Used motorhome, interested in A or C
Back again with more questions. Actually I've changed my mind again. Originally rented a 2014 Axis a couple of years back and liked it, but out of my price range. I thought a small TT would be good,...
Forum Discussion
You need to know how much maintenance you will be able to do yourself. Can you do engine work? If not, factor that additional maintenance into the cost.
Some expenses, like tires, batteries, etc., will come around regular. Others are often just a "get it back to proper working condition" expenses - like replacing all rubber.
As for mileage, a high mileage motorhome is better than a low mileage one. The reason is because, unlike cars, a motorhome is not driven daily for a few miles. So, a low mileage motorhome has been sitting a LOT. When a vehicle sits for long periods of time, things rot, fluids go bad, etc. They also tend to be ignored.
A high mileage motorhome will have been used and if it was used, it was in working order. There may be some "catch up" on maintenance, but you're more likely to get something that had been kept up.
I started with a trailer and then switched to a small class C. I am extremely happy with it. I bought OLD (1975 American Clipper) and did have to put money into repairs. But I have no payments. I can also use it as a 2nd vehicle (at 21ft) when needed.
You don't mention if you will be using a toad or not. If so, is your current vehicle doable? Or will you have to buy another?
How are you going to use it? Camping or sightseeing? How much distance do you plan on traveling per trip?
Also, I will add that you are best off looking for a motorhome that fits YOU best. Don't go bigger so you can accommodate other occasional folks. You can very well end up with a rig that is bigger than is comfortable for you so that someone not paying for it can be comfortable. There are ways to make a smaller rig work - with the class C, you have the cabover bed. I have had a friend stay in my 21ft with me and 2 large dogs with no issue (other than her need to take multiple 3 hour naps per day). So, don't get too caught up in that. Buy it for you.
Some expenses, like tires, batteries, etc., will come around regular. Others are often just a "get it back to proper working condition" expenses - like replacing all rubber.
As for mileage, a high mileage motorhome is better than a low mileage one. The reason is because, unlike cars, a motorhome is not driven daily for a few miles. So, a low mileage motorhome has been sitting a LOT. When a vehicle sits for long periods of time, things rot, fluids go bad, etc. They also tend to be ignored.
A high mileage motorhome will have been used and if it was used, it was in working order. There may be some "catch up" on maintenance, but you're more likely to get something that had been kept up.
I started with a trailer and then switched to a small class C. I am extremely happy with it. I bought OLD (1975 American Clipper) and did have to put money into repairs. But I have no payments. I can also use it as a 2nd vehicle (at 21ft) when needed.
You don't mention if you will be using a toad or not. If so, is your current vehicle doable? Or will you have to buy another?
How are you going to use it? Camping or sightseeing? How much distance do you plan on traveling per trip?
Also, I will add that you are best off looking for a motorhome that fits YOU best. Don't go bigger so you can accommodate other occasional folks. You can very well end up with a rig that is bigger than is comfortable for you so that someone not paying for it can be comfortable. There are ways to make a smaller rig work - with the class C, you have the cabover bed. I have had a friend stay in my 21ft with me and 2 large dogs with no issue (other than her need to take multiple 3 hour naps per day). So, don't get too caught up in that. Buy it for you.
