Have been trying to convert from a small 5th wheel/half-ton combo to a used MH and pull our Chevy Sonic behind. About to give up finding a good used one that meets all of our criteria. Before we started looking(a year or more ago) it seemed that there were lots of motorhomes for sale in drive-ways, etc. But I constantly look at Craigslist plus dealer's websites, etc. and all are too new, too old, too expensive, too short, too long or lack important features like a couch or dinette. Our criteria are: under $25,000, under 30 ft., must have couch and walk-a-round bed. Prefer 1 slide and dinette. Oh well, we still do like our 1999 slideless 5th wheel I guess.

Rear beds with access on both sides are scarce in 26 foot Class C's except for some with bedroom slides. Longer rigs have better bed access. I am surprised at shortage of used class C's with your criteria. Have you made serious offers at your price point?

Remember that 'asking price' isn't 'selling price' on used stuff like RV's. Go look at ones that come close to all your criteria but that are priced 15-20% over your budget. Make a lower offer, start to walk away when it's refused, and see what happens. And be prepared to travel some; I've bought three RV's, and one took going nearly 100 miles, one almost 200.But inspect and test drive before you buy! Either do both before making an offer, or make the offer conditional on it passing both.Jim, "The trouble with bucket seats is that not everyone has the same size bucket."

with slides for your price seems to be more of luck than anything. But I have seen many that meet your requirements without slides, but yet you do not really set the standards you want. How old is too old or too new?

Hank85713 wrote:How old is too old or too new?I was thinking the same thing. He's also got a fairly small number of motor homes to choose from, even if he was looking at new models. He wants a walk around bed under 30'. He will be looking at something that's probably at least 26-27' if not longer to get a walk around bed.That was my wife's requirement in our latest purchase. We ended up with a unit that's 32 1/2' long.

Used motorhomes, give up? | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

noe-place
Explorer
Aug 20, 2013
DW suggested we sell our 04 Winnie Itasca Spirit (E-450) since we only travel in the summer, but I'm not convinced I want to give it up just yet. Anyway ours meets all your stated requirements. It's been parked indoors since new, only 44K miles, have complete maint. records from day one, brand new tires (changed simply because of age not use), brand new safety detectors. The only catch is I can't sell it for just $25K. Good luck finding the one you want. :)
gotsmart
Explorer
Aug 16, 2013
former rental - No slides:
http://www.cruiseamerica.com/buy/

former rental - Slide required:
http://www.elmontervsales.com/home/
http://www.campingworld.com/rvsales/Class-C-Motorhomes/5/Thor/41/Freedom-Elite/2078/

http://www.campingworld.com/rvsales/index.cfm
DaHose
Explorer
Aug 16, 2013
How far are you willing to go?

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/rvs/4002842189.html

Jose
PonyGrrl
Explorer
Aug 15, 2013
well, I dunno about give up, but...

We're looking for 27' or shorter, walk around rear bed, queen over cab, under 26K out the door. Everything working in the house, exterior looking like it can pass for a 2000 or newer, so less than 20 years old, not too concerned about miles as my cousin is the service writer at the Ford dealer so I can prevent getting completely jerked around on the engine/trans/suspension stuff.

Just home from driving 45 minutes each way to see a piece of junk advertised on Craigslist that had as its only redeeming quality a koala tattooed on the hip. Seriously, 96 Walkabout for sale by a guy who took out the shower for storage during his 18 month full time odyssey--and it smelled like it! There is an odor level at which MPG or miles on the odometer are irrelevant.

Why oh why would you put up an ad that says your rig is 27' long when its knocking on 30? I know what's not negotiable for my situation, length is not--whhyyyyy?

Just wanted to vent my despair. Going to the SoCal dealers at the end of the month.
DaCrema
Explorer
Aug 14, 2013
DaHose wrote:
We bought an older used motorhome last summer and definitely have "learned" a whole lot in the process.

In my area, your price range would yield lots of really nice motorhomes, but not what you are looking for. You seem to be looking for features and then price. I would be looking at things the other way around. Know what is your limit to spend and see what falls within. California prices are going to be WAY different than what you will see, but the price oriented searches always work better for me.

Unless you and your family are very good do it yourselfers the above post is a good. I flew to California and drove the LD home to VA. Don't be afraid to look a state or two away from your current location.

Something my wife said when we started and I was looking and wondering and worrying at and about floor plans. They are all so much bigger than the van (Toyota Sienna) and tent (18 year old REI 2 person backpacking tent) that we have been using it will be easy for us to adjust.

She was right (I hope she does not see this post).
DaHose
Explorer
Aug 14, 2013
We bought an older used motorhome last summer and definitely have "learned" a whole lot in the process.

In my area, your price range would yield lots of really nice motorhomes, but not what you are looking for. You seem to be looking for features and then price. I would be looking at things the other way around. Know what is your limit to spend and see what falls within. California prices are going to be WAY different than what you will see, but the price oriented searches always work better for me.

edit- Forgot to mention that our 26' Jamboree (1983) is the perfect size for us. The floorplan is awesome as well with a corner full bed (get a memory foam topper - CHOICE!), queen cabover, three person couch with a removable post mounted table (no dinette) and two captain chairs with fold out table between.

Best of luck finding "the right one".

Jose
Frosty_s_Mom
Explorer
Aug 14, 2013
pretty much sounds like our criteria at the beginning of our search as well. wanted the smaller for the maneuverability and we thought would be better mileage. also wanted the walk-around bed, couch (jack-knife that makes into a bed) and the dinette. didn't take long before we realized we were looking approx. 30'--and that's what we ended up with, 30' Winnebago, two slides, dinette, J-K couch, and walk-around bed. like the division of the shower from the toilet room, too. apparently mileage is pretty much moot point--about the same whether 25' or 30'. and I might add-we've never regretted this decision. it's a super unit.
DaCrema
Explorer
Aug 14, 2013
In the Lazy Daze forum there is a 03 with a rear bed that is 26.5' for $29k. This does not have a slide and I understand the asking price is more than what you asked but not that much more. The forum is a yahoo group and you must join to look at the files. I do not know the owner or anything about the RV. Good hunting.

A link to the group home page:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/lifewithalazydazerv/
cjlatour
Explorer
Aug 14, 2013
Have you looked @ www.pplmotorhomes.com? They have a large inventory of all class RVs.
KristinU
Explorer
Aug 14, 2013
I think couch, dinette, and walkaround bed are going push you over 30' We really wanted a couch and a dinette and we didn't see many choices under 30' when we were shopping.