Which older model gas rig would you consider?

[Vt_Rv]

I'm looking at motorhomes in the 2005-2007 +- range, trying to stay under $40K. I'm not as familiar with the grades of Class A as I am other types of camper. I don't really want is considered an entry level model or levels of quality based on brand.

Our use will be a few weeks a year. One longer trip, 2000-5000 miles and a few more local trips and weekend trips, 100-500 miles. And as retirement creeps closer looking at wintering and extended travel options.

We like some of the Damon floor plans but of course the plans we like are on slightly newer rigs that are a little outside our budget.

I also wonder about mileage on some of these older rigs. I think low miles indicating light use is almost as bad or worse then high miles and excessive use. I know a motorhome needs exercise and maintenance. Is there a mileage high, low that you would shy away from?

[snowbird47]

Sounds wonderful bsinmich! My husband has COPD, and it's getting harder and harder to travel with his oxygen equipment :-(. We spent 19 yrs traveling so we're ready for spending time with the grandkids.

[bsinmich]

snowbird47 wrote:
bsinmich, ours is also the 3778, but 2004! We've had 5 rv's in the last 19 yrs. Three Fleetwoods, one horrible Coachman, and we finally stepped up and bought the MountainAire! Best Motorhome we've ever had!!! So quiet on the road and parked. We're only selling it due to my husband's health :-(. You only get what you pay for! It took us four to realize that!

This is also our 4th. MH. We have TTs, Hi-Lo, popups and everything else since 1969. I use my walker to hookup but still enjoy everything about RVing. We are planning on a mo. in Colorado this summer pus some time in Northern Ontario.

[frankdamp]

We own a very clean 2002 Georgetown 325 with just under 18,000 miles on the clock. It's an F53 dually chassis with the V-10 engine. We really love the old bird, but we're on limited income and really can't afford to run it any more. We bought it from the original owners 3 years ago and have added about 5000 miles to the odometer reading.

We're a long way from you, but if you're interested, send me a PM.

[snowbird47]

bsinmich, ours is also the 3778, but 2004! We've had 5 rv's in the last 19 yrs. Three Fleetwoods, one horrible Coachman, and we finally stepped up and bought the MountainAire! Best Motorhome we've ever had!!! So quiet on the road and parked. We're only selling it due to my husband's health :-(. You only get what you pay for! It took us four to realize that!

[drifterpilot]

We have had this coach since new, and still love it.
Do it again? YES!

[bsinmich]

I am with the ones with the Newmar. If you want better quality you need to raise your price point or go older. Mine is an '03 3778 Mountain Aire and it is NOT for sale but would not fit your price point for age. My walls, roof & floors have insulation R values of R12-R16; my AC on the roof is ducted and so quiet you don't have to turn up the TV volume; dual pane glass adds to the quiet and insulating values.

[snowbird47]

We had a 2000 Southwind and lots of problems with the windshield popping out! Bought a 2003 Pace Arrow off the showroom floor in Columbus Ohio and first rain storm water ran in through every light fixture and opening in the ceiling, front to back of the RV! Ruined the drapes on the windshield too. This was just two weeks after we bought it! Three trips to the dealer and factory and it still dripped water from the ceiling! This is why we took a loss and traded up one year for our MountainAire!

[SarahW422]

Another vote for a Fleetwood Bounder, Southwind, or Pace Arrow. I agree with others who say that the CONDITION of the older RV is the most important factor.

[snowbird47]

Hmmm, then I really don't think I'm too high on our 2004 MountainAire! We're asking $68,000 and it sold for $165,000! MountainAire is top of the line as far as gas coaches go. 25,000 miles, all new batteries, brand new Michelin XRV tires! It's in excellent condition inside and out. We have three interested parties, and one that will definitely buy June 1st if it's still available. Lots of pics if anyone is interested :-). jennybruce47@yahoo.com

[rgatijnet1]

Here is essentially a brand new 2006 Safari motor home that probably listed for $150K+. Now, with only 3000 miles, it has not gotten one single bid to purchase it at $67,000, or less than half what it sold for new. Safari was owned by Monaco and manufactured high quality coaches. According to NADA the $67,000 is the average retail price for this unit and no one is interested in this coach at that price. Basically it is a buyers market and if you see a coach you like, just make an offer. 2006 Safari Simba

[okgc]

wolfe10 wrote:

okgc wrote:
As a former Fleetwood Bounder owner I would caution any buyer to be very careful of any wall decontamination and/or roof issues. Both are VERY expensive to repair.

Consider a Newmar or a brand with a fiberglass roof.

Do you mean DELAMINATION?

Whoops.... I believe computer predictive spelling caught me

[J-Rooster]

jhilley wrote:
I would look at Winnebago Adventurer, Sightseer and Voyage.

Winnebago 2005 Product Line

I agree with this post!

[kab449]

As a former owner of a 2005 Damon Challenger I am partial to this motorhome. It was on a workhorse chassis and the only problem I has with it in 20000 miles and 6 years was the brake recall. I traded it because I thought I wanted a fifth wheel. I don't remember the exact model, but it was 35 feet long with a small bedroom slide and a larger slide that contained a sofa and the dinette. Both slides were on the drivers side. It had another shorter sofa on the passenger side. Great floor plan and coach. I would think they would be in the $30000 range by now with about 50000 miles.
Good luck on your quest.

[jhilley]

hanko wrote:

jhilley wrote:
I would look at Winnebago Adventurer, Sightseer and Voyage.

Winnebago 2005 Product Line

Geez, why is that?

Mostly experience