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Rocky_Roads1's avatar
Rocky_Roads1
Explorer
Jun 20, 2015

Looking to Purchase 1st Motorhome / Looking for some Help

I am a newbie and looking to purchase my first / economical MH. I have 2 units that I am considering at this point.

1. 2001 32 ft. Gulf Stream Ultra Class A, Workhorse chasis with 50k miles - The unit is very clean, has new tires and brand new generator.

2. 2000 32 ft. Four Winds Class C with Ford Engine, 100k miles.

From what I have read online both these brands seem to be on the same level of quality / craftsmanship.

The Four Winds is about 35% cheaper than the GS but has 2x the mileage. Both units are within the range I am willing to spend.

My question is...which seems like the better purchase? The cheaper Four Winds with double mileage or more expensive GS with less miles? I realize the question is probably a bit vague but any help you can add will be great.
Class A
  • gemert's avatar
    gemert
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2015
    There is no such thing as an economical MH. Not trying to be mean but they are potentially very expensive. It's just a matter of how expensive. When talking about gassers I've always heard that the number of miles on the engine is important. Less is better. A DP is just the opposite. Good luck with your choice.
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2015
    Does the Ford V10 have new plugs? If so who changed them? Dealer or owner? 100k plugs are due. Sometimes hard to change. Plus the 2000 V10s aren't quite as trouble free as newer ones. Ford made some engine changes.
  • Dale_Traveling's avatar
    Dale_Traveling
    Explorer II
    Jun 20, 2015
    The high mileage numbers of the Four Winds is pretty hard to get past but in the age range you really need to judge each coach individually. The Four Winds could have been very well taken care of while the Gulf Stream might still have the original transmission oil in it. At the current age of each owner maintenance plays a very big roll in how trouble free the coach will be for you.

    Sight unseen I would go for the Gulf Stream only because of the low miles.
  • MagillaGorilla's avatar
    MagillaGorilla
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2015
    Dale.Traveling wrote:
    The high mileage numbers of the Four Winds is pretty hard to get past but in the age range you really need to judge each coach individually. The Four Winds could have been very well taken care of while the Gulf Stream might still have the original transmission oil in it. At the current age of each owner maintenance plays a very big roll in how trouble free the coach will be for you.

    Sight unseen I would go for the Gulf Stream only because of the low miles.


    I completely agree with the above post.
  • MagillaGorilla's avatar
    MagillaGorilla
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2015
    Also you should tell us how you plan to use the coach. Local drives or long distances? How many miles a year do you think you are going to put on it?

    My last MH was something that we had for 8 years and I only put a few thousand miles on it. Not all owners drive them a lot. Some people only go camping locally or tailgate with them.
  • kalynzoo's avatar
    kalynzoo
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2015
    Have someone who really knows RVs look over the prospects. Even if it costs a few buck get a mobile RV tech or just a good friend who has RVed for many years look at the rigs with you. Low mileage can mean that it was parked at the beach for months on end, used occasionally, has rubber rot, roof rot, a generator that has never been exercised, etc. High mileage may have been gentile treated, well cared for, and a good purchased. Or then again, maybe not.
    Good Luck
  • ccxnola's avatar
    ccxnola
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2015
    Send me a message with your email address - I'll reply with a comprehensive checklist - (too long / big for a rvnet reply).
    Good luck in your search and purchase - just remember - somewhere, there will be a better deal after you make the purchase!!
    Be happy with what you get and enjoy the trip!!!
  • Rocky_Roads1's avatar
    Rocky_Roads1
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2015
    Thanks so much for all of the responses. I will likely just be using the MH within an hour so of my house with the occasional trip of 4 hrs. plus. However, my search continues for the 2 units I was considering were sold. All your help will definitely help me moving forward when considering which MH to purchase. Happy Travels!

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