Choices choices

[ArkansasRomr]

Hey guys/gals
I’m selling my lil 31’ 5th Wheel because the trips are fairly rough without air bags when you are a certain age...... I have good knowledge when it comes to riding fast bikes (don’t tell momma) but I’m as dumb as a box of rocks when it comes to motorhomes. I’ve been a very frequent reader of you guys and your wisdom on this site so I lay myself meekly before thee. I have learned that for what I want/need I’m looking for a diesel pusher instead of a gas burner.

Being a poor ole country boy from Arkansas the units in my price range sit me in the 1999-2002 year models (trying to keep it under 35k). So, if you had these parameters are there any makes you’d recommend to buy and those you would shy away from?

Thanks ahead of time for all your comments and wisdom!

PS. I’m a former cop so you can’t hurt my feelings in any way believe me. Oh yeah, if your out there RV Gary I’d like to hear from you as I’ve enjoyed your comments.

Thanks again

[Isaac-1]

If you want a 98-02 Diesel pusher, you may want to go up a bit on your budget, most in the $35,000 range at that age will either have issues, or will be entry level models.

[Ivylog]

I had good service out of a 98 Beaver Patriot and have always felt the Monaco Dynasty gave the most bang for the buck. I would stay away from Alfa.

[Skiddy]

I got my 99 Winnebago Itasca 36' with 90k miles on for less than 35k. have had no issues with it and pretty well made and it drives really well.

[MSHappyCampers]

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

Better get busy kicking those tires! We love our 2002 Monaco Windsor! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Mr_D]

Going to take some real hard digging to stay in that budget and years and still be in decent shape to drive. I'm sure it can be done but it might take time.

[Jon_C]

I paid $25k for my 98 HR Endeavor and have probably put that much again into it but i wanted it to be as like new as possible and did a lot of upgrades. Im thrilled to be all in for about $50k. I probably could have gotten away with your $35k if i had too.

.I love the build quality of it and freightliner chassis. Youll need to be highly mechanically and electrically inclined to work on it and they all will need work. I wouldn’t hesitate to highly recommend this year / model of coach for someone not looking to spend $100k+ Oh and im sure youll need much larger tools than you currently own unless you already have 3/4” drive laying around. Best of luck!

[Jon_C]

And thank you for your service!

[RVPioneer]

Take a look at Alpine Coach, 2000-03, or Beaver. I just saw a 1998 40' Beaver Contessa with 63K miles in very good condition for $31,500. There won't be too many Alpines on the market, but worth the search.


Spend the money on a professional pre purchase inspection. The few hundred bucks could save you thousands. It should be immediately obvious if a coach that age is worth pursuing. If it looks like new, yes. If it looks like it was hauled out of a junkyard, no. You will come across both kinds.


There are plenty of coaches available in that price range from that era. These were coaches that originally sold for $200K or more, in 2000 dollars. They're as good or better than anything new that would cost $350K. Find the right one, that needs the least amount of mechanical repairs or upgrades and you'll have a great coach that will last another 20 years.

[RVPioneer]

I'd also add Country Coach, Foretravel and Bluebird to the list.

[ArkansasRomr]

Hello Isaac
I see your running a 2002 Safari Trek. I should have made the qualifier that I’d definitely consider a gas mh if it’s a Trek. In fact I’ve done literally dozens of hours of research on these. The quality seems unquestioned. I have one on my radar (2004 30PBS rear living and 60k miles for $26k). Are you loving your trek and what mpg are you getting out of the 8100 Vortec?
Thanks

[ArkansasRomr]

Hello Ivylog
That’s great info and thanks a bunch. I’m fine with cruising in a 40 footer but my wife wants to keep it as close to under 36’ (preferably for her about 33’) as possible. I’m forced into early retirement after too many injuries stacked up and kicked me out to pasture. She thinks I can’t handle a big RV anymore, maybe she’s right but we all know you gotta keep momma happy!
Thanks again

[ArkansasRomr]

Hello Skiddy

I have a 2000 Itasca Horizon 36LD (89k miles, asking price $28k). It has the legendary (is that fair to say?) Cat 3126 engine at 300 hp. I know from pulling an RV it’s more about torque than hp. Do you know how much torque the 300hp engine put out and do you think that it’s worth a 7 hour drive to check it out?
Thanks so much for your help

[ArkansasRomr]

Skiddy
I mistakenly said I have a 2000 Itasca Horizon. I should have said I have one on my radar.
Thanks