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Looking to buy an RV and need advice

Justsomeguy

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That’s what people said about buying the lake house. There’s nothing like setting something up the way you want putting in your clothes towels dishes etc. but of course ease and comfort comes with a price. Plus the get up and go. Maybe I wake up Friday morning on my 3 day weekends and say hey let’s hit the dessert or whatever.
We think alike. I rented once. Almost did it again. Said, we like doing this why am I giving someone else my money. Plus I also wanted to be able to get up and go whenever. My schedule is crazy. Sometimes I don't have time to think, other times Thursday and Friday are wide open. That's when I call the wife and say pack up we are headed out tomorrow for 4 days to the river or wherever.
 

RiverDave

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So you had a trailer before but want a motor home this time? Do I have that correct? Just trying to understand. Is a towable an option?

I know everyone has theor opinion on this and I understand some of those MH are really nice. But, I've always been a fan of having my truck and one less power train to maintain.

If you are planning on long range traveling motorhome all the way.. I just drove 200 miles this morning.. my kids are just now waking up. lol

RD
 

propcheck

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So on the first one a lot of campgrounds won’t let RV’s 10 years or older into them.. if you are past that age they require pictures ahead of time to make a decision.

The Monaco is going to be twice the motorhome the others are, but it’s not gonna be the prettiest.. you are gonna run into the campground problem.

The third.. Thors are junk.. that said they always look the coolest and have rad features. Honestly I’d probably buy the Thor of those three.. lol.


I know Thors are junk and yet I want a Thor Aria 4000 as my next motorhomezz. It just checks all my boxes and I haven’t seen one I like more..

RD
This is the dumbest rule very fee people can cover 3-500,000 in ten years and if the can they typically dont do campgrounds they do “rv resorts”
 

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Ok now this is a completely different question but kind of on topic and it’s my thread so…. I was thinking well I just take a loan from schools first and deal with the payment. But then I started thinking I have money in my 401k. Is it better to take a loan from there? I’ve heard people do it but i have no idea if it’s a good or bad move etc. need to email shintoooo with my quick question 😂
Depending on your 401K terms you can take a loan from your 401K and pay it back with interest to yourself. Catch is there are items that qualify and some that dont. I dont know if a RV qualifies. If you dont payback the loan you get a penalty and a tax bill, if it's a tax deferred 401K.
 

whiteworks

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funny story, sorta. One of my buddies that we camp with bought a new class c, very nice with slides and cool interior. I think he paid $120k for it, put down $20k and financed the rest. Mine was $20k has a big slide also, we cashed it out. When I picked up my little used class c he was checking it out and then we started talking about used vs. new. He said he’s spending $1000.00 a month to have his sit on the side of his house, I’m spending $35.00 a month to have mine sit in the hangar.

I do not feel obligated to use our motorhome, but it’s plugged in, topped off, and can be pulled out in 5 minutes, another 5 minutes to hook up the Jeep and we gone. Currently we won’t be using it until about october when riding season starts, the kiddo has stuff all the time between school and cheer etc.. we will be lucky to spend 14 nights a year in this thing for the next several years LOL

Reality is all these things are the same for the most part, if you have cash to burn go big, but beware these things are wealth prevention strategy's for the working man. 😂


IMG_2195.jpeg
 

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That’s exactly why I don’t take the stand up out. 😂 Honestly I don’t want to waste money renting anything. Maybe if I was trying to figure out if we were into camping but we are past that. I’d love to be able to try out a few different models but renting is kind of expensive and I feel like that’s money I could be saving towards the purchase.
Renting a motorhome isn't wasting money compared to owning one.
 

hallett21

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funny story, sorta. One of my buddies that we camp with bought a new class c, very nice with slides and cool interior. I think he paid $120k for it, put down $20k and financed the rest. Mine was $20k has a big slide also, we cashed it out. When I picked up my little used class c he was checking it out and then we started talking about used vs. new. He said he’s spending $1000.00 a month to have his sit on the side of his house, I’m spending $35.00 a month to have mine sit in the hangar.

