What would I be missing by buying a 15-20 yr old RV?

To the OP: Some excellent comments of "gas coaches through the years".

But, please let us know if you are only interested in gas coaches or diesels as well/only.

The reason I bring it up is that that age diesel coach will have the "modern" inline 6 cylinder turbo, inter-cooled diesel and likely the Allison 6 speed transmission. A very good combination. Less complex than modern EPA-dictated engines and getting good power and MPG.

I agree, gasoline coaches have come a long way in the last 20 years. Diesel coaches, "not so much" as they were good performers even back then.

Jedidad wrote:
Assuming an RV has no mechanical issues (engine, tranny and brakes good), what do late model RVs have that older ones don't?

Are there "must have" features now? What about build quality? Are newer models built better now?

Better engines and transmissions?

Better appliances and sub systems (water, electrical,etc.)?

Thanks.

Modern engines will start and run easier and get much better mpg too..
I wouldnt go back to carburetors if you paid me..
Id be weary of any Twenty year old chassis being in good solid shape..
Inspect everything very thoroughly..

Matt_Colie wrote:
Don't ask me, our coach is 44 now, and it does everything we need and want.

We have good house electrics and plumbing. HVAC is the same as anything newer. I did have to add a microwave as they were not yet common household items. (They were included in the same builds a little later.)

Many have put in newer engines and gained nothing but a newer engine with little improvement otherwise. I could go for a system with OBDII, but I am not about to pay what it will cost.

This coach has no structural wood, so when I don't get a window leak fixed right away, nothing rots.

I'm not sure I would could find anything this solid and nice that was much newer.

Oh, yeah, not monthly payments and it is now on an historic vehicle plate, so not annual license fee.

Matt

Thats one beautiful rig,,too bad they dont build them anymore,,

If you get old enough, you're going to be bumping into non-overdrive transmissions (Turbo 400s, C-6s, etc). This means your cruise speed can be somewhat diminished and fuel economy can suffer. The up side is both those aforementioned transmissions are very reliable and simple to rebuild.

Jedidad wrote:
Thank you all for the replies. Lot's of really good information here.

Start looking at places like PPL Motorhomes as they show floor plan and what coaches sold for.
Bill

Thank you all for the replies. Lot's of really good information here.

At 15-20yrs old, you have electronic fuel injected engines and slide outs available, so no worries about a carbureted no slide rig.

Yes, there are some improvements in power but unless the rig was underpowered to start, it shouldn't be a bid deal.

Appliances are pretty much the same as are construction methods with the possible exception of a move towards more fiberglass siding units as you go newer.

There may be some advantages to the stereo/TV but those are cheap and easy retrofits and even new systems aren't typically high end.

If you want auto leveling and similar goodies, they can be added to an older unit just as easily as to a new unit.

If the rig is in good condition, there really isn't much difference.

PS: The 10yr old rule at most parks is only to keep out run down pieces of junk. They rarely enforce it as long as the rig is clean and in good condition.

Many private campgrounds do not allow an RV's older than 10 years.

When young and inexperienced we bought an old rig that looked nice and seemed to run OK. Afterwards we found that the generator needed major overhaul, furnace didn't work reliably, roof AC needed recharge, engine cooing system needed major work, etc., etc. There were roof leaks and exterior parts coming undone previously resealed by an amateur. We also found that the rig had once been a rental, and that the owner's son had done a number of DIY wiring and other fixes were not good. Tires looked good but blew and did some damage to holding tanks. We had paid too much for the rig and spent another $8K on it in repairs and replacements the first year to make it reliable for camping and touring. The 23-foot rig had poor sleeping accomodations, smelled of mold etc. when we sold it years later for $4500. I have always advised beginners to buy a 3-5 year old rig if feasible, after having it inspected by a pro truck mechanic and a trusted RV repair and getting an itemized list of repairs etc., needed with parts and labor estimates. 2004 and later Ford E-450 based rigs have fuel injection, better gearing and better engine cooling and brake systems, all of which are important on hot days driving at high altitudes with confidence. My impression is that current roof AC and refrigerators have somewhat less useful life , ours lasted some 10 years in our current 2004 rig.

A high monthly payment