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Looking to buy an RV and need advice

RiverDave

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Driving a Class A definatley isn't my favorite thing, I need to get some "half-height" curtains made to block the sun on the top 1/2 of the windshield when driving into the sun. My seat also sits too low, I keep saying im gonna change it or get some sort of cushion but I just deal with it. If I drove it frequently or real long distances I can see how the Diesel Pusher would be a big benefit, with the motor in the back and a flat floor without engine heat up front. We're usually driving less than 5 hours, so the A gasser it is.....

Mine the nightshade stops halfway up the windshield and the side curtains you can set at whatever height you want, usually just the same height as the nightshade.. I rented a Discovery one time that had these electric shades that came down.. every time you hit a bump it sounded like the roof was gonna cave in on you.. lol.

RD
 

wzuber

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Driving a Class A definatley isn't my favorite thing, I need to get some "half-height" curtains made to block the sun on the top 1/2 of the windshield when driving into the sun. My seat also sits too low, I keep saying im gonna change it or get some sort of cushion but I just deal with it. If I drove it frequently or real long distances I can see how the Diesel Pusher would be a big benefit, with the motor in the back and a flat floor without engine heat up front. We're usually driving less than 5 hours, so the A gasser it is.....
I liked driving the A over a C due to the elevated seating position and larger windows all around..
I had a dark window tint banner installed across the top portion of the window down as far as legally allowed. It helped a bunch until the sun dropped below it....then ur just fuked anyway......haha
that's usually a good time for a break anyway and pull off and wait till it's below the horizon.
 

Flyinbowtie

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I didn't mind driving the Class A when we had our old Southwind. When the clutch fan engaged it sounded like a hurricane under the doghouse but that was only if we were pulling a steep graded and loaded heavy towing the sand rail...which was every time we left the yard LOL.
Our sons are 36 and 40 now, and both look back and remember those vacations as the best we ever went on, which makes the $ and misery working on it worth it to me.
Driving across the west with the generator on and both roof airs going and Momma making popcorn...things that make a guy smile when he gets old.
The Southwind had a swing down spring loaded bed up above front captains chairs, I took the damn thing out because it rattled like crazy. You will chase rattles, period.
 

CLdrinker

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This one isn’t too far from Norco I mean it’s a drive but not a hard one. My friend sent it to me and other than the price I like it

You get much higher and you might as well start shopping new.

My brother in law bought a new 2022 class A gasser dual bathroom 22.5 wheels full slide one side plus bedroom slide all the options for 102k. 70k for a 9yr old rig? Shit time to go low ball some dealers. Only pic I have of his RV
IMG_4711.jpeg
 

BHC Vic

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You get much higher and you might as well start shopping new.

My brother in law bought a new 2022 class A gasser dual bathroom 22.5 wheels full slide one side plus bedroom slide all the options for 102k. 70k for a 9yr old rig? Shit time to go low ball some dealers. Only pic I have of his RV View attachment 1410345
I would hate to offend anyone but I would ask this guy if 50k gets it done. If the answer is yes I’m a buyer. If the answer is no there’s a ton of these things listed all over.
 

BHC Vic

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Says the msrp was around 130. So 50k might insult the fuck out of them 🤷‍♂️
 

BHC Vic

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The coach is 9 years old. 60-65 gets is done IMO
60 was my original budget. I wouldn’t be handcuffing myself at 60. Meaning if something needed fixing or whatever it wouldn’t kill me. Now I haven’t gotten this far but what about parking them? I have plenty of room at the house but should it be under a cover or awning or something
 

Singleton

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60 was my original budget. I wouldn’t be handcuffing myself at 60. Meaning if something needed fixing or whatever it wouldn’t kill me. Now I haven’t gotten this far but what about parking them? I have plenty of room at the house but should it be under a cover or awning or something

covered parking helps with the roof.
Do they need to be covered, NO. Does it reduce exterior and roof maintenance = YES.

