How Motorhomes Age?

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by ClassyC

I was watching an RV show on TV the other night. They said in one of their little quiz’s that the average person keeps an RV for 8 years. So on average a lot of 9 year old RVs for sale...

Probably true and whereas they can easily get financed, all over again.
Banks and such, don't like RV's over 10yrs old.
Thing is, after some years go by, you're not even paying for the one you're driving, anymore, unless you pay off the trade, before hand.

[Solo_RV_Guy]

Originally Posted by daveandcarol

I seem to recall reading about people complaining about newer motorhomes (maybe it was more the higher dollar ones) looking like casinos (or bordellos) inside.
The comment about 10 year old cars versus newer ones is interesting considering how much almost all of the newer cars look alike regardless of manufacturer. Was it like that in 2009 or were there more marked differences - I can't remember. (Disclaimer: I might be biased - current car is 2005, before that 1992, before that 1969...)

The "bordello on wheels" comment came up in a discussion about a specific unit (a Newell, IIRC) that keeps coming back up for sale every couple of years. Newell coaches are pretty much custom creations for the initial buyer so lots of "expression" in decor.

[Solo_RV_Guy]

I'd rather have an early-mid 2000's Monaco Camelot or Executive, update the AV systems, and figure on eventually replacing tires, HVAC and electrical (ATS, inverter, etc) in the matter of course, presuming those hadn't been done before I get it. The value of these or similar DPs of that era is in the build quality and attention to detail. If I don't like the interior I can change it to my hearts and budgets content.


My primary objection to most coach interiors comes down to this: too much dark wood. Don't get me wrong, I love natural looks and appreciate real hardwoods. But floor to ceiling, same color and finish in such a small area is part of what can make RVs claustrophobic.


Carpet was a bad idea from the start. I mean, really? An outdoors living quarters with pets and probably some kids? In 300-ish s.f.? Carpet? Uh.... No thanks, I'll get a couple of rugs.


Finally I think the reason most RV interiors tend toward the "classic, old school" look is because most of we buyers are old school classics.

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by Solo_RV_Guy

I'd rather have an early-mid 2000's Monaco Camelot or Executive, update the AV systems, and figure on eventually replacing tires, HVAC and electrical (ATS, inverter, etc) in the matter of course, presuming those hadn't been done before I get it. The value of these or similar DPs of that era is in the build quality and attention to detail. If I don't like the interior I can change it to my hearts and budgets content.


My primary objection to most coach interiors comes down to this: too much dark wood. Don't get me wrong, I love natural looks and appreciate real hardwoods. But floor to ceiling, same color and finish in such a small area is part of what can make RVs claustrophobic.


Carpet was a bad idea from the start. I mean, really? An outdoors living quarters with pets and probably some kids? In 300-ish s.f.? Carpet? Uh.... No thanks, I'll get a couple of rugs.


Finally I think the reason most RV interiors tend toward the "classic, old school" look is because most of we buyers are old school classics.

So, this is the old dreadful style?

[Solo_RV_Guy]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

So, this is the old dreadful style?
Attachment 245036
Attachment 245037

That's tasteful and not particularly monotonous. I note the non-carpet floor covering, too.

[brokenrule]

Might just be me but I think the interior of our 1996 looks better than some of the new ones out there. However, it did take a look time to find one without the all blue or pink decor!

[mromberg1]

How do we think these will age in 10-15 years? These are a couple I’m interested in.

[Kodiakan]

Originally Posted by FatChance

Older, classic styles that withstand the test of time always have fans like me who don't care for more transitory modern "fashions". Remember when avacado appliances and shag carpet were considered modern?

Times two. As far as I'm concerned there are a lot of Class A's that look like a Carnival heading down the road. Not for me.

[Milford 47]

Interesting the varied responses. Some would make you think vintage coaches would command more money. To each his own and just get out there and enjoy.

[AllanK]

A friend of mine has a vintage coach, 1985 and has features that make me jealous. We have some carpets that just need to go.

But our floor plan works great for yes we have wood, lots of it, but we like it.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by mromberg1

Attachment 245224Attachment 245225

How do we think these will age in 10-15 years? These are a couple I’m interested in.

IMHO, the big tv is too close to the bed.

And, if a toilet room is behind the TV, it is too close to the sofa.

No noise separation.

So, it would not work for us in year 1.

[Ludmilla]

I do not think that older motor homes look dated. I look at the quality of the cabinets, counters, furniture, etc. I look at the layout to see how livable it is. I like a light airy look since they are small to start with. The only thing I envy on the new motor homes is the lack of carpet on the main floor. I do not like all the black paint on the outside of motor homes. I like substance over glitz.

[Maynard78]

16 year old coachman Mirada updated with custom upholstery and backsplash to a country modern kinda look.

[mtofell]

Stick house colors really have entered a new style over the last few years (at least in my area). The warm brown/red tones of the 2000s have been replaced with a lot of cooler tone grays. Some grays and browns can even be blended as long as the browns are the right shade. I've noticed RVs at shows following suit. I think both color schemes are fine and still perfectly modern to me. My only complaint (houses or RVs) is when people try to blend the two schemes and put a really yellow/red brown with gray. That looks terrible.

To the OP's point, it is surprising how fast the trends change these days. We can probably blame all the HGTV shows and whatnot along with the rapid exchange of information - internet, etc.