Community Forums

kone · 09-13-2018, 05:52 AM

Newbies looking for starter A budget <$100k w toad.
My other thread if you care—> http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/comp...or-410499.html

Based on advice in that thread, a dp of older vintage is a worthwhile find in that price range. How about an 08 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 34PDD? 5.9 Cummins, 32k Miles.

Thanks!

scbwr · 09-13-2018, 07:24 AM

Base on my research, I would definitely consider a HR motorhome manufactured prior to the company being sold. As others will advise, get a thorough inspection of the unit and determine how much renovation the interior may require. When we were searching for a used gas class A, we thought we had found a nice '08 HR until we went to look at it and the interior was very worn i.e. carpeting needed replacement. It was a classic case that the posted photos didn't quite match what was posted online.

Sandy Swede · 09-13-2018, 08:59 AM

I too, am in the hunt for a 'short' DP in the 34' to 36' range. I notice several HR Vacationer 34' MH's for sale. My impression is that the '08' build quality reflects the stresses manufacturers were under as the financial crisis was just beginning. Does the one you are considering have a DPF. It shouldn't have DEF in that year, but check it out. It is my understanding that these units equipped with the 5.9 Cummins are somewhat underpowered, not so much in HP but in torque. When I looked up the torque rating I recall that it is 660 lb ft. I consider that to be inadequate, but that's just me. YMMV. It will also limit the amount that you can safely tow. Be sure that the GCVR and CCC meet your needs.

Best of luck. Hopefully, owners of this unit will chime in and confirm or dispute my impressions of this particular model.

veraken · 09-14-2018, 06:06 AM

Take your time, once you find a MH you are interested in, get professional inspections done. If you don't do this BEFORE you purchase, you run the risk of spending significantly more AFTER the purchase. If something is found, the inspector should be able to give you an estimate to repair. You can then decide if you want to proceed and can use it to negotiate a better price. You will be going into it with your eyes open. IF nothing is found, GREAT!!

I would suggest that you get an independent certified RV mechanic to inspect all the RV systems, including the roof. In addition I would have the engine, transmission, frame, etc. inspected by a diesel service shop. Don't forget to check the age of the tires - replace when @ 7 years old. Having a coolant and oil analysis by a lab (like JG Lubricants ) would reveal any hidden problems.

Make sure everything is in writing!! Any purchase should be contingent upon successfully passing these inspections/tests.

I would do this to any used MH I was looking to buy.

https://www.jglubricantservices.com/

You get a 10% discount if you use "IRV2" as a promo code.

2 Stroker · 09-14-2018, 11:12 AM

If looking for a 36' coach in the high end with a side radiator, 3 slides, comfort wheel, this is as good as it gets.

2002 Country Coach Intrigue - 36' Diesel Pusher - RV & Motorhome Classifieds
2 stroker

Sandy Swede · 09-15-2018, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2 Stroker

If looking for a 36' coach in the high end with a side radiator, 3 slides, comfort wheel, this is as good as it gets.

2002 Country Coach Intrigue - 36' Diesel Pusher - RV & Motorhome Classifieds
2 stroker

That is a nice one, 2 Stroker. Don't find many in 36' with that much power/torque. High-end build quality and newer tires. What's not to like? If you don't jump on this one Kone, I might.

Sco70ttie · 09-15-2018, 07:25 PM

The 08 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 34PDD unit is rated as a snowbird according to the RV.org database. It also has a rating 2.5 stars out of 5 stars. There is a major handing concern due to the short wheel base. You can do better like that Country Coach in post #5.