advice for the new RV buyer

[rondo]

I'm looking at buying my 1st RV, just a gasser 26 ft or so class C. But this feels like when i bought my first car. I'm wondering what I don't know. So RME folks, maybe you can help. Not sure I want to drop the coin on a new one, being the tight a$$ that i have to be in this economy.
So...
what did you learn about your first RV purchase and what would you do different?
What would you look for in a used RV?
How many miles is a RV good for before the engine or trans could be considered used up? (my internet research indicates 60k to 120k).
Ford, Chev, Dodge, Freightliner?
I noticed some of the Chevys I looked at don't have the towing capacity of the Fords. I need to tow my 1000lb trailer and 5500? Lb crawler. Or am I off base? I'm told by several now that Chevs return 3 mpg better than Ford. I know, I know, its not a toyota electric hybrid

thx sincerely in advance for your experience.

 

[Shawn]

I did a lot of reading here: http://www.rv.net/forum/ before I bought my Fifthwheel. There is some good info on that site.

 

[BCGPER]

Been through a lot of em. First thing you need to do is set your price, and stick with it. You'll look at some nice more expensive ones that the wife will love otherwise...

How many people do you need to sleep? Class A's tend to sleep less, but also tend to me more roomy and have a higher towing cap.

Personally, I'd never buy one with 40K+ on the clock because I really don't want to worry about things failing on the road. Again, that's totally dependent on your price range, and what you're willing to put up with while on vacation. Around 40K it's time to start thinking transmission woes, and at 80K that engine will be on it's last leg.

Don't let mileage be your only deciding factor though. You will find some that have 2000 miles on the clock, but have obviously been lived in for years, so everything inside was worn out.

 

[ricsrx]

yes definitly set your price and stick to it, then get the most for your buck, once you start looking you will quickly see what a good deal is, if your going to buy used, and i always have, look at the roof condition, sags ect. pull the kitchen and bath drawers and look for water damage, next is the generator, how many hrs.. I had one with low hrs that ran like crap and one with high hrs that ran great and is still running,

Remember these things are built cheper that a single wide trailer, it might have low milage on the motor but if they lived in it it will have a lot of wear and tear,

my C class is too long to tow my enclosed trailer, so be carful on the tow capacity, mine sleeps every one but cant take my rig with me...I thought about rebuilding the rear of the frame to be able to pull my trailer but i dont know if that would work.

dont die when you go to pay the taxes the first year, its some crazy high %, i dont know for sure but its alot....

Gas milage...if you are asking maybe you should pass on a motorhome


good luck I cant imagine not having one

Rick

 

[gijohn40]

first you need to decide how many kids you are going to have... then multiply this number by 2.5 and that is how many beds you need for each person... cause lord knows your kids are not going to be able to ride for more then 5 mins in it and not start the "he touched me" game.... Just kidding... so how did the moab trip go?

 

[Unimog]

I prefer a class A for towing. I would never buy new, but that is just me being cheap. If you do consider used, verify personally that every appliance works properly. If you haven't spent much time in a motorhome before, I suggest renting one for a long weekend with everyone you plan to travel with. It is surprising how close the quarters can get after a few hours in the rain or such.

 

[rondo]

thx for the advice all. I've spent hours and hours online trying to research this, but there's no substitution for talking about it with someone that owns one or has owned one.
Shawn, the website was useful, thanks
John, Moab was fun but we're thinking now it would have been better in an RV at night haha I learned a few things about my jeep; mainly that the rear axle holds together even on the hwy with a broken bearing cap in the rear end.

questions i now have; it looks like the class C is sketchy for towing the weight of a jeep on a trailer.
and now i'm wondering about how to best negotiate the best price.
and i'm definitely not buying new seeing how they depreciate terribly.

 

[ricsrx]

The shorter class C have less of an overhang on the back end, so I am assuming that it will have a higher tow rating.

 

[BCGPER]

Just a couple more things to consider. The rear overhangs are similar on the A's and C's, so that's not a real issue. The towing problem is most C's are built on a one ton truck chasis. With the coach part on it, it's pretty much maxed out on it's cargo rating. Then to make matters worse, they extend the rear of the frame. Attaching a hitch to that frame extention is where the towing issue comes into play.

Also, most class C's have a relatively small fuel and holding tanks. Which ever way you decide, check out these items.

My last motorhome was a Chevy 454 powered class A. My present one is a V-10, built on the Ford F-550 chasis. The 454 would out pull the V-10 power wise, but the Ford is much more heavier duty, and handles much better.

A generator and awning are a must. If you are (or plan to be) a boater, make sure that generator isn't mounted in the rear of the coach. My last on was, and it was scarry trying to launch a boat without dunking the gen. Also, hydrualic levelers are a very nice luxury that I don't think I could live without.

Just for reference, mine holds 80 gallons of fuel, 100 gallons of fresh water, and 80 gallons in the holding tanks. I've towed all over the country with both, and never had any issues.

You're more than welcome to come look at mine (which I'll be puting up for sale in the next couple weeks) if you want to get a feel for the class A's before you decide. In fact, you could bring your rig and trailer, and get a feel for how it tows. I think you'll find traveling in the class A's to be a lot more comfortable.

 

[SnwMnkys]

Ive got an 84 Class A w/ a GM 454 for sale. Its towed a 3000lb flatbed car hauler with a 3000 some odd lb Mercedes 450SL on top of it to Canada and back with no problems other than drinking fuel.

 

[Unimog]

A couple of more comments on towing with class C's. the shorter ones do have less overhang, but usually less tow rating due to the smaller chassis. If you do go with a C, the F450 chassis is much heavier than the F350 and usually available as an option or in similar sizes. From what it sounds like you will be towing, though, I think your best bet is a class a or a super c.

 

[ricsrx]

thanks guys for the clarification on the Class C towing capabilities,yes my Class C is an E350 with a large overhang out the back and a real flimsy C chanel frame exstention, I would not dare tow any thing over 1k lb, I looked into the tow dolleys that handle all the weight and go between the rv and the trailer, some people swear bythem but they look like a pain to deal with..