12-13k Budget For Motorhome

[jerem0621]

DW and I are about convinced that we want a motorhome. Here is our plan, however, I wanted to consult with the experts first because I understand that plans vs reality are often two different things. So we want to plan for reality.

We own our TT, Dually, and Golf Cart outright. After we sell out the Truck, Trailer, and Cart, along with some savings, we are going to have a budget of about 12-13k for a coach.

I know that we will not be able to get a coach with a slide or a DP, but I would like to know if it reasonable to get a good 30 plus ft gasser for 7-10k and put an additional 2-3k in the coach to get it up to speed (tires, tune up, etc.) Looking at local prices I seems the year range we will be looking at is 1990-2000 depending on condition (seems condition drives the price more than the year)

Is this an unreasonable expectation and budget? Can I get amenities like auto leveling in this year range? We want a Queen walk around bed, split bath, dinnette and couch, a chair or two would also be nice. Any other caveat's recommendations? Any particular brand? ETC..

I will be replacing my DD with a vehicle that can be a toad, but that is a different conversation.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[glamisorbust]

I think you can get a lot with that kind of a budget. I would try and get the workhorse chassis with the 8.1(chevy) if you can find one. They have an allison transmission which is better than anything else on the market. Just look at the condition of the coach. The tires are $2300 if all six need to be replaced. Make sure all appliances function properly. A fridge can cost $3k to replace if it's bad. Roof a/c unit's are about $600 if you do the work yourself, and if there's two that's double the price. Look at the generator. Has it been maintained? High hours? The chevy P30 chassis is the least desirable, they just aren't built like a truck. The ford has the best frame and chassis, and the V10 is a good, strong puller. Does the dash a/c work? You'll need it in the summer. Can get costly to replace and repair, I just spent $500 on mine and it works now. You need to find the guy who just replaced the tires, maintained it to a high level, serviced it right on time with records, and the thing should be immaculate. If it "needs work", or "just needs (you fill in the blank) to work properly", walk away. Most of the time if they are telling you it just needs a $5 part to fix whatever is wrong, chances are they have already tried it and it didn't work. Usually the old man will have the rig you're looking for. They always take care of their stuff way better than younger guys. Also, check the title and make sure there are no liens on it from a prior divorce, etc. and that the registration is up to date. If it's not, it can run into THOUSANDS in back fees. I bought a toyhauler that had not been registered in 6 years. It cost $1200 to bring the registration up to date(out of my pocket, not his), before they would give me the damn title. Just some things to think about. Look at several before you buy one.

[Mr_Mark1]

Just for reference, check out 'www.pplmotorhomes.com'. It's a place in Texas that offers consignment units and you will get a good idea of prices/age/mileage. They also have a section of what their units actually sold for so you can see that too.

I like to go to that sight just to see how our coach value is holding up.


Good luck,
MM.