Buying a Used Motorhome for Short Trips on a Cash Budget

[CharlesinGA]

I went back and re read you posts and TheBar put it quite well. Stick with a small Class C as it will be your primary mode of transportation. 24 to 28 ft max. With the right floorplan it would work well.

Ford or Chevy, pick your brand. Chevy is said to have more leg room in the cab. Stay away from Sprinter based Class C's as they are expensive to start with and will cost dearly in upkeep.

Charles

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I have to agree - a Class C may be ideal for the OP's needs. However, they need to go look at the space & amenities as well as considering what gear they might like to carry, especially bulkier or heavier stuff like outdoor furniture, BBQ, or tools. Compare to the roomier and more capable Class A's. Also, remember that Class A's come in 28-32 foot lengths too, though they are no where near as common on the used market.

 

[Brad Buchanan]

Good questions. Will try to answer. Looking to do some local traveling and a few trips to Idaho to visit with grandkids. Need to have something we can rely on because of our age and our unfriendly lower intestinal "ISSUES". Mine is now short by 18". We would plan on doing about 250 miles per day and want to keep the initial expense down to $13,500 + Taxes, etc., paying cash. I am pretty handy. We had a 5th wheel for a few years and a 41' sailboat, so I know some things to watch out for and repair, I think. Doing a lot of reading about RV issues and trying to learn more each day. At 79+ years, it isn't something I would want to jump right into and get in over my head.

On the surface it would seem that a van based motorhome would be your best bet.

However due to your age you might be more comfortable in a class c.

 

[Brad Buchanan]

Most people here are Class A owners and will steer you towards them and away from a Class C. Many are living in their motorhome or take 3 month vacations. So their needs and wants are not the same as yours.

I disagree because I've owned both. With your budget you are way more likely to find a serviceable Class C. Since you will not be living in a motorhome full time storage space and weight are not show stoppers for you.

Most negative Class C stories are false but some are true due to the ones over 30 feet. Because they are based on an extended van chassis you should stay away from those. Even a 30 footer is pushing the weight and drivability limits.

I've been driving both Class A and C's for 45 years. With a Class C 30 feet or less the drivability between the two is the same.

In fact I prefer driving a Class C. Most Class A's are similar to a Greyhound bus. Because I'm not driving a Class A every day a Class C is way easier to transition to from driving a car. Even the dash gauges and switches are the same.

The biggest plus side of an old Class C is the drivetrain is 95% the same as a standard Ford or Chevy van. Which means any mechanic anywhere can work on one.

Parts from the windshield to the tires will be a fraction of the price. The windshields, drivetrain, cab, and dash parts will be available in any small town or at least overnight. So you won't be stranded somewhere for a couple weeks waiting on parts. It is rare for a Class C to end up in a salvage yard if it wasn't wrecked or rotted out.

Class A's are based on heavy truck chassis which means way fewer of those chassis were made. And other parts were adapted from who knows where or were custom made for that motorhome only. Many old Class A's end up in salvage yards just because one part isn't made any more and used parts can't be found. Not fun if you are 1,000 miles from home.

Another plus is you can find 24 foot or less Class Cs which are no wider or longer than a dually pickup truck. Parking at gas stations, stores, restaurants, or tourist sites would not be a big issue.

Most Winnebago class As are built on a Freightliner chassis. Nearly any Freightliner part is available overnight virtually worldwide.

Agreed. If you cant park at a gas station or store you should probably stay in a motel.

 

[Kittykamper]

Looking to purchase a used Motorhome for a little travel, so I want to research what you all think about them.

Did you decide? What did you end up doing?

 

[PancakeBill]

Having gone from RV’s to sailboats back to RV’s…. Pretty much had everything other than a C or a 5th wheel. I am 77 (soon) and I agree a C would likely fit best. Another to consider would be a Trek, it is a shorter class A with many amenities, however the bed comes down from the ceiling. Good driving, great visibility and under 30’.

Which 41’? Buddy of mine had the Morgan 41 OI.