used "C": how old is too old?
All, Thinking (dreaming) of buying our first RV. Not looking at new models... they depreciate too quickly. I see 10-12 year old used models priced from $12- $20K and 4-6 yr old units priced from $3...
Forum Discussion
Everybody has an opinion hopefully based on personal experiences, not "hearsay" Here are some of mine. If your goal is to go camping and cross-country touring immediately , with confidence, and without a long delay due to DYI or pro RV repairs, save your money and buy a 3-4 year old rig and make sure that everything is working properly or have written estimates for any repairs or upgrades needed. Choose a floor plan that suits yor family's needs. Recommend you buy a rig (minimum 27 feet long) that has a rear bedroom with RV queen size bed. Kids can sleep in the overhead and/or on convertible sofa or dinette. Slides are nice but can be a source of water leaks or electro-mechanical problems.RV tires will blow/come apart after 5 years sitting parked/undriven, must be replaced every 4-5 years, per date codes, regardless of appearance/tread depth. Have brake and cooling system checked and serviced as needed including flushing and replacement of brake fluid to prevent brake fade on grades. Front brake flex lines can fail and should be replaced for safety. Major appliances in our 2004 Tioga lasted around ten years before needing repairs/replacement including roof AC, fridge, fresh water pump, house batteries and converter/charger. Awning fabric may need replacing at about 10 years. RV generators run almost forever if run frequently but service is expensive.Make sure that the dash AC works properly.Don't buy a rig with evidence of water damage i.e. musty smell, stains on ceiling. If possible have rig inspected with needed/recommended repairs itemized with parts and labor estimates by a pro RV repair service before you buy. Don't buy an extended warranty, set aside money for repairs and recurring ownership expenses instead.
BTW: the average RV gets driven about 5000 miles per year. Rental units may have much higher mileage than private rigs. Some rigs with very low mileage may have special problems due to unuse/neglect. Common Ford V-10 engines and drive trains can go 100,000 miles and be in great condition. Condition of the roof material and seals around vents etc., is important to leak prevention. All RV's have stiff rear springs which means a rough ride on rough roads. They are box trucks full of appliances. Proper alignment and suspension upgrades may improve handling and ride comfort to a degree. Some claim that their rig rides like an SUV after spending a lot on suspension, etc. I doubt it.
BTW: the average RV gets driven about 5000 miles per year. Rental units may have much higher mileage than private rigs. Some rigs with very low mileage may have special problems due to unuse/neglect. Common Ford V-10 engines and drive trains can go 100,000 miles and be in great condition. Condition of the roof material and seals around vents etc., is important to leak prevention. All RV's have stiff rear springs which means a rough ride on rough roads. They are box trucks full of appliances. Proper alignment and suspension upgrades may improve handling and ride comfort to a degree. Some claim that their rig rides like an SUV after spending a lot on suspension, etc. I doubt it.
