Looking to buy an RV and need advice

[Hammer]

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

That looks really nice Vic. I'd look for a workhorse/Chevy Chassis (8.1L) They run better than the Ford V10's in my opinion. If you go with a Ford, 2010 and newer. If a Campground doen't like the year of your rig. It's probably not a place I want to camp anyway. I understand the reasoning, but I don't want to apply to stay there. We are good people and don't own hoopties. LOL Just my .02.

 

[Singleton]

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

No harm is having a conversation and saying I am around 45 give or take. Pics show damage and that is not a cheap fix (fiberglass and paint).

 

[BHC Vic]

This right here is what it’s all about folks

 

[Singleton]

This right here is what it’s all about folks View attachment 1409238

Yep.
Still to this day, best family vacation was the 2 weeks ToyHauler trip to Yellowstone and Tetons

 

[GRANT@FUNCO]

I’ve been fortunate to have an Rv in virtually my whole life.

Mom and Dad bought a cab over camper in 1968 moved us into a MH in 1972. Almost unheard of then. Commander and Winnebago were the benchmark. They bought a Calypso , why ….. Layout Layout Layout.

Bought my first MH in 1984 an old El Monte RV rental

Learned with a family of 4 what we needed and bought a brand new Flair (FORD V10) in 2002. Others had nicer creature features and options but the Flair had the LAYOUT.

2014 bought a 43 ft tag axle Monaco Bath and 1/2 model. With years of experience my wife and I both knew what we wanted ina new purchase. Upped our budget 50 %. At the time we were doing a lot of racing and neither of my kids and their family had a RV so sleeping was capacity was important and we had to make some compromises to achieve our needs.

Fast forward both the kids have their own MH. So when we replace the Monaco our needs with respect to layout will be different.

Takeaways

Memories made over a lifetime are priceless … GO DO IT !!

Layout is what you LIVE with when out RVing an extra widget or prettier paint are less important

There is no perfect RV …always a compromise to be made

I always recommend to up your max your budget and buy your 2nd RV FIRST

 

[GRANT@FUNCO]

2005 fleetwood catc7 40ft 350 hp $50k
View attachment 1409191 View attachment 1409190

Is this for sale or is it something you just bought

 

[Sportin' Wood]

@BHC Vic negotiating in person is best, but in today's digital world it is wise to start talking before you travel and gather the funds. Honesty is the best policy in building rapport with the seller. Most are getting low ball offers with almost no interaction and it's people playing the odds for a flip. I use 20% as a benchmark to formulate my first offer, I've bought a few used vehicles this year and about 20% off was the case in both that they agreed to after we had respectful discussions.

Our RV was significantly below the NADA guide, but that bit me in the ass as we gave it all back in repairs. The seller was even an associate of mine and our limited friendship was forever tarnished. Hold back some budget for repairs is what I'm suggesting. It will suck to make a purchase and have it sit because of the cost of a repair.

Good luck, that list @whiteworks shared is your friend. I wish I had one like that for a boat purchase.

 

[hawgty55]

Get a diesel if you can. We had an 04 tropical it was great older coach well maintained and clean no bunks and plenty of room. Have had others but for the budget it has been our favorite unit out of all the ones we have had

 

[Ladsm]

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.

Its a 38' with 8 air bag suspension and drives better than any motorhome I have owned, 30' gasser, 33' gasser, 36' Diesel Pusher with leaf springs.

 

[Ladsm]

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

I was watching FB marketplace, offer up, craigs list. Found this one on FB Marketplace. Queen in the back and fold out couch up front. No bunks but my kids are off to college now so its just wife and dogs now.

 

[wzuber]

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

now that's a great check list......also a great reminder of what a pain in the ass these things can be................they're a driving earthquake going down the road rattling shit to death.............what could possibly go wrong? reminds me why I sold it.

