How old does it have to be to be too old?

[DeanCHS1980]

Hi All,

As new empty nesters, my DW and I bought a a new to us '05 Casita 17' Freedom Deluxe molded fiberglass trailer (egg camper) about 2 years ago. We love it! In fact, I am sitting in it now in the driveway as we get ready for a camping trip later this week.

I am pondering a small used Motorhome (Class C/B+, 25' or under) in a couple of years with the plan of using it for two to four years until retirement. This would give us the experience of towing and motoring RVs and the experience to determine what we want to do in terms of a retirement RV.

I have heard folks recommend used over new for a variety of reasons. And, I have heard some folks recommend that an "older, higher quality" rig makes more sense than a newer one. For example, I am a big fan Coach House Class Cs and of Chinook Class Cs, but Chinooks were only made through 2005. They were made from one piece molded fiberglass bodies on the Ford E350/E450 chassis. Owning a Casita, I am a fan of molded fiberglass. I also like the Ford E350/E450 chassis. However, given that the last Chinook Class Cs were made in 2005, many of the used ones are 12 to 20 years old. Some can still be found with no more than 50,000 to 75,000 miles, sometimes much less, but they are still getting relatively old.

So, how old does a high quality RV have to be to be too old? 😉 BTW, I can maintain systems, but I am not particuarly handy.

Your wisdom, thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

Take care,

Dean

[gbopp]

CONDITION is the important factor.

I'm sure we have all seen 20+ year old rigs in excellent condition parked beside a ratty looking 5-10 year old unit.

Look at whatever interests you on a case by case basis.

[wa8yxm]

How old is too old depends on are you talking about the RV or the RVer

RV's some parks say RV's over 10 years are "Too Old" but then I've seen some "historic" RV's (25 +) parked next to one just a few years old. THe same make, Same style, Same color and to be honest very hard to tell them apart. (Both looked beautiful).

RVers.. Well when you get two old.. 3 days later there will be a gathering of family and friends.. ONe final gathering.

[mike-s]

darsben1 wrote:
see my sig below

If you have nothing to say, just don't say it.

[Grit_dog]

Many factors involved in a rig being too old, not the least of which is how much you're used to doing for repairs and what you consider to be a burden or inconvienence with repairs.
Presuming you've been around the sun quite a few times now, you know what your budget, knowledge and patience level is with your vehicles. Use the same rule of thumb for your rv.

[doxiemom11]

We have a 2000 Class A. Have owned it 8 yrs and not sorry, and not ready to replace it anytime soon either.

[darsben1]

see my sig below

[navegator]

It all depends on the maintenance done to the mechanical unit and how some people treat or trash the unit, I have seen 35+ year old units that look as good as new and some one year old units that look as if they came from the junk yard. save some money to have ready and start looking for a unit, that way when you find one that is worth it you can jump and grab it.

Be careful of scammers on the internet, make sure you actually see the unit and test drive it and least but not last ask why are they selling the unit.

There are some very good opportunities in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California with some of the snow birds, either they get to old to continue or they get sick and fly home and sell the rigs where they are parked, the joke is to get to them before the dealer gets them, then the price goes trough the roof.

navegator