Newby questions

[rosweed]

Hi,

My wife and I are considering buying a used class C RV, but we don't have a clue where to start. Here are my initial questions, and I'm sure I will have lots more. First, what brand names should we consider, and which should we stay away from? Where can I get accurate gas mileage information? What's better - a diesel or a gas engine? Since we will be driving a lot of twisty mountain roads, is there a brand that has better handling, or can I have sway bars added to any RV, and what does that cost?

I think that's enough for now. Thanks in advance!

Shawn

 

[donniedu]

By and large a motor home is most expensive form of RV.  But since you ask.  If you are concerned about fuel economy save your money and stay home.  8 to 9 is what you can expect.  As for handling shorter rear overhand the better.  Same for mountain driving.  Sway bars can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to nearly a thousand depending on what you want

 

[jasonsulliman]

I drive a used 23' class C and I get 8-9 mpg.  I'm not towing anything and it sits on a Chevy 350 power train.  I don't have sway bars. 

Personally I feel like brands are not as important as how well the vehicle was maintained throughout its life.  Lots of repairs on a used RV mean the gas won't be the most expensive thing you are paying for.  Obviously the older you go and the fewer miles it has, the cheaper, but it also usually means more repairs needed sooner, so it usually washes out.  Keep your eyes open for a "quick sale" needed.  Relocation, divorce, death in the family etc. are all reasons why someone would need to sell quickly and take a huge hit in price.  You might get a good deal under such circumstances.  Otherwise, you'll be paying the $$ either to the seller or the repair shop and parts stores.

 

[Seilerbird]

My wife and I are considering buying a used class C RV, but we don't have a clue where to start.

Start by renting a class C for a weekend or two and see how you enjoy the experience. If it is positive try and visit some RV dealers and RV shows. Walk through as many different units as you can and drive a few too. Once you have an idea what you really want then start reading the Craigslist and eBay ads from your area.

First, what brand names should we consider, and which should we stay away from?

I agree with DownbytheRiver. brand name is unimportant compared to condition when considering a used RV. Floor plan is the most important consideration IMHO.

Where can I get accurate gas mileage information?

You can't get gas mileage info on specific RVs. All RVs get between 6 and 10 miles per gallon. Plan on getting 8.

What's better - a diesel or a gas engine?

They are apples and oranges. Different tools for different jobs. If you are going to be getting big rig, towing a car and driving in the mountains then a diesel is the right tool. Otherwise a gasser will do just fine.

Since we will be driving a lot of twisty mountain roads, is there a brand that has better handling, or can I have sway bars added to any RV, and what does that cost?

You are putting the cart before the horse. If you buy an RV and don't like the way it handles then you start considering sway bars.