Community Forums

TwelveVolt · 10-08-2012, 02:26 PM

No, I mean the RV.

With my cars I have always gone by the rule of thumb of ten years and 100k miles. That is how many miles I believe were installed at the factory. Once they are used up, the car becomes a project more than the utility device that it should be. The cost of outstanding repairs begins to pass the current book value.

How many miles are built into a typical diesel pusher? I notice that many online listings seem to go back no farther than 1999 or 2000 and about 100k miles. I know that a diesel engine should be able to go well beyond 100k, but how well does the rest on the mechanical system keep up?

The dealers I have spoken to seem to feel that any RV I am looking at is the perfect one for me. I would appreciate input from some voices of experience as I consider moving from the ocean to the road.

Thanks

trackman · 10-08-2012, 03:46 PM

Rule of thumb in RV terms is if there is more money going into it than enjoyment coming out of it you must get rid of it.

ga traveler · 10-08-2012, 03:57 PM

I have a friend who is in a GMC motorhome club. They have a large club and all the coaches were made in the seventies. These are not like old car clubs where they trailer the cars to the show. They use these every day. It seems like they have less problems than some folks with newer coaches.

TwelveVolt · 10-08-2012, 04:50 PM

An interesting point, ga. I bought a used Yamaha outboard for my tender for a few hundred dollars. With the occasional plugs and filters it never failed to get me to where I was going for many years.

Meanwhile, my friends were buying shiny new name-brand engines for thousands of dollars and taking them in for repairs and adjustments at least once a year, as well as getting towed back to the dock.

swampdog2 · 10-08-2012, 06:15 PM

you are never too old if u take care of it, so the answer to the rv question is if it has been cared for it will last a long time and many miles.i have a 97 H,R that looks and drives as new,always kept inside when not on the road .waxed twice a year , and serviced more than called for.it has 97000 miles and can't bring myself to get rid of it even though i would love a new one.

ahicks · 10-08-2012, 06:21 PM

I think too old is going to be owner dependent? What YOU feel is too old? I know our '97 is much older than some might be interested in, but I'm not scared to go anywhere with it? The maintenance, both scheduled and non scheduled, has been brought up to snuff, it's in great condition and it looks the part! Most non professionals have no idea it's as old as it is.... -Al

smallpond3500 · 10-08-2012, 06:42 PM

We have 1990 HR 460 Ford other than a sore arm from waxind no problems Do a lot of pm myself flush brakes etc It is been stored inside since new The only thing that give it's age is the shape

Cat320 · 10-08-2012, 07:22 PM

We have friends with a '96 Safari, it has over 200k on an 8.3 Cummins, still going strong.

Bowser · 10-08-2012, 07:41 PM

Doesn't seem to make much difference for the bigger RVs, but for Class Bs there are significant technological changes which make newer better. The fuel mileage is much better, they are lighter, easier to handle and better laid out. They have dropped the floors rather than raise the roofs to the sky.

I have an old Class B, I love it, it's my first and my last, and I'd appreciate some of the advantages that have come down the pike.

Shadowcatche · 10-08-2012, 08:10 PM

I honestly feel much depends on the quality of the construction to begin with. I have had Subaru's that lived for more than 200,000 miles relatively trouble free miles. Our trailer was made using an aluminum frame and minimal wood all of the components, water pump, AC Espar heater are all separate components and easily replaceable. My expectation is that it will outlive us.
I saw 5 of those GM motor homes traveling I 20 near Wauseon Oh a couple of weeks back.