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02-20-2015, 10:57 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 5
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Need help with buying first RV
Hi All,
We are looking to buy our first DP RV. Been full time on the boat until now so we know the systems around the RV but have no clue regarding the importance of the rest.
Our budget is around $65K.
Here are a few important things for us:
1. lots of counter space and have an oven to bake (so far we haven't found "lots") in the kitchen since we cook a lot .
2. Self Contained
3. Would like to have 2 slides in the living area for more space, less concerned about the bedroom.
We have been zooming in on:
1. 2003 Fleetwood Discovery 39
2. 2006 coachmen cross country 38DS
Any advise on the two above or suggestions on others in that price range would be appreciated.
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02-20-2015, 11:12 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Oklahoma Boomers Club
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Woodward, OK
Posts: 1,147
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Personally I would lean more to something like this
Now I will sit back and watch what else comes up
__________________
Jay Devereaux
1992 Country Coach Magna #4926 "Maggie" 25' Stacker "The Toy Box"
Facebook | IRV2[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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02-20-2015, 11:35 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: The Buckeye State
Posts: 609
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If you have been F/T on a boat, you know d-i-y quite well. But still, allow at least 10% of your budget for after-purchase repairs/parts/maintenance... things that you can't do yourself... New tires/batteries/HVAC/appliances/parts/etc. 10%, you will need to spend it so plan on it.
Biggest concerns should be structural: rust, prior water damage, mildew/smoke/pet smells. Maintenance records important, but usually not available, in which case you need to reset maintenance at zero with all new fluids, filters, belts, etc.
Consider whether you want to buy an 'orphan' coach. Even tho you are looking at 10+ yr old coaches, some parts may still be available from factory. Most of the house parts, appliances are generic. My 2¢, happy hunting.
__________________
Kent & Sue & Belle
2019 Allegro Bus 45OPP Lovin' it
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02-20-2015, 11:53 AM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 5
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Old car nut- thanks for the link. we looked at a few Monacos but to get 2 slides in the living area require buying a 3 slide rv and they go for more than $65K
TurtleKent- yes, we can do EVERYTHING on our own including major diesel engine repairs. We do have some extra for these "after purchase" issues.
We were looking at one RV that we really like but there is no service center to check it. the closest one is 3 hour away so not sure what to do about it.
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02-20-2015, 11:55 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Wellington, Florida
Posts: 13,599
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Hi macgregor68,
Check out Newmar coaches of the same vintage. The Kountry Star and Dutch Star will accommodate your requirements. Consider the top three things to look at:
1. floor plan
2. NCC or CCC (depending on manufacturer) - Will the coach carry you, all your stuff and people?
3. GCWR minus GVWR & receiver weight rating - Will the coach tow what you want to tow?
After the above are met, one can make the decision as difficult as one wants to make it.
__________________
Gary
2005 Newmar KSDP 3910 + GMC ENVOY XUV 37K lbs Moving Down The Road
The Avatar Is Many Times Around The USA
Nobody Knows Your Coach Like Somebody Who Owns One Just Like Yours
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02-21-2015, 07:06 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Conway, SC
Posts: 2,557
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Lots of counter space?? I don't believe you'll find that. Also kind of difficult to find a coach with two front slides. I have two slides, but ones in the living room, the other in the bedroom. It's been working well for us for 5yrs. of fulltiming. It's hard to find an RV that will have EVERYTHING you want. Compromises have to be made. If fulltime is in your plans, I would definately look at a little better quality motorhome than what you're currently thinking of. As mentioned, Newmar Dutch Star is one I would put on the list. Look at Tiffin, and Monaco too. With a budget of $65k, and some searching you should be able to find something that'll work. Try looking at www.pplmotorhomes.com to get an idea of prices. They're a large consignment dealer in Texas, and usually have a huge supply of motorhomes. Good luck.
__________________
2000 Dutch Star Pusher
2009 Saturn Vue Towed
Full timed for 6yrs.
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02-21-2015, 08:12 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 862
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Year ago we sold our live aboard trawler (42'), and moved onto a 40', 3 slide Dutch Star. After 10yrs on boat it was time. We had some of the same requirements you want in your RV. However size comparisons are misleading. Not near as much in rv, but seems more usable. Counter space is a bit less, but laid out better. We really are enjoying the rv life. Less cleaning/maintenance/upkeep/weather issues, have been great. We were lucky, and got our 2003 Dutch Star, with 62,000 miles, including toad and tow rig, for less than your $65,000 budget. DO keep $10,000 to upgrade, other posters are right. You will use it. I've replaced shocks, complete fluids/filters service (by me), and worked on fridge. If you are an ex boat liveboard, your skill set should he very valuable. The right coach is out there, keep the faith and keep looking.
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02-21-2015, 11:09 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 5
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Thanks for all the comments. We are doing more research on Winnebago Horizon and Monaco Diplomat both 40ft
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02-21-2015, 11:58 PM
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#9
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 66
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If you find an interesting coach in an out of the way place, you might find a good mobile RV tech through a local RV park. I've had a couple of repairs done by mobile techs and been happy with their knowledge & the repairs.
__________________
'12 Allegro Open Road 32CA, '12 Elantra Touring toad, patient wife & Goldendoodle
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02-22-2015, 02:37 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: MotherLoad foothills approx.60 m.s east of Sacramento
Posts: 1,281
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2001 Monaco Dynasty 38', Class A - Diesel RV For Sale in Kennedale, Texas | Kennedale Camper Sales 014549 | RVT.com - 115774 This one is just like mine that I paid $70,000 but this one has 40,000 more miles on it. Miles ok if well maintained and has records. Doesn't say it has Aqua Hot ($10,000 option) and has the 350 ISC instead of the 370 ISL but I bet you can get them down on the price...
We love everything about ours !!
__________________
Full time since Nov 2012 RVM#41 Gary and Marian Hill 2001 Monaco Dynasty Jack 38' 370 hp ....If it ain't broke I can still fix it.
Like putting shoes on an octopuss, so are the days of our lives....
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02-22-2015, 02:53 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: MotherLoad foothills approx.60 m.s east of Sacramento
Posts: 1,281
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__________________
Full time since Nov 2012 RVM#41 Gary and Marian Hill 2001 Monaco Dynasty Jack 38' 370 hp ....If it ain't broke I can still fix it.
Like putting shoes on an octopuss, so are the days of our lives....
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