I am starting my research for purchasing an RV to do a North America cross country trip.My initial thought was to start in Florida where we keep our live aboard sailboat and head west visiting old sailing buddies across the country finally arriving on the west coast from were I would like to then head north to check out Alaska. At that point we could sell vehicle in California or circuit back to FL.I then started toying with the idea of buying the RV out West, say Seattle then going north to Alaska and then working our way back to FL.So my questions are:Which coast would we get a better deal on an RV?Which coast would be better for resale of say a class C older +/- $30.000 $50 000 RVNot sure yet of an exact route just trying to establish a starting point.Any input and thoughts greatly appreciatedThx Phill

I would look in southwest, AZ or NM or maybe in southern states.I would not take a rig on the Alaska Highway without some sort of break-in time for you on the rig. Not many parts and repair places when you want them on highway.

As with a boat, plan on a break in period. I would lean towards florida if you can live on the boat for the first couple weeks while you get the motorhome sorted out and do a couple trial runs (if you find time consuming issue, you can live on the boat while the repair shop fixes it). Plus rather than buying all new stuff or shipping it across country, you can simply move it from the boat to the RV (bedding, cooking supplies, clothes, tools, etc...), at least that's what we always did when switching back and forth.Are you planning to pull a car behind the MH? Unless you go really small, it's a pain to pack everything up when just going out for a day trip in the MH. Once you add the cost and complexity of pulling a car, look into picking up a similar size travel trailer or 5th wheel and truck as an alternative.Arizona isn't a bad place to look but assuming a small to medium size Class C, it's not really a prime area (yes, you can find them). Snowbirds tend toward big units as they aren't moving a lot. Now if you are looking for a monster 5er and 1ton dually or a big diesel pusher MH, then it's a prime place to look.I doubt you will save enough to worry about east coast vs west coast pricing.

I’d buy where you live to avoid registration and insurance issues.

IDE say it's a toss up. I would buy in FL and do your cross country and west coast trip. Then see how quickly you could sell it in the Seattle area. Keep in mind if you try to sell quickly you are going to sell for a lot less than you paid for it. For the loss of money on a sale I would have it shipped back home.The last thing you want to do is buy an RV mid trip and discover it has issues. That's why I would buy before your trip at home and use it in the area to figure out its quirks and if it will have issues.Just curious, why are you not going to drive it up to Alaska?

Might do a search through RVT.com to give you some idea of pricing for your dollars.

Pusrchase on West Coast or Florida for cross country trip.

Grit_dog
Navigator
May 12, 2020
I'd say not wise to buy an older unit essentially blind, away from home.
You're exuding your lack of knowledge of vehicles if this seems like a good idea.
Better to have ahead of time and repair any issues prior to embarking.
Of you're extremely handy and not fazed by keeping up with potential issues, while on the road.
Good luck in your search.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 11, 2020
Lollygag around? lol I’m a champ at lollygaging!
enblethen
Nomad
May 11, 2020
I would verify border crossing when you get closer to your time frame!
wanderingbob
Explorer II
May 11, 2020
Hundreds of people per cross Canada going to and from Alaska , they just can not lollygag along the way !
bikendan
Explorer
May 10, 2020
brasstacks wrote:
I am starting my research for purchasing an RV to do a North America cross country trip.
My initial thought was to start in Florida where we keep our live aboard sailboat and head west visiting old sailing buddies across the country finally arriving on the west coast from were I would like to then head north to check out Alaska. At that point we could sell vehicle in California or circuit back to FL.
I then started toying with the idea of buying the RV out West, say Seattle then going north to Alaska and then working our way back to FL.

So my questions are:
Which coast would we get a better deal on an RV?
Which coast would be better for resale of say a class C older +/- $30.000 $50 000 RV

Not sure yet of an exact route just trying to establish a starting point.

Any input and thoughts greatly appreciated

Thx Phill

IMHO, Florida is the better place since many retired RV owners are there and prices are cheaper because they are closer to Indiana.
West Coast RVs are higher priced, partially because shipping costs are higher from Indiana.
enblethen
Nomad
May 10, 2020
Don't forget the Canadian border is closed to non-essential travel!
wanderingaimles
Explorer
May 10, 2020
You didn't say if buying new or used.
If used, Fl tends to have a lot of available units, market is usually a buyers market. If new, as others mentioned, break in and potential warranty issues could tie you up for a while if buying with a tight travel timeline.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 10, 2020
brasstacks wrote:
dodge guy wrote:
IDE say it's a toss up. I would buy in FL and do your cross country and west coast trip. Then see how quickly you could sell it in the Seattle area. Keep in mind if you try to sell quickly you are going to sell for a lot less than you paid for it. For the loss of money on a sale I would have it shipped back home.
The last thing you want to do is buy an RV mid trip and discover it has issues. That's why I would buy before your trip at home and use it in the area to figure out its quirks and if it will have issues.

Just curious, why are you not going to drive it up to Alaska?

the plan would be to drive up to Alaska however that's why buying on west coast in June/July and going to Alaska first would be plan A
Plan B starting in FL we would be too late to go to Alaska for the season.
Also I an trying to mull ideas on timing na where to be. We do know we would like to leave for hurricane season.

Oh OK. I got it now. when would you be leaving FL? It would be a month to get to the NW minimum. Then another month for AK and then at last 6 weeks to get home! Just a Gus but a round trip to and from AK would be close to 4 months! If you leave in June you would be back home in Sept. that would be a great trip. Wish I had time for half that trip!
brasstacks
Explorer
May 10, 2020
dodge guy wrote:
IDE say it's a toss up. I would buy in FL and do your cross country and west coast trip. Then see how quickly you could sell it in the Seattle area. Keep in mind if you try to sell quickly you are going to sell for a lot less than you paid for it. For the loss of money on a sale I would have it shipped back home.
The last thing you want to do is buy an RV mid trip and discover it has issues. That's why I would buy before your trip at home and use it in the area to figure out its quirks and if it will have issues.

Just curious, why are you not going to drive it up to Alaska?

the plan would be to drive up to Alaska however that's why buying on west coast in June/July and going to Alaska first would be plan A
Plan B starting in FL we would be too late to go to Alaska for the season.
Also I an trying to mull ideas on timing na where to be. We do know we would like to leave for hurricane season.
wanderingbob
Explorer II
May 10, 2020
Buy in Florida , you probably already have a Fl drivers license and a Florida address , insurance will be cheaper . Drive it around Florida for a week or so to get the bugs out . I would not buy new , there will be plenty of deals around now . It sounds like a big trip , but it is really just one day at a time , take your time and do not set a tight schedule .
We lived on a sailboat and traveled the Carib for 15 years or so , no plans , just one day at a time .We rode a Honda motorcycle to Alaska from Florida twice with no planned itinerary.

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Pusrchase on West Coast or Florida for cross country trip.

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