Guidance needed for a used RV purchase.

[bucilini]

Hello,

I'm looking to purchase a used Class A RV 30-37 feet preferably diesel but i'm open to Gas  as well.  THere are so many options, from chasis to transmissions, and i'm not sure which is good or not so good. Can any one of you tell me what the differences in chassis are and which are the better ones?  I know my bank wont finance any RV by a company that is out of business.  Is there a list of RV companies still in business ?  Are there some common problems with the winnebago vectras or adventurer series 1995-2000?  Seems like these are within my price range as well as i know that the manufacturer is still in business.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

You are probably worrying too much about chassis and engines - they are really details rather than important decision factors.

You can usually get RV financing from lenders who specialize in that arena, and quite possibly at lower rates than a local bank. Big RV lenders like Bank of America and Wells Fargo understand the RV market and know that brands come and go all the time and it has little, if anything, to do with the value of an RV. An RV is more like a house purchase than an automobile.

Some major manufacturers are Monaco (including Holiday ambler and Beaver/Safari), Fleetwood,  Winnebago/Itasca, Thor (including Damon), and Forest River. National RV is one of those who is permanently out of business. Gulfstream no longer makes Class A motorhomes, not does Airstream, but both companies are still in business.

 

[bucilini]

Thank you for your response, it is a big decision for us.  My financing is through BofaA which like you said have conditions/restrictions .  Its just cars i know, in/out RV's i'm lost.  Does engine brake only apply to Diesels only ? Also do you guys get it inspected by an RV dealer before you purchase it ?

 

[geodrake]

Hello and welcome to The RV Forum.

Aside from chassis, drive line, and other vehicle items, look for leaks. Leaks generally occur around openings (windows, doors, vents, etc.) and where two surfaces join, such as the end caps.  On the inside they normally manifest as rusty/yellow stains.  On the outside they manifest as de-lamination  (bubbles in the skin).  Leaks are not unusual, and not necessaarily a deal buster as they can be fixed.

Refrigerators are very expensive to replace.  Check to be sure it cools............ don't take the sellers word for it.  Tires are a big item too.  It is recomeded that tires over 5 - 7 years old be replaced regardless of tread depth, etc.  The A/Cs, and generator are big ticket items too.

Aside from that stuff consider floor plan, storage, etc.

Let us know if you have more questions and we will get back to you.

Welcome aboard!

 

[commkruge]

Engine brakes are on the diesel units only. It causes backpressure in the cylinders helping to slow the coach. A nice feature if running alot of mountains or hills.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Gas engines naturally have engine braking, but diesels require add-on equipment to do the same thing. It's a very nice feature for a diesel, but not a necessity, plus it can be added on later if you buy a diesel coach without it. Figure about $2000 in value.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I do not have an inspection by a third party before a RV purchase, but I'm pretty confident in my ability to spot problems during the "walk-through" prior to completing the sale. The dealer will do what is called a PDI - Pre-Delivery Inspection, but I would not trust him to find all the things that you will care about. Since you are a novice, it behooves you to bring your own RV expert to the inspection and have it done before any money changes hands. You need to know what repairs may be required or advisable before completing the sales contract and a price. Then get the disposition of the repairs agreed upon in writing before you sign on the dotted line.

You may not get all desired repairs/replacements included in the price - that is a matter for negotiation. But you need to understand what is needed ahead of time, so you can make an informed decision about = the purchase cost

 

[Marsha/CA]

We have a pretty good "check list" in our library for buying a used RV.  You can print it out, take it with you and use it as a guide for purchasing a used RV.  here is the link.

IF you get confused or don't understand something, be sure and check back in here with us.  There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks to help.

Marsha~

 

[CampNelson]

if you wanted to hire someone to check out the rv for you... like I am thinking I do.. where do you even begin to look? The rv I am looking into is an older fifth wheel.. vintage acutally. Thanks!

 

[SeilerBird]

if you wanted to hire someone to check out the rv for you... like I am thinking I do.. where do you even begin to look? The rv I am looking into is an older fifth wheel.. vintage acutally. Thanks!

You can look in the local Craigslist for a mobile RV mechanic, or go to an RV repair shop and ask if there is a mechanic there who moonlights. Or you can just take the RV to an RV repair shop and tell them you want to get it inspected.