Advice on buying USED motorhome

[pump-dump-go]

Before I read ALL these great topics, I'm trying to find some advice that I may need to purchase a good USED Class A.
I have been camping most my 57 years of life, from pup tent to 30' travel trailer.
Now, I'm looking to purchase a good USED Class A. I have been by several local RV dealers, looked on craigslist, RVtrader, and local paper ads, and I find many different models with many different options, and ofcouse, many differnet prices.
I would like to hear some feedback on some of the better models, that are still in business ofcouse.
I would also like to hear of some of the models to stay away from, maybe they are out-of-business, or just poor service from this rig.
I do not want to start a debate on "yes my rig is best" or "I would not have such-a-such model", just advice on YOUR experiences with different models.
I have read and copied a topic on what to look for when buying a used motor home and what to look for when inspecting the rig before purchase, and Thanks for that info.
Since this is my FIRST motorhome, I do not have to have all the bells and whistles, just a good motorhome with a good reputation.
Here is some of the motorhomes I have found that fit our budget,
2001 fleetwood terra 1 slide
1999 winnebago Brave NO slide
1999 fleetwood flair 1 slide
2000 coachman santara 1 slide
All of these rigs have less than 40,000 miles, and can be bought from prices as low as $14,000 - $25,000.00. Ofcouse, some of the price difference is in options, mileage, upgrades like new tires ect....
I also know that buying USED, you can get a "pig-in-a-poke", and you just have to trust the person you are buying from to give all information as truthfully as possible as for their care and maintainace for the rig.
Sorry to ramble on, all good advice is very much appreciate. 🙂

[turbojimmy]

Everyone else's advice is great - I have nothing to add other than pick a floor plan you like. Think about how you're going to use it and what sort of layout makes sense. Some have rear baths, some have middle baths. Some have a rear lounge, some have a front lounge. Some have booth dinettes, some don't have dinettes at all.

There's a wide variety of layouts but really only a couple of different gasser chassis: Ford or Chevy. Both have their quirks, but both have proven to be reliable, too.

Anyway, it's fun shopping and seeing all the different variations. Good luck with your search.

[pump-dump-go]

Thanks for all the important information, local dealer called today with a new arrival, a 2002 Daybreak w/ 30k miles, for around $20,000.00, be on my way to check it out. Thanks again 🙂

[deandec]

I like to buy my first Class A last. I think I did!

So, I can only recommend a Country Coach.

13 years of ownership so guess this is my last coach.

[J-Rooster]

Daveinet wrote:
Oh, if only you had been on RVnet back in ~2000. While historically there had been a lot of issues, Fleetwood bashing was pretty common back then. Fleetwood got much better over the years as all manufacturers did. But Fleetwood did not have a good reputation back then.

This is why I got rid of my Fleetwood that I bought new in 1999. I just couldn't trust it going out on the road, always something going wrong! But, in Fleetwood's defense they always fixed everything! I traded the Fleetwood in on a Winnebago with very few problems since!

[Executive45]

Since you're looking at motor homes like you would a car, here's my advice...a BMW will make a better used BMW because the beginning product was better built. A Yugo was just a Yugo.

It doesn't matter whether the mfg is still in business or not. The coach would still have been a quality coach when it was built. Start with a great product and over the years, you'll still have a great product. Look at the Bluebird coaches, for instance. While they are no longer being built, there's not too many folks who wouldn't want one of those beauties.

First thing to do is forget about pricing and mileage. More on that later.

Your main focus should be on the INSIDE of the coach. Visit as many dealers as you can..as you enter a coach, most of the time, the quality will be apparent. Did they use screws to install the cabinetry or did they simply use staples. Do the cabinet doors line up correctly and open and close correctly. Look at the wiring..is it in looms or helter skelter around the coach.

Once you've narrowed your search down to a short list, start looking for a floor plan you can live with. PPL Motorhomes, link below, is a great place to look at. They have the floorplans listed with everything on their website. They also have a SOLD section to help in determining a coach value once you've located the coach of your dreams.

So, now you've got quality and a floorplan you can live with. Time to go searching. Plug in all the info you've gathered and see what pops up. Craigslist, RV Trader, CW, PPL, even EBay...if it was built, it's for sale somewhere..you just have to find it.

As for pricing, of course you'll want to stay within your budget. That's the easy part. Start with the top and work your way down. Obviously don't start looking at a Prevost expecting to find one for $25k but you'll quickly see what you can afford.

Finally, two important things to remember in your search. Mileage isn't always a good indicator of a coaches' value. Some coaches are left parked at a campground and only used on weekends. Some coaches are lived in by full timers and sit for six to eight months at a time. All these coaches will have low mileage. Bad stuff happens to a coach that sits for long periods of time... the other is the date code on the tires. Tires can set you back as much as $6k if they need to be replaced. Don't simply look at the tread wear, get the date codes..... Good luck in your search...Dennis

PPL

[jplante4]

We're looking for a used rig now. The '95 Monterey we have is too small and showing its age, but we bought it for short money just to make sure we wanted to do this. We made sure everything worked when we first looked at it. An added bonus was a private seller (from Craig's List) and he was really anal about maintaining the MH. In addition, it was maintained by the local RV service shop so I could pop in there and ask them about the rig. There were a couple of things jury-rigged which I fixed, but everything ran fine for the year we've had it. Seeing that you've been camping, you probably won't need to do the try-it-for-cheap thing.

