I'd like to start shopping for an RV that I could use for traveling in Mexico 2 or 3 months at a time. My choice would be a used Class C or A The RV vehicle should have to capacity to tow a small vehicle (for the future, not now).It (the RV) should be serviceable by most mechanic shops throughout the country (with parts easily obtainable).The questions are, what to avoid and what to get?Are there engine/drive train combinations better than others for my purpose?What length?Any help is appreciated.

We have a 24 foot C that has 30 amp service for electricity 27 gallon black tank, 27 gallon grey tank, I have a blue tote that is 30 gallons of site dumping, a generator and 30 gallons potable water and solar battery charger, we also use lamp oil lamps to conserve electricity and all lights are led's.The engine is a Ford V-10 and uses regular gasoline, the parts for this engine are available in Mexico, one item that we did not want was a slide out, more problems if it broke down and it robs the cargo carring capacity of the RV, we also tow a Suzuki Grand Vitara, the RV is small enough to fit in some of the Colonial Cities, althojugh I do not recomend doing it, (done that by construction zone rerouting), we have travelled in Mexico since 2002 with the RV, (VW bus before) and had the regular Ford dealers service the engine in Mexico no problems at all.Word of warning, do have suplemental brake installed in the toad, it really comes in handy travelling in Mexico, you never know when some two leg or four leg animals will dart in front of you, that is when you really need both units to stop!navegator

I've driven a 35' Class A diesel all over Mexico in big cities and small villages and after the first couple of trips, never worried about being stranded in Mexico.As I've learned to say, the Mexican mechanics know how to do anything with nothing. I've seen a total diesel engine topside rebuild in a Mazatlan RV park, major suspension work across the border from McAllen on two different Class C's, a van engine repair in some little village in the Yucatan, tire replacement in a remote village along the Mx-15d highway, painting in all areas. Have had much work done on my RV's including a complete paint job, roof repairs, jack spring replacements, brake jobs, engine work, etc., etc.. All of this stuff was done in RV parks.There is really nothing to worry about if you're never in a hurry. It can take time to arrange for, than supervise mechanical work down here. I've been coming to Mexico for several months of the year for nearly 13 years now, and I plan my necessary mechanical work for when I'm down here. Cost is 1/4 to 1/3 as much as the US.For reliability though, I'd recommend diesel, and to pull a car, the bigger engine in a Class A would be better...though I have seen many newer Class C's pulling cars.

I would go with gas Class C or if diesel make sure its a cummins 5.9

One needs to be aware that not all US tire sizes are available in Mexico . They can be ordered but that could take many weeks. The RV 19.5 are hard to find. The Michelin RV 22.5 ( like 255/80) do not exist. I would make sure I had new or almost new tires and carry a spare tire ( no rim). If you have a non electronic diesel parts are everywhere. If you have say a Cummins ISL that might be a problem. No matter how good that mechanic might be if he cannot hook up an analyzer to a newer diesel you will be SOL. If you are in a diesel carry 2 sets of fuel filters and do not buy diesel from some little village Pemex. Mechanical parts are not usually a problem. Electronics can be difficult. RV parts are usually non existent. Many of the travel trailer tire sizes are not available in a real trailer tire. But even with the above warnings hundreds of RV'rs travel Mexico without any serious problems.Moisheh

We drove a 1975 Class C with a Dodge 360 all over Mexico until 2012. Yes, everything went wrong, Everything was easily fixable. Mexican mechanics are amazing. We learned the hard way about tire sizes, but were OK buying used tires, one trip we used 11 of them. We figured that out fast.In 2012 we upgraded to a 2003 Safari Class A with a Chevy Vortec in it, (it will hit the market probably in April, private message me if you are curious) and have only had issues with transmission coolers and oil coolers. Neither available in Mexico, but easily shipped. We have never towed because riding the public transportation is so cool.It shouldn't be too difficult to research a vehicle onece you are close to a decision. Vehicles are different here. Back in the 80's we drove a Chevy Blazer, and learned that the distributors here were way different from those in the US, so carried a couple of specific parts.Worst case scenario, you have something shipped in, have someone join you for a bit and bring the items, or one of you buses/flies whatever and brings it back.This is a very civilized country, and most things are available!

