Suggestions when looking at used Class A motor homes
I thought I would create this post right before heading out for our final camp trip of the season. When we get home, I will winterize and cover the RV for the winter. We currently have an older 5th wheel that we would like to upgrade in the next 6-12 months. We have been looking and have decided that if we buy a new RV we have 2 options. First, we have a problem where we have 2 trailers and 1 truck. We often have to take 2 trips, one for the horses and one for the 5th wheel. We started to look at new or slightly used 5th wheels and new or slightly used trucks. Our interest has taken us to where we would need a 1 ton truck if upgrading trucks and a larger trailer than what we have now. I have often thought that the ideal RV for our situation is a Super C with a 4 horse trailer. However, looking at Super C’s they are either really great and expensive or not what I want in a RV. So, we started looking at Class A’s and at a recent RV show were really surprised at the price of a new Class A gas RV. Comparing to a 5th wheel and new truck the Class A is less expensive. That got me looking through a variety of sources for used RV’s. Lots of Class A’s on the market, I think as interest rates climb and fuel prices reach all time highs, more will come on the market. That leads me to some questions looking at used RV’s. In the Class A market there is gas or diesel. I would prefer a diesel pusher since I want to be able to tow up to 10K. But I don’t know what to look for or what to look out for. Finding a 10 year old Diesel pusher with 30-50K miles is common and at very reasonable prices, but is this a ticking time bomb? With low usage, my fear is the engine is ready to be replaced or overhauled. I have seen lots of adds with low mileage Class A units with replaced engines or rebuilt or lots or repairs. That is great, but concerns me. What should I stay away from as it relates to engines, mileage, or years? What should I look for as reliable. Can anyone tell me why I would want a gas Class A vs Diesel pusher? I know they are way lower in price initially but they all drop like a rock as one a few years old is very reasonable in price. I know a Cummins diesel engine should go for 400K plus miles but why are RV’s needing rebuilt with under 100K miles, is it because they site too much and the engines are not designed to sit? Or, is it because they are overworked by the large home they are pulling and undersized motors? I guess the same is true for gas Class A rigs, any opinions on this from someone who has had to rebuild a motor with low miles? My second question not related to the drive train is the house. I know from looking at trailers, they are built poorly. What about a Class A? Are some built the same as trailers or are they all built on bus chassis? I see a lot say freightliner chassis but some don’t say, what is good or what is bad? What about the walls or roof? It seems fiberglass roof is the preferred? But maybe I am wrong. What issues have some of you had with different roofs? We would like to find one with a drop down bed and possibly even bunk beds. My wife has her eyes on a Berkshire but being a Forest River product, I am not sure if that is built just like the travel trailers. What advice can anyone give me on this? Looking at the used market, is there any reason to stay away from an older diesel pusher? It seems that what was once $400K can be easily found for $50-$75K if you are willing to go a few years older. We have been looking at 2010-2018. I think someone said stay away from anything newer than 2018 or 2017? Any advice on years? We are would like to stay under $100K but have looked at units up to $150K. I know I can get a new Class A gas with everything we want for under $150K as prices continue to fall. I was shocked at the discounts we saw at the recent RV show, I guess the correction is starting. I have heard stay away from Thor, is that year specific or anything Thor? If anyone has any advice as to why a 5th or class A or Super C, I would be interested in your advice. I can think of some major reasons for staying away from a diesel or larger rv like the cost of maintenance, tires, repairs, etc. But buying a truck and a trailer has its disadvantages as well. Before anyone asks why we don’t buy a living quarter horse trailer. Basically, 2 reasons, 1 is price, you can buy a new Class A for the price of a new horse trailer, the other is we camp more than we go to horse shows. So, we want something that accommodates both needs. Thank you in advance for your input and advice.4KViews2likes10Comments
REV Rv Decatur In
Recently I had to make a trip from Nashville to Decatur Fleetwood Service Center. Had a few issues repaired. My steps on our Providence would not retract. They repaired the steps at the facility. After returning to Nashville the steps again would not retact again. I called a mobile service repair,had a bill for $974.00. I wrote a letter to the Service manager and to my surprise a check showed up for $941.00. That is true customer service by Them. You do not see that these days. Hats off to them534Views1like1Comment
Class ‘A’ motor homes FORD chassis.
If you own or are thinking to buy a Motor Home with a Ford Chassis, or you have just purchased one, you need to read this. A friend of mine bought a new Jayco Class ‘A’ Motor Home in mid year 2020. Recently while on a trip the right front wheel bearings went out, and he came very close to a catastrophic accident as the tire was just second away from blowing while he was driving on the interstate. Vehicle only had 20,000 miles on it. He was about 60 miles form home when this happen. The Ford truck repair dealer closest to beak down refused to even look at the vehicle. It took him 26 hours to find a place to tow vehicle to have repairs done. So since the Motor Home is only 2 years old it should be under warranty. But here is the problem. Since Ford sold the chassis to Jaycee mid hear 2019 that is when the warranty started. Not when Motor Home was purchased. Cost to have repairs done was around $7.000. So Ford says they are not responsible as it is out of warranty. The Ford owners manual requires wheel bearing repack at every 60,000 miles. So this should fall under being a factory defect. It could only be one of three things caused the problem. Insufficient greasing at time of manufacturer, bearing was installed too tight, or a defective bearing. Which lays problem completely at Ford. I also wonder if this problem would apply to all Class A?6.1KViews1like21Comments
thinking of buying a Motorhome....looking for tips/hints
I am looking for suggestions on buying a motorhome. Any hints on pricing, what to offer, etc. Or do any of you have a good resource that I can look into or buy so I can be well educated. I have bought many trailers in the past but this would be a new adventure for me.2.4KViews1like14Comments
Difficulty timing a 1995 Chevy 454ci
I'm helping my brother clean up a 1995 Gulfstream Sunsport that is built on top of a 1994 Chevy P30 Chassis. It comes with a Chevy 454 big block v8. For the life of me I can't get the thing to fire off. I've verified spark, fuel and air. According to the directions on the air cleaner the timing should be set to 4 degrees BTDC on the number 1 wire. I've tried timing to that and I get nothing. I've read that if you use the timing marks at the 5 o'clock position, use cylinder number 5. Tried that too and nothing. I made the assumption the harmonic balancer has slipped so I tried timing it the old fashioned way by pointing the dizzy at cylinder number 1 while it's on the compression stroke before reaching TDC. Nothing. I'm pretty sure my wire order on the dizzy is correct and that the spark plugs aren't fouled out. Anyone have any advice?Solved27KViews1like129Comments2022 Holiday Rambler Invicta
We have purchased a 2022 Holiday Rambler Invicta with the Ford 7.3 V8 engine. Picked up on September 14th. So far have been pleased with the performance of the new engine. Learning about the computer system that runs everything on the coach. if anyone has any feedback or tips on the Holiday Rambler please feel free to share your experience. Thanks1.6KViews1like2Comments