 

[brgrcru]

My 2005 alpha 38’
Air ride
20 k miles
Second owner
DP c-9 cat
Alison 6 speed
Everything works
New front tires
New slide toppers
2 slides
No bunks , queen bed , couch, dinette beds
Not perfect, but damn close .
Wife will kill me , but I want something smaller
40k

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Take this for what it’s worth. But it’s from someone who has been both ends of spectrum, and is now back in the market for a coach. We have 4 years left with the kid, we’re going to do it in comfort and style monthly!

1- fuck the bunks! Open floor space for good air mattress room is king over those shitty ass bunks! You’re just a few years from those kids not fitting in those bunks!

2- Establish your real budget, add 30% then start looking. You’ll end up 5% over, but with a 10x better coach that will perform better and hold value.

3- Storage is a bitch! Sort that before you buy!

4- (this is key for me) Tire DATES (not tire wear) and BATTERY dates are crucial! Lots of these things sit at some bed wetters house and never get used. Tires and batteries are both junk and your first trip shows that.

5- research, buy, enjoy

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Take this for what it’s worth. But it’s from someone who has been both ends of spectrum, and is now back in the market for a coach. We have 4 years left with the kid, we’re going to do it in comfort and style monthly!

1- fuck the bunks! Open floor space for good air mattress room is king over those shitty ass bunks! You’re just a few years from those kids not fitting in those bunks!

2- Establish your real budget, add 30% then start looking. You’ll end up 5% over, but with a 10x better coach that will perform better and hold value.

3- Storage is a bitch! Sort that before you buy!

4- (this is key for me) Tire DATES (not tire wear) and BATTERY dates are crucial! Lots of these things sit at some bed wetters house and never get used. Tires and batteries are both junk and your first trip shows that.

5- research, buy, enjoy

Only thing you missed is roof condition other than that you nailed it!

 

[zhandfull]

It's amusing to see people say renting an RV is a waste of money... "You're just giving other people your money"

What other poor financial decisions are you making? lol.

Paid $12k for my 2003 Bounder with no slides. Used it once a month for three years. Spent 3k on flooring and upholstery. Sold for 15k to buy an older diesel pusher.

Not sure I could have rented for less.

 

[RiverDave]

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.

Capable of.. I wouldn’t do it for vacation.

My rig was built by Jason Lafortune / Lafortuna trophy trucks.. It’s a full solar off grid deal they would use while out testing trucks for extended periods of time. Meaning the guys basically just slept in it. I’m not sure what else they brought with them for showers etc.. if they were all males I could see a team getting away with a week in the Moho if they were conservative.

My family will blow through all the off grid resources (water / black and grey) in as little as two days if I don’t keep a handle on it. lol. We have done over a week off grid though and been fine.

RD

 

[TripleB]

Buying used check the roof, batteries and tires, that can turn a good deal to a bad one quick

 

[callbob]

learning how to shower off grid is key. turn on water, get wet, turn off water at shower head, soap, water on to rinse, water off. saves water and saves space in gray tank.

 

[boatnam2]

I drove by dillion RV yesterday, looked to be empty and closed up, happened to drive by mike Thompson also, last time i was there didn't even have anything to look at, place is busting at the seams with RV's, guess what I'm saying is now might be a better time to pick one up. We bought an older model class A from an RDP member, we love it and use it mainly as a beach cruiser so far. LBSuperjet was passing by also with his new rig, sweet little ride.

 

[JFMFG]

Not sure if anyone else got their older DP renewal for ca saying needs to have some inspection done. Called a few of the recommended places. All said older than 2012 need to add a def system to pass. That’s anywhere from 15-25k. I think we will see a lot of ca units for sale on the cheap soon for the ones that can’t register out of state.

 

[Singleton]

I drove by dillion RV yesterday, looked to be empty and closed up, happened to drive by mike Thompson also, last time i was there didn't even have anything to look at, place is busting at the seams with RV's, guess what I'm saying is now might be a better time to pick one up. We bought an older model class A from an RDP member, we love it and use it mainly as a beach cruiser so far. LBSuperjet was passing by also with his new rig, sweet little ride.

