Looking for a class A

[JohnCab]

My family is looking for a new class A motor home however we know nothing about the lifestyle. I have two kids, 12 and 8, and we will be doing most of our traveling during the summer. Our price range is $50k. any suggestions on coaches or advice on what features to look for would be greatly appreciated.

[Fishinghat]

John Wayne wrote:
If you have never done it before rent a few times and figure out what is important to you before you drop the big bucks.

X2

That is such good advice that I wish I was the first to mention it. You'll find it easier to rent a Class C, but the bunk over the front seats may be of more interest to you than you realize. Kids 12 & 8 probably want their own beds, so the huge bed over the front seats won't work for both of them at night, but they can ride up there while on the road. The dinning table makes into a bed for sleeping.

Class A coaches are really designed for couples only. You know, the "drinks for 6, dinner for 4, sleeps 2" thing. Class C's are "sleeps 6, dinner for 4, drinks for 2".

[John_Wayne]

If you have never done it before rent a few times and figure out what is important to you before you drop the big bucks.

[Effy]

I would echo some of the sentiments here. If you are financing at all take into consideration that anything over $50k can be amortized to 20 years thus possibly making your payments on a $65k new coach the same payment or less as a $50k used one. Likely better rates on new and of course there is the warranty. A few new A's can be had less than $70k. Vistas, Storms, ACE's, Bounders etc. Just about any brand has an entry level A. Bunks is another matter but many have electric cab over bunks now and the dream dinettes are so much easier to break down than the standard pole offerings. You will pay more for a bunkhouse, new or used. More demand for those.

[eabc5454]

I would look at both used and new, class A and class C. With your kids the ages they are, I would look for bunk beds - the fold out couches and dinettes often aren't big enough or comfortable for adults.

With your budget you should be able to find a decent used unit. However, with the steep discounts on new ones, and better financing rates for new units you may be surprised at what you can afford. We did not think we could swing a new MH and new car at the same time, but with our trade-ins, dealer discount and a great finance rate, we have the same monthly payment now as we did for a Tundra and travel trailer for our MH and Honda CR-V.

Take your time, and spend at least an hour in the ones you are seriously considering. Sit where you'll watch TV, stand where you'll cook, stand in the shower, sit on the commode, etc.

Have fun, and happy camping,
Elizabeth

[RudysWorld]

Look at a lot of units both new and used to get a feel for the market and what you want in regards to features. Think about if you are bringing a vehicle with you when traveling and what would be better for you 4 wheels down or tow dolly. The reason I say this is you can negotiate with the dealer for a better deal on these setups if using a dealer at the time of your MH purchase. Don't overlook new if you can find something that has been sitting for awhile that the dealer needs to move. We have bunks and really like that feature for grandkids. Best of luck. lot of good information on the forum!

[gbopp]

In my opinion, DO NOT get anything without bunks.
Units with bunks are hard to find but, they are out there.
Yes, you can use the booth or jack knife sofa for sleeping. However, set up/take down gets real old real quick....trust me.
Maybe consider a Class C? Many of them have a bunk over the drivers area.
Look at everything before you decide, and don't be in a hurry to buy.
Good luck and have fun with your search.

[michelb]

Personally, I'd really want bunks rather than having to make / take down the sofa and / or dinette every night and also it lets adults stay up in the main living area when the kids are put to bed.

In your budget, you should be able to find a used gas motor home with bunks. You could also look for a floorplan where you could add bunks.

[Bumpyroad]

I just traded off my 1999 winnebago chieftain, top of the line gasser at the time, two slides, 12 cu ft refer with icemaker, 25,000? miles, upgraded cabinetry, etc. and they were asking $35,000 but I am sure they would take $27-30 for it. add 10,000 for new tires, and expendables and it would make a fine coach for your money.
Oh and of course it had a fiberglass roof, not rubber.
bumpy

[randco]

Finding a Class A with bunk beds would be optimum for your needs. However, the bunks may not be a deal breaker. You will likely find plenty of used coaches in your price range. If you plan to tow a vehicle with the Class A check the towing capacity for the coach and the hitch.

Also remember that if $50K is all you can allocate you will likely have additional costs for possible tire replacement, minor repairs and equipping a vehicle for towing.

I hope you can find a nice coach so you can enjoy the RV lifestyle.