Born Free Vs other Class C's

[Katman1100]

I have been looking at several motorhomes and am beginning to question which is the better way to go.

I really like the look and design of the born free motorhomes and the fact that the body is constructed of fiberglass. Of course this brings a premium price.

It seem like for something in the $12-$16k price range I am looking at something from about 1994-1998 and having around a 100k+miles on it. I would be looking for something with the rear side bed and overhead bed.

My delima is that if I go with a more traditional box stlye and can get alot newer with less miles and more updated drivetrain. What really brought this out to me was a motorhome I came across at ppl in Houston.
class c @ ppl

I realize I would definetly want to check something out in person before purchase and that I need to thoroughly look for water damage.

If it matters I will be storing inside once purchased to protect from the weather.

What are your thoughts and opionions. Something a little newer or something older with more wear but probably better quality?

unfortunetly spell check isn't working right now sorry for any errors

[Islandman]

Another premium Class C unit to consider is the Coach House Platinum, say about 2003 era. Before 2001 Coach House only made Class B's, then they switched over to Class C (although sometimes mistakenly called Class B+) Good place to look is on Craigslist, especially in the SE USA area.

[Bordercollie]

Old rigs may have DIY leak repair and wiring fixes done by owner's genius kid, brake and cooling systems in need of serious repair, roof AC, generator and 12 volt converter/charger, roof AC and fridge in need of replacement and unsafe tires older than 5 years. Shop carefully and get estimates from qualified truck mechanic and RV repair before deciding to buy. Resale on old rigs is around $5K
regardless.

[stevekk]

You might think about joining the Born Free Forum.
You can ask questions, place a want ad, and ask the members to help you look.

Have you seen the BF on Ebay.
It has a rear side bed.
Looks like it will sell in the teens.
Only problem, it is in Oregon, but looks in super shape.

[Katman1100]

Thanks for the input so far. I guess I need to keep my options open. I am not at all afraid of a vehicle with 100k miles, if it has good records, but at the same time I know there will always be things that need repaired both on the chassis and also on the house part.I figure if it has 100k miles the house part has probably been also used alot and will be showing age and start needing to be reconditioned.

As far as towing I may tow a boat occasionally, it is about 3000lbs so should be fine on the chevy or ford chassis, I prefer the chevy from what I know, but am open to either for the right price and layout!

[midnightsadie]

I had a 26ft BF great rv, loved the fiberglass unit, all most leak proof . but 100k is just plain worn out. chassis were not made to run forever. things will dollar you to death. look for a low mile unit and spend extra time checking out the roof. even buy a moisture meter.

[Golden_HVAC]

You may also want to look at Lazy Daze class C motorhomes, they are well built, but only sold from their factory in southern California. So not a lot of selection outside of California and Arizona.. .

Fred.

[Golden_HVAC]

Earl E wrote:
Born Free is a premium MH but I would sure wonder about one with 100,000+ miles. No matter how great the box is, a gasser with that many miles is suspect. I know many will disagree but JMHO. I would look at a lower mileage, cheaper MH as long as there are no leaks, water damage, etc. I'd go with the newer unit....

My work would put 400,000 miles on the E-350 15 passenger vans before considering putting them up for sale as used vans. They would buy them with around 75,000 miles and put about 100,000 miles a year on them! It was Blue Star Airport Shuttle bus service.

My other work, we would buy E-250's and Sprinter vans. The Sprinters typically needed a new transmission around 100,000 - 115,000 miles on them. Diesel mileage was great, but transmissions where $4,500 and week in the shop to have the engine / transmission removed, (from under the frame) then re-installed in the van. A week of downtime was almost as costly (well perhaps worth a $1000. . .

The E-250's would go well over 200,000 miles, and if they did need a transmission, it might only cost $2,500. Around 250,000 miles, they would be reaching 12 years old, and be sold off. That was a air conditioning company in San Diego CA.

I would not worry about 150,000 miles on a fuel injected vehicle. They must pass emissions standards at 100,000 miles, and the engine are in really great shape at 100,000 miles, barely any wear on the block, and still pulling strong.

I would worry about a wooden box built van body with 100,000 miles on it, and a plastic roof that tends to leak, and require roof coating applied every 10 - 12 years. Many have reported roof seam leaks, ect.. . But the Born Free with 100,000 miles on it, fuel injection and 4 speed transmission should have another 50,000 miles in it, without to much repair work to be done to it. . .

Good luck, and happy shopping!

Fred.

[Earl_E]

Born Free is a premium MH but I would sure wonder about one with 100,000+ miles. No matter how great the box is, a gasser with that many miles is suspect. I know many will disagree but JMHO. I would look at a lower mileage, cheaper MH as long as there are no leaks, water damage, etc. I'd go with the newer unit....

[dicknellen]

The one on PPL looks good in the pictures. I have never had a class C on the Chev V8 chassis. Do you plan on towing anything? I agree with what gbopp said. www.rvforum.net and www.irv2.com forms have for sale & wanted forums for members. You may want to check them out. Dick

[gbopp]

Condition is the important factor when looking at a used RV.
An entry level unit in excellent condition is a better choice than a high end in fair condition.

If the interior is worn and beat you can pretty much be assured the previous owner didn't take of the engine, drive line and chassis components.

Take your time, there a lot of good deals out there, you will find the right one at the right price.