Dillion closed the CA shop and relocated any unsold inventory to the Idaho location.
They had a coach I was interested in and when I showed up to look at it, I was told it was stolen the night before.

Thompson is sitting on a ton of inventory, but is not really offering any deals IMO.

 

[Singleton]

Not sure if anyone else got their older DP renewal for ca saying needs to have some inspection done. Called a few of the recommended places. All said older than 2012 need to add a def system to pass. That’s anywhere from 15-25k. I think we will see a lot of ca units for sale on the cheap soon for the ones that can’t register out of state.

The CARB process is a PIA. Going to cause more and more RV registrations to move out of state.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

My buddy just bought a used 2003 Bounder with the Workhorse chassis with low miles in excellent condition for $6,000!!! It was a fluke, but he has a rental in a 55 plus community that has RV parking. Alot of these communities have older people that are not electronically savvy and just use the old for sale signs. It may be worth driving a few of these communities and see if there is anything you could work with. Many times they move into these communities and slow down not able to do the trips they thought they would.

I've been shopping for a while and my research has always been a Monaco with a Cummins and watch for tires and roof as those can be a big ticket item. These things aren't that bad to work on if you're handy. I personally do all my own diesel maintenance and am not scared of changing the oil, filters and normal maintenance up to pulling a head off. Oil changes are $100 for materials so that shouldn't be too bad.

One thing to note, the gassers are brutal if you have to pull a trailer up a hill. Going to Ocotillo or Glamis shouldn't be bad, but if you have to climb the 10 past Coachella in 110 degrees you may want to think ahead.

Super C for the win and it's going to hit the most wins for you and your boys. They also hold their value pretty well.

 

[BHC Vic]

I love the super C’s and I love the diesel pushers but I think they might be out of my budget right now. It’s hard to say though because prices are all over the place. I’ve read the comments about the bunks and it does have me thinking maybe I don’t want them but then my friends love them and the little TV’s are perfect for the 7 and 5 year old. To get to sleep. So I really like this Itasca 35B. Checks a lot of boxes. But again prices are all over the place. These are 3 that I’ve found. Obviously the one in ca is the most practical to go look at but price is a little higher. But one owner and all service records makes me feel a little better. The one in Arizona is priced right but a little bit of damage and the seller seems like a younger guy who might be selling it for a parent, but that’s just me guessing after chatting on fb messenger. We are close to 40k dollar price difference on very similar RV’s is that kind of normal?

Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar Winnebago for Sale by Owner in Vacaville, California | RVT

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Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar 35B For Sale in Columbiana, OH - 5025671068 - RV Trader

Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar 35B rv for sale in Columbiana, OH . Find rvs online on RV Trader.

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Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar 35b in Tempe, AZ - 5031473624 - RV Trader

Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar 35b rv for sale in Tempe, AZ. Find rvs online on RV Trader.

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[BHC Vic]

Actually I’ve never been good with geography. Az is actually prob closer than Vacaville

 

[BHC Vic]

Unfortunately the one in Tempe may need more work than I’m comfortable with but I do appreciate his honesty. Has the damage in the pictures to the bumper. Windshield is cracked. Front seats look like a cat tore them up. Fridge works but the doors are Jerry rigged. Bathroom toilet works but it’s missing the little plastic cover flap thing in the bowl. There’s water damage to the wall in the bathroom I would need to see what caused it but I’m already scared. Trim pieces here and there have fallen off. They bought two of them to flip. Said if they put the time in money in to fix it they would probably list for 70k. So I do appreciate the honesty and him being up front because it’s 350 miles away but I’m not sure I want to buy something that needs that much work

 

[Justsomeguy]

Unfortunately the one in Tempe may need more work than I’m comfortable with but I do appreciate his honesty. Has the damage in the pictures to the bumper. Windshield is cracked. Front seats look like a cat tore them up. Fridge works but the doors are Jerry rigged. Bathroom toilet works but it’s missing the little plastic cover flap thing in the bowl. There’s water damage to the wall in the bathroom I would need to see what caused it but I’m already scared. Trim pieces here and there have fallen off. They bought two of them to flip. Said if they put the time in money in to fix it they would probably list for 70k. So I do appreciate the honesty and him being up front because it’s 350 miles away but I’m not sure I want to buy something that needs that much work

And I rannnnn, I ran so far away, and I ran, I ran all night and day.

