Smoothest Ride under 35k

[rykbell]

My wife and I are looking for a better way to travel than flying with two kids, or worse driving our Honda Civic which is great for gas mileage but impossible to keep children happy and entertained. We travel twice a year for work (I work 5 months away from home, essentially off the other 7, at least that work can be done while mobile), and we have family across the nation we want to visit for holidays and special occasions.

Most important to us is ride quality, we also want width enough to move freely to the fridge or bathroom while driving, both of which had drawn us to Class A (from what we've read and seen)

My work provides housing for the 5 month work season, so we will probably be storing it for those months. So we won't be full timing, but we will be sleeping for a week or so at a time when visiting family. We don't really want a 40 footer, the smaller the better (provided there is a queen sized bed), but if we have to go big to get the ride quality we will.

Anyway, all that for a budget of about 35k, including initial maintenance or repairs to get ready to roll.

All of my reading has made me think an older DP is the way to go, but that is why I am coming to you all, the experts.

Couple of notes.

I'm okay with the added cost of scheduled maintenance of DP.

We want something that will serve us well for 2 or 3 years and we will can sell and upgrade.

If the best way is a $10,000 RV with $10,000 in initial cost to get rolling we're in.

[gabriela]

John S. wrote:
For two or three short local trips a DP is overkill. It will cost you more in the long run. A tag along is better for those. I have two Motorhomes and use then over half the year. Last year I was in them over 260 days. I also put on over 30k mikes a year plus. The kids wanted to get one and they go out three or four times a year and never more then 200 miles. I look at the cost difference between then and said wow. I. Know this is not what you want to here but if you are worried about a good deal on a DP and are so concerned on price the fridge on a 99 is beating the end of its life. That is 3k the tires will be another 3 and you will have to start watching your fuel lines for leaks. The radiators are another area of concern and that is about 6 k. The airbags are bearing the end of their service life too. You might get another few years as well. There is a reason it is cheaper but owning a DP is not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. I have a highline coach. I have just replaced all but the airbags but are watching those. I try to do the big jobs before failure but at the end of the service life. The radiator was failing and needed to be recorded or replaced. I noticed it was running to warm and not cooling down fast enough. So, you can watch and read and research but it will not change the fact that running these machines costs money. My 24 foot class c has nowhere near the expenses that my diesel has had. It us not as comfortable or driven as far but if I could only have one I would still take the DP as I put on too many mikes for a gas motorhome. If I add the gas milage to my DP milage I am well over 400,000 miles.

Hello: Yes, I'm coming to the same conclusion. Thinking trailer now. I can put guests in it and let the grands play there (what grands? oh, well, one can always hope). I will be looking at trailers at the show (now) and also trying to learn up inverters, solar panels, adding lithium batteries to boon-dock. There are issues with pulling a trailer--swaying, braking--I've been warned. I'd need to get a big truck (wouldn't mind that one bit). I can drive slowly and carefully.

You have been so kind and helpful! Hope to see you at one of the shows! Can't wait for Hershey. I'm wrecked because I'm looking at the Dutch Star and the Aspire !!! Wow! And only $350K. Now all I've got to do is win that Powerball!

I'm now scourin' for trailers. I know what I want -- a 38 foot bunkhouse with 2 doors. Must have two doors. And would like 2006 or newer. If anyone out there has one I want (extreme weather a big plus--I'm in the Poconos and it gets quite cold), please contact me.
I am willing to pay to ship something.

There was one in Elkhart, IN (a 2006 Keystone Sprinter 38 foot bunkhouse is back--a little worn around the edges), for $11.5K, but it sold. I wish the RV dealers would pull down those ads when the item sells.


