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.
Has anyone replace floor with Coretec luxury vinyl flooring?
I have a bid to replace my carpet with Coretec flooring. Its a snap together flooring with a cork backing for added insulation/sound management--they say. He also said that water could penetrate where it snaps together, but wouldn't be easy. He suggested a cotton rug around kitchen, shower, etc. I'm just concerned about the water issue, especially around the shower as the door drips on the floor whenever we shower. If you have used this product or know someone who has I'd appreciate their experiences. It's pretty expensive.
Bad experience picking up RV at LaMesa RV in Davis, CA .
Picked up my new Class A last week at LaMesa RV in Davis, CA. Having dealt with LaMesa before, I should have expected problems, and I wasn't disappointed. My appointment was for 1:00 p.m., but when I got there, they were having a pot luck and weren't finished with my rig. After waiting an hour, my service agent said my rig was ready for the PDI. The walk through with Jim took about an hour, and was pretty much comprehensive. This being my first motor home, I had lots of questions, which Jim explained how things worked. After the PDI, I returned to the office to complete the never ending stack of papers for signing. We waiting for another hour waiting to be told the rig was ready for me to transfer my stuff from my trade-in to my new rig. I walked back to the service bay and found nothing had been done, and no one knew what was happening with my rig. Seeing my trade-in parked near my new rig, I began moving things over until someone came out to finish getting my rig ready. That took another hour. Finally, my rig was ready to drive away. Then we noticed a problem with the passenger seat belt which needed to be replaced. I also noticed a problem with a piece of trim that required the rig to go back to the service bay for repair. After another hour (if you're keeping track, that's five hours now) I noticed all the service personnel leaving for the day. I walked to the service department to find out the status of my rig. No one was around and the service department was closed. I found my service agent as he was leaving and asked about my rig. He said it was ready quite some time ago and that I should have been informed that it was ready. Someone should have driven the rig back to the office and informed me of the repairs. That was never done. Also, I was missing some shelves in my refrigerator that the service manager said he would order right away. That never happened either. I called recently and they ordered my shelves. Why would the shelves be missing from my refrigerator unless they were removed to put into another rig? The shelves were there when I purchased the rig. The service agent told me he couldn't take some from another rig to put in mine due to some manufacturer "law". Seemed odd, but I accepted his excuse thinking I would get my shelves in time for our first camping trip. Yeah, right. When pigs fly. I hope others getting new rigs at LaMesa RV in Davis have better results than I had. I'm thinking this is the last time I'll ever do business with them.
TV UPGRADE QUESTIONS
I am a newbie. Purchased a 2007 Mandalay 40H earlier this year. My question is, all my TVs are dated and don't have any of the new technology of newer TVs. Want to upgrade, but want to know if you can buy regular smart TVs that you buy for your house that run on 110 volt or do I need to buy the ones that are specifically for RVs that run on 12/24 volt DC? There is a significant difference in pricing between the 2. I can get a 40" smart TV that works on 110volt for $150 but the 12/24volt DC TVs of the same size are in the $400 range. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
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 them