What we're now looking for is something newer (1997-2002) for around $30k, somewhere in the 32-36 foot range, DP, levelers and maybe a slide out. We're looking seriously at pre-Monaco Safaris, early 2000 Monacos and Holiday Ramblers.

The reason we're looking at Safaris is the interior layout. It's roomy enough without a slider and I think a slider is just one more things to break. It's been said here several times to find the interior layout that will work for your type of RVing and then worry about the rest.

If you go diesel pusher, there are some magical years where emission handling techniques cause some additional concerns. I believe the EPA started screwing with DPs around 2002, so that's why we're not looking at anything newer. In addition, it'll be tough to find a decent rig newer than 2002 in our price range.

Finally, I found a few people who own or had owned Safaris on this forum to make sure I wasn't making a big mistake.

[Daveinet]

Oh, if only you had been on RVnet back in ~2000. While historically there had been a lot of issues, Fleetwood bashing was pretty common back then. Fleetwood got much better over the years as all manufacturers did. But Fleetwood did not have a good reputation back then.

[olfarmer]

We have had good luck with 3 older Winnebago Motorhomes. They have a very good roof. I've never had one leak but I try to keep the caulking in good shape.

[pump-dump-go]

doxiemom11 wrote:
We purchased a 10 year old Monaco gas coach that is now almost 15 years old. The fit and finish and materials used are of higher quality than many and there are also many options, such as 10 gal water heater rather than 6 gallon. Large refrigerator, a ton of storage, closets and drawers etc, dual pane windows, insulation is better etc. Even though Monaco isn't in business as Monaco, it doesn't matter. The chassis is a Ford chassis and the appliances made by the same companies as everyone elses. When buying older, there is no warranty from the mfg, so we would never be dealing with the mfg anyway. As the advice usually goes, buy the highest quality used that you can afford. Find a floorplan you like and have a pre-purchase inspection. Oh, another thing we like - high quality awnings and aluminum exterior including the roof.

There you go, Thanks alot, this is the information that helps alot. KEEP it coming... 🙂

[pump-dump-go]

Very good advice from ALL, so I'm guess that the NAME brand of a motorhome really does not matter?? It's how well the rig was and is maintained and operates, the appearance of the interior/exterior.
I guess I was looking for more information on "yeah, I own a 1999 Fleetwood and and it has been the best rig ever", or "OMG,, I had a 1999 Fleetwood and that model is now known to be full of problems". These are all examples....
But again, thanks for the info. 🙂

[doxiemom11]

We purchased a 10 year old Monaco gas coach that is now almost 15 years old. The fit and finish and materials used are of higher quality than many and there are also many options, such as 10 gal water heater rather than 6 gallon. Large refrigerator, a ton of storage, closets and drawers etc, dual pane windows, insulation is better etc. Even though Monaco isn't in business as Monaco, it doesn't matter. The chassis is a Ford chassis and the appliances made by the same companies as everyone elses. When buying older, there is no warranty from the mfg, so we would never be dealing with the mfg anyway. As the advice usually goes, buy the highest quality used that you can afford. Find a floorplan you like and have a pre-purchase inspection. Oh, another thing we like - high quality awnings and aluminum exterior including the roof.

[robertbenita]

I have had very good fortune with Fleetwood (1990's Caribou camper and 2005 Tioga Class C and now 2001 American Coach Tradition Class A). I agree with above as well with fit/finish. To me, they just did things nicer than just enough to get by and parts for repair and replacement seem fairly plentiful.

[darsben]

Here is how I buy my used rigs.
I first find a good Independent garage that works on lots of trucks such as delivery trucks. I talk to the Service manager and let him know I am looking to buy a used Motor home. I ask if he would be willing to inspect the engine, powertrain, brakes etc for me BEFORE I BUY THE RIG. I ask him how much he would charge more or less for such an inspection and make sure he understands I AM PAYING FOR THE SERVICE and I am the customer . The service manager should be asking YOU questions at this point (if he is not find another place). If the service manager seems he just wants to get you out of his hair go somewhere else. If you choose wisely you will have found a good place to do business.

I go to see the rig and look at the interior. I try to make sure all appliances are working specially the fridge. I look outside for signs of abuse and check lights etc Test drive vehicle work wipers, check braking etc. Run the genny. I figure in my head what I a willing to pay and Make the offer contingent on the rig passing inspection at the repair place chosen. Make the seller aware that you will be paying for the inspection. Stress that if something minor is found it can be negotiated between you. Suggest you be allowed to drive rig with the owner to the shop. If you feel anything funny let your mechanic know.

Some things that should be checked by shop.
Compression test on engine
radiator pressure test
fluid leaks
Transmission and drive shaft

Steering components

Brakes F&R rotors, drum, brake lines emergency brakes.
AGE OF TIRES tires over 5 years old are NO GOOD for your purposes no matter how much tread is left

Your list will be longer

The mechanic will run you $200 - $300 but can save you buying a clunker. If the mechanic does well by you then you have found your repair place when needed

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Motor homes are filled with plastic parts in the "house". Plastic become depalmerized over time and those parts become brittle. Expected life span may be in the region of ten years. For that reason, I'd look for an RV that is only five years old.

The #1 item to look for is any signs of water leaks or damage. If you see the barest hint--run away.

[pump-dump-go]

Good advice, but any info on rigs you like or dislike due to your experiences with the rig?? Thanks