Community Forums

jlckmj · 10-18-2016, 08:55 PM

HI,
I have been a lurker on her for a few years and I did try a search but all I got was a lot of reading without answers to my specific questions. I have had a 37ft. gas Winnebago, a 4106 GMC bus conversion, and numerous trailers so I am not new to the RV scene.

I am looking to purchase a class A motorhome for my wife and myself so we can become snow birds as the main use. Along with the winter get a ways, we also do motorcycling. We travel with a group of others and it would be nice to be able to travel in the motorhome and then cruise on the bikes once we get to our destination.

The reason for my dilemma is I am not sure what style Class A to buy. GAS? DIESEL?

We are limited to $30,000 to $35,000
It must be able to tow a 7,500 pound trailer (5-850 pound bikes) easily.

What platform should I look for?

Will the gas 454 and V10 handle that much towing?

What is the upper limit on the gas motors and transmissions mileage wise? 70K, 100K ?

Will the diesels in the lower HP range (without turbo's etc.) work ok?

I understand that condition is much more important than age or style. I feel reasonably certain that I could pick out a good one once I know which chassis will do the job needed. (that's where you all come in)

I loved my 4106 GMC with the 8V71 and I know that would do what I want. BUT, I was a lot younger when I owned that one, I'm 63 now, and I had a lot more ambition back then, so I am not looking for another conversion project.

I guess I am looking for that cream puff one owner diesel pusher that was used for one trip a year and kept in a heated garage when not being used.

I KNOW, I KNOW, I will let you know when the dream is over and I wake up.

Thanks for your time,
Jim
SE Wisconsin

jacwjames · 10-18-2016, 09:31 PM

The towing capacity you are looking at tells me Diesel Pusher "DP". Assuming the coach is fitted right it will have the towing capacity you want. Look for 100 pounds per HP or less.

Most DP's have air ride which provides for a good ride and handling. I'd look for a longer coach for a better ride, shorter rides tend to wonder.

The price break you are looking at takes you to an older coach but you should be able to find one to meet your needs. Look at the maintenance records to make sure it's been taken care off.

Good Luck, we started looking for a new to us coach in ~2006 and took +2 years to find our current one. We found a good deal at the time and it's still worth ~75% of what we paid.

jlckmj · 10-18-2016, 09:46 PM

Thanks Jim

Should I have posted this in the Class A section? would it get more exposure from the people that are in the know?

thanks,
jim

RodK · 10-18-2016, 10:24 PM

I would post any other questions you have there. Gas is totally off the table for you. They only have a max towing capacity of 5000 lbs.

twogypsies · 10-18-2016, 10:40 PM

There are two nice quality ones that look great on this site.

1990 Foretravel $27,500 - no slides

1998 Holiday Rambler $34,500 - one slide

ALL Pre Owned motorhomes Inventory

l1v3fr33ord1 · 10-19-2016, 03:05 AM

Jim-

I just ran a search on RV Trader for Holiday Rambler and Monaco Class A diesels listed for $35,000 or less. The results show 34 coaches, the newest 2003 and the oldest 1993. Even without considering other manufacturers and online sales sites, that's a big pool of potential coaches for you to use as a basis for research.

If I were you, I'd run a similar search and then download the brochures for the coaches from the manufacturer's Web sites, so as to make sure their tow ratings are 10,000 pounds or more.

Note: Each Web site's search tool is a little different, but for RV Trader I find it's better to go with the "Advanced Search."

UncleBilly · 10-19-2016, 11:05 PM

A buddy of mine bought a 95 Beaver Marquis for just $20k 😁 Needs some work, but he's starting with an amazing rig... My 96 I got for $30k after I spend 10 months trying to buy a Beaver Coach! Good luck...

Jacobnino · 10-19-2016, 11:22 PM

Diesel engine definitely!

vsheetz · 10-20-2016, 04:13 AM

The towing requirement alone is pushing you to a diesel pusher motorhome. The expansive travels would be more comfortable in a diesel pusher.

jlckmj · 10-22-2016, 09:12 AM

Thanks everyone.
You have pretty much confirmed what I was thinking, I will need a diesel pusher. I also have been reading up on them a bit and found that in order to pull the trailer I want, I should go 300HP or more.

I have started to gather information and plan to start looking in the next month or so. As it happens I will be traveling to St. Augustine Fl. after Christmas, and Los Angeles in February.

If those areas don't turn up something decent, I will stop in Phoenix on my was back from California. It seems that the majority of clean coaches are in the retirement areas anyway.

I am in no hurry, I admit that I am a bit anal when it comes to large purchases, I analyze and educate myself on what I need before buying, even if it means missing a good one in the beginning.

I have until April or May to find what I need.

Thanks again,
Jim
SE Wisconsin