Need advice: buying a used RV

[alishlosh]

Alright so I recently decided to start living in an RV permanently (at least for the time being). However, I'm having trouble finding one I'd LOVE to buy. I want something used, under $6,000. I have a list of wants:

- Has a generator
- 25'-29' (definitely nothing over 30', I don't need much space)
- Tub shower (not necessary though, just better for my pup)
- Class C
- No more than 80k miles
- No problems with leaks
- sleeps 6 or more
- AC
- Roof rack with ladder
- Cruise control
- A little bit of kitchen counter space
- Nothing older than 1983

However, I just ran across this BEAUTIFUL 1980 Dodge Rockwood Class C motorhome with 80k miles on it. I'm leery of something so old, because I don't want to have to spend loads of money fixing it up to travel across the country come fall. However, this specific RV looks pristine on the inside, has had a recent tune up, new exhaust, battery, and tires, and just generally looks like it has been well taken care of and loved. It's on Craigslist, with I'm also hesitant to use.. and it also happens to be a 10 hour drive away from me, making it difficult to simply go see it. I want to be nearly dedicated to buying it if I'm going to drive that far just to see it.

So, does anyone have advice on older RVs, that seemingly look very well taken care of? Does anyone have experience with this specific model? What has everyone's experience with Craigslist RV buying been like? Do you think my list of wants is too much? Any advice you have to offer would be wonderful, thank you!!

Alicia

[WA7NDD]

Read this!

[Engle]

Remember what the Dodge and Chrysler automobiles were like in 1980? They were lucky to last the 12 month/12000 mile warranty. Good luck

[ChuckV1]

Guzzzzzz

We traded in a 1999 Class C 24ft last summer for a older 2006
5er and got 5k, friend said he saw the unit at a Used RV show
in Gig Harber WA for 6K a week later.... We had just put new
rubber all around, new batteries, new brakes, has serviced it
including the generator, everything worked fine and had the
winter cover with it. Engine had about 65k on it but needed a
exhaust leak fix on the right side, was very clean inside...
maybe we should have sold it outside of a dealer but got a
great deal on 5er it was had to pass up

[MattINW]

Congrats on the find! Hope it works out great.

[olfarmer]

alishlosh wrote:

Redsky wrote:
For $60,000 your want list is reasonable. It might even work at $35,000. At $6,000 you are dreaming.

You will be able to find a 20 year old smallish motorhome for that amount but then you will need to have money set aside for repairs and be prepared for breakdowns on the road and staying at motels while parts are obtained.

For $6,000 I would buy a Casita or similar trailer that you can tow with your current car or truck.

Saying that $60k is 'reasonable' and that $35k might work, is like saying "hey sorry most of the world, but you'll never be able to own a motorhome." I've seen SO MANY motorhome that are around the $15k range that would be great. Even the $10k range. I know I'm new to all of this, but dropping $60k on something can't be the only option, because I know that's just not an option for many RV owners.

I'm noticing that many people on these forums, while trying to be helpful, are actually just, in one way or another, telling me I can't do what I want to do. Instead of trying to give me advice on how I can do what I want to do. I realize money is always a thing.. But what I've learned from life is that there are ways around everything, and that money isn't always the answer to the problem. Sorry if I sound like a moron to you or I'm just dreaming.. but hey, I have big dreams. I ended up going with a 1983 Coachmen Leprechaun.. so wish me luck! And thankfully I found super great roadside assistance in case I break down!

Thanks everyone for the advice, encouraging or not. I hope all your travels and lives are pleasant 🙂

It does not take 60k to get a decent MH. Glad you found one you like and I hope you enjoy it! After about 10 years old it is all about condition and there is a huge difference in how they have been taken care of. Best of luck to you with your MH!
Ed

[jolooote]

Do NOT get any Chevy 454 or P30 chassis.

[alishlosh]

Redsky wrote:
For $60,000 your want list is reasonable. It might even work at $35,000. At $6,000 you are dreaming.

You will be able to find a 20 year old smallish motorhome for that amount but then you will need to have money set aside for repairs and be prepared for breakdowns on the road and staying at motels while parts are obtained.

For $6,000 I would buy a Casita or similar trailer that you can tow with your current car or truck.

Saying that $60k is 'reasonable' and that $35k might work, is like saying "hey sorry most of the world, but you'll never be able to own a motorhome." I've seen SO MANY motorhome that are around the $15k range that would be great. Even the $10k range. I know I'm new to all of this, but dropping $60k on something can't be the only option, because I know that's just not an option for many RV owners.