I do not feel obligated to use our motorhome, but it’s plugged in, topped off, and can be pulled out in 5 minutes, another 5 minutes to hook up the Jeep and we gone. Currently we won’t be using it until about october when riding season starts, the kiddo has stuff all the time between school and cheer etc.. we will be lucky to spend 14 nights a year in this thing for the next several years LOL

Reality is all these things are the same for the most part, if you have cash to burn go big, but beware these things are wealth prevention strategy's for the working man. 😂


View attachment 1408868

Would something like this pull a 21-25 ft boat from SoCal to say Shasta or further? Without having to take special routes etc.
 

whiteworks

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Would something like this pull a 21-25 ft boat from SoCal to say Shasta or further? Without having to take special routes etc.
For sure, you’re not gonna win any races going up grades, but it will get you there. On the flats this setup will run 70mph with the Jeep in tow. On a decent grade it will hold at 45mph without wringing it out to hard. I think my Jeep weighs around 5500lbs, big wheels and full steel armor under it.
 

outboard_256

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I have found that the campgrounds that accommodate kids usually don't care about the 10 year rule. As long as you are not leaking any fluids they don't seem to care. Campgrounds like KOA's and such. If you look around its mostly families like yourself that are just out trying to camp. A lot of rentals also in those campgrounds too. The higher end fancy campgrounds is where you run into those problems. You will see multi million dollar motor homes and ones that are over 10 years old do look out of place. Very different vibe there.
 

hallett21

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I have found that the campgrounds that accommodate kids usually don't care about the 10 year rule. As long as you are not leaking any fluids they don't seem to care. Campgrounds like KOA's and such. If you look around its mostly families like yourself that are just out trying to camp. A lot of rentals also in those campgrounds too. The higher end fancy campgrounds is where you run into those problems. You will see multi million dollar motor homes and ones that are over 10 years old do look out of place. Very different vibe there.
Are they checking registrations?

If you had a 20 year old rig with a brand new paint job, bumpers etc would they turn you away?
 

outboard_256

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Are they checking registrations?

If you had a 20 year old rig with a brand new paint job, bumpers etc would they turn you away?

When you make the reservation they ask for year. You can provide pics and they can make an exception at some places. My dad likes those places so I have been to a few with his rig. I wouldn't even attempt to take mine there, nor would I really want to with little kids. It kind of feels like you are at a corvette show but for motorhomes where people just sit outside of there rig and talk to people walking by. If you talk to them they will show you in to there motorhome to show how nice it is. And my dad loves to talk.
 

yard dog

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Would something like this pull a 21-25 ft boat from SoCal to say Shasta or further? Without having to take special routes etc.
My pull my Advavtage no problem, just put in tow haul mode . Did see a decrease in fuel mileage. Now that I have the Cole don’t even notice back there .
IMG_0199.jpeg
IMG_1548.jpeg
 
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RiverDave

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This might be a good spot to insert that we might be selling ours at the end of this trip. I really want the extra bathroom. Lol

It’s riverdaved out with all the upgrades and maintained open checkbook. Triple bunk setup
With an electric queen drop
Down in the front as well! Can sleep 9 adults no problem
IMG_2908.jpeg
 

Singleton

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This might be a good spot to insert that we might be selling ours at the end of this trip. I really want the extra bathroom. Lol

It’s riverdaved out with all the upgrades and maintained open checkbook. Triple bunk setup
With an electric queen drop
Down in the front as well! Can sleep 9 adults no problem View attachment 1408899
with 5, an additional half-bath is almost required.
We went with the bathroom sink separate from the toilet/shower for similar reasons.
 

Runs2rch

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Please be honest. I know there’s people here with way more experience. I can’t promise what you say won’t hurt my feelings but I need to hear it. 😂😂 if my budget is going to cause me problems done the road let me know. I’d rather know now than after buying a 20-40k dollar headache
You want the newest and biggest. No budget!!!
 

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Men pee outside girls inside! Also if you own a class C shit in your friends class A!
Reminds me of our toy box. One trip the shitter got full quick. I was drunk and wrote on the inside of the toilet seat " Shit only". The following trips the girls stopped coming out less and less.
 

69hondo

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I wouldn’t turn my nose at an older gasser. You will be able to tell who you are buying from. Both my gasser and diesel pusher the people I bought from had every receipt and piece of paper history/records for it. That says a lot.
We ran a 2000 Itasca 32ft 454 gasser for 8 years. 5 of us and almost 40k miles on it in those 8 years
I have never had to deal with the 10 year bullshit and we have camped in sequoia . Grand Canyon. Williams the beaches of socal and everything in between.

