Community Forums

slowhand1843 · 06-17-2017, 02:12 PM

Hi we are going sell our travel trailer, and buy a Class A.

Is purchasing a used unit advisable? I know as in an auto you take a big depreciation hit buying a new unit. Having never been familiar with a class a, what are some of the things I should consider if buying used, and what features do you consider a must have, and what features are just whistle and bells that really serve a good purpose. How old would you buy?

I know it's a lot to ask, but I would hate to make a very expensive error.

Thanks
Ron C.

SeattlePirat · 06-17-2017, 03:54 PM

We bought a new Class A the last time but more than likely will buy a used one the next time. Depreciation is a bitch...

slowhand1843 · 06-17-2017, 04:07 PM

Any advice on what to look for when purchasing a used motorhome?
I don't know what size generator I will need, what size (btu) air units and 1 or 2. So much to try and be sure of. What HP motor etc.

ualdriver · 06-17-2017, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowhand1843

Hi we are going sell our travel trailer, and buy a Class A.

Is purchasing a used unit advisable? I know as in an auto you take a big depreciation hit buying a new unit. Having never been familiar with a class a, what are some of the things I should consider if buying used, and what features do you consider a must have, and what features are just whistle and bells that really serve a good purpose. How old would you buy?

I know it's a lot to ask, but I would hate to make a very expensive error.

Thanks
Ron C.

There are lots of threads on this forum that will help you answer your question.

I was in your position 2 years ago, but knew NOTHING about RVing.

I bought used. I wouldn't even think of buying new for two reasons. One, you'll take a huge hit on depreciation in the first few years. Two, from what I read on this forum, there are significant quality control issues with brand new RVs rolling off the assembly line. Although RVs are under warranty for at least the first year, it appears to be a HUGE, TIME CONSUMING PITA to get all these little (or big) issues fixed on these new rigs. Let someone else get everything sorted out and take the depreciation hit in my humble opinion.

How old would I buy? I'd buy as new as I could afford in the make and model of RV that I wanted to purchase.....but again not brand new.

You'll get lots of good advice on posts below mine. If it were me, to get started, I'd go to www.rvtrader.com, do an advanced search, and search for Class As in the price range you are looking. That will give you a good idea as far as what is available out there for the price you can afford. Then you can go from there looking at floorplans, options, etc.

If you're not familiar with Class A RVs and their systems, get it inspected.

Good luck.

biggcrisp · 06-17-2017, 06:10 PM

How much money are you thinking about spending?

<$10,000 = used (obviously).

$10,000 - $50,000 = Still used.

$50,000 - $75,000 = Yep, still used.

$75,000 - $100,000 = Still in the used money or -- Class A crossover, as in, a small motorhome that looks like a class A, but is small.

$100,000 - $1,000,000 = Well, you are still working in the "used" Class A range or positioned for a new Class A.

You don't need to be exact, just throw out a couple of clues and help will pile in.

Winemaker2 · 06-17-2017, 06:28 PM

I'm in the buy used if you are looking for best value.
We are on our 3rd Cl A...all 3 used.
Lots of used but not abused MHs out there...be patient and look at as many as possible.
Similar to real estate whats important us location...lication...location
W MHs it's condition....condition...condition.
For the same budget you will get more coach / higher quality and lose less in depreciation.
What to buy is a different and more difficult decision...you will have to think about how you will use it and what features are on your must list and which are wants and finally those you don't need or want.
How long will trips be...
How many people. ..
Resorts..parks...or boondocks..
TOAD?
Most important what is your budget

draboo · 06-17-2017, 07:05 PM

There are so many used units for sale, I wouldn't even consider a new one. Especially reading some the horror stories about having to get a half a dozen things repaired before even driving it off the lot!

BUT..If I was to purchase a new DP, this is only dealer I would trust:

Beaver Sales and Service, Bend,OR

montyhp · 06-17-2017, 07:20 PM

Best case would be a private sale from an owner who has maintenance records

MarkK · 06-17-2017, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by draboo

There are so many used units for sale, I wouldn't even consider a new one. Especially reading some the horror stories about having to get a half a dozen things repaired before even driving it off the lot!