I am helping my buddy build a canvas based awning on his property, so cover both our rigs.
 

callbob

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Says the msrp was around 130. So 50k might insult the fuck out of them 🤷‍♂️
My 2011 Winnebago 34’ still had the dealer sale sheet in it. The person that bought it paid 160 and msrp was 131 but she had added some stuff. I paid 48 and it was listed on consignment lot for 54. I have done some maintenance which I knew going in, nothing expensive just upkeep that needed done and I’m a picky fk. Almost new tires and 34000 miles. Beautiful full body paint. They are out there.
 

RVRKID

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This one isn’t too far from Norco I mean it’s a drive but not a hard one. My friend sent it to me and other than the price I like it

We have a 2011 Vista no bunk, really like it but there are some annoying things to me but weren't a deal breaker when we bought a couple years back. Generator is on passenger side under the shower and there are no tall cabinets in the kitchen area, had to make a booze cabinet back in the full bath. Ours came with the other outside cabinet doors would much rather have the ones on that one. I think $65k would be a good deal. Also when looking I think having the oven is great, we pre make enchiladas or grab a frozen lasagna and you throw it in and get to relax around camp for 45 mins or so.
 

Boatymcboatface

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My 2011 Winnebago 34’ still had the dealer sale sheet in it. The person that bought it paid 160 and msrp was 131 but she had added some stuff. I paid 48 and it was listed on consignment lot for 54. I have done some maintenance which I knew going in, nothing expensive just upkeep that needed done and I’m a picky fk. Almost new tires and 34000 miles. Beautiful full body paint. They are out there.
Our motorhome came with the original purchase agreement/dealer paperwork. They bought it new in 2003 for 83k We paid 21k for it in 2012.
 

hallett21

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I would hate to offend anyone but I would ask this guy if 50k gets it done. If the answer is yes I’m a buyer. If the answer is no there’s a ton of these things listed all over.

I think you’re gonna have to put on your vicious hat for a little bit lol.

If you were selling the RV you know everyone and their brother would be kicking you in the teeth.

If you really can get a new one for 102k OTD then a 10 year old unit is worth half imo.
 

Fabhouse

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I'm on the high side of DIY, as RD will attest-But
If you are willing to do the work, a distressed but not FUBAR RV is the way to go. THEY ALL NEED WORK. Find a good deal on the Coach you want, budget for fixes/ improvements. Buy cheap, make it how you want it. As I have stated before, I bought my 2008 Kodiak Super C for around 34-into it around 45 cash, but a 100+ hrs labor. Wouldn't sell for under 50. Your labor and expertise is free-use it. I have been in your position and would not be buying an 80k MH. At least, not the first one. Find a good but cheap one, fix it and find your way.
 

hallett21

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I'm on the high side of DIY, as RD will attest-But
If you are willing to do the work, a distressed but not FUBAR RV is the way to go. THEY ALL NEED WORK. Find a good deal on the Coach you want, budget for fixes/ improvements. Buy cheap, make it how you want it. As I have stated before, I bought my 2008 Kodiak Super C for around 34-into it around 45 cash, but a 100+ hrs labor. Wouldn't sell for under 50. Your labor and expertise is free-use it. I have been in your position and would not be buying an 80k MH. At least, not the first one. Find a good but cheap one, fix it and find your way.
Pics? Love seeing people fix things up.
 

TimeBandit

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Unless they are over 10 years old and even then a lot of these people still have loans for a lot more than the Coach is worth.

So making a lowball offer to a broke dick with no cash to pay off the loan doesn't go anywhere.

That was my experience trying to shop in the 30 to 40K range

My wife has dreams of hitting the road. I put her off for 5 years but it could happen sooner.
 

BHC Vic

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I think patience is going to be my best friend.
This seems like a good deal. But honestly if I can swing RD’s when he’s ready to sell that would be awesome

 

BHC Vic

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Toy market is soft either he takes 50k or he sits on it till someone else comes and offers him 50k in a few months.
Now that I just saw that one for 40 I’m not sure I want to offer 50 anymore 😂😂
 

Dcb.blake

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The older class A diesel pushers in the budget are hard to find that will sleep more than 4. You have the back bed then a dinet and if you’re lucky 2 couches that turn into twins.

