Forum Discussion

Vader4lg's avatar
Vader4lg
Explorer
Jan 02, 2019

New to RVing Class A advice needed

Hello all.

My wife and I are starting to look at preowned class A motorhomes for semi permanent situation. Brands, mileage, how many slides and any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Patrick
  • No we are brand new. Talked to. A few folks at a RV campsite in St. Augustine.
  • Welcome to the forum and happy new year!

    I would add Winnebago/Itasca to Newmar and Tiffin.

    To us, maintenance matters more than mileage (to a certain limit). That's why we always buy from a private owner rather than a dealer. We like to talk with the owner and get a feel of how they treated the motorhome. Ask for maintenance receipts and ask alot of questions.

    Are you already experienced RVers with a different type of RV? When shopping, looks for leaks, check tires and batteries.

    Number of slides is up to you as to how much room you want. But just be sure you can walk through the motorhome and enter/exit the bathroom with slides IN. Also sometimes a TV is only accessible with slide out.

    We bought and sold several on Craigslist. Just use common sense and intuition to avoid scams.
  • Since you have been RVing since N/A, I suggest you investigate something other than an A for semipermanent living.
  • I suggest you go to a local RV show and decide what you like. Make a list of things you need (walk around bed, big shower, what ever) and then buy used. You will get an even better idea of what you really want after owning one for a while. Not having to take a huge depreciation hit allows you to trade up with out losing much.
  • jplante4 wrote:
    You're going to get a lot of opinions, but in general

    1. Buy used. You can get a better quality used coach for the money.
    2. Stay away from diesel coaches in the 2008-2010 range because of bothersome emissions control issues.
    3. Find a floor plan you like rather than a brand name.
    4. Newmar, Tiffin and Holiday Rambler are the preferred brands in the mid-range.
    5. Newell, Liberty Coach, Travel Supreme and Foretravel are the high end brands.
    6. Thor is pretty much considered to be at the bottom.

    Set your budget and cruise through RVT.com and RVTrader.com. Be aware that the prices you see there are 20% high. Check local Craigs List. Beware of rigs that have a low price (it looks like they left off a zero). This is a scam. Also beware of anyone selling a rig because they're deploying to Afghanistan.

    Awesome! That at least points me in the right direction.
    Thank you!

    When you find something you think is nice, have an inspector go over it. You can find an inspector at NRVIA.com.
  • donn0128 wrote:
    Semi permanent? Does that mean stationary or long term travel? Motor homes besides being expensive do not like to sit still.




    Long term travel. Between NC, Florida California.
    Thanks Donn
  • Trackrig wrote:
    You should provide your expected price range to assist people in making recommendations for you.

    Bill


    Thanks Bill. Good idea. 100k-$150k.
  • You're going to get a lot of opinions, but in general

    1. Buy used. You can get a better quality used coach for the money.
    2. Stay away from diesel coaches in the 2008-2010 range because of bothersome emissions control issues.
    3. Find a floor plan you like rather than a brand name.
    4. Newmar, Tiffin and Holiday Rambler are the preferred brands in the mid-range.
    5. Newell, Liberty Coach, Travel Supreme and Foretravel are the high end brands.
    6. Thor is pretty much considered to be at the bottom.

    Set your budget and cruise through RVT.com and RVTrader.com. Be aware that the prices you see there are 20% high. Check local Craigs List. Beware of rigs that have a low price (it looks like they left off a zero). This is a scam. Also beware of anyone selling a rig because they're deploying to Afghanistan.

    When you find something you think is nice, have an inspector go over it. You can find an inspector at NRVIA.com.
  • Semi permanent? Does that mean stationary or long term travel? Motor homes besides being expensive do not like to sit still.
  • You should provide your expected price range to assist people in making recommendations for you.

    Bill