Community Forums

outdoort · 02-27-2013, 04:48 PM

Hey all. I'm new here and new to motorhomes in general. I need help with the few questions I have with my prospective purchase of a 1st RV. Thanks for anyone's responses and sorry if any of my questions are dumb, or have been beaten to death. I have searched google with only limited results.
So, as stated I'm looking to buy my first RV/Class A in the next few months. A little bit about me: I'm 22, work full time, and getting tired of this rat race, along with the traditional way of living (already). I live on my own, and want a RV to live full time in, while allowing me to move around the country every few months.
I need advice on what diesel motorhome would be a best choice for myself? It will only be me, or me and my girlfriend living in this. My motorhome will ideally get good gas mileage (over ten, around 15 would be ideal). I don't need something too long, or too small either. I would like to be able to tow a enclosed trailer that will enable me to carry my 6000 lb 80 series landcruiser in, and when parked at the RV park use the enclosed trailer as a form of "garage" to hang out in/work on projects (yes, I know some RV parks wont have the length/space for such a trailer setup). Diesel is pretty much a necessity.
The Damon Avanti seems to be pretty much exactly what I'm after, but, its too expensive for me. I looking to spend anywhere around 30K, and no more than 50K. Obviously used for that price range.
Are my wants realistic for the price range I'm after? Obviously I cant buy a used P.O.S. to live full time in. I'm a mechanical person and small fixes dont scare me though.

Another thing I'm a little scared of is my credit score. Its 640. Seems getting a loan with a credit score under 700 is impossible for a rv. I'm in the process of improving to hopefully over 700, but who knows how fast that will happen. I'm paying my credit card balances down, that were near their max limit at the time of my credit score of 640.

What are my options guys? Hopefully Ive relayed enough info. for everyone.
Thank you very much!

Sky_Boss · 02-27-2013, 05:08 PM

Lots of things to consider here.

1. Get your credit straight first. That will give you more options.

2. Few if any class A MHs with the towing you will need get better than 10 MPG. A good diesel might get you 8-9 MPG on good days but not much more. Sorry but given your plan to pull at least 6500# of trailer and vehicle, you will not be able to run a small diesel so plan more like 7-8. Gas would not be an option because you will need a 10K hitch and I don't know of any gasser that has that. Typically they will run 5K. Not saying there aren't any 10K gasser hitches but I'm not familiar with which ones would and have the ability to use it anyway.

3. I doubt any RV CG will allow you to run a business out of your trailer.

4. The Avanti will not come close to towing what you ask of it. I wouldn't consider it a full time MH.

You have a lot of research to do and it will take you time. It's part of the challenge. You can find older DPs to fit that budget but with older generally comes higher start up costs unless you find one in very good shape.

Start by looking at the online brochures for some of the bigger players like Winnebago, Thor, Newmar, Monaco, and other names you see here. You should be able to find their library of previous year brochures which will outline all the specifics on GVWR, GCWR, fuel, water, towing hitch, floor plans and more.

Best of luck!

Roger G · 02-27-2013, 05:15 PM

Your asking for a lot but the only thing that I see is as non doable is the fuel mileage. The only diesels with that kind of mpg that ican think of would br the Tiffin Breeze or the Winny Via. You could get that kind of mileage out our a class B on the sprinter chassis. The FJ and an enclosed trailer are going to push 10,000 lbs and I don't think any of these would tow that much. These are newer MH and aren't going to meet your price point. I think you will have to forgo the fuel mileage and look at a 12-15 year old diesel pusher or a FRED. Also consider towing 4 down, that will save you weight and mpg. Others will have more knowledge and opinions, this is a great source of information. Good luck on your search.

pumper9x9 · 02-27-2013, 08:47 PM

Some of the best information I found on rv's was at rv.org. Buy their product, read it all, it will be the best money you will spend on your rv. Next when you figured out what kind of coaches you're interested in go to oodle.com, plug in what you're looking for. It searches all over the web and can send you daily updates.
Good Luck and have fun