All ActivityMost RecentMost LikesSolutionsSuper C Towing CapabilityFor those using a Super C with a toad, what type of rig and what is the capability of the coach? Everything working well? Thanks!Re: Selecting a Diesel Pusher Coach for Full-Timingcwdavis, You expressed my thinking exactly. A Foretravel, Beaver, WanderLodge, etc. As you said, the key will be careful selection of the used unit.Re: Selecting a Diesel Pusher Coach for Full-Timing2gypsies, If I could buy new today I think I would do something like a 40 ft Newmar Ventana or Tiffin Phaeton. I looked at online ads for 2007-2009 and there seemed to be quite a few in the $60K to $90K range. Is this what you are referring to?Re: Selecting a Diesel Pusher Coach for Full-TimingBudget: I think if I were buying today then I would like to spend $60K to $90K. Is that realistic?Re: Selecting a Diesel Pusher Coach for Full-TimingYou mean like this kind of BlueBird Wanderlodge? http://www.buybyebluebird.com/show.php?id=155&category=&srt=model_year ASC&p=10&submit=Click to Sort&page=1Selecting a Diesel Pusher Coach for Full-TimingI am planning and preparing for going full-tine when I retire in the next four to eight years. My objective is to embark on this endeavor with an adequate rig with no debt; i.e., obtained and paid for prior to retirement. I understand that ongoing maintenance and repairs are part of the retirement budget. My DW has expressed a preference for a motorhome and towed vehicle. My current thinking is to purchase a used motorhome, trying to find the optimal value mix of coach price and refurbishment cost. A new motorhome is out of the budget. I have reviewed numerous threads identifying likely coaches, so I think I am informed regarding brand names. My questions really deal with aspects I should seek out. I have resolved the gas/diesel question and seek a diesel pusher. I seek something between 34 feet and 40 feet. I have gleaned the following from previous threads: Engine: I am partial to Cummins, but it appears from a review of ads that Cat and Cummins are highly prevalent and both appear to perform well over time. Transmission: They all seem to be Allison. I assume more gears are better. Chassis: It seems to me that Freightliner is to be preferred due to the ready availability of parts and repair network. Brakes: I have read that hydraulic brakes are to be avoided in a motorhome; air brakes are far more desirable. Suspension: I gather airbags are the way to go. Also, examine sway control carefully. Roof: Some prefer fiberglass roof; I think rubber OK, especially if the new approaches such as RV Armor prove to be effective. Model years: This is quite a conundrum for me. In one respect I think I should focus on models years from the early 1990s through 1998 in order to obtain an engine which is completely mechanical. The assumption here is that it is simply to maintain and less to break. Engine and transmission control electronics become more prevalent with each new model year. I also wonder whether I should stop at model year 2005 or so in order to avoid most of the complicated emissions systems. Does anyone have other recommendations? Thanks!Re: Older Diesel Pusher Motor Home Refurbishment for Full-TimeThanks for input.Ten Year RuleI have heard about, but never encountered myself, a rule at private campgrounds that your rig will be not be accepted unless if it is eleven or more years old. I would think all that matters is the actual condition of the rig. Is this a common situation? Thanks.Re: Older Diesel Pusher Motor Home Refurbishment for Full-TimeThanks much for all of the responses. I conclude that my idea is practical. To the point about looking at more recent years requiring less refurbishment or even an older unit requiring less refurbishment - amen. Certainly, I will be looking for the most overall cost effective initial purchase. I anticipate doing much of the ongoing maintenance and upkeep myself. I need to have something pretty much ready to go to start out in - the DW has made it clear that after decades of home maintenance, home remodeling, and children maintenance that she does not want a "project". Thanks!Older Diesel Pusher Motor Home Refurbishment for Full-TimeI am educating myself in preparation for full-timing sometime in the next four to eight years (primarily contingent upon how long the kids will be in school). A review of online ads shows that one can obtain used diesel pushers with model years from the late 1990s to the early 2000s from what I gather are better quality manufacturers such as Newmar, Tiffin, etc., with 60K to 80K miles in the 35 ft to 40 ft range for somewhere around $30K. Is it realistic to think that one could purchase such a motorhome and have refurbishment done in a cost effective manner? I have been toying with the following example ($ in thousands): Coach 30.0 Roof e.g., RV Armor 6.0 Tires 4.0 Batteries 1.0 Brakes 2.0 Fluids, Filters, Belts 1.0 Flooring 3.0 Furniture 5.0 A/C 2.0 Furnace 2.0 Washer/Dryer 2.0 Range/Oven/Micro 2.0 Generator? 5.0 Air Suspension? 2.0 Shades, Blinds, etc.? 3.0 It seems to me that one should be able to wind up with a refurbished coach at $60K to $70K; this is costly, but a small fraction of the price new. I would think this is realistic from the perspective of the mechanical aspect of the coach: if properly cared for, the diesel drive-train, chassis, and suspension should last longer than I will. I wonder if the rest is realistic? Are there places that specialize in older motorhome refurbishment? I know of at least one place that does so for fifth-wheel trailers; I assume comparable businesses exist. Thanks!
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