
    lots of repair to be done on this one
  • J-Rooster's avatar
    J-Rooster
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    I drove by All Seasons RV in Bremerton, Washington State yesterday and they had 4 nice looking RV's in there lot, 2 gas coaches for under $10,000.00 and 2 more under $20,000.00 Good Luck in what ever you buy!
  • glamisorbust's avatar
    glamisorbust
    Explorer II
    Aug 28, 2014
    Even though you like the gas motorhome you are looking at, I would hold off and keep looking. I had literally been looking on craigslist every day for two months for a deal to present itself. I had a 1994 georgie boy pursuit 28' chevy 454 gas engine and a 4kw kohler generator. It ran ok but definitely did not have enough power. The generator was underneath the kitchen so you still heard it but not too loud. The engine roaring and getting hot between the two passengers is one part I did not like. In the DP, you can literally talk in a low voice, with the generator running and be able to hear each other clearly. Much, much different from a gas engine. Also, the heat and exhaust are all out back, behind you. Now, there are drawbacks to the diesel. Like if someone wants to sleep on the back bed going down the highway, the engine is right underneath you and producing quite a bit of noise and heat. I have slept on one and didn't get much sleep going down the road. Too bouncy back there anyways, on either the gas or diesel version. Now, my dad bought a 2001 HR endeavor about 4 years ago. It came all setup to tow and also came with a 2001 jeep liberty. His has a larger cat 350, larger tires, 10 lug wheels and an extra slide out back. But he also paid $55k for his package, and I paid $32k for mine. I would look at ebay but be sure you can look the unit over in person before you buy it. Craigslist is where the best deals can be found. The people I sold my '94 georgie boy to were clueless to RV's so I spent about half the day running them through every system on it. They were very grateful for me doing that. Make sure the seller is not rushing you through anything. If they do that probably means they are hiding something. Helps to take a friend with you to maybe see things you don't.
  • gabriela's avatar
    gabriela
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    glamisorbust wrote:
    The RV has 127k on it, the CRV has 135k on it. The CRV does not register miles when it is being towed, so it has more miles on axles and bearings, etc. The car drives like a new one. We absolutely love it. The cummins pushes the coach along with ease, unlike my old 454 gas coach that would struggle on even a 1% grade. I found this combination listed for $35, both pieces all set up to tow. The reason why he had a hard time selling it was because he would not split them up. The endeavor lists for $38k on nada, and the CRV lists for $11,500 on KBB. Plus thousands of dollars in towing and braking equipment. This gentleman and his wife lost their dog recently and the dog went everywhere with them in the RV. So the memory of their dog was painful every time they looked at the coach. I offered him $32k and he took it, reluctantly. Very nice people that took great care of their equipment. I love my new setup. If you're gonna pay $24k for a gasser, keep looking and you'll find the diesel you want. Much more of a pleasure to drive.


    Hello, well really thanks for this advice. I watched gone with Wynns, and they also seem to favor diesel. They said when you run a generator or battery, you don't hear it in the back bedroom with a diesel but you will with a gasser.

    But a lot of people own gassers. How are they managing?

    Also, now I think I may be paying too much for this vehicle--even though at 24K asking, it is around the NADA (a bit high--NADA is saying around 20K low, but the seller may flat out refuse). You are making me think I'm going too fast, tho', should look to the auctions. Did you see that Camelot now for sale on crazyape.com? TO DIE FOR. Wow, 4 slides. Reserve not met, but I've never seen something so beautiful in my life. They're up to 40K, reserve still not met.

    This is out of my range, but it does give one pause.
  • jwoodie's avatar
    jwoodie
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    My approach has been to make the widest possible survey of options out there. Then identify one which seems to meet your criteria and PRETEND that you bought it. Live with it in your mind while you check availability and prices. If it still seems like a good idea, decide on the model, options and price you are willing to pay. Then start monitoring Craigslist, etc. every day until the right deal presents itself. Once you find it, jump on it (it won't last long). Don't be afraid to travel to get it, but watch out for rust from Southern/Eastern states.

    Hopefully, you will be able to leapfrog some of the steps on your RV journey.
  • gabriela's avatar
    gabriela
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    2bzy2c wrote:
    Below is a 2000 Monaco Diplomat on auction. The reserve has been met at 12K

    Monaco Diplomat


    Hello:

    Is there any way of observing the price the item sold for, as one can on Ebay? This would help me bargain with the person I'm trying to buy the 1999 HR Endeavor from with 27K miles (36') for $24K.

    Also, what do you think of buying on Ebay?

    Sincerely, Gabriela
  • glamisorbust's avatar
    glamisorbust
    Explorer II
    Aug 28, 2014
    The RV has 127k on it, the CRV has 135k on it. The CRV does not register miles when it is being towed, so it has more miles on axles and bearings, etc. The car drives like a new one. We absolutely love it. The cummins pushes the coach along with ease, unlike my old 454 gas coach that would struggle on even a 1% grade. I found this combination listed for $35, both pieces all set up to tow. The reason why he had a hard time selling it was because he would not split them up. The endeavor lists for $38k on nada, and the CRV lists for $11,500 on KBB. Plus thousands of dollars in towing and braking equipment. This gentleman and his wife lost their dog recently and the dog went everywhere with them in the RV. So the memory of their dog was painful every time they looked at the coach. I offered him $32k and he took it, reluctantly. Very nice people that took great care of their equipment. I love my new setup. If you're gonna pay $24k for a gasser, keep looking and you'll find the diesel you want. Much more of a pleasure to drive.
  • gabriela's avatar
    gabriela
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    glamisorbust wrote:
    Your $35k budget is well within reason for a 2000-ish diesel pusher. Look for a holiday rambler endeavor 37-38'. They come with one large slide. They ride so smooth and the power is incredible compared to a gas engine. Don't even look at the gas models. I just purchased a 1999 holiday rambler endeavor 37CDS4 for $32k that came with a 2006 honda CRV. Both vehicles in immaculate condition and everything works on both. Also, the CRV is ready to tow, came with the towbar and all braking equipment ready to hit the road. You can find these RV's for probably around $29k if you look hard enough. My father and brother both have the same model and we all have had little to no problems. We really enjoy the ride and all the storage. Two of us have the 5.9 cummins 24 valve 275hp, my father has the 330 cat in his. Go diesel!


    Wow! Where did you find a deal like that? Might I ask the milage on the DP and CRV? You really lucked out. I am looking at a 1999 HR Endeavor gasser 275 HP 36 foot, 27K miles, very good condition, (Ford V-10 Triton engine) and it is in the $24K range. I will not be towing initially, maybe ever. If I do tow, it will probably be one of those new-type scooters with 2 wheels in front, one in back, in a toy hauler. Don't think I'll want to tow a car yet.

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