 

[BHC Vic]

And I rannnnn, I ran so far away, and I ran, I ran all night and day.

I know that’s the right thing to do. I’m human so it bums me out a little bit but I need to be patient and find the right one.

 

[lakemadness]

Capable of.. I wouldn’t do it for vacation.

My rig was built by Jason Lafortune / Lafortuna trophy trucks.. It’s a full solar off grid deal they would use while out testing trucks for extended periods of time. Meaning the guys basically just slept in it. I’m not sure what else they brought with them for showers etc.. if they were all males I could see a team getting away with a week in the Moho if they were conservative.

My family will blow through all the off grid resources (water / black and grey) in as little as two days if I don’t keep a handle on it. lol. We have done over a week off grid though and been fine.

RD

I figured. Its good to have the capability but only use half of it. Nice rig.

 

[Justsomeguy]

I know that’s the right thing to do. I’m human so it bums me out a little bit but I need to be patient and find the right one.

It will come. That Fleetwood posted seemed nice. My buddy has one and it looks really nice. I know nothing about them beyond that.

Edit to add: he's not a close buddy. So I've never got how he feels about it other than his wife needed a house on wheels and he doesn't like driving further and 4 hours. Is that because it's hard to drive or that's just him? Couldn't tell you.

 

[lakemadness]

Paid $12k for my 2003 Bounder with no slides. Used it once a month for three years. Spent 3k on flooring and upholstery. Sold for 15k to buy an older diesel pusher.

Not sure I could have rented for less.
View attachment 1409486

That's great, but a few things that aren't the norm. A $12K RV, you used it once per month and sold it for more than you purchased. That doesn't normally happen with RV's.

 

[RiverDave]

I love the super C’s and I love the diesel pushers but I think they might be out of my budget right now. It’s hard to say though because prices are all over the place. I’ve read the comments about the bunks and it does have me thinking maybe I don’t want them but then my friends love them and the little TV’s are perfect for the 7 and 5 year old. To get to sleep. So I really like this Itasca 35B. Checks a lot of boxes. But again prices are all over the place. These are 3 that I’ve found. Obviously the one in ca is the most practical to go look at but price is a little higher. But one owner and all service records makes me feel a little better. The one in Arizona is priced right but a little bit of damage and the seller seems like a younger guy who might be selling it for a parent, but that’s just me guessing after chatting on fb messenger. We are close to 40k dollar price difference on very similar RV’s is that kind of normal?

Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar Winnebago for Sale by Owner in Vacaville, California | RVT

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Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar 35B For Sale in Columbiana, OH - 5025671068 - RV Trader

Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar 35B rv for sale in Columbiana, OH . Find rvs online on RV Trader.

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Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar 35b in Tempe, AZ - 5031473624 - RV Trader

Used 2015 Itasca Sunstar 35b rv for sale in Tempe, AZ. Find rvs online on RV Trader.

www.rvtrader.com

Just my .02 but I disagree completely on the bunks deal. With kids I wouldn’t own a motorhome without them.

It keeps the kids and their shit out of your main living room. If a kid doesn’t sleep on a bunk you have a giant storage space.

 

[BHC Vic]

Just my .02 but I disagree completely on the bunks deal. With kids I wouldn’t own a motorhome without them.

It keeps the kids and their shit out of your main living room. If a kid doesn’t sleep on a bunk you have a giant storage space.

