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moto99's avatar
moto99
Explorer
Feb 17, 2016

2004 Fleetwood Southwind. Buy or pass?

Need your advice. Stumbled on a 2004 Fleetwood Southwind 36RS with 18k miles on it. Based on Ford 6.8l V10, F53 chassis. Trade in from private party at dealership.
This would be a step up for us from a well equipped travel trailer.

Unit is loaded with every possible and imaginable option. It even has a washer/dryer. The sound system and TV's have been replaced with state of the art new stuff. Day/night shades look as if they came out of the factory. Interior is very clean. No signs of leaks, no odors. Tires are new, batteries 2 years old.
Some decals show a bit of sun wear. But then the unit is 12 years old.

I believe this unit is in really good shape and has been well taken care off. Questions is should I buy it?

We will probably not put much more than 2K miles on it per year. We anticipate to retire in 10 years, which is when we plan on really start using a motorhome.

So 10 years from now, that Southwind will still have low miles, but will then be 22 years old.

What say you?

We can stick with what we have, we're happy. We don't have to have a "bus".
Class A
  • eadeal55's avatar
    eadeal55
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2016
    I looked at a 2005 32FT Southwind when I bought the Bounder. It had standard items that were optional on the Bounder, or not available. The 2004 F53 chassis with the 310hp 2v V10/4spd trans is a great drivetrain. 2004 was the last year before the Southwind went to full body paint. Bounders were always a year (or two) behind the Southwinds and Pace Arrows when it came to optional items becoming standard, or full body paint. NADA low retail is around $40k, so anything less than that would be a good price.
  • hershey's avatar
    hershey
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2016
    Buying a 10 year old MH is not a bad idea, especially one that you described. But if your thinking you can use it for 10 years part time and then fulltime in it might need to be rethought. It will be 20 years old then and all the components will have been replaced or need to be replaced. The roof will be in need to be replaced. How many miles will be on it by then? Who knows.
    I'd be inclined to buy it and enjoy it and in 10 years you can sell it for pennies and buy another 10 year old MH that will serve you better as a fulltimeer.
  • Blackdiamond's avatar
    Blackdiamond
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2016
    I have an 03 that I bought used 1.5 years ago and I was downsizing from a DP, I say go for it, I have had no issues with it and feel it is well built. I will probably have mine another 10 years.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2016
    If you're buying it to use now, buy it. If you're buying it for retirement in 10 years, I would pass.
    Save your money and find something you like when you get to or closer to your retirement.
    And of course, you can buy it now and enjoy it's use (which you will).
    Then trade or sell it for something newer as your retirement date gets closer.
    Probably the best thing is, if you like it, buy it and enjoy it now.
    You don't know what life will hand you next week, much less in 10 years.
    If you decide you don't like a motor home (you will like it) you can always sell/trade it for another TT.
    Enjoy your travels.

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