I'm noticing that many people on these forums, while trying to be helpful, are actually just, in one way or another, telling me I can't do what I want to do. Instead of trying to give me advice on how I can do what I want to do. I realize money is always a thing.. But what I've learned from life is that there are ways around everything, and that money isn't always the answer to the problem. Sorry if I sound like a moron to you or I'm just dreaming.. but hey, I have big dreams. I ended up going with a 1983 Coachmen Leprechaun.. so wish me luck! And thankfully I found super great roadside assistance in case I break down!

Thanks everyone for the advice, encouraging or not. I hope all your travels and lives are pleasant 🙂

[alishlosh]

ksg5000 wrote:
My 02.

Roof rack is almost worthless in RV because you can't carry much (if anything) on roof. Roofs are the Achilles Heel of RV's.

Sleeping 6 in a Class C isn't practical .. hippie or not. Been their done that. Further .. weight's a big deal in a Class C and six adults, water etc is likely going to max out the practical capacity of the rig.

Lastly .. check out the price of new shocks and tires .. in old rig your likely going to need both which may blow your budget.

The RV I ended up finding has new tires, and I'm planning on having the shocks looked at by my Uncle in May. And I'm not planning on sleeping 6 in it at all times (or even part of the time), I just want to make sure I have a little extra room for friends who would like to stay with me/visit/etc. I'm not planning on traveling/living with 6 or more people.

Thanks for the advice.

[ksg5000]

My 02.

Roof rack is almost worthless in RV because you can't carry much (if anything) on roof. Roofs are the Achilles Heel of RV's.

Sleeping 6 in a Class C isn't practical .. hippie or not. Been their done that. Further .. weight's a big deal in a Class C and six adults, water etc is likely going to max out the practical capacity of the rig.

Lastly .. check out the price of new shocks and tires .. in old rig your likely going to need both which may blow your budget.

Edit: Your other postings indicate your looking at towing a vehicle. You should pay close attention to the weight capacity of a Class C .. my 28' foot Class C came out of the factory essentially maxed out and couldn't tow anything without reinforcement .. smaller RV's may have some capacity but if your going to fill the rig with people that will be an issue.

[Redsky]

For $60,000 your want list is reasonable. It might even work at $35,000. At $6,000 you are dreaming.

You will be able to find a 20 year old smallish motorhome for that amount but then you will need to have money set aside for repairs and be prepared for breakdowns on the road and staying at motels while parts are obtained.

For $6,000 I would buy a Casita or similar trailer that you can tow with your current car or truck.

[bsinmich]

As they get newer the fuel MPG get better. Check the following;
'76 21' w/ Dodge 360 4-5 mpg
'89 27' w/ Ford 460 5-7 mpg
'96 35' w/ Chev 454 6-7 mpg
'03 38' w/ Workhorse & 8.1L 7-8.5 mpg
The last 2 are Class A's. I think you may find a little less leakage in A's over C's due to the fact the cabover area is where most leaks begin from all the bouncing of the unsupported weight. Next is sidewalls and end caps where they meet.

[WA7NDD]

Purchased a 15 year old MH in excellent shape with 36k miles on it with new tires and batteries, and no leaks. BUT it is 15 years old and I dropped $3,200 for total preventive maintenance. Remember I said it was in good shape. It is a 23 foot Class C with a V10. One thing I have learned about MH's is everything gets way more expensive the bigger and older they are. Read all the blogs on here before you buy, great lessons.

I replaced shocks with HD Bilstein's, serpentine belt, flushed engine and radiator, clean mass airflow sensor, installed Ingalls Engineering caster/camber kit, all new cooling hoses including heater hoses and filters, and alignment. That was the list I gave them, they found bad tie rod ends and leaky rear end seal, and cleaned rear end and new oil. I've since had the breaks flushed and new front break hoses installed, and a new high profile Dometic 320 toilet installed.

I changed the converter from a single stage to a three stage converter. I added a dash camera, and in the process of installing two backup cameras. One to feed my GPS and one to feed monitor on rear view mirror. Sounds outrageous, but at 70 with some physical limitations , I don't want to find myself stuck on the road, worth it to me. With the age of the unit you are looking for, and the amount you want to pay, plan on keeping some money back for repairs.

[westend]

alishlosh wrote:


Luckily, I have many hippie friends who love to snuggle up to one another :D.

Alicia

Get a bus, name it Further.:B

If I was in that budget range and shopping for a C or A on Craigslist, the number one thing for me to know would be the age of the owner, whether he was the only owner, and if there are any service records.
Beyond that it's pretty much a crapshoot (or a box of chocolates), a new owner would just have to absorb maintenance and repair expenses as they come up.

If the new owner is unskilled/unable to repair, they should absolutely avoid anything with water damage. Usually, what's seen at the surface is just an indicator of what's below and these repairs can be costly if hiring out.

[Bumpyroad]

keep in mind the sofa and dinette when made into beds will be very uncomfortable.
bumpy