I’d shoot for a class C gas or a kodiak duramax deal. Gonna be much more comfortable imo with kids. The quality isn’t the best on em but you can find some that are well taken care of that won’t have too many issues.

The roof/sealant is the biggest concern imo. If water has entered at some point id be cautious
 

BHC Vic

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The older class A diesel pushers in the budget are hard to find that will sleep more than 4. You have the back bed then a dinet and if you’re lucky 2 couches that turn into twins.

I’d shoot for a class C gas or a kodiak duramax deal. Gonna be much more comfortable imo with kids. The quality isn’t the best on em but you can find some that are well taken care of that won’t have too many issues.

The roof/sealant is the biggest concern imo. If water has entered at some point id be cautious
Yup this is very accurate
 

Boatymcboatface

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I’ll be selling our class c soon ish looking to upgrade to a super c. Trying to stick with the gulfstream brand 08 or older. The gulfstream we have now is crazy solid. No wood frame all aluminum square tubing and the gel coat siding is nice to if I ever get around to buffing it again.
 

Fabhouse

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No bunks, but they could be added where the large wardrobe is.
 

RiverDave

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I'm on the high side of DIY, as RD will attest-But
If you are willing to do the work, a distressed but not FUBAR RV is the way to go. THEY ALL NEED WORK. Find a good deal on the Coach you want, budget for fixes/ improvements. Buy cheap, make it how you want it. As I have stated before, I bought my 2008 Kodiak Super C for around 34-into it around 45 cash, but a 100+ hrs labor. Wouldn't sell for under 50. Your labor and expertise is free-use it. I have been in your position and would not be buying an 80k MH. At least, not the first one. Find a good but cheap one, fix it and find your way.

Did you read what ya wrote Kenny? lol.

You basically just said you did a 100 hrs of labor for 5k. lol
 

RiverDave

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I think patience is going to be my best friend.
This seems like a good deal. But honestly if I can swing RD’s when he’s ready to sell that would be awesome


Dude that seems like a pretty nice motorhome. I would always rather have a diesel but the bang for the buck on that seems hard to beat?
 

Fabhouse

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Did you read what ya wrote Kenny? lol.

You basically just said you did a 100 hrs of labor for 5k. lol
Ha!
When you put it that way....Looking around though makes me happy to keep it. The upgrade I would like to have is going to require a payment.
 

BHC Vic

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Dude that seems like a pretty nice motorhome. I would always rather have a diesel but the bang for the buck on that seems hard to beat?
Would you be worried about that trailer he was towing. I get why he put it in the ad but I’d prefer to not see that
 

Cole Trickle

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You could always go this route and clean her up.....lol

I think this guy bought a low mileage Seneca for 15k. Watch the videos its hilarious the amount of fuckery the previous owner did to this rig. Dont do drugs kids.

 

BHC Vic

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I would be worried if it's still available. Listing says it's a year old. If it has not sold by now...
A lot of these things have been listed 8 plus months. I think the are asking too much. He started at 65 and is at 40 now. That’s why I’m hoping the one is Santa Clarita would entertain 50 he’s at 75 right now listed a couple months
 

Singleton

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A lot of these things have been listed 8 plus months. I think the are asking too much. He started at 65 and is at 40 now. That’s why I’m hoping the one is Santa Clarita would entertain 50 he’s at 75 right now listed a couple months
Most likely listed after desert season was over and buyers are few for RV’s currently.
Do a good inspection and take someone who can look at the chassis.

Low ball offers with cash wake people up.
Go into every transaction thinking the owner is hiding something and you need to find it!
 

