$400,000 Class A vs $130,000 Class A

[SissyBoyBob]

I want to thank all those who participated so sincerely in my original loaded question. Lots of food for thought for us all. Well, the result of me opening my mind to all of this is that I need to re-evaluate my true needs, as follows:

1. Being single with no relatives left alive or close friends left to travel with, it doesn't really seem necessary or make economic since for me to drag an extra room attached to the behind of my motorhome. I am referring to the bedroom. It just adds weight, length, and cost to something which is already too big and costly to be comfortable to me.

2. Arriving at this decision opens up a lot of different alternatives. For instance, maybe I can have my cake and eat it too by going with a smaller coach, chassis, and diesel in the form of the Mercedes class C (B+) units like a used Winnebago View.

3. The thing I, and I assume many of us, feel uncomfortable about some MHs is being in a confining or small room (s). I have noticed some floor plans with the big slide out that seem very open, wide, and uncluttered doing away with that crunched up look and feel. Being alone, I will never be in more than one room at a time, so having a wide open space, rather than a couple of smaller spaces in a coach is much more comfortable.

Well, you get the idea. So what do you all feel about the Mercedes 4 or 6 cylinder engine? Could one expect a low mileage one to last 100,000 miles without the major expense we have been talking about in a big Diesel Pusher?

I know I could get a used, but newer than a Class A, Mercedes coach for the lower price mentioned in our prior conversations on this topic, $50-60k. Something like THIS. That would leave me with my bankroll and give me great gas mileage to save me money monthly out of my SS check.

What am I missing in this scenario? Or does this sound like the best solution, best of both worlds, or perfect solution to my needs?

[ecurb74]

To get back to the crux of the matter, are you getting a higher priced motorhomes for the money? In the Foretravel you will probably get aqua hot, 10 kW generator, solid wood cabinets, an eight bag air ride with custom frame, more towing capacity, metal framed walls, 6 wheel air disc antilock brakes, a heavy duty transmission with retarder etc and so forth. All of these cost money, lots. With all this being said it sounds like you want to be told to go with the gasser because of the finances. Can't argue with that.

I do have a 15 year old Foretravel and am happy with it but in your case I really believe you need to go with the gasser. With all of the higher end coaches come high end repairs....not to say that the gasser can't eat a hole in your pocket either! Goes against my grain to not recommend a Foretravel but that's just the feeling I got. Good luck in your decision.

Bruce

[bigben]

SissyBoyBob - it's all in what you want. The Mercedes diesel has been around a long time!!! Might want to look at the Via as well. best of luck

[SissyBoyBob]

Originally Posted by bigben

SissyBoyBob - it's all in what you want. The Mercedes diesel has been around a long time!!! Might want to look at the Via as well. best of luck

I just did some research on the Mercedes sprinter history, and there seems to be some problems with that engine too. More added cost to keep it on the road.

I am at a point right this second to think that the Ford V10 engine and chasis is the only bullet proof thing out there if cost of maintenance and repair is a concern to one like me. I just read a couple horror stories where people have had trouble with the Mercedes engine and can't find anyone for miles and miles that will even look at it. Most Mercedes dealers don't seem to have the lift to deal with it and don't want to be bothered.

I don't want to have to worry about whatever I am driving. I will be all alone everywhere I go, day and night, and just want the most reliable and easiest least costly to fix and keep on the road.

I am thinking to just go with the Ford setup in a smaller lighter class C or B, like a 22-25 footer in order to get a little bit better mpg out of it.

It's hard to believe that its the 21 century, we can send men to space for weeks, and yet still can't make a reliable motorhome that the average person can afford. Well, at least cars have improved greatly over the last 30 yrs. I remember when 4 cylinder engines were lucky to go 50,000 miles in a car, and now they go 200,000 all the time.

[Betr2Trvl]

Originally Posted by bigben

Well see the stuff that a simple question starts!! Too funny - every time this question is approached same stuff.

I'd love a DP but prefer to not spend the funds for a new one or to spend the $s to maintain an older one.

Our brand new profile RV meets every single one of our of our wants, needs and comfort. It wasn't inexpensive and we could have purchased a fairly nice used DP. But!! didn't want the risk of facing fairly expensive repairs. Our gasser RV handles great, the Ford V10 is a real workhorse. Is it noisier than a diesel - under load uphill? YEP. We drive lots of miles and we don't regret it in the least.

We made our choice based on our wants, needs and $s. You will need to do the same. But dang - how I love the positional inputs. Too Funny!!!

BigBen, I was beginning to think I was all alone!

[Coma]

Originally Posted by SissyBoyBob

I just did some research on the Mercedes sprinter history, and there seems to be some problems with that engine too. More added cost to keep it on the road.

I am at a point right this second to think that the Ford V10 engine and chasis is the only bullet proof thing out there if cost of maintenance and repair is a concern to one like me. I just read a couple horror stories where people have had trouble with the Mercedes engine and can't find anyone for miles and miles that will even look at it. Most Mercedes dealers don't seem to have the lift to deal with it and don't want to be bothered.