I think I’m on the same page as you but I do appreciate everyone’s input and advice as I’m in net territory. Kind of makes me think that @Your ad here is into something with renting but I’m not sure I can find the models I like to rent. Most rentals with bunks or fr3’s and thors.

I’d love to buy yours but I think it’s 3x my budget or more

 

[Justsomeguy]

I think I’m on the same page as you but I do appreciate everyone’s input and advice as I’m in net territory. Kind of makes me think that @Your ad here is into something with renting but I’m not sure I can find the models I like to rent. Most rentals with bunks or fr3’s and thors.

Try outdoorsy tons of options on there to rent. I rented one time and we loved it. That's why 2nd time we bought.

 

[NicPaus]

Measure the bunks first. The one we had waa great for 2 or 3 years. Then unless you were 5' or shorter you wouldn't fit. I think I was 12 and couldn't lay straight. Or buy 1 with bunks and upgrade in a few years.

 

[Badchoices03]

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[69hondo]

Not sure if anyone else got their older DP renewal for ca saying needs to have some inspection done. Called a few of the recommended places. All said older than 2012 need to add a def system to pass. That’s anywhere from 15-25k. I think we will see a lot of ca units for sale on the cheap soon for the ones that can’t register out of state.

LOL, they dont know what they are talking about then.
I have done quite a bit of reading and research on this on the CARB site.
I just registerd my 05 DP. I now have to through CARB compliance which was a little bit of a pain but not bad. took a week to get my cert and an added 30 bucks. Next year I will have to start a "visual smoke test" but that is all that is required for pre emission 14k and up RVs that do not have OBD2 ports. those with OBD2 or 2011 and newer will have to be plugged in to an OBD2 tester like cars.

 

[Ducksquasher]

I think I’m on the same page as you but I do appreciate everyone’s input and advice as I’m in net territory. Kind of makes me think that @Your ad here is into something with renting but I’m not sure I can find the models I like to rent. Most rentals with bunks or fr3’s and thors.

I’d love to buy yours but I think it’s 3x my budget or more

Hey Vic...I have an FR3 with bunks. 3 kids and it's taken us cross country twice, up north to Yellowstone, Sierra's multiple times a year and the river regularly. Interior is showing it's age as that cheap stuff does but we love her! It has been great to us!

 

[BHC Vic]

Hey Vic...I have an FR3 with bunks. 3 kids and it's taken us cross country twice, up north to Yellowstone, Sierra's multiple times a year and the river regularly. Interior is showing it's age as that cheap stuff does but we love her! It has been great to us!

The FR3’s look really nice and the layout works. Maybe that’s another to seriously start looking for

 

[JFMFG]

LOL, they dont know what they are talking about then.
I have done quite a bit of reading and research on this on the CARB site.
I just registerd my 05 DP. I now have to through CARB compliance which was a little bit of a pain but not bad. took a week to get my cert and an added 30 bucks. Next year I will have to start a "visual smoke test" but that is all that is required for pre emission 14k and up RVs that do not have OBD2 ports. those with OBD2 or 2011 and newer will have to be plugged in to an OBD2 tester like cars.

Gotcha I just decided to reg out of state finally. It was the push I needed. Can’t beat 400$ registered for 5 years

 

[BHC Vic]

The owner of this one called and left a message. My phone forwarded him he’s on a plane I think a pilot so I can’t call him back but I like what the ad says and I I got a good vibe from the voicemail. It’s out of my budget but maybe we can meet in the middle somewhere

 

[BHC Vic]

 

[69hondo]

Gotcha I just decided to reg out of state finally. It was the push I needed. Can’t beat 400$ registered for 5 years

Yeah, I hear you. Might do the same and register at my dads just so I dont have to do that crap. LOL

 

[Bakotrash]

My 2005 alpha 38’
Air ride
20 k miles
Second owner
DP c-9 cat
Alison 6 speed
Everything works
New front tires
New slide toppers
2 slides
No bunks , queen bed , couch, dinette beds
Not perfect, but damn close .
Wife will kill me , but I want something smaller
40k View attachment 1409385

Nice motorhome!!