No Moho is going to pull grades fast with a load unless it’s a 42 and under with an ISM or better lol. I pull the Cajon pass with my enclosed load to 10k at 50 best

I think everyone should own a gasser class A so when they finally move to a DP they can experience the huge difference lol

Vic We talked a littlest few months ago hit me up if you have any questions . I know a little bit
 

Boatymcboatface

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Reminds me of our toy box. One trip the shitter got full quick. I was drunk and wrote on the inside of the toilet seat " Shit only". The following trips the girls stopped coming out less and less.
Yeah we’ve filled our tank before but I just drive to the dump station and back takes maybe 30min of my time out of a 5-7 day trip. Most campgrounds have showers and bathrooms.
 

wzuber

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Check out the rexhall forums/Facebook page etc. They're pretty nice coaches and a tit's one would likely fall in your budget. They'd likely all be gasers.
 

CLdrinker

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Are they checking registrations?

If you had a 20 year old rig with a brand new paint job, bumpers etc would they turn you away?
You won’t have a problem unless you are in a bucket of shit. Now if you try to get in the big baller parks where most people have 500k+ rigs. Yes you will get turned away.

Honestly it’s not worth even worrying about.
 

poncho

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I didn't come here to be made sport of🤪

Got the 1K payment like WW friend, plugged in and sitting next to the house.

The reason for an Outlaw for me was a 10 foot garage for golf cart, chopper and bicycles and boat on the hitch. Thor would never be my first or 5th choice luckily I'm pretty handy.🤪

To do over again I would do what I usually do with anything I buy, private party and I like to see their property and the rest of the fleet, good indication how they treat their things.
 

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trophybug19

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I bought a 2005 Bounder gasser after camping 10yrs in a 21' toyhauler. It checked all my boxes for boon docking. 100gals of fresh water, bigger norcold fridge for the wife and most importantly the workhorse chassis. I'm a gm guy plus all my friends who have had them love the 8.1l. For 36' feet the thing moves pretty good. I actually pulled my old toyhauler to glamis once (empty) and could hardly tell the difference from towing 6k lbs and not. I would love a diesel but I hardly doubt with the price difference between diesel and 87 that you would ever make up the difference with mpg and maintenence cost. Good luck in you journey.
 

lakemadness

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This might be a good spot to insert that we might be selling ours at the end of this trip. I really want the extra bathroom. Lol

It’s riverdaved out with all the upgrades and maintained open checkbook. Triple bunk setup
With an electric queen drop
Down in the front as well! Can sleep 9 adults no problem View attachment 1408899

Jesus, 9 adults in a MoHo? I cannot imagine staying in anything with 8 other grown-ass adults unless it's a hotel and we all have our own rooms, much less a motorhome all sharing one shitter.
 

Sportin' Wood

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My first thought when I saw this thread was "Don't do it!" I refrained from responding because I did not want to be negative.

After waiting a few days, here is my take.

We have piles of fantastic family memories from our times camping and traveling. Desert trips offroading, Boating trips sweating our asses of trying to sleep inside an oven, visiting National Parks. All of them are great memories for the family and worth it, no matter which way we traveled.

We've never done the bumper pull or 5th wheel, but we've done everything else, from tents, to truck campers to motor homes. We currently own a 2008 American Revolution 43 foot pusher and a Rooftop tent on our truck.

I have pretty much hated driving every motorhome we have owned. Maybe it's because I buy used shit, but my experiences have been less than advertised. They are pretty nice when you get where you are going, the rest of the family loves them. Mom can make a sandwich, kids can watch TV, play games and sleep. Dad is gonna be driving a big box in the wind, traffic and wondering if we make it up the next hill or stop on the way down. Lot's of noise going on behind you in the cab. Lots of stuff breaks.

It's all worth it, but you have to make an effort to remember the good times, because you are gonna deal with stuff.

The only time age has been a problem for us was staying at places the big ass DP would fit, RV Resorts. They never have turned us away in our 2008 including Islander.

It's only money, you can make more. Time you can't make more of. Trust all the old guys when they say things like they wish they would have spent more time with the kids and less at work.
 

BHC Vic

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This one looked interesting.
and I agree on the 10 year thing actually. I don’t normally stay in those type parks and have never been asked that I remember. I think the main purpose was to keep Skoolies and beat up stuff out. I will add also that
the DPs will ride better without a doubt. Another thing to keep in mind is that any one of whatever variety you choose will need work on it at some point. Not always major, but on going maintenance and staying on top of the little things helps.
My wife really really likes this one. Like wants me to make an offer on it. I guess I need to figure out when I can get to Tempe
 

callbob

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My wife really really likes this one. Like wants me to make an offer on it. I guess I need to figure out when I can get to Tempe
I would offer 48, not too low maybe some room to negotiate.
 

