Upgrade to a DP?

[Teleman]

We bought a low mileage 29 foot '88 Coachmen Classic Class A gasser in 2004 that has served us well but the time has come to think about getting another coach. We don't want to spend more than 25k and don't want anything bigger than 32', 30' would be preferable even. I know there isn't much in the way of DPs that fit these criteria but I did see a '97 30' Safari in the local classifieds, since sold, for 24k that looked nice and pretty much what I was hoping to find.

I'm looking for any advice here...brands or models to look for or avoid, or if it's not a practical endeavor at all. We are ready for a better, quieter ride and the gassers I've driven seem to have even less pep than our old Coachmen and are just as loud in the cockpit. I don't want get into a DP only to get killed by unanticipated repair costs either. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Teleman]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
If you only use your coach 30-40 days a year do you really "need" a new coach? I suspect that you could do a lot of fixing up and remodeling for $25,000. Unless you have major engine or transmission type issues.

Haha no I don't "need" one. I don't "need" an RV but I love having one. My RV runs fine but is getting old and I think it would be wise to upgrade before it starts to give me a lot of expensive trouble. If I do decide to spend 20-25k for another RV I would like it to be a nice, older, well cared for DP, if possible.

[J-Rooster]

I've always wanted a DP and can afford one but I don't travel the miles to justify buying one! In fact I'm driving less miles every year due to health concerns and I'm retired!

[Bill_Satellite]

If you only use your coach 30-40 days a year do you really "need" a new coach? I suspect that you could do a lot of fixing up and remodeling for $25,000. Unless you have major engine or transmission type issues.

[Teleman]

supercub wrote:
Here's 32ft that's not far from you.

http://www.demartinirv.com/vehicles/detail/1507

Nice but out of my price range.

[supercub]

Here's 32ft that's not far from you.

http://www.demartinirv.com/vehicles/detail/1507

[BigRabbitMan]

Here is another option. I have an FMC which is 29ft. They came with Chrysler 440's so they were gas pushers. They were built from 1973-76. Over the years a number of them have been converted to diesel engines. To do the conversion like I did is a large project. I am not recommending that. Periodically, units that were converted at some point in the past come up for sale.

The key is the quality of the conversion. Recently, a very nice one traded at about $16,000.

If you have any interest send me a PM and we can discuss the possibilities. You are in Clayton, CA and I will be in your area in Feb if you want to look at mine. There are others in the greater bay area that you could go look at to see if the coach fits your needs or not. They have independent rear suspension so the wheel base issue does not exist.

[jwolf55]

We were looking for a short Diesel Pusher, they are hard to find and a good one demands a premium price. We finally gave up and bought 36.5 footer for a lot less money the everybody wanted for a nice 30-34 foot DP. Haven't been sorry yet. Good luck.

[Heisenberg]

Shop Here

[Teleman]

msmith1199 wrote:
Doesn't the Trek have a front diesel engine?

Yes which is why I'm not interested in one.

[Teleman]

2gypsies wrote:
When looking at older RVs it's best to look at ones for sale by owner. Request the past repair/maintenance records. By going to his house to look you can get a better idea on how the RV has been taken care of.

Also with an older RV lower your budget by $10,000 and keep that $10,000 in a separate account tagged just for updates/repairs. With any older RV you will have to plan for repairs.

How much do you use a RV? You might be better off just going more recent in years and get another gas. Diesels have a premium and if you don't use it much it's probably not worth it. Perhaps a newer gas or a different one than you have now will be a lot more quiet for you if that's the issue.

Bottom line.... don't go into debt buying a RV.

Good advice. I'd say we use the RV about 30-40 days per year.

[msmith1199]

Doesn't the Trek have a front diesel engine?

[2gypsies1]

When looking at older RVs it's best to look at ones for sale by owner. Request the past repair/maintenance records. By going to his house to look you can get a better idea on how the RV has been taken care of.

Also with an older RV lower your budget by $10,000 and keep that $10,000 in a separate account tagged just for updates/repairs. With any older RV you will have to plan for repairs.

How much do you use a RV? You might be better off just going more recent in years and get another gas. Diesels have a premium and if you don't use it much it's probably not worth it. Perhaps a newer gas or a different one than you have now will be a lot more quiet for you if that's the issue.

Bottom line.... don't go into debt buying a RV.

[Teleman]

jplante4 wrote:

Teleman wrote:
No I'm familiar with the Trek. I think it was a Serengeti. It was a DP. Here's something similar.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/rvd/5872206655.html

A classic Oregon built Safari. Well built coaches in the era. Trek was the attempt at a low end diesel that Perlot tried to get Beaver to built when he was there. Left Beaver and started Safari. At one point they built Treks on Isuzu diesel truck chassis.

IMO, if the preventative maintenance has been kept up with, you'd have a tough time finding a better coach for the money.

The one that was in my local CL was even nicer and appeared to belong to someone who really babied it. Went pretty fast. I'm in no hurry but something like these Safaris is the type of coach I'm looking for. Nice to hear they have a good rep.

[jplante4]

Teleman wrote:
No I'm familiar with the Trek. I think it was a Serengeti. It was a DP. Here's something similar.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/rvd/5872206655.html

A classic Oregon built Safari. Well built coaches in the era. Trek was the attempt at a low end diesel that Perlot tried to get Beaver to built when he was there. Left Beaver and started Safari. At one point they built Treks on Isuzu diesel truck chassis.

IMO, if the preventative maintenance has been kept up with, you'd have a tough time finding a better coach for the money.

[Teleman]

imgoin4it wrote:
Winnebago had a 32 foot diesel in the early 2000's. Like maybe 2001 or 2002. Talked to someone on the way to Alaska that said it was a "rocket".

Thanks. I'll keep my eye out for that one. Not interested in slideouts btw.