Oh Lord, I wish I was New!

[Hobosteve]

But, we're not! The wife and I are newly retired and have camped for sometime in a teardrop trailer. We love that little guy, but it gets a bit close on the occasional 3 day rain storm. We were looking to buy a van and convert it, but find that we can get a decent used motorhome for less than a van and we don't have to build it out.

At this point we are looking at class c's but are open to whatever comes our way.

[Superslif]

What is your budget?.

I have followed a few YouTube full timers who bought 15 - 30 year old Class C's and many breakdowns: Transmissions, heads, head gaskets, brakes, alternators, batteries, electrical, generators....

I'll feel sorry when I see RVers stuck in tents or tear-drops on a bad weather day.

[Hobosteve]

We are looking for something in the 10k-15k range.

[wa8yxm]

This is just a comment on your subject line.......

You know that song that goes "Oh lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

Oh, slight re-write:

Oh Lord, won't you give me a body that bends
This old one is creaky, I can barley stand
Arthritis promised to stay with me to the end
Or lord won't you give me, a body that bends.

[LarrytheBear]

I'm not sure what you will find for the price range you have but there are some nice older units out there.

When we were looking we drove class C's and A's and found that we liked the feel of an A better.

Another thing to consider might be a larger trailer. We had a 25' (box size) with one slide-out that we traveled the Tetons, Yellowstone, Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon in the first year after I retired and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Good luck in finding the unit that suits you best.

[CWJK55]

These don't look bad. We have a 2004 Jayco Class C that we've put 11,000 miles on in the last two years. If it's mechanically sound and the equipment inside works it should be OK.
You need to realize that things do wear out and you could need to replace a water pump, refrigerator, furnace or AC.

2002 Winnebago RIALTA 22HD, Council Bluffs IA - - RVtrader.com

2002 Thor Fourwinds Dutchmen 31Z, Seguin TX - - RVtrader.com

[okcnewbie]

You are in the exact price range we were in 4 years ago. We found a well maintained 1996 Tioga Class C for $9500. It had a new roof, awning and the owner was only selling it to pay off debt.

With the new floor, some minor (for me) repairs and solar we are still under 15k.

Long story short; If you aren't very handy you should think twice about taking on an older MH. You would be hard pressed to find a better coach than we found for the money...... Everything except the genset worked when I bought the MH.

Here is a list of what I've done in three years;

Replaced AC compressor/accumulator
Bought used onan genset and cross-canned to get one to work. Had to fabricate part to get frozen rotor off.
Cleaned burner on refer
Replaced temp switch on water heater
Replaced fuel filter
Replaced covers on the roof
New floor
Replaced bad vent motor in bathroom
Leak under kitchen sink ( at water filter )
New converter/board
Installed solar (very cool..... used it to power Christmas decorations last night while taking everyone to see Christmas lights.)
New Siphon vents on Grey/Black water vents.
New antenna for OTA TV. (old one broke at hinge)
More stuff I can't remember right now I'm sure.


edit; New motor for furnace.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Superslif]

Anything over 10-15 years old I would take it to a mechanic to check out the drive train, all fluids and brakes...One transmission would set you back 3-$4k plus the down time. There are deals out there....

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Hobosteve

We are looking for something in the 10k-15k range.

There are a few available, and a few more in the under $20k range..

look here as well

New Or Used Class C RVs for Sale - RVTrader.com

[TonyDi]

Glad to have you here in the forum with us.

If you can't find a decent class "c" in your price range, consider going into a larger bigger travel trailer. It may solve you problems and there will be less to break down.

Happy Trails!!!

[rvethereyet]

welcome bo

[ScottyBye]

Welcome and Happy Trails. Good Luck