Forum Discussion

CrazedAquarius's avatar
Aug 03, 2013

soon to be new full time RV er

Hi all, I will soon be buying a used class a, I am still shopping, my budget is limited, any suggestions on class a rv's? good models? bad models, I wont be driving it much yet, later i will tho; but, I will be living in it full time. I know the basics so far, look for mold, drip lines, wrinkles, cracks in roof seals, budget is under 25 k, so, dont suggest a monaco, lol
  • Don't limit yourself in your search. There are some good preowned units for sale by owner. If your main reason for using a dealer is for the warranty - might be 30 days at best - lots of older units are sold "as is". I am a fulltimer, bought my used unit from a private seller - he had all service records, and I had an independent inspector check all house systems and engine (oil test). Good luck in your search
  • I cringe when someone with $10,000 to spend (with little or no room for maintenance/repairs), wants to full time AND wants a nice coach. But nice MH's can definitely be had for $25,000.
  • Pretty good advice so far; all the best to you. We purchased an after market warranty through GoodSam when we bought our new to us motorhome. Peace of mind is worth everything.
  • CrazedAquarius wrote:
    I prefer to stick with a dealership, so I can possible purchase a warranty of some type, but, thanks for the advice, I was actually thinking low miles was good, not so?


    Tell us where you are and how far you're willing to travel. This group is big enough to have knowledge of almost every RV dealer out there. The only problem with dealers is the markup. Very often it is ridiculous.

    For many people an extended warranty on a motor home is a bargain & a necessity. Other folks would rather stash a couple of thousand $$ for emergencies. Only you know what's right for you.

    On an "elderly" motor home low mileage is not very good. The more an RV is properly used the better condition (at least mechanically) it's likely to be in. That said, my motor home had fairly low mileage for its age. When I learned that the reason for that was the distance between the original owner's home and their favorite snowbird location I wasn't too concerned. I knew the MH had to have been used regularly and regularly maintained.

    Stay away from Camping World RV Sales. I don't think I've ever seen a good report on them and some were really horrific. Camping World is great for other things and some of their internet only sales are truly unbeatable. If you join Good Sam you get a small discount at Camping World.

    If it is at all possible try to set up your car for 4-down towing. Keep things simple.
  • Check the date on the tires. If more than 6 yr. old that would be a good negotiating item. If buying from a dealer have them replace all fluids. Don't forget about the generator. If buying from a private party, maintenance receipts would be helpful. An independent person to go over everything would be ideal if you're not mechanically able. The roof condition is important and it should have been kept clean and caulked. Test all appliances. Take your time. There are a lot of good ones out there. Good luck!
  • Valkyriebush wrote:
    rockhillmanor wrote:
    The price of MH's varies from state to state. In the Midwest and down south in Florida you 'can' find a very nice MH for around $25,000.

    IMHO the 2 biggest things to look for are tires and if the MH is being used or just sitting. Do yourself a favor and do NOT buy a MH that is just sitting in a CG sinking into the ground no matter what the price is. Find one that is currently being used. There are a lot of people coming off fulltiming that have RV's for sale that have been taken very well cared of.

    Good Luck, there is an RV out there that will fit your needs and price.:C


    X-2


    I prefer to stick with a dealership, so I can possible purchase a warranty of some type, but, thanks for the advice, I was actually thinking low miles was good, not so?
  • donn0128 wrote:
    First things first. Welcome. But you have posted in the wrong section. I have notified the moderator to move it for you.
    For 25K for a used MH you are going to be very limited in what is available. Then there the is the matter of getting around when parked? Do you plan on walking or are you towing a small car?


    I have a small convertible, so when I begin to travel will decide if I want to pay extra fuel to tow it on a dolly, or, ride my bicycle and use cabs, lol
  • rockhillmanor wrote:
    The price of MH's varies from state to state. In the Midwest and down south in Florida you 'can' find a very nice MH for around $25,000.

    IMHO the 2 biggest things to look for are tires and if the MH is being used or just sitting. Do yourself a favor and do NOT buy a MH that is just sitting in a CG sinking into the ground no matter what the price is. Find one that is currently being used. There are a lot of people coming off fulltiming that have RV's for sale that have been taken very well cared of.

    Good Luck, there is an RV out there that will fit your needs and price.:C


    X-2
  • The price of MH's varies from state to state. In the Midwest and down south in Florida you 'can' find a very nice MH for around $25,000.

    IMHO the 2 biggest things to look for are tires and if the MH is being used or just sitting. Do yourself a favor and do NOT buy a MH that is just sitting in a CG sinking into the ground no matter what the price is. Find one that is currently being used. There are a lot of people coming off fulltiming that have RV's for sale that have been taken very well cared of.

    Good Luck, there is an RV out there that will fit your needs and price.:C
  • First things first. Welcome. But you have posted in the wrong section. I have notified the moderator to move it for you.
    For 25K for a used MH you are going to be very limited in what is available. Then there the is the matter of getting around when parked? Do you plan on walking or are you towing a small car?