I don't want to have to worry about whatever I am driving. I will be all alone everywhere I go, day and night, and just want the most reliable and easiest least costly to fix and keep on the road.

I am thinking to just go with the Ford setup in a smaller lighter class C or B, like a 22-25 footer in order to get a little bit better mpg out of it.

It's hard to believe that its the 21 century, we can send men to space for weeks, and yet still can't make a reliable motorhome that the average person can afford. Well, at least cars have improved greatly over the last 30 yrs. I remember when 4 cylinder engines were lucky to go 50,000 miles in a car, and now they go 200,000 all the time.

Do not let internet horror stories scare you off. Any vehicle can leave you stranded. Some dealers won't service the big Ford chassis either.

It sounds like your needs are simple. Buy something simple, as new as is possible and get a Coach Net or equivalent. If you have a small towed then you have an escape plan. If it strands you get a hotel room. Sleep easy, life is a gamble anyway.

[Moxy]

Originally Posted by plasma800

If today, one goes with the older high end coach, he or she inheriting $30,000 worth of "That broke, need to fix it .... that broke, need to fix it.... that broke, need to fix it.... that broke need to fix it... that broke again, need to fix it..."

I'm being slightly facetious, but in a very honest point, one could easily sink 20k into solving the multiple issues that arise from a 10 year old DP. I would have at least that much on tap for just in case moments. You might not need it, but if you do..........

I easily spent that amt in fixer up money on what appeared to be a well maintained , 9 year old, high end 400k+ coach that I purchased under 100k. But things simply wear out. They need new airbags in the rear suspension? There goes $2800. Need new tires? There goes 6-7k. Slide motor extends while driving a little at a time, Need a slide motor with brake assembly ('cause they don't sell the brake mech alone)? There goes 1800. Batteries? 1200. Steps stop working? beat em with a hammer and hope. So forth... it can add up very quickly. Going into it knowing this helps you from wanting to light it on fire for the insurance money each day. Don't push your max budget, be prepared for some fixer up money to be spent. Be ready for some head scratching from even "qualified" mechanics. Expect fixes to take 2 weeks longer than quoted. Cross your fingers every time you fire it up.

I would NOT think that extra price tag fluctuation of 30k in the "under 100k" range or so immediately equals better in that range - this is more a case by case basis.

For instance, PPL right now has a rig priced at 179 that I would never buy based on problems i've read from other owners, but they have one listed at 86?? ( an 08 bounder diesel 350?) that I would seriously consider.

P.S. ALL Rv's are crummy in some way or another, some to higher degrees of crummy, some less - but I would never discourage anyone from RV'ing, it's a blast!!

P.P.S - ALWAYS look before you step out. Don't assume your steps are extended just cause they did last time.... Someone reported just the other day that their wife stepped out into open air because the steps failed to open. She, luckily, did not break any bones, but was pretty shaken up over it. Another buddy of mine has the opposite problem, his steps open, and close, whenever they feel like it - including while driving or standing on them! Lot's of head scratching on this one, parts tossed at it, but no fix as of yet.

dude you need to pay attention more when buying stuff, if and I stress if your coach needed everything you have listed, you need to buy it a whole lot cheaper to allow for the repairs clearly needed, man that thing was worn out, air bags, mine are 14 years old and fine, and the six in the rear would be under 2K, batteries, well every coach will go through batteries. for $1200.00, what exactly did ya buy cause interstates were under 500 for my coach, 6-7K for tires, my tag axles coach would not cost that with the most expensive tires available and then you are good for 7-10 years, steps, they are not rocket science and not difficult or expensive to replace, this is another example of misleading posts scaring the hell out of people looking at older coaches, the chances of needing everything you list while possible is highly unlikely, further everything you have listed is easily detectable and should have been considered when buying, it would seem you are more ticked off with your bad purchase, as far as your PS's it would appear you are doing exactly what you claim you are not telling people to avoid.

Moxy

[Chow5656]

Originally Posted by plasma800

If today, one goes with the older high end coach, he or she inheriting $30,000 worth of "That broke, need to fix it .... that broke, need to fix it.... that broke, need to fix it.... that broke need to fix it... that broke again, need to fix it..."

I'm being slightly facetious, but in a very honest point, one could easily sink 20k into solving the multiple issues that arise from a 10 year old DP. I would have at least that much on tap for just in case moments. You might not need it, but if you do..........

I easily spent that amt in fixer up money on what appeared to be a well maintained , 9 year old, high end 400k+ coach that I purchased under 100k. But things simply wear out. They need new airbags in the rear suspension? There goes $2800. Need new tires? There goes 6-7k. Slide motor extends while driving a little at a time, Need a slide motor with brake assembly ('cause they don't sell the brake mech alone)? There goes 1800. Batteries? 1200. Steps stop working? beat em with a hammer and hope. So forth... it can add up very quickly. Going into it knowing this helps you from wanting to light it on fire for the insurance money each day. Don't push your max budget, be prepared for some fixer up money to be spent. Be ready for some head scratching from even "qualified" mechanics. Expect fixes to take 2 weeks longer than quoted. Cross your fingers every time you fire it up.

