What to look for and to stay away from

If you which to only spend 40,000.00 or so, you'll be able to find somthing maybe 8 to 10 years old in gas or 12 to 16 years old in a diesel. Floor plan should be the driving factor because it will be your first class A but probably not your last.

Octanefam wrote:
As you can tell from my signature we currently pull a toy hauler. We have pondered with the idea and stepping up to a class A. So with that being said looking to spend 40k. As the title says what should we be looking for and what to stay away from. Family size is just the wife and our son. I know there are a lot of questions but figured I would throw this out there.

Thanks

the thing is with only 40K to spend on a diesel pusher you will end up with a old,poor powered unit. most likely early 90,s no slides and lots of mileage
There are some very nice gassers with slides that are a lot newer that would be a better buy for a 40K budget.
A decent properly powered 38-40 ft diesel pusher with 2-3 slides around the 03-06 will run u 80-120K

Ro646a wrote:
I would stay away from a Diesel. I recently bought a well cared for diesel the same age as my two prior class A gas coaches. The only advantage I have experience is a quieter cabin while driving.

The gas units accelerated better, cost less to operate, and were just as comfortable to live in. Our first was a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star gas, and the 2nd was a 2001 Southwind. Both had the 310 HP Ford V10.

I paid around $35,000 for each of the gas units and $60,000 for the diesel in my signature. I'd give anything to have my Southwind back.

your actually saying that a 2001 Fleetwood southwind310HP gasser was a better motor home and more power than your 2003 330 newmar diesel pusher?

I would stay away from a Diesel. I recently bought a well cared for diesel the same age as my two prior class A gas coaches. The only advantage I have experience is a quieter cabin while driving.

The gas units accelerated better, cost less to operate, and were just as comfortable to live in. Our first was a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star gas, and the 2nd was a 2001 Southwind. Both had the 310 HP Ford V10.

I paid around $35,000 for each of the gas units and $60,000 for the diesel in my signature. I'd give anything to have my Southwind back.

Based on that, I would suggest a gas coach in the 2003-2008 range, 30-35 feet in length in a floor plan that you like. There are plenty of them out there with Workhorse(GM) or Ford chassis and low mileage units are easy to find. Maintenance will be reasonable and most parts are easy to obtain.
Obviously the newer the coach, the newer the systems and electronics. Many of the used units already have a satellite dish for TV viewing while camped.
Try to get one with newer tires or plan on spending a few thousand right away for new tires. Also try to find one with all manuals and service records. Private sales through places like eBay and Craigslist will probably yield the lowest prices. If you are unsure of anything, have the RV inspected by an expert. Good luck with your search.

Look for an "older" ( 2000-2005 higher line coach)....36-40 ft length
Engine to be Cummins 300-370 hp....tranny to be an Alison 3000
No body damage....no water leakage...etc.

Brands Id search for are: Country Coach ( naturally...:B)
Travel Supreme
Some models of Monaco
Beaver
ask around...other can give you good direction

Maybe one 2 week trip a year and then weekend trips. A long trip to us would be a trip from Seattle to IL. Rv parks but not opposed to boondocking. I would be posting others to do the service.

Thanks

rgatijnet1 wrote:
What are your travel plans? Long trips or short mileage? Two weeks or two months or more? Plan to stay in RV parks or boondock? Total mileage expected per year? Would you do your own maintenance/repairs, or do you have to pay others to service your coach?

I saw the sticky In this forum but it's a bit outdated so figured I would post something.

Thanks

What are your travel plans? Long trips or short mileage? Two weeks or two months or more? Plan to stay in RV parks or boondock? Total mileage expected per year? Would you do your own maintenance/repairs, or do you have to pay others to service your coach?