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JamesTx's avatar
JamesTx
Explorer
Jun 26, 2016

Jumping In, Need rv buying advice, yes ive searched

Hello all, the wife and I have decided that were going to take our shenanigans on the road. Our plan requires us to stay put to save up for the next year and a half.

A family member is gifting me a 1987 Georgie Boy with the Ford 460 motor, its got 60,000 miles. Its gas obvi.

Our plan is to pick it up in the fall from Oregon and drive it back to Texas where we live. Jan 1st we will be moving into it and let the savings roll.

Our goal is to save 70k in that year and a half. 20 for a newer Diesel Pusher Class A, 5-7k for a Toad and the rest is for our 15k break fix budget and the rest for travel while setting work milestones due to funds.

Here's where I need the advice. It seems Diesel Pushers (Ie. 93 pace arrow) have really reliable drivetrains.

Wondering if I should be looking for a pusher with the 5.9 or I should be looking bigger. I know anything can break and will but I would like the most solid long lasting setup I can afford.

Something powerful enough to make trips over the Rockies or up to Alaska towing without issue.

Some brand or model with good original workmanship.

Were only 33 years old and plan on driving it till the wheels fall off.

Any recommendations what I should look for ?

Thanks !

`James
  • JamesTx's avatar
    JamesTx
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2016
    I appreciate your feedback, although I was looking for a little more info. Specifically the most bulletproof setup/ size concerns? Thanks ! :)
  • JamesTx's avatar
    JamesTx
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2016
    Ya he just put new tires on it last season. Should be ok there
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2016
    tell us more about how you are going to use it. Are you going to sit in one place for several weeks or months, or move every few days? Traveling 20,000 miles a year or 2,000 miles in a year.

    There is no such thing as the most bullet proof set up when you are talking about motor homes. That is especially true when you are looking at older used rigs, not because they are older but because the care they got in their first few years has a big impact on how they will perform in their later years.
  • JamesTx's avatar
    JamesTx
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2016
    Full time travel, work camping will cause summer months to be fairly sedentary. I could imagine traveling 7-12,000 miles a year, maybe more if we hit any far locations like AK or Canada. Some places will just be the 1 night boon dock and others we will be there for 2-4 weeks.

    I know everything will need maintenance and repairs no avoiding that but I would like a platform I can expect to get me to 3-500,000 miles. Were going to be in it for the next 10 years or more.

    I guess the gas rvs wont get past 150,000 in many cases.

    Also im thinking that a setup with the 8.3 cummins may be better just because i wont be pushing it as hard/ maybe reducing stress and increasing longevity? Hell I dont know lol .

    But it seems I can get a well maintained 93-2000 Diesel Pusher at around 50,000 miles for about 20k.. Boy rv's drop value, I guess thats good for me?
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2016
    In that era, I would look at Monaco/Holiday Rambler models of Windsor, Camelot Diplomat, Knight, Endeavour, Ambassador. Also Tiffins or Dutchstar. Fulltimers also need to consider the cargo carrying capacity so be sure to check those numbers. Good luck in your search.

    Depending upon what part of Texas, it may be difficult to live in the Georgie Boy for 18 months without moving. It can get hot in a motorhome in the summer.
  • caseyhoward's avatar
    caseyhoward
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2016
    All you need to to know is the Northwood brand... Nash, arctic fox....is my favorite
  • JamesTx's avatar
    JamesTx
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2016
    2chiefsRus wrote:
    In that era, I would look at Monaco/Holiday Rambler models of Windsor, Camelot Diplomat, Knight, Endeavour, Ambassador. Also Tiffins or Dutchstar. Fulltimers also need to consider the cargo carrying capacity so be sure to check those numbers. Good luck in your search.

    Depending upon what part of Texas, it may be difficult to live in the Georgie Boy for 18 months without moving. It can get hot in a motorhome in the summer.


    Thank you, that makes sense. Ill look at the 300 cats and 8.3 cummins then. Also we are hooked up to full 50 and what not. 475 per month elec/water/cable/wifi during the summer months.

    probably on my friends land in the winter
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2016
    Be sure to verify that monthly rate includes electricity. It is fairly common for monthly rates to have an additional charge for electricity.

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