Sincerely, Gabriela

[John_S_]

For two or three short local trips a DP is overkill. It will cost you more in the long run. A tag along is better for those. I have two Motorhomes and use then over half the year. Last year I was in them over 260 days. I also put on over 30k mikes a year plus. The kids wanted to get one and they go out three or four times a year and never more then 200 miles. I look at the cost difference between then and said wow. I. Know this is not what you want to here but if you are worried about a good deal on a DP and are so concerned on price the fridge on a 99 is beating the end of its life. That is 3k the tires will be another 3 and you will have to start watching your fuel lines for leaks. The radiators are another area of concern and that is about 6 k. The airbags are bearing the end of their service life too. You might get another few years as well. There is a reason it is cheaper but owning a DP is not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. I have a highline coach. I have just replaced all but the airbags but are watching those. I try to do the big jobs before failure but at the end of the service life. The radiator was failing and needed to be recorded or replaced. I noticed it was running to warm and not cooling down fast enough. So, you can watch and read and research but it will not change the fact that running these machines costs money. My 24 foot class c has nowhere near the expenses that my diesel has had. It us not as comfortable or driven as far but if I could only have one I would still take the DP as I put on too many mikes for a gas motorhome. If I add the gas milage to my DP milage I am well over 400,000 miles.

[gabriela]

glamisorbust wrote:
When is the RV show? The rv you're looking at may be gone by the time you want to buy it. Usually, if it's a good deal and a clean unit, it will sell fast. When I saw mine, I knew almost immediately that I wanted to buy it. I spent several hours looking it over and found no problems. The older man I bought it from had no problem running me through every single system on board. It was a lot of fun learning how everything works. Even funner driving it for the first time. I just remember thinking to myself "I can't belive I got this good of a deal on this" as I was driving away!

The Hershey show is Sept 10th-14th. I plan on being there Sept 10th and part of Sept 11th. The HR Ambassador DP 34' has an odd interior layout--I don't think it is going to sell that quickly. It has an odd color-scheme too. I generally try not to get too set on any one vehicle since I'm new to this and not sure I can handle it. I am in no rush.

I have decided to also go see the 1999 HR Endeavor 36' gasser (which has only 27K miles and is in very good condition--mint condition). But that RV is probably sold. I called the owner today and he said it may be sold. That's okay. There's a buyer very interested--so you're right about good ones flying off the shelf.

I've got plenty of time. I'm seeing lots of models I like on RV trader, the show brochure (of course, those are all brand new models) and some other sites that show used RVs. I will not buy a new one. The newer models are so nice that I am tempted to wait 2-3 years and try to pick up a used one (like a Dutch Star or Entegra). Man, those are beautiful! Way out of my range and purpose (which will be 2 or 3 short local trips a year).

I'll keep you posted. Gabriela

[glamisorbust]

When is the RV show? The rv you're looking at may be gone by the time you want to buy it. Usually, if it's a good deal and a clean unit, it will sell fast. When I saw mine, I knew almost immediately that I wanted to buy it. I spent several hours looking it over and found no problems. The older man I bought it from had no problem running me through every single system on board. It was a lot of fun learning how everything works. Even funner driving it for the first time. I just remember thinking to myself "I can't belive I got this good of a deal on this" as I was driving away!

[gabriela]

glamisorbust wrote:
Also, don't buy one without at least one slide. Makes it much nicer to use and much easier to sell if you want to. The HR endeavor is about the best deal around. Very well built. Feels very solid driving it. The inside amenities are very nice too. Check the tire date codes(google it to find out how to read the numbers). If the tires are at all questionable either by age or wear, that is a negotiation tool. Tires are anywhere from $2500-3500 and they need to be replaced every 7 years. Hope you get it!

Glam, I've eliminated the 1999 HR Endeavor because it's gas. I'm now zeroing in on a 2001 HR Ambassador DP 34' with 2 slides (covered) and 80K miles. For one thing, it's local, and it's very nice--the 1999 HR Endeavor was less local--it was about one hour away. This is real near, and the seller is willing to give me a few driving lessons and winterize it for me if I buy it. It is in good condition (from the verbal description and the pictures) but I actually see it tomorrow. The tires on it are 1 1/2 years old, according to the seller.

I will not make an offer until I go to the RV show in Hershey and consult a lot of RV specialists and run through printed check-lists off the rv forums, etc--and of course, I'll pay to have it thoroughly checked out by a truck company and an RV company. Also, I want to test drive a really big rig at the show to make sure I can handle it psychologically (I think I can).

Thanks for all the advice. Gabriela

[jwoodie]

.

[glamisorbust]

Also, don't buy one without at least one slide. Makes it much nicer to use and much easier to sell if you want to. The HR endeavor is about the best deal around. Very well built. Feels very solid driving it. The inside amenities are very nice too. Check the tire date codes(google it to find out how to read the numbers). If the tires are at all questionable either by age or wear, that is a negotiation tool. Tires are anywhere from $2500-3500 and they need to be replaced every 7 years. Hope you get it!

