Now that I've expanded my search into other brands of Class B motorhomes, it opens up the possibility of a Ford. I don't really mind what make the van is, but more the reliability of it. Gene, thank you for mentioning the Ford Triton engine issues where they spit out their spark plugs. I had actually never heard of that, but after doing some reading online, I discovered it's quite a widespread issue. That's not to say that every single Triton engine will do this, but at this point, I can pick anything, so if I consider a Ford, I will make sure it does not have a Triton engine (which means a 1992 to 1996 Econoline based Class B - 1991 was still the old 1970s/80s style). Or a diesel, but not a 6.0 diesel - those are supposed to be really bad. The 7.3 Powerstroke was good, and used from 1994-early 2003. The 6.4 Powerstroke was introduced in 1998, but that might be a bit out of my budget for something that new. For some reason I just haven't seen diesels used in a Class B (or even a Class C) motorhome. Maybe there are some, but few and far between.
If my circumstances change and I end up with a smaller budget, I'd still consider a 1998-2003 Dodge based Class B. It may be more antiquated, less refined and doesn't handle as well, but it doesn't seem to have a history of any serious issues that would cost thousands to repair. And if I only end up with $20,000 or so, that's all I can afford to get.
But, the more we've discussed this, and the more I've researched, the more I'm leaning towards a 2003 or newer Chevy based Class B - Roadtrek if possible. PleasureWay is also a close contender as I like both of their floor plans. Although some may argue that the motorhome's interiors fit and finish or layout may be better in one vs another, I consider that a secondary consideration over the reliability of the chassis. Since I want to do the snowbird thing, I may very well be living in this thing for 4 to 6 months of the year and want to know I can count on it. And when I get home, this may be my one and only vehicle since I work from home and don't need a commuter car (though I may keep my current one anyways, which means two vehicles for one guy).
Interesting a couple of you pointed out that the model year of the motorhome may be different than the model year of the chassis. I actually just found that out yesterday while reading an eBay ad for a Great West Class B motorhome. Luckily with the Chevys, it's easy to tell the 2002 and 2003 apart, since the front end looks quite a bit different, and if I get a Chevy, I want a 2003 or newer.
Bobojay5, thanks for clearing things up regarding the transmissions. I don't think a 2010 or newer Class B is in my budget, being around the $40,000 mark. So, I probably won't end up with the 6 speed automatic. That's OK. I'm used to driving with a 4 speed automatic. It may consume a bit more fuel, but it will take a while to even out the difference with the higher purchase price of a 2010 or newer Chevy. It seems the newer they are, the better they are and the more advanced the equipment is. But, I have to stop somewhere. I may be able to stretch the budget an extra 5 grand, but not too much more. I also want to save some money for contingency repairs, a remote starter/alarm and maybe a newer stereo with built in navigation, especially if it comes with an AM/FM/Cassette!