BHC Vic

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The ad says 54k. If I do decide to make a trip I can’t really go back and forth, I’d pretty much have to make a deal. How much room is there on these realistically
 

hallett21

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The ad says 54k. If I do decide to make a trip I can’t really go back and forth, I’d pretty much have to make a deal. How much room is there on these realistically
As much as you can get away with lol.

I’d go find all of the same year and model for sale across the nation.

Assuming it’s all there I’d start at 40-45. From reading this thread everyone says RVs are a dime a dozen lol. Treat it as such.
 

callbob

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i would maybe call him and kind a get a feel for how invested he is. I think offering him 40 he might be offended and not talk to you, but your call. Let me do some research and see what asking price for this type unit is.
 

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My wife really really likes this one. Like wants me to make an offer on it. I guess I need to figure out when I can get to Tempe
I still suggest you rent different types for a year to see what you like. Growing up with motorhomes, if you're getting into that size I would look very hard for a 32' Country Coach. The one you posted is like Ryobi tool quality. Country Coach is beyond Milwaukee tool quality.
 

Ladsm

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We have always had RVs of every type. The Early 2000's Diesel Pushers are a bargain. This year we bought a 2004 Holiday Rambler (Monaco) from a retiree in Havasu. It spent its whole life parked inside a garage and had every tank of fuel and every maintenance documented. He was asking $35K and also threw in about $5K worth of flat towing equipment- Tow bar, brake unit, wiring, car covers. I didnt even try to haggle him.
A moho1.jpg
 

Singleton

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The ad says 54k. If I do decide to make a trip I can’t really go back and forth, I’d pretty much have to make a deal. How much room is there on these realistically
Plenty of RDP members in PHX. Maybe someone can look at it, after you talk to the owner and gets some additional details.
 

callbob

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JD Power shows a low of 51 low and 61 on high side. I see some all over the country for way more. The ad does say negotiable so maybe try 45 and see if he flinches.
 

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We have always had RVs of every type. The Early 2000's Diesel Pushers are a bargain. This year we bought a 2004 Holiday Rambler (Monaco) from a retiree in Havasu. It spent its whole life parked inside a garage and had every tank of fuel and every maintenance documented. He was asking $35K and also threw in about $5K worth of flat towing equipment- Tow bar, brake unit, wiring, car covers. I didnt even try to haggle him. View attachment 1409219
These types are very underrated and I can't figure out why so many pass on them other than the financing aspect. They are leagues way ahead the current class A's built on Ford or GM chassis. Yours looks to be 38'? I bet it's easier to drive than a 30' class A on a Ford chassis.
 

Angler

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My wife really really likes this one. Like wants me to make an offer on it. I guess I need to figure out when I can get to Tempe
Price says negotiable, go in at 45K. If you have cash on hand, tell him. He might be in a bind.
 

BHC Vic

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i would maybe call him and kind a get a feel for how invested he is. I think offering him 40 he might be offended and not talk to you, but your call. Let me do some research and see what asking price for this type unit is.
Thats kind of why I’m asking I really don’t want to offend him but I also want to make sure I’m not over paying and have a little extra to fix up what needs fixing
 

BHC Vic

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We have always had RVs of every type. The Early 2000's Diesel Pushers are a bargain. This year we bought a 2004 Holiday Rambler (Monaco) from a retiree in Havasu. It spent its whole life parked inside a garage and had every tank of fuel and every maintenance documented. He was asking $35K and also threw in about $5K worth of flat towing equipment- Tow bar, brake unit, wiring, car covers. I didnt even try to haggle him. View attachment 1409219
Where were you looking? How many does that guy sleep? I’m still looking and open for options. What I do know is we need bunks for sure. If I can find an older diesel pusher with bunks under 60k it would really have my attention. I’m not hearing too many bad things from my crew about the v10 either
 

BHC Vic

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IMG_2939.jpeg
IMG_2940.jpeg
IMG_2937.jpeg
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This is the crew. One with the v10
The new sports coach my buddy Doug bought last week
and my old trailer my buddy has now. Nothing to fancy just making memories and having good times
I really do appreciate all the advice and input I trust you guys like family honestly
 

BHC Vic

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The sports coach is amazing. If i could bump the budget above 100k I would love too. I just can’t right now. I’m trying to de stress my life not add more to it if that makes sense
 

whiteworks

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I think it was @Sportin' Wood who put this checklist up in a thread at some point, great document for used rv buyer to reference. All of them look good in photos, but when you see them in person you will know if it’s been stored indoors/covered and taken care of. Also something to consider is all the items on this check list may be working now, but this also a list of all the differnt shit than can and will break on these fucking things 😂
 

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