Community Forums

speedpeddler · 11-15-2012, 03:22 PM

Been looking at class A's and lurking here for a couple of months trying to get a handle on our first RV. Want to go with a used DP with enough power to tow a toad and can spend a 100K give or take. I'm pretty handy with tools and know my way around cars so figure I can handle the minor maintenance and repairs myself. Although I'd rather not.

It's kind of a, "bucket list", thing. We did it 25 years ago in a rental and now have the time and bucks to take our time and travel in relative luxury for the summer. Questions:

First, what would you buy and why?
Would you finance or pay cash?
Would you look for an older high end coach or a newer affordable one.

RickO · 11-15-2012, 03:34 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum.

With that budget you can choose from a wide range of DP's these days. I would think that a gently used Winnie or Monaco or Tiffin around the 6 or 8 year old mark.

To choose between these mid range coaches and an older, higher end unit is really a personal choice and I don't think you can go wrong either way.

Best of luck.

Rick

Chucktown · 11-15-2012, 03:34 PM

Monaco diesel coach, 05-09 model, you cant go wrong. Stay clear of gas units even though there are some nice ones out there. You should be able to pick up a 40 ft unit 4 slides 20- 30k miles for 75-90k

vito.a · 11-15-2012, 04:34 PM

I recommend you look at Monaco Dynasty's, 2001-2005. Do a nationwide search on RV Trader.com for Monaco Dynasty and rank order by price, lowest first. You will find several Dynasty's 100K and below. They will all have a Cummins ISL engine, Allison MH3000 transmission, tag axle, and a Roadmaster air ride chassis. The 42" models will have three air conditioners and an upgraded 10,000W generator. Aqua hot was optional, so you'll have to ask about that if it's on your list.

Best of luck!

macantic · 11-15-2012, 04:35 PM

A cheap comfortable car and a lot of cheap motel rooms

FormerBoater · 11-15-2012, 04:48 PM

Generically look at the flagship of the manufacturer in their DP line-up.

Better materials, more upgrades etc.

Maintenance and build quality trumps age IMHO.

Specifically, take a look at some vintage American Eagles. But, I am not objective in this matter as our old Eagle has been so good to us.

DaveS
1998 American Eagle 40EVS

Air Baron · 11-15-2012, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedpeddler

First, what would you buy and why?
Would you finance or pay cash?
Would you look for an older high end coach or a newer affordable one.

Older and higher end. You got more for your money back then, and that carries over to now. Find one with lower mileage and has obviously been better maintained...preferably stored under cover or indoors. Find a meticulous private seller, or his widow. Even go with a broker. I can't stand talking to dealership salespeople, but that is just me.

How much is your money making in the bank? Mine was/is making squat. Would you rather put it in the stock market, just as the economy is headed over the cliff? If you finance, think about a home equity loan (if you can) for most of it and pay around 3% interest only. Pay the prinicipal back when you sell.

I was prepared to spend $115k to $125k for smaller and newer. Went with older and bigger and spent only $72k. Sure leaves a bunch for unexpected repairs and better travels. Besides, you will enter the depreciation cycle when it is in the 5 to 4 to 3 percent annual range, so you won't lose as much when it is time to sell. The original owner on my coach dropped over $120k in depreciation...over 11 years. He rarely used the coach, I am using it full time. Talk about bang for your buck.

pumper9x9 · 11-15-2012, 05:35 PM

Best bet??? Go to rv.org and buy their product, read it all, pick out what kind of coaches may fit your bill for what you're looking for. This will be the best money you'll spend on an rv. Then go to oodle.com plug in what you're looking for and you're ready to go shopping. They will even mail you daily updates of what you're looking for. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Dead give away is that if you say you're going to be in the area and want to look at the coach and the seller says "we just moved it to...." run away.
Good luck, happy shopping, have fun

Ken326 · 11-15-2012, 05:44 PM

What about Newmar?

denochs · 11-15-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FormerBoater

Generically look at the flagship of the manufacturer in their DP line-up.

Better materials, more upgrades etc.

Maintenance and build quality trumps age IMHO.

Specifically, take a look at some vintage American Eagles. But, I am not objective in this matter as our old Eagle has been so good to us.

DaveS
1998 American Eagle 40EVS

We are FTs and definitely recommend high end older coaches that have quality and upgrades. You will have fewer problems, bigger engines, & still have plenty of room.

Dave

speedpeddler · 11-15-2012, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macantic

A cheap comfortable car and a lot of cheap motel rooms

HaHa. Had to laugh at this as my friend that owns a Monaco said the exact same thing.

Great responses that pretty much confirm what I was thinking from my lurker days. Nice to know I'm headed in the right direction from those that have been there. I'm actually considering purchasing my friends 40' Monaco. He wants to move up and I know how he maintains it and used it. It's a 2005 with about 50,000 miles and the price is right with enough left over to make any modifications or repairs. Can't make up my mind whether to finance or not. Will have to run the numbers I guess and see how it compares to the 1.3 0/0 I'm getting now.

1ciderdog · 11-15-2012, 05:58 PM

My thought would be to look at an $80-90K unit and put $20 or $10 aside for any unexpected repairs or improvement. If it works out it doesn't need repairs or upgrades that difference will buy a lot of diesel.

Selah · 11-15-2012, 06:08 PM

First, don't discount a gasser right of the bat. The Ford V10 will pull any toad you like (to 5000 lbs) up just about any grade your likely to come across. Go with the floor plan and amenities that you like first.
Cash or finance. You'll here opinions on both sides. Finance rate are low right now. What kind of tax hit are you going to take if you pull cash from investments, will you be able to take loan interest off on taxes. Are your current investments earning more that loan rate. Lots of things to think about. Remember, if you finance now and things change, you can still pay it off without penalty later.

dennis45 · 11-15-2012, 06:12 PM

Not a real tough question.
Personally, I would go looking for a 05-08 Newmar Dutchstar 42' Tag with a 450HP Cummins with a floor plan I like. That would be IF I got tired of my 03.