EmpirE231

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You can always low-ball... worst that can happen is you get ignored (I do not respond to major low-ball offers)

One thing I have learned about buying RV's... (we're on #3)... is that I am now always willing to pay a premium for the right RV. If the seller is legit and you can tell within 5-10 minutes of talking t them, and you can see how the RV was cared for... I'd rather pay 5-10K more for that RV, than the one in the next town over that hasn't been cared for the same way. In the long run, you will be ahead paying for the "right one"
 

NicPaus

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A lot of these things have been listed 8 plus months. I think the are asking too much. He started at 65 and is at 40 now. That’s why I’m hoping the one is Santa Clarita would entertain 50 he’s at 75 right now listed a couple months
I talked to my Buddy last night I got the Cobra from. He bought 5 trailers to rent. His health is declining and he wanted to sell. Dealership offered him 17k on a 2023 that rented once. He paid 42k plus fees. They now have them listed for 32k. And showed him auction prices to support the 17k. He knows the owner of the dealership. Sales have tanked. Your in a good position to buy.
 

GRANT@FUNCO

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You can always low-ball... worst that can happen is you get ignored (I do not respond to major low-ball offers)

One thing I have learned about buying RV's... (we're on #3)... is that I am now always willing to pay a premium for the right RV. If the seller is legit and you can tell within 5-10 minutes of talking t them, and you can see how the RV was cared for... I'd rather pay 5-10K more for that RV, than the one in the next town over that hasn't been cared for the same way. In the long run, you will be ahead paying for the "right one"
This is true

Buy the one you ultimatley want first !
 

Done-it-again

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RVRKID

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Oler but now we are talking a price I might not have to finance
Just a heads up the older the coach is the less parts are for repairs, we had an 04 Winnebago Sightseer which is just like this one, our front slide wouldn't go in and the board we needed for that was no longer out there, thankfully a mechanic figured it out and rerouted the switches then the jacks were leaking and no parts for that system either and would have had to get them off and take them somewhere that could rebuild them. Hell on our newer Vista they don't have the lens covers for the marker lights anymore so had to change one out on the side so far so the top 5 would match. Also on this one if they can't even fix the cover on the generator there might be quite a bit of stuff jerry rigged on it.
 

BHC Vic

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Just a heads up the older the coach is the less parts are for repairs, we had an 04 Winnebago Sightseer which is just like this one, our front slide wouldn't go in and the board we needed for that was no longer out there, thankfully a mechanic figured it out and rerouted the switches then the jacks were leaking and no parts for that system either and would have had to get them off and take them somewhere that could rebuild them. Hell on our newer Vista they don't have the lens covers for the marker lights anymore so had to change one out on the side so far so the top 5 would match. Also on this one if they can't even fix the cover on the generator there might be quite a bit of stuff jerry rigged on it.
Thank you I hadn’t even really thought about that but now that you said it hondo69 and big bore kind of mentioned that to me as well so I’ll keep that in mind. I really hope I can be patient and find something 2015 ish and get a good price
 

Sportin' Wood

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I have a friend that is an RV tech, I just thought of his advice when I was looking to purchase. Advice I did not follow.

Buy Pre DEF and DPF
Get one as analog as possible, all that digital shit sucks.

Our second bath even has a digital toilet and the damn thing thinks the tanks are full and you have to override it.

He was right, all that digital stuff sucks.

I like those Seneca Super Cs, my Dad had one on a Kodiak Chassis and it ate radiators every time he went in the dirt. Plastic mounts broke. Switched to Aluminum after out of warranty and problem solved.

Good luck with the search.
 

BHC Vic

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This kind of has my attention. I think it’s pre def but I need to verify that. It’s older so I’m not sure what that does to the loan but it checks a lot of boxes. Or doesn’t have the outdoor tv but that’s me just being picky. Prices on these are kind of all over the place. I’m going to look at it Saturday but I’m not even sure I’d make an offer yet.

 

Fabhouse

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This kind of has my attention. I think it’s pre def but I need to verify that. It’s older so I’m not sure what that does to the loan but it checks a lot of boxes. Or doesn’t have the outdoor tv but that’s me just being picky. Prices on these are kind of all over the place. I’m going to look at it Saturday but I’m not even sure I’d make an offer yet.


Looks nice, owned by the guys from Rugged Radio.
 
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