BinaryStar
Well-known member
Hi everyone, this will be a rather long post so I apologize up front. First off, I’ve been a forum member for few years now and I want to thank everyone for the enormous amount of knowledge I’ve acquired from this forum. I don’t post much except when I can offer some of that back, but I love to do repair, etc., myself whenever possible. I’ve been able to fix many things on my motor home (1990 24’ class C) that would not have been possible without the members of this forum and their posts.
I’m planning an early retirement at the end of next year, so I’ve started my search for a motor home to purchase in 2022 that will allow DW and I to visit areas we’ve never explored and spend more time out west at the NP’s that we have been blessed to visit. Soliciting feedback on specific topics, as well as help figuring out the things I may not have thought of. I realize some are subjective questions.
Background info/requirements:
Questions:
Best regards,
Jim R.
I’m planning an early retirement at the end of next year, so I’ve started my search for a motor home to purchase in 2022 that will allow DW and I to visit areas we’ve never explored and spend more time out west at the NP’s that we have been blessed to visit. Soliciting feedback on specific topics, as well as help figuring out the things I may not have thought of. I realize some are subjective questions.
Background info/requirements:
- Expect to travel around for 8 years or so - multiple longer distance/time trips per year, as well as local camping.
- Class A motor home purchase, leaning toward gasser but open to diesel
- Prefer to keep the length around 35’ but definitely under 40’ if possible
- Will be towing my 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK four down (finally!)
- DW wants a washer/dryer combo
- 2000-2011 vintage, depending on fuel type
- Available funds max out at $60,000 (cash purchase) plus a few grand for any initial surprise expenses.
- Home base is NE Ohio
Questions:
- I’m 61 and in decent health and I’m pretty handy in general with all RV systems. Is there regular maintenance on a diesel that can be done outside in the driveway?
- What are the primary differences/pitfalls with diesel: is it largely expense of components, more complicated systems, difficultly accessing components, or something else?
- My research seems to indicate that washer/dryer hookup is not common for gassers, and most are Workhorse chassis. I’m not necessarily opposed to a WH chassis but are there brands on gas chassis other than Winnebago/Itasco that have this? Is it possible to retrofit a cabinet space?
- Looking primarily at private sellers but that limits units that I can look at within 250 miles. Is it easy enough to find an reasonably priced rig at a dealer that’s not crap? How far have others gone to look at RV’s?
- Are there areas of the country that have more used RV’s available in general?
- Not in a hurry but would like to find something before Fall, which potentially means buying while it's still Winter. Is a Winter purchase any more risky than at other times of the year?
- Even if I use an RV inspector is there an advantage to getting a mechanic to inspect the chassis?
- I’m looking at rigs up 50,000 miles for gassers. What chassis maintenance should be expected at that point? What about diesels, up to 80,000 miles?
- What is the life expectancy for fiberglass roofs, and can they be coated if necessary?
- Are there any concerns in general with buying an RV without a clear title, for example an outstanding loan?
Best regards,
Jim R.