[gabriela]

Deano56 wrote:

2bzy2c wrote:
Below is a 2000 Monaco Diplomat on auction. The reserve has been met at 12K

Monaco Diplomat

lots of repair to be done on this one

My sense is the Diplomat auction is over and the thing is sold. On Cranky Ape, I cannot observe the price the item actually sold it (the way one can on Ebay), so it's a little frustrating to try to use as a market gauge and point of reference.

Also, I'm a bit alarmed by the lack of bidding on the Cranky Ape site in general--makes me think these RVs sure don't have much draw if I ever go to sell something I've bought myself down the road.

I have a HR DP in my sights off local Craigslist--just waiting like the Cheshire cat for the sellers to come down on the price. And if I don't get it, that's okay, too. I've learned in life not to get too set on any purchase, or one will get taken.

Gabriela

[gabriela]

Thanks, Glam:

You have convinced me to go diesel. I have one in my cross-hairs (oldish, but not too old HR diesel), local, a real gem. I'll spare you the details (also, don't want to jinx it), but I know in my heart it will be mine, and in the not-too-distant. It's destiny, I just know it.

Are you going to the Hershey show? I am so looking forward to that.

Sincerely, Gabriela

[gabriela]

glamisorbust wrote:
Even though you like the gas motorhome you are looking at, I would hold off and keep looking. I had literally been looking on craigslist every day for two months for a deal to present itself. I had a 1994 georgie boy pursuit 28' chevy 454 gas engine and a 4kw kohler generator. It ran ok but definitely did not have enough power. The generator was underneath the kitchen so you still heard it but not too loud. The engine roaring and getting hot between the two passengers is one part I did not like. In the DP, you can literally talk in a low voice, with the generator running and be able to hear each other clearly. Much, much different from a gas engine. Also, the heat and exhaust are all out back, behind you. Now, there are drawbacks to the diesel. Like if someone wants to sleep on the back bed going down the highway, the engine is right underneath you and producing quite a bit of noise and heat. I have slept on one and didn't get much sleep going down the road. Too bouncy back there anyways, on either the gas or diesel version. Now, my dad bought a 2001 HR endeavor about 4 years ago. It came all setup to tow and also came with a 2001 jeep liberty. His has a larger cat 350, larger tires, 10 lug wheels and an extra slide out back. But he also paid $55k for his package, and I paid $32k for mine. I would look at ebay but be sure you can look the unit over in person before you buy it. Craigslist is where the best deals can be found. The people I sold my '94 georgie boy to were clueless to RV's so I spent about half the day running them through every system on it. They were very grateful for me doing that. Make sure the seller is not rushing you through anything. If they do that probably means they are hiding something. Helps to take a friend with you to maybe see things you don't.

[gabriela]

Hey:

Good advice. I actually think I've zeroed in on another DP RV (another well-cared for, local HR, sparing the details cuz don't want to jinx it)--now if the seller just comes down... I have decided to go diesel--after reading many posts and watching the Wynn's video about diesel versus gas. I hate noise and I hate being under-powered. So, the waiting and watching game.

Gabriela

[gabriela]

jwoodie wrote:
My approach has been to make the widest possible survey of options out there. Then identify one which seems to meet your criteria and PRETEND that you bought it. Live with it in your mind while you check availability and prices. If it still seems like a good idea, decide on the model, options and price you are willing to pay. Then start monitoring Craigslist, etc. every day until the right deal presents itself. Once you find it, jump on it (it won't last long). Don't be afraid to travel to get it, but watch out for rust from Southern/Eastern states.

Hopefully, you will be able to leapfrog some of the steps on your RV journey.

[Deano56]

2bzy2c wrote:
Below is a 2000 Monaco Diplomat on auction. The reserve has been met at 12K

Monaco Diplomat

lots of repair to be done on this one

[J-Rooster]

I drove by All Seasons RV in Bremerton, Washington State yesterday and they had 4 nice looking RV's in there lot, 2 gas coaches for under $10,000.00 and 2 more under $20,000.00 Good Luck in what ever you buy!