I would NOT think that extra price tag fluctuation of 30k in the "under 100k" range or so immediately equals better in that range - this is more a case by case basis.

For instance, PPL right now has a rig priced at 179 that I would never buy based on problems i've read from other owners, but they have one listed at 86?? ( an 08 bounder diesel 350?) that I would seriously consider.

P.S. ALL Rv's are crummy in some way or another, some to higher degrees of crummy, some less - but I would never discourage anyone from RV'ing, it's a blast!!

P.P.S - ALWAYS look before you step out. Don't assume your steps are extended just cause they did last time.... Someone reported just the other day that their wife stepped out into open air because the steps failed to open. She, luckily, did not break any bones, but was pretty shaken up over it. Another buddy of mine has the opposite problem, his steps open, and close, whenever they feel like it - including while driving or standing on them! Lot's of head scratching on this one, parts tossed at it, but no fix as of yet.

You spent $2800.00 to replace two air bags that cost $150.00 each??

[Chow5656]

Originally Posted by Moxy

dude you need to pay attention more when buying stuff, if and I stress if your coach needed everything you have listed, you need to buy it a whole lot cheaper to allow for the repairs clearly needed, man that thing was worn out, air bags, mine are 14 years old and fine, and the six in the rear would be under 2K, batteries, well every coach will go through batteries. for $1200.00, what exactly did ya buy cause interstates were under 500 for my coach, 6-7K for tires, my tag axles coach would not cost that with the most expensive tires available and then you are good for 7-10 years, steps, they are not rocket science and not difficult or expensive to replace, this is another example of misleading posts scaring the hell out of people looking at older coaches, the chances of needing everything you list while possible is highly unlikely, further everything you have listed is easily detectable and should have been considered when buying, it would seem you are more ticked off with your bad purchase, as far as your PS's it would appear you are doing exactly what you claim you are not telling people to avoid.

Moxy

X2!!!!!

[nothermark]

Originally Posted by Betr2Trvl

BigBen, I was beginning to think I was all alone!

You have a lot of company. Sort of makes one wonder why the DP folks are so interested in telling people to buy old used DP's.

[Pa Miller]

I'd buy mine again again and again .... 1995 monaco dynasty ... 72,000 miles on her and she runs like a top and rides like a town car !!!

[bigben]

As a fellow RV owner - wish DP and gasser owner nothing but the best. I find the impassioned responses by owners (often DP) very entertaining.

The real bottom line is the real bottom line - identify your stuff list, identify your financial constraints, take the plunge and then ENJOY. I wanted a hedge against future outlays, so went with a new gasser (very well equipped I might add) versus buying a used DP. Strictly our choice based on our plunge. To each there own.

[Moxy]

Originally Posted by bigben

As a fellow RV owner - wish DP and gasser owner nothing but the best. I find the impassioned responses by owners (often DP) very entertaining.

The real bottom line is the real bottom line - identify your stuff list, identify your financial constraints, take the plunge and then ENJOY. I wanted a hedge against future outlays, so went with a new gasser (very well equipped I might add) versus buying a used DP. Strictly our choice based on our plunge. To each there own.

I certainly see the dilemma faced by prospective RV owners, having to buy new as you did or for the same money buying a 10 year old DP, one would really need to understand and have a vested interest in properly investigating the options and in the end deciding based on the results, most would rather take the route often travelled, buying a new gasser, accepting the 50% depreciation and move one, personally I want the added comforts and abilities and size that only comes with a diesel, so I had to go old enough to where I could afford what I wanted, it was going to be used no matter what, I could not being myself to toss $30-50000 out the window buying new gasser whether it could do the job or not. The issue is being educated and understanding what you are getting into and most importantly separating the wheat from the chaff when it come to the real cost of maintenance, upkeep and updating.

Moxy

[Moxy]

Originally Posted by nothermark

You have a lot of company. Sort of makes one wonder why the DP folks are so interested in telling people to buy old used DP's.

Im not sure I am trying to convince anyone to buy a used DP, just trying to make sure people are not deterred by nonsence and half assed comments from people (mostly gas coach I might add) who feel the need to exaggerate DP cost to justify their purchases or decisions.

In the end, I paid for arguments sake 100K for my DP, it is still worth near that now, 4 years later, friend paid about the same for new gasser same time, he has warranty, we both have used coaches 4 years later, he as been running around in a 34 foot gas coach pissed off now because he cant pull his car trailer, it is too small for his like, gets crappy gas mileage and the RV dealer rapes him for service and when he went to trade it he was shell shocked by the offer, half of what he paid I am still pleased as punch with our 41, pulls whatever I want, still worth near what I paid, now I have put new TV's in, recarpeted, serviced brakes and did complete fluid change to get a base line, replaced two tires as well, I promise you I did not spend a 10th of what my friend lost the day he drove off the lot.

Moxy