Advise for a 100k budget

[SLIDEx]

Hey fellas,

Been a lurker for a few months now finally made the leap to create account.

So I have a budget of 100,000, I really like brand new Rv's, but I may be open to a low mileage used one. Build quality is the most important to me. I will do some light traveling the first 3 years then I will do driving year around in it. So I need to make sure it will last.

Important
-Build Quality
-Will just be my wife and I in it.
-Insulation (I plan to use this in cold weather (Illinois Winters)
-CLASS A only
-Washer Dryer Hookup
-Outdoor Entertainment Center

Ideally a 34' would be good, but nothing longer

I have been looking at this
http://www.mhsrv.com/2014-forest-river-georgetown-335ds-w2-slides-res-fridge-40-tv-55-gen-new-class-a-tx-i1030961. Its under my budget, new and looks nice.

Do you guys think this will fit my needs, or is there any other brands that would be better? Which should I stay away from.

Took me a few months to get to this point so be easy 🙂

Cheers

[Mr_Mark1]

iggyAZ wrote:
SLIDEx

Gas engines get about the same as the diesels so mpg should be a factor. With a smaller Georgetown you should be able to get 8mpg or better on highway.
.

Just a small correction. Diesels get at least 2-3 mpg better than the same size gas unit. Usually, diesel coaches weigh more but if you were to have a diesel engine in your Georgetown, you would be getting closer to 11 mpg at your weight.

Now, it's the cost of fuel that makes gas and diesel a wash as diesel can be 50 cents more per gallon then regular gas.

MM.

[427435]

With that budget, I would be looking at a gently used, low mileage unit, a couple of years old, from Winnebago or Newmar on a Ford chassis. In particular, the Adventurer and Suncruiser models.

[down_home]

Takes a lot of shopping and perhaps a bit of luck. I saw one MH that was flawless top to bottom and 200% better than new ones. Book on it was less than 100 but it was like a half million in my book. It was from NJ.
Last year we saw several older ones that were all better build quality. Some for sale. In Mich we saw one that was fiberglass and perfect as from factory with big awnings. No slides but it was meticulous and for sale. I don't remember brands.

[LOG]

Does build quality mean that the furniture is fastened together with wood screws rather than with staples? Or does build quality mean the cabinets are solid wood and the furniture is made by Villa? I am just trying to get a hold of the meaning of build quality since the OP stated build quality as the number one criteria.

[John_S_]

I would look at an older high line unit. That would be a Country COach Monoco, Blue Bird, or Foretravel. Newell is still a bit higher priced or you will have to go back too far. Foretravel makes a great 34 and 36 foot coach. I had a 34 and loved it and put on 100K miles. I have no issues getting a high milage unit too. I have 148K on this one and friends are at the 200+ range too.

[Community Alumni]

SLIDEx wrote:

mike brez wrote:
For 100k and you want to do...This one

Thats nice but I am weary of something that is 11 years old

I'm glad to see you feel that way. I would never spend $100K on something with almost 200,000 miles on it.

[brandonrv]

i have a vista and it's been great so far.. I have the cheapest model 26he, so I had to do some mods to the shocks and add a trac bar to help with sway and what not because of the short wheel base..

The next up models have longer wheel bases though and honestly i love everything else about them.

[SLIDEx]

mike brez wrote:
For 100k and you want to do...This one

Thats nice but I am weary of something that is 11 years old

[iggyAZ]

SLIDEx

Georgetown has a few different models. I have a 2012 that is 38ft and has 3 slides. For someone who wants a motorhome to go out for a week or two with the family you can't beat the price. The Ford V-10 gas engine is a strong and reliable engine as well as the drivetrain.
I have my 2012 for 20 months and have 23,000 miles on it.
I change oil every 5,000 miles which is very easy to do yourself.
I just had the transmission fluid replaced and brakes power flushed as they are for me very important for safe driving.

Gas engines get about the same as the diesels so mpg should be a factor. With a smaller Georgetown you should be able to get 8mpg or better on highway.

You also need to make sure, if you buy new that you are close to the dealer. Within the first few months and a few campouts you should build a list of things to get checked out under warranty.
I personally will keep a close eye on the hydraulic slides and leveling system, hose, fitting, and any hose leaks.

Don't worry about the Ford chassis other than regular maintenance.
I would contact Forest River immediately if you feel the thing steers weird (wandering) as most of us have complained to Forest River and they pay Ford to do a frontend alignment. This needs need to be done within the first 30 days of ownership. They usually don't say a word and you send a copy of your invoice and they cut you a check.
This is after you notified them and they give you a written email approval to go to Ford. This has worked wonders for me.

Don't waste your money for any extended warranty. Most are over priced insurance polices that don't pay much.


Here at the two people you should work with for any warranty issue.
Forest River Georgetown Service and Warranty
Steven Stombaugh
574-206-7611
574-206-2484 Fax
sstombaugh@forestriverinc.com

Ms April Conner, Asst. to Steve)
Office 574-206-7603
AConner@ForestRiverInc.com



The Ford Chassis Warranty
Bumper to Bumper: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion (Perforation only): 5 years / Unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance Program: 5 years / 60,000 miles


Hope this information helps you make an educated decision to buy a Georgetown.

Last and final note.
Don't let the dealer fool you in buying at the dealers price.
My MH was listed for $149,990 and I got it out the door with tax, lic and all the rest for under $110,000 and I made them throw in and install a washer/dryer combo for $750. (reg installed price over $1,600)

Good Luck and you can contact me if you have any questions about the Georgetown model.

[Ivylog]

"Ideally a 34' would be good, but nothing longer"..... WHY ???

[mike_brez]

For 100k and you want to do...This one

[kjburns]

I'm not sure that Forest River and build quality are synonymous. You might try an internet search to get a feel for what to look out for. OTOH, they all have "issues" regardless of the price range.

[Rangerider]

Towing a vehicle will be an additional cost if you choose to go that way.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

SLIDEx wrote:
What extras are you talking about? I figured it was turn key

1) Voltage Regulator / Surge Protector - $250-400
2) 50 Amp Extension Cord - $125
3) 30/50 Amp Adapter Cable - $35
4) 10' & 20' Drinking Water Hoses - $
5) 25' Non-drinking water hose - $
6) Water Pressure Regulator - $
7) Some type of toilet chemical / enzyme - $
😎 Sewer system - this can be as simple as one hose, or as expensive as a macerator and hoses - $40 - $400
9) Lawn chairs - 1 per person - $
10) Mat for the side of the rig - $80-120
11) RV GPS - $250-350
12) Pads to stop levelers/ stabilizers from sinking into the ground - $
13) Leveling materials - either wood planks or lego type plastic blocks - $
14) Regular 25' 120V extension cord - $
15) RV collapsible kitchen equipment - the wife will want some to save storage space - $

The list goes on and on.

Yes, the MH is turnkey - and the seller might even provide some items in a starter kit. But you will find you want many extra items.

Others can add to the list. The individual items really don't matter - what does matter is that you will be spending a lot of money in addition to the purchase price.

Also in Texas - the $90,000 rig comes with 6.25% sales tax additional - $5,625.

[doxiemom11]

Looking at the Forest River, there are a couple of things I see that could keep me from buying that moded. After living in a class A for 3 years I have realized a few things I like and don't like. The toilet set at an angle in the corner, it looks like the sofa will be up against the refrigerator when the slide is in for traveling. You will want to make sure that whatever you choose, the space is usable with the slide in. I have seen a sofa where the end in the "L" cushions come out and end slides into other portion of the sofa. Don't know if that is how the one in the Georgetown works or not. You will want to be able to use all or most of the features even with slides in.