Owners of older MH's. What are you missing compared to newer ones?

[ssignor]

Seeing I a champagne taste on a beer budget, what would I miss either functionality, drive-ability, features (safety/bells and whistles) if I was to purchase a 2007 or so MH compared to a 2014/15/16? I am wanting a DP 40+ with good amount of room to swing a dog over my head :-)

Thoughts?

[MartySQ]

Please don't fling your dog over your head! Maybe a hotdog would suffice the urge....

[TonyMac]

Not missing a thing in my 2006 Safari Cheetah 40PMT. I was rather adament against the front door, wanted the door midship, and this beast has that and alot more. Air ride was verry important, got that too. Bells and whistles up the wazzoo!!

[virginiamtns]

Hello:

Welcome to iRV2!

In a well-built class A, I don't think you'll see many changes in function or driving in a 2007 vehicle v. a newer one.

As far as bells and whistles, you may want to consider the entertainment electronics - TVs and the like have changed a lot in 8 years, but they are usually simple to upgrade. You may not find an integrated GPS unit in a rig of that age, but you may not want or need one. There are new gadgets that are fun - electrically controlled blinds, etc., but only you know what's important to you.

There are definite benefits to buying a well-kept, well-maintained older rig. Someone else took a big depreciation hit when it was new, and many, if not all, of the new rig bugs will have been addressed. Know that many people recommend changing tires out at seven years old, so look for that, as well as good maintenance records when checking out a used rig. Also, when shopping for a used rig it makes good sense to me to take an RV mechanic/inspector with you to make sure that all the systems are in good working order and that there are no hidden surprises (i.e. water damage).

During the winter is a good time to go to RV shows to see what the newest ones have, as well as checking out floor plans. You may want a bunch of slides, just a few, or none at all. Floor plan for me is the first check point - if I don't like it, I move on.

Happy Hunting!

[RonLC]

Consider a Blue Bird because they will never be a throw away coach. They were last made in 2009 so a late 90's or somewhere before 2009 will be a well built coach as are all the vintage birds still out there.

[GrumpyOleMan]

I agree with virginiamtns. I recently purchased a 2002 class A. The stereo had a cassette instead of CD and the TVs were old CRT. Easy fixes on both. Meanwhile, I got a great coach at a price that was much easier to swallow. Most bells and whistles are neat, but not necessary.

[ssignor]

Originally Posted by virginiamtns

Hello:

Welcome to iRV2!

In a well-built class A, I don't think you'll see many changes in function or driving in a 2007 vehicle v. a newer one.

As far as bells and whistles, you may want to consider the entertainment electronics - TVs and the like have changed a lot in 8 years, but they are usually simple to upgrade. You may not find an integrated GPS unit in a rig of that age, but you may not want or need one. There are new gadgets that are fun - electrically controlled blinds, etc., but only you know what's important to you.

There are definite benefits to buying a well-kept, well-maintained older rig. Someone else took a big depreciation hit when it was new, and many, if not all, of the new rig bugs will have been addressed. Know that many people recommend changing tires out at seven years old, so look for that, as well as good maintenance records when checking out a used rig. Also, when shopping for a used rig it makes good sense to me to take an RV mechanic/inspector with you to make sure that all the systems are in good working order and that there are no hidden surprises (i.e. water damage).

During the winter is a good time to go to RV shows to see what the newest ones have, as well as checking out floor plans. You may want a bunch of slides, just a few, or none at all. Floor plan for me is the first check point - if I don't like it, I move on.

Happy Hunting!

You make some good points. I do know what I want as far as floor plans/slides etc.. We really like the Newmar Dutch Star($$$$) or Ventana($$$) 4369 floor plan, so we are looking at ones close to those (Bath and 1/2) and opposing slides in the living room. "it makes good sense to me to take an RV mechanic/inspector" that is a very good suggestion, noy sure how to find one yet.

Also a lot of the older ones have ridiculously low miles from what I see, just barely broken in :-)

Thanks

[ssignor]

Originally Posted by GrumpyOleMan

I agree with virginiamtns. I recently purchased a 2002 class A. The stereo had a cassette instead of CD and the TVs were old CRT. Easy fixes on both. Meanwhile, I got a great coach at a price that was much easier to swallow. Most bells and whistles are neat, but not necessary.

I agree about the Tv and stereo upgrade is way cheaper then buying a new one for those types of things. Also switching out the lighting to LED lights.

[ssignor]

Originally Posted by MartySQ

Please don't fling your dog over your head! Maybe a hotdog would suffice the urge....

[Nana25K]

We aren't missing a thing and our rig is 15 years old.Basic electronics are in need. We have replaced to TVs and will replace the stereo soon. We don't have surround sound built in but that's easy to add as well. We actually like not having a ton of fancy upgrades. Ours is easy to maintain on our own. I do wish the original owner had upgraded to air leveling but we do fine with pour jacks

[Afubar]

Gee, let's see, nope, the only thing I'm missing is those pesky monthly payments. LOL

[vsheetz]

Buy older high quality coach vs a newer lesser quality coach. IMHO.

In each model line there will be design and appointment changes, sometimes reflected

As others have said, the electronics are improved but this can be be updated. Older engines will have less emission requirements, such as not needing DEF.

[Ray,IN]

The MH in my signature has served us well since we purchased it in 2013. When we bought it, with 23,6xx miles on odometer, we now have nearly 40,000 on it.
It has factory surround-sound with a 2,000W amplifier, and a switch to play the TV, radio, or CD's through the system.
I swapped out the CRT's for LED TV's, is the only modification I've made.
I did replace the OEM remote door lock unit last year, not a hard job, just time consuming in cramped quarters.(at least for my old bones) I replaced the plastic Stemco hubcaps 2 months ago due to age and becoming brittle @ $35 ea.
We have been throughout most of the lower 48 in the MH, and caravaned through the Candian Maritimes last year without any problems with the MH.
I

[MaverickBBD]

Maybe having to add DEF.