Community Forums

4tfamily · 11-21-2012, 04:36 PM

Many of you encouraged me to look at used DP's instead of brand new gassers for our 2 month cross-country trip. (after which we may sell the coach). I checked with hubby to see what his opinion was.

His biggest fear with anything older is the lack of warranty. He's afraid of heading out and being stranded 1000's of mile from home. We realize that could happen with a brand spankin' new one until the bugs are worked out as well, but then we wondered about whether the manufacturer would pay for a hotel room if your coach had to be tied up while under warranty.

Also, I'm looking at 2005 Winnebago 40ft DP for instance. How would that compare with a 2013 37ft. Tiffin gasser as far as driving/handling? I know the new Tiffins have the 22.5 wheels and 24k chassis for a better ride.

What are some of the other things to consider ? Is it a problem to find campgrounds with a 40ft? Anything you can share that will help us in this decision would be greatly appreciated, however snarkiness is not.

450Donn · 11-21-2012, 04:41 PM

Manufacturers will not pay for hotels, towing or any other incidentals involved in a breakdown. Buying new for two months is a Hugh waste of money. Of you have that much disposable income to throw away, you could throw it my way. Seriously buy the used MH and then purchase an aftermarket warranty that will cover things like towing and hotels/meals if your that worried. Actually if your that worried you would be far better off driving in a car and staying in hotels for your trip. Really, by the time you buy, equip pay for fuel insurance, camping fees etc etc, and the loss of value when you try to sell you probably would find it cheaper to drive your current car and stay in hotels

Craig_R · 11-21-2012, 04:47 PM

For only two months why not rent? For what it will cost you in taxes, fees, insurance and other associated expenses you'd be way ahead of the game by renting.

tncruiser · 11-21-2012, 04:47 PM

i like new for the warranty and the freshness of the coach,in my working life i spent as many as 300 nights a year in a motel. when i retired i decided i want my own bed,toilet and coffee maker every morning upon retiring we moved in to our new home we designed and had built and have slept in very few coomercial or unsure places since. what ever you decide happy travels
brianj

rehtaf · 11-21-2012, 04:49 PM

We have a 2005 Winn 40AD , had 2 previous gas class A. There is no comparison to ride and comfort with the DP We absolutely LOVE it If you like it, have it checked by a pro and go from there ,each coach is different in the way it was treated and maintained
As far as service Cummins and Freightliner have service nationwide Good luck w/your search Tom

Sky_Boss · 11-21-2012, 05:00 PM

It's your money but...

Do you REALLY want to do that?

Think of it. You have to find one you like, make sure it is mechanically sound, and pay tax on it, register it... THEN...you have/may to sell it.

Even getting a monster deal on a new one will cost a lot of cash to get out of it. I suggest that an older DP will depreciate much less.

Service contracts...well...for a 2 month ownership I think is tossing money away. Just dumped my service contract because they fought me tooth and nail over claims.

Listen, I really love what you want to do. Just think this out a bit more.

mcbrian · 11-21-2012, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_R

For only two months why not rent? For what it will cost you in taxes, fees, insurance and other associated expenses you'd be way ahead of the game by renting.

I agree, renting seems to be your best bet for two months. You would have nothing to worry about.

wonderer1 · 11-21-2012, 05:09 PM

does anyone remember the couple who are going to buy their mh for a 3 mo. app.6,000 mi. trip. maybe you two can work out a deal.

WheelingIt · 11-21-2012, 05:11 PM

Oh I definitely agree with the renting option. Especially for only 2 months.

If you buy new depreciation will mean you'll lose a ton of money on the buy/sell transaction, as soon as you drive it off the lot!

If you buy used, even if you have a warranty, what happens if you end up needing repairs that take many weeks? Warranty claims are notoriously long and complicated, often involving inspectors and back nd forth with the claims company. I had one this year that took almost 3 weeks to clear!

For only 2 months it's much less hassle to rent, especially if something happens to the rig on the road.

DSL417 · 11-21-2012, 05:12 PM

I gotta say this...take a two month cruise for a vacation, leaving where you are by plane and returning where you're going by plane...what your proposing is probably more costly with a new coach than taking a balcony cabin on a 60 day cruise (and there you get meals and entertainment (and you don't need a warrantee)

RickO · 11-21-2012, 05:16 PM

I too would vote for the used DP instead of a new gasser for several reasons:

1) Since you're talking about a cross country loop in only two months, you're going to be doing a LOT of traveling and there is no comparison between traveling in a DP vs a gasser... no matter what size wheels are on the gasser.

2) The depreciation will be enormous on the new coach.

3) You can purchase a good extended service contract which does cover living expenses in the unlikely event that you would need to be out of the coach for repairs.

I assume that you're not planning to purchase a motor home because you think it's going to be less expensive than other forms of transportation... because it almost surely won't... but it's worth the extra money!

Best of luck.

Rick

DSL417 · 11-21-2012, 05:17 PM

Might add...needing a referee...if you're not both committed to this lifestyle...definitely rent...and a good lawyer and medical policy might be in order. While we're going to be new at this ourselves, in 37 years we've never argued or had a fight...and we still have to think about such close quarters full time.

Kazoo Tom · 11-21-2012, 05:24 PM

Which ever way you decide to go, it will be a large cash outlay that you probably won't recoup in just two years. As stated above, the ride and handling quality of a DP is unmatched in a gasser. That said, even a gasser can handle well and ride comfortably. If you buy new, either gasser or DP, you will be absorbing the largest depreciation hit. We just bought our current rig used this past spring. The largest percentage of depreciation was absorbed by the original owner. Our rig had only 22,000 miles on it and the interior was like brand new.

We had the dealer include, at his cost, and 5 year extended warranty policy. It is an exclusionary policy meaning that if an item is not specifically excluded from coverage, it is covered. This covers all major components, and several minor ones, but does not cover any hotel or other associated costs. We also carry Coach-Net for road service if it is ever needed (they also cover our personal cars and any rentals). Coach-net does cover hotel and transportation costs, but only if it is due to a collision. You will find many repair facilities that deal with motor homes will set you up in their lot during the course of repair, provided your unit is habitable. Fortunately this is not something we have had to take advantage of.

Considering our payments and the costs of fuel, it is true that it may be less expensive to drive in the car and stay in hotels. Like stated above, there is tremendous value for us in having our own bed and the complete kitchen. Where ever we go, we bring our own "condo".

Size does matter however. If you plan to stay in commercial parks and resorts 40+ feet should not be a problem. If, however, you plan to stay in State Parks, National Parks, State and national forests, then you might run into some restrictions because of the size.

I personally think that the more you travel in your coach, the more you will NOT want to sell it so soon. Good luck in your decision, and your pending adventure.

Leary54 · 11-21-2012, 05:48 PM

I really think if money is an issue then a Motorhome is not something you want to purchase because it will suck your wallet dry. I always tell everyone that has asked me. How much does everything cost? I try to be honest and give them the truth. The truth is if you have to worry about money this is not the hobby you want to get involved in. Trust me it takes up allot of time and money for matainance .it will become a hobby believe me.