 

[Justsomeguy]

2005 fleetwood catc7 40ft 350 hp $ View attachment 1409190

Did they ever respond to inquiry on this? Whats the story on these? Seems like a good price to me?

 

[spark2678]

Been RVing my whole life and worked my way up. My parents had class C's and then class A's when I grew up. My wife and I went from 26' Attitude TH (no kids), '08 42' 5th Wheel TH (young kids), '04 Class A 39' FW Discovery and now to a '11 43' American Coach Tag. Creating memories that will last forever but they are work, something always needs fixin. When looking watch for age of batteries and tires. Look at the roof and undercarriage for damage.

 

[callbob]

Unfortunately the one in Tempe may need more work than I’m comfortable with but I do appreciate his honesty. Has the damage in the pictures to the bumper. Windshield is cracked. Front seats look like a cat tore them up. Fridge works but the doors are Jerry rigged. Bathroom toilet works but it’s missing the little plastic cover flap thing in the bowl. There’s water damage to the wall in the bathroom I would need to see what caused it but I’m already scared. Trim pieces here and there have fallen off. They bought two of them to flip. Said if they put the time in money in to fix it they would probably list for 70k. So I do appreciate the honesty and him being up front because it’s 350 miles away but I’m not sure I want to buy something that needs that much work

Good call. Hard to tell just by pictures but at least he was honest about the flaws. It’s out there. The one in Vacaville looks nice also. Due diligence is your friend. One other thing to consider is if it blows your skirt up, invest in an independent rv inspection before writing the check, it might just save you money in the long run. Good luck

 

[LakeMeadLavey]

This is nice, but on less than an hour I’ve already blown out the budget

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We had a 2006 Thor Super C Toy Hauler diesel. Was a pile of shit and had nothing but constant repairs every time it was used. Coach separated from the cab of the truck, multiple fridge circuit board issues, roof leaks, generator issues just lots of poor workmanship throughout. Also, had several injector and glow plug issues with the Duramax. Sold it with less than 25k mi.

The diesel is the way to go if you go super C. The gas 8.1L was notorious for getting hot and breaking exhaust manifold bolts with any kind of load or pulling grades.

As other have said, If I were to do another RV I would go fifth wheel and avoid all the extra powertrain costs and headaches of a MOHO.

 

[outboard_256]

If you see any sign of water damage on these walk away. You have to pull the walls/floors apart to replace the wood for water damage and the way they are assembled is backwards. So stuff like shelves and window dressings, etc the screw heads will be on the outside since they put the outerskin on last. It makes the easest job the worst job when you can't get to the screw heads. Not even worth looking at if you can avoid it.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

All of my best memories as a kid were from our camping trips. I am the oldest of 3 boys. From about 6 years old to 15, we had a '77 Dolphin camper on a '77 F-250 My dad added an accordion style bunk over the dinette so we could all 3 sleep on the dinette area, or if one of us wanted to brave the cold, we could roll the back seat of the truck over and sleep up there. That was the spot! We took that out to the desert ALL the time. We all survived just fine on the 40 gallons of fresh water for 3 days (we would be out on the morning of the 4th, we tried). We took it up the coast with another family for a 2 week vacation, we took it back to yellowstone and the Grand Tetons for another 2 week vacation. My parents ended up getting rid of it and getting a Wanderer Toy Hauler in 2000 when my dad got a truck for work that could tow it and fit us all.

We never had a motorhome. Had lots of family and friends that had motorhomes though. I was always amazed when we moved to the toyhauler/truck combo that the truck was needed for SOMETHING every trip out. If an emergency came up and someone needed to go somewhere fast.... take the truck. If you ran out of ice in the desert.... take the truck. If a bike broke down and had to get pulled out of the desert..... cant take a motorhome to do that..... take the truck.

On the flipside, more set-up with the truck and trailer and you can't tow a boat. But 1 less drive train to maintain and less tires.