Forum Discussion

KikiBibi's avatar
KikiBibi
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013

Newbie -- Looking for advice

Hi There,

I am a new member. I have never owned an RV but I am looking for a used one . My budget is $8,000 - $16,000 . I have 3 kids and I am looking for a RV that has shower and a toilet . Do you have any suggestions ? I prefer something that is small (but comfortable for 5 of us) and is reliable.

Just so that you know the RV size I am looking for . This size is preferred: http://images.traderonline.com/img/3/dealer/7735652/108329729_2thumb_770x574.jpg

Thank you
  • I looked at the picture. That motorhome appears to give up the overhead sleeping area. I think that would be an issue for a family of five.

    I would strongly suggest getting an independent RV inspector to check out a rig before you by.
  • As a parent let me chime in on the bed issue. I agree that if you can - get bunk/dedicated beds for the kids. Seriously.

    Folding down beds for the kids every night starts out fun and soon turns chore. First World Problems, of course ;)
  • If you don't own or have used an RV you will learn very quickly that beds up against walls and tables that fold down into beds are a pain on long trips. Maybe OK for the younger crowd.
  • You can only LOOK at that one for $8,000 - $10,000...that type is pricey.

    We have a 24 foot Jayco Escapade....2005 18,000 when we got it...paid $24,000 for it. We are happy with it (except for the lousy kitchen layout) and it gets around 10 mpg.

    I live in NY and I had a really difficult time finding the smaller class c. I looked for about a year; but I had time to look. You, hopefully, have more options. Yours will be older, of course.
    Donna

    Oh, there are just two of us using it.
    Oh, you probably DON't want to have to fold and unfold table as a bed because that is a pain in the patutty but for occasional use you might be able to live with it. When we go out in ours it is mostly for long periods of time
  • The small ones are great to drive; a little more room is nice when you get there.
    Our 20 foot C is perfect for the two of us but it seems a little small when MIL is along.
  • Check out General rv on web also ppl motor homes on web. Ppl shows floor plans.
  • I live in California . I am just researching the models ... Once I find what I need, then I will look for the sellers.

    thanks
  • With that price range everything boils down to condition. You won't be getting new so what the previous owner did will be very important to you. Before you jump in and put money on an RV you need to spend alot of time onhere and i n the Class A section. Water leaks are the biggest problem on any RV. Roofs that have been negklected will let in water at seams and when the water gets into t he walls they dill delaminate. The glue comes apart and yo have a problem that is almost the price of a new RV to fix. The sect9ion over the cab on a C is another place that will get a leak and cause an expensive repair. Tires are easy to replace but not cheap. They have a life of 5-7 years before they rot away. Mechanical things are easy to have a mechanic check out. Read, Read, Read. All RVs are self-contained with a toilet, shower, sink, etc. The size of the water and holding tanks will determine howlong you can stay without hookups and with hookups there is no limit. We got our first RV, a TT when our 2nd. child was 6 weeks old. That was back in 1969.
  • not sure where you are located, but the camping world link you posted was in Idaho.

    A quick craigslist search of the Idaho region:


    http://boise.craigslist.org/rvs/3967926757.html


    In your price range, and has the features you requested.