Easiest to service RV in Mexico? | Good Sam Community

bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2017
moisheh wrote:
Anything you find at $10,000 for less will likely end up costing another $5000. Here is an example of what is available if you are patient. I found a 99 Bounder 28 ft. in Sierra Vista for $15,000. Had 40,000 miles and looked and even smelt new. It lacked fancy options but had new tires and the brakes had just been done. I passed for other reasons. A lot of the units @ Q are dealer or auction junk looking for a sucker. 24 ft. Class A's are just too short. Handle poorly and not enough room. The 28 footers usually sell quickly. Stay away from the GM's as they have a weak chassis and will require over $3000 in handling fixes. Have fun!!

Moisheh

Thanks. I would have bought that 28 foot bounder. As for Q, the dealers that drive the rigs to the show in January have reliable rigs or they couldn't make the journey. And out of town dealers prefer to make the sale rather than drive the rig back.

A re manufactured V10 sells for around $4000 or less and is warranteed for 3 years or 100K miles. And there are dozens of shops around here (phoenix area) to do the install.
moisheh
Explorer
Dec 17, 2017
Anything you find at $10,000 for less will likely end up costing another $5000. Here is an example of what is available if you are patient. I found a 99 Bounder 28 ft. in Sierra Vista for $15,000. Had 40,000 miles and looked and even smelt new. It lacked fancy options but had new tires and the brakes had just been done. I passed for other reasons. A lot of the units @ Q are dealer or auction junk looking for a sucker. 24 ft. Class A's are just too short. Handle poorly and not enough room. The 28 footers usually sell quickly. Stay away from the GM's as they have a weak chassis and will require over $3000 in handling fixes. Have fun!!

Moisheh
bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Dec 17, 2017
The Class B models are just too small for us.
After doing a little more shopping and talking with a full-timer, we've (DW & I) narrowed it down to a Class A - with a Ford V10 - preferably about 24 feet or so. (But that's not fixed in concrete either.)

It seems the Class A's have a higher GVWR than the C's.
But I don't know yet. . .they bring in a lot of RV's to Quartzite for the RV show and it's a good place to see a LOT of RV's in one spot.

I was hoping to get something used for under 10K but that seems like a fading dream.
qtla9111
Nomad
Dec 17, 2017
moisheh wrote:
Chris: Is that sarcasm? You cannot be serious. Why would you be worried? Other than a few areas I find it hard to believe that travel is dangerous.

Moisheh

Very serious but not dangerous. With Mexican plates we are a target around big cities. I´m a law abiding citizen and I get fed up with the transito. I don´t want to get anecdotal.
moisheh
Explorer
Dec 16, 2017
Chris: Is that sarcasm? You cannot be serious. Why would you be worried? Other than a few areas I find it hard to believe that travel is dangerous.

Moisheh
qtla9111
Nomad
Dec 16, 2017
With our travel tráiler we have certain áreas we will travel in Mexico now. I´m getting tired of always watching my back now.

We have been debating our situation and for us, a Class B non-dually dressed down might be best. I can´t think of any restrictions as far as driving. We can also use it for international travel as it would fit in a container. Still undecided.

I doubt a B would of interest to most people because of size but we travel light anyway. Sure would or will miss our TT.
rocmoc
Explorer
Dec 16, 2017
stanbnv wrote:
I would rather depend on Davids advise than some others.
.

Why? The Old Guard has made many more trips and spent more time in Mexico including myself. Just wondering!

rocmoc n AZ
stanbnv
Explorer
Dec 16, 2017
I would rather depend on Davids advise than some others.
rocmoc
Explorer
Dec 15, 2017
The Old Guard gets Nasty!

For us our '97 Holiday Rambler Cat 3126 Class A (36 foot with no slides) is ideal. This engine is in use all over Mexico in Work Trucks. Can use any diesel fuel and is reliable. We carry a sep belt, filters, one mounted & one unmounted 22.5 spares and our own engine fluids. Also carry spare water pump for drinking water and that is about yet. Only problem is I think I am aging faster than the rig, LOL!

rocmoc n AZ
moisheh
Explorer
Dec 15, 2017
Chris: Don't be so hard on Mex. I think he has been nominated for a World Fiction Award! We must show some respect ! I bet he will be in Stockholm for a Nobel!

Moisheh

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