First Class A - Tips Please

[Biggyniner]

Hello! I am moving from camping in an old busted TC to a class A. my wife and I are looking at traded our 2006 Dodge Ram straight across for a 99 Southwind storm 29V.

Coming from a camper that only had a fridge and furnace and leaked terribly, I really have no experience with a class A. Basically I would like general maintenance tips and any advice you think is wise for a new owner to know?

Thanks!

[alkillion]

Things I would check:
Analog TVs replaced with Digital TVs
Awning fabric
Generator actually works
Transfer switch works
Water pump works
Hot Water Heater works and does not leak
AC works
Heat works
Microwave works
TV antenna in good shape
Levelers work
Motor, transmission, lights all good shape
Check for roof water leaks

of course there is lots more, most of these are things I have fixed/replaced over the last ten years.
30' is a good place to start, in a few years you will want more space so you can get a bigger one.

Good Luck

[Biggyniner]

wolfe10 wrote:
Well, you have received the negatives. It is certainly more comfortable in a Class A.

The more you can let us know about what you bought in terms of chassis, number of miles, age of tires(from the last four digits of the complete DOT number on one sidewall of each tire) the more we can help.

Are you a reasonable shade tree mechanic? That will let us know that is "do it yourself" vs on your "let's pay for it" list.

I'm decent with a wrench... Was a light duty mechanic before I got back into IT. Currently replacing the head gasket on a 944 turbo so I'm comfortable around the garage 🙂

[Biggyniner]

John&Joey wrote:
Unless your Ram has a blown engine or a smashed in rear end, I would not make that trade. Take a look at 5'th wheels.

I still owe $6,700 on it and based of blue book value I can get about $20k used. Leaves me with around $13k in equity. My hope was to get into something decent without having a payment. Of course I was going to get it professionally resealed and a transmission service.

It has about 12,400 miles on it so super low and I know that does not necessarily mean it will be trouble free. Plus I was trying to keep it at 30 feet or under, my truck with a 5th wheel would probably be pushing that.. maybe not... but then there is another payment to consider. 😞

Here is a link to it: Click here Ignore the price I know that's stupid high for it. Like I said I am expecting a straight across trade so I would be paying ~13k for it.

[Janss]

I like to read through the whole manual. I find out things that I may not know about the coach, even though I've owned a few other motorhomes. For example, I found out that my current Class A makes hot water while driving down the road.

[timmac]

Motorhome chassis, engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, etc have came a long ways since 1999 or 98 if that has a year older chassis, I would either sell what you got and use that for cash down on a newer motorhome, 2003 or newer would be a better deal, especially when it comes the Ford.

Just my 2 cents.

[wolfe10]

Well, you have received the negatives. It is certainly more comfortable in a Class A.

The more you can let us know about what you bought in terms of chassis, number of miles, age of tires(from the last four digits of the complete DOT number on one sidewall of each tire) the more we can help.

Are you a reasonable shade tree mechanic? That will let us know that is "do it yourself" vs on your "let's pay for it" list.

[gbopp]

As you probably know from reading the forum, check the age of the tires before you make any deals or sign any papers.
RV tires age out before the wear out. That could be a big expense before you can even use the Storm.

[John_Joey]

Unless your Ram has a blown engine or a smashed in rear end, I would not make that trade. Take a look at 5'th wheels.

[Rockrash]

It leaks just like your TC. Accept this and move to next problem.

[WyoTraveler]

Downside. Can't camp in those far out remote places anymore. Of course as we get older it is, been there done that. The big thing is it takes a little longer to winterize. You have to stay on better roads due to weight. You will like being in a class A. A little more expense but worth it. If you live in crazy inspection states a MH can be a pita because of smog etc. You have to decide depending on where you live.