BUT..If I was to purchase a new DP, this is only dealer I would trust:

Beaver Sales and Service, Bend,OR

Who did you go through there? I've dealt with Scott. Nice guy.

airshot · 06-17-2017, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montyhp

Best case would be a private sale from an owner who has maintenance records

I agree completely, my wife and I decided to try a motorhome after retiring and not wanting to take the big hit on resale value and also not knowing how much we were going to use it we went used. I have been around cars, trucks and boats all my life and can be quite good at making my own repairs and general maintenance. We found a 1994 that was in nice condition, well maintained with tons of receipts for all work done over the years and also a maintenance log of everything. It has 84000 miles and I might have passed on it but with the log and receipts and all paperwork for all the equipment on board we decided to go for it. We bought it for 9K and have only done minor cosmetic work to it, including removing the old carpet and installing a laminate floor (smart move). This also gave us the opportunity to check for leaks from the floor area as there were no signs in the ceiling area. Had the interior detailed by an auto detailer that cleaned all the upholstery and the leather and sanitized the inside (bath and kitchen) Everything works and works well, tires are very good, had to install new house batteries and will have to install a new awning fabric next summer. I will probably do a roof reseal before winter for my own piece of mind. Including all of the stuff we had to but for the MH and the work we wanted to do we still have less than 3K additional into it. Had it checked out at a local RV repair center that came highly recommended from previous owner and many other in the area. Their findings were everything was up to date, all belts and hoses, plug wires etc all looked fairly recent which would confirm the receipts. All the fluids also looked recent so....in the long run how much did we actually save over buying a more recent or newer MH ?? Time will tell, but for what we have invested so far I will have no issue getting my money back out of it without a big depreciation hit. So in a few years we will see just how much use we will actually get and decide whether to keep it or move up to a newer model. Either way we wont be out big money as if we went new or almost new. Used ones that are really good are hard to find, don't be afraid to take some long drives to look around and see what is out there. Good luck in your search.

**TonyDi** · 06-17-2017, 08:45 PM

Buying used from a private seller will get you the most bang for the buck. Make sure you can see the maintenance records. Before buying get a certified RV tech to do an inspection so you know what you're getting into. As far as equipment some peoples options are others needs, and vice versa. Look at lots of different models at dealers and shows and you'll discover what is right for you, also try renting one for a weekend. You'll find the things that are important .

Ray,IN · 06-17-2017, 09:04 PM

We bought our MH in 2013, as you see in my sig, it was 13 yrs old at the time. No records of any kind, we bought it at Camping World on consignment from owner. Since things happen AFTER you buy a used unit, we also purchased the Camping World Extended Service Contract/ESC.
The ESC cost was $4,000 for 3 years on a 13 yr old MH. During those 3 years we found several problems in/on the coach part that resulted in the ESC paying for itself-including deductibles, none on the Spartan chassis. All the coach problems were related to the MH being stored in the owners barn for 6 years prior to us buying the MH.
I will never buy a used MH without also buying an ESC to help with expenses for broken/failed stuff.

draboo · 06-17-2017, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkK

Who did you go through there? I've dealt with Scott. Nice guy.

Rick was who we talked with. He took us right through the building and showed us the various repair facilities. Everything was neat,clean and all the workers looked happy. I was very impressed. Where we bought our motorhome was a joke compared to this place.

If anyone is passing through Bend,OR, take some time and stop here if you are considering a different unit. No sales pressure what so ever.

These folks make sure your ride is 100% before you take possession.

megehrs · 06-18-2017, 12:15 AM

We bought a used Beaver in AZ last winter. The first place we took it was Beaver Coach Sales (aka the "mother ship") in Bend. We had them go thru it straighten out a few things that our salesman and his team did not know how to deal with or operate. It allowed us to "baseline" the maintenance on our new, to us, vehicle. The maintenance folks at BCS are top notch. Most of them used to work for Beaver on the manufacturing line when it was open. Just to be sure, we baselined our tires by stopping at Les Schwartz in Madras, OR just north of Bend to get a complete set of tires. Rig needed two new ones with the others at 5 year point so we sucked it up and did the bunch. Oh ya.....NO sales tax in Oregon on either visit. Would highly recommend both businesses if you are in that part of the country and need either.