My budget is $25k and I want a used E450 Class C with the V10. It will be used to haul my family of 6 on fishing trips, camping trips, and to tow four wheelers up to the mountains.Probably somewhere between 28 and 31'Rear bunks or rear twins would be ideal, but a rear queen is fine. Definitely want an over the cab bed.So, what would you buy in my shoes? Are there any must-haves that you'd look for? Maybe ducted AC/heat, basement storage, certain generator size etc?Are there things that I should give up to be in my price range?

25k should provide you with a decent class c. Class C's are great because they have ample sleeping arrangements. We had a Jamboree that did just fine for us. It was a 27 footer and had the over cab sleeping area dinette bed and double bed in the back. We used that on many trips with our six kids. We used it on beach trips, travel trips, camping trips and skiing trips so I think you have a great idea. I think it is the perfect RV for families with children. Check the hitch that your future rig has for weight rating. Get one with the largest holding tanks possible. I think that is one of the more important items. On board generator is nice but a portable will be quieter so either way will work. With a portable if staying for a extended period of time it is nice and quiet as you can set it away from the rig. Of course with a portable you want quiet as possible. Check the tire age on the rigs you are looking at. If more than 2 ot 3 years old plan on having to replace them pretty shortly. 5 or 6 years are about the end of the safe lifetime for rv tires. They dry out and blowout. Ask me how I know:)JMHO

Dave post is very comprehensive.

Keep an eye on Craigslist. That's where I sold mine and where we bought our second one. Also be aware that the seller's idea of their RV's value and reality will often be way apart.If you see something that catches your eye, check NADA values.Not that NADA numbers are gospel, they're just going to be closer to reality that most sellers.I thought my first RV was worth high-20's. NADA said high teens. I priced it accordingly and it sold.

For a used motorhome, the most important thing to look for (besides whether the layout etc. would work for you) is its condition--more important than brand name, age to a large extent, etc. More specifically, look for freedom from water damage (or, at the very least, any water damage has been properly and thoroughly repaired); for appliances and systems that are demonstrated to work properly; for evidence of proper preventative maintenance; and, of course, for overall signs of good care and not being trashed.Mileage in and of itself is not all that important for a motorhome, in my opinion. The E450 chassis is quite capable of going for several hundred thousand miles, and in nearly all motorhomes the house part will wear out long before the chassis.Finding rear twin beds or bunks will be hard.. They do exist, but are quite rare relatively speaking.For towing the four wheelers, pay close attention to the hitch ratings, particularly the tongue weight rating, and the rear axle payload capacity. Many class C's are limited in the tongue weight they can carry due to the long overhang behind the rear axle, if not by the hitch then by the available payload. Bear in mind that the tongue weight will cause weight shifting from the front to the back, so the actual extra payload on the rear axle will be something like half again more than the tongue weight. Once you add water and people and people's stuff the payload can disappear pretty quickly.I'd also suggest budgeting some money for repairs and upgrades/upkeep. A set of six decent but not top-of-the-line tires will run you $1000 or so. Shocks, brakes, and myriad other things can and do wear out on older vehicles. It is unwise to stretch your purchase budget so much that you can't afford these other things if needed, and chances are fairly good that something will be needed.

Lots of great advice here. Mine is just sharing my experience. Had 5 so far. Best of all , quality of construction wise, is 2003 Winnebago Mini 24V. Use it much like you describe (even to wheelers also) Be real careful checking for leaks under cab over mattress. Remove it and inspect on each one you look at. Suggest the big names: Winnebago, Tioga,

What to buy with $25k? | Good Sam Community

dave17352
Explorer
Oct 12, 2017
25k should provide you with a decent class c. Class C's are great because they have ample sleeping arrangements. We had a Jamboree that did just fine for us. It was a 27 footer and had the over cab sleeping area dinette bed and double bed in the back. We used that on many trips with our six kids. We used it on beach trips, travel trips, camping trips and skiing trips so I think you have a great idea. I think it is the perfect RV for families with children.

Check the hitch that your future rig has for weight rating.
Get one with the largest holding tanks possible. I think that is one of the more important items. On board generator is nice but a portable will be quieter so either way will work. With a portable if staying for a extended period of time it is nice and quiet as you can set it away from the rig. Of course with a portable you want quiet as possible.

Check the tire age on the rigs you are looking at. If more than 2 ot 3 years old plan on having to replace them pretty shortly. 5 or 6 years are about the end of the safe lifetime for rv tires. They dry out and blowout. Ask me how I know:)

JMHO

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