All ActivityMost RecentMost LikesSolutionsRe: Reliability in purchasing older diesel AThanks to all. Your opinions and advice is well taken. Both of us truly believe in the care of build in the older units and the visuals. We have a 95 year old home that always requires maintenance, no different with a road machine. The one point asked was how long we plan to travel, for sure 6 months but not at one time. This is our second go round and can't wait to travel without saying when do we head back for home and work? Now the question will be, are we ready to go back to the base or go some where else? What a different perspective. Thanks again .Reliability in purchasing older diesel AGood Evening to all. Looking for the many who respond to us that are would be newbies. I consider all of you experts because you know far more than I at this point in my RV life from years ago (80's) in a class A. My question this time is a reliability concern. Speaking generally, these are mech machines that can and will break at any time no matter how much time is spent on maintenance and checking. Buying a diesel class A that is 15 to 20 years old that looks good to the eye, has the floorplan, good maintenance records, reasonable mileage, a professional inspection before purchase, a unit choice that would be reliable to travel cross country. Many of you may have older unit or know people with older units that can give guidance on such a purchase. This post question is very general and I am only looking for general answers. Do 15/20 year old units have good life left or do the moderators say buyer beware and stay away, too old. I really don't want gas, prior type had power, braking, ride and steering control issues. Very simply put, am I wasting my time or is it worth the effort to pursue. Thanks ahead for your incoming opinions. Remember that expert or not your opinions are the best around.Looking at to purchaseLooking at 2001 National Islander, 40', 1 slide, 330 Cum, 97000 mi. Approx $35. Maint records and prior ownership info avail. Ad states tires have 3000 mi but does not give date. Shows nice in photos but obviously needs inspected and fluid test. Seller pointed out minor scrape on one rear comer. Love the older look and paint scheme. Internet info gives Nat Isl good reviews but really want personal opinions from RV Net members that are very to the point and honest. Please help me to know if this is worthwhile to continue the process of inspection and purchase. Thanks to all the members who read and hopefully respond to this post. Chefalan.Re: purchasing getting closerThanks for your returns. Couple of questions that I've seen in other places. 1. When responders refer to "stashes" or others say substantial accounts, in numbers, what does this mean? 5,10,15,20 grand for emergency needs. I believe in this but want experienced rvers for realistic amounts for planning. 2. As I have stated, we owned a 30' gasser for weekend, vacation and motorcycle racing 8 months of the year. Only traveled over the Smokies and towing. My question, numerous times people have said if not full timing get a gasser, I don't understand this if we really like diesel floorplans, no center entry door, larger kitchen, ride/noise level comfort, just plain bigger space. We plan to travel a month at once at least 4-6 times a year. Diesels just read and look like pure pleasure as long as one buys/inspects correctly. As stated, getting closer really brings up many concerns. If applicable to any unit, we will purchase a warranty. There is nothing like educated opinions from knowledgable people on a subject. The unit I referred to originally is on an R8 chassis, per internet sources. Thanks to all.purchasing getting closerPurchasing time frame and retiring much closer. Have looked at all recommended models. Previous Allegro gas owner 10 yrs. Question on a unit, 2002 Monaco Windsor 40pbt, 3 slides, usual equipment plus more, 73000 miles,looks great but can be from hd photos. Floor plan extremely acceptable. unit priced at $57,900, in the middle of nada value. Can the extremely knowledgable readers on this site help me in entertaining this could be a good unit to purchase with proper inspections. I am looking for knowledge and any experience on this type ov rv. Thanks in advance for your help. ChefAlan looking to go.Re: Searching to buy Rv in 2017Thank you very much to all for the info. I knew there had to be a very good reason that I was not aware of why there were so many Alpha's for sale. Thanks for great offer at the PPL post and will keep it mind In just my short time on the Net, it is great to feel so helped with information that keep one from making a very costly mistake. To the post on the health issue, take care of yourself first. Happy New Year to all.Searching to buy Rv in 2017Wife retiring in 2017, I have been since 2010. Not many dealers in central Md with any used stock of class A diesel. Most have poor rep's for service. Searching on line all over the country for a unit. Unable to travel to far to see just one unit. Looking at large dealer like PPL that have many to inspect. My 1st choice has always been early 2000's Beavers and units like this. Budget is 50 to 60 thousand for unit and needed equipment such as toad towing items, etc. My one question is why is there so many Alpha's for sale on the different web sites such as RVT, RV Trader? We're so many sold at one time or are they not lasting as long as owners expected. Really don't see much in the way of reviews. Last class A was 1990 Allegro 32' gas. Good unit, stayed together well with upkeep but not over quality on coach work. Opinions out there and help with the question on the Alpha's. Thanks in the front for any help.Re: getting oldI do understand the age and health issue question. I am struggling with the decision to restart rving in a class a diesel after many years of absence. Will the aches and pains of the arthritis brothers allow me the enjoyment that my wife and I use to know rving. Retirement in 17 and at my age of 71, do we start again. I think I need a hit in the head to remember the joy of the road and the places we stopped. Procrastinating very day but looking for the unit. Help and guidance please. Chefalan/Arbonne BonnieRv satellite use for homeStarting to travel 2017. Keeping st/bricks to return some of the year. Don't want to pay for tv rates while house is sitting. Has anyone ever tried to Rv satellite and receivers in the house. Seems it should be no difference which tvs it is hooked up to. May only have small internet for home computers but no landline. Always trying to keep a reign on the travel budget. I would rather spend our money on the road to enjoy than wasting it on tvs not in use. Please don't laugh at us but any opinions would be appreciated. Chefalan/Arbonne BonnieRe: Afraid to make the leap to dieselThanks again for the posts, especially Scott. I just needed someone to hit me in the head to not delve in the breakdown but the enjoyment of the unit and believe in my abilities to handle what is necessary whenever it comes. We are so looking forward to travel again in an rv to see this country and meet many new people. The Foretravel is definitely one of our top looks along with County Coach but you never know when that special unit is parked in front of us for sale. Respectfully, Chefalan and Arbonne Bonnie.