First Class A Question

[BellevilleRv]

Hi all Im looking at a 38 foot 1995 Southwind is that too long for a starter Class A Motorhome it seems in good 110k km's on it shape fully safety inspected and E- tested the decals are a bit faded most tires are newer although Chinese it has a tag axel and a recent dealer refinished roof
Any comments would be appreciated

[huntnski]

I hope 38 ft is not too long. My first MH is a 42ft and since Feb. of 2013 no issues with length yet! Slow and steady, that how the learning goes! Take your time as you shop, don't fall in love with every great sounding deal you come across, there are plenty deals out there. We almost made a big $ blunder by rushing. Good luck!

[Skip426]

If you've never RVed before 38' may be a bit of a steep learning curve, but depending on you confidence level, not that big a deal. My 2c worth. My 38' A is much easier to drive and park in a back-in RV site than my 30' 5th wheel was.
18 year old unit is going to have decal issues ; unless you find the one unit that's been parked in a garage it's whole life.
Tires are a big ticket item, a lot depends on how far you intend to travel with the unit right away. Price replacements and adjust any offer you make accordingly.
The mileage should not be an issue , provided the coach has had proper maintenance. Check for records of engine and trans oil changes, battery replacements, any and all work performed.
If the floor plan works for you and the price checks out with other units of that vintage, JMHO, go for it.
You didn't say what powertrain the coach has, that info , may get you more insite from othe iRV2 members.

[jnp_macklin]

Just like buying a house....

Don't let your emotions sway into making a purchase....

Don't buy the first one you come across.....

Inspect it thoroughly.... If you're not sure what you should be looking for, then ask a friend or someone who either has a drivable RV or at least a travel trailer. Those folks know from experience what to look for when it comes to pitfalls and that sort of thing.

Google is your friend... Read reviews, check message boards, sign up for a few of them, (like iRV2.com) and research into common problems with models, manufacturers, and systems.

RV's are similar in nature to automobiles, in the respect that there are plenty of them out there, in all different kinds of condition. Mileage... Age... How often it was used.... Any known mechanical problems, etc..... All those things are taken into account when making an offer on an RV, just like any other vehicle you purchase.

Good luck!

[jnp_macklin]

I realize that this may be posting across different threads, but this is a VERY thorough RV checklist you can print off and fill out when you inspect it. It gives you lots of things to look at... even in areas you didnt think to look.

As a general rule of thumb... if the seller starts to get nervous when you pull this checklist out, I would walk away, and keep looking at other units.

Fortunately, every time we pulled out our 'clipboard', the seller was like, "Wow! Thats a pretty big checklist." One dealer asked where we found it, so that he could compare it with what their checklist was for servicing trade-in's coming into their inventory.

We used this checklist on every rig we looked at. Some of them looked great, and others didn't cut it. But if you're unsure of what to look for when you're shopping, this is a great place to start as a reference point.....

RV Inspection Checklist

[BellevilleRv]

Thanks for the info its a GM frame Im guessing as it has a 454 engine and power train the only unknown is the propane tank a bit rusty on the top.
I have been looking for the better part of the year for a Class A he is asking $12,500 or best offer and thats not to far off the NADA guide as an asking price. I was told it spent a lot of time Florida

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by BellevilleRv

Thanks for the info its a GM frame Im guessing as it has a 454 engine and power train the only unknown is the propane tank a bit rusty on the top.
I have been looking for the better part of the year for a Class A he is asking $12,500 or best offer and thats not to far off the NADA guide as an asking price. I was told it spent a lot of time Florida

Check the under carrage for rust/ rot , and crawl through all the compartments looking for signs of being in high water ( flood ).
If you buy a used RV, out of province or country, that has had a flood claim on insurance, you cannot re-register it to , my home province ( B.C.). Check with your local D.O.T. as to allowable rust penitration on a propane tank, and regulations on re-certification of the propane system; some times not required on private sales.
38' gasser, look for the weight info, might not have much in the way of CCC, cargo carrying capacity, with all those compartments and space , I'd want at least 2500lbs CCC. Brother-in-law had a 35' gas with 1600lbs CCC. and he was overloaded every time he hit the scales, no matter how he packed.

[Bruce C]

Originally Posted by jnp_macklin

I realize that this may be posting across different threads, but this is a VERY thorough RV checklist you can print off and fill out when you inspect it. It gives you lots of things to look at... even in areas you didnt think to look.

As a general rule of thumb... if the seller starts to get nervous when you pull this checklist out, I would walk away, and keep looking at other units.

Fortunately, every time we pulled out our 'clipboard', the seller was like, "Wow! Thats a pretty big checklist." One dealer asked where we found it, so that he could compare it with what their checklist was for servicing trade-in's coming into their inventory.

We used this checklist on every rig we looked at. Some of them looked great, and others didn't cut it. But if you're unsure of what to look for when you're shopping, this is a great place to start as a reference point.....

RV Inspection Checklist

If your new to this follow the check list, it'll help. Good luck.

[herbertgk]

our first motorhome a 37G winnebago adventurer, now we have a 38T adventuer, never had any problems, driving or parking.