Community Forums

3charter · 04-30-2015, 12:21 PM

Hi all,
Total noob here. I am toying with the idea of entering the world of the motor coach. I currently own a travel trailer. I know that I want a 32-36 foot DP with a fiberglass roof and no slides, but dont have ton of money. I am in the 20-30K range.

If you were in my shoes, knowing what you know, what would you buy and why?

I know this is really general, but i need insight on things like chassis, engine, preference on make, quality of build etc.

Thanks for your help.

Zhago Joe · 04-30-2015, 01:14 PM

Welcome to the forum.
If you buy in those years, no matter the brand, your not likely to get any slideouts, and believe me they make a huge difference. If you start at 97 you can most likely get a living room slide. A little more searching will find such a rig that won't cost much more than the years you are showing.

You might look at fleetwoods, vectra, overland, and allegro just to mention a few.
Good luck in your search and try looking in all the forums that have classifieds.

okcnewbie · 04-30-2015, 01:18 PM

I was in an older Monaco at an estate sale so.....something like this. You would have $10,000 left for gas and repairs.

1994 Monaco Executive 38' 300HP Diesel Luxury RV Motorhome

okcnewbie · 04-30-2015, 01:21 PM

Little bigger and more expensive but in the same neighborhood.....

1994 MONACO CROWN ROYALE MOTOR HOME SIGNATURE SERIES MOTORHOME DIESEL PUSHER

Bludiver · 04-30-2015, 04:04 PM

I would stick with Beaver, Monaco, Tiffin or Holiday Rambler. Regardless of the brand you still have to do your homework, inspect everything and get a friend or trusted source who can handle the chassis and engine inspection. Your looking at 18 plus year old equipment so you have to expect some problems. I would stay under 100k miles if possible and as few previous owners as possible. How it has been stored is really important. Remember to check the DOT date on the tires. Anything over 6-8 years probably needs replaced regardless of tread wear. The more receipts for work done the seller has, the better. If your lucky you will get the Owners Manual plus as many other equipment manuals available. Good Luck.

johnboy2 · 04-30-2015, 04:23 PM

Not so much what brand but what features.
Air breaks
Air ride
Side radiator
Fiberglass roof
Newer tires
No delamination
Maintained records
These are some of the things I'd look for. Good luck there are a lot of good coaches out there. At that age I think only the top brands will still be in really good shape.

John

oldmattb · 04-30-2015, 04:35 PM

Two years ago, we bought a nice 1998 Monaco Windsor for $20K. No slides and EDPM roof, but it does have dual pane windows, diesel generator, air bag suspension, Cummins-Allison, almost new tires, full body paint. Very attractive floorplan and in excellent shape. Maintenance was up-to-date. At fifty yards, it could pass for new. Up close, it looks single digits. I would have preferred a fiberglass roof, but it was not a deal-breaker for me.

We found it on Craigslist. Three things made it happen. First, I called within a few minutes after they lowered the price significantly. Second, I assured them I was a cash sale, and could be there in fifteen minutes to see it. (They had already scheduled another showing in 30 minutes.) Third, we were patient when they needed a week to deal with their finance company.

No real mechanical issues other than routine maintenance, a squeaky furnace fan, and a broken ice maker line, fatigued from exposure.

No regrets concerning buying used, our price range, or the lack of a slide.

Good Luck!

SteveLevin · 04-30-2015, 04:39 PM

Condition, condition, condition! A poorly maintained luxury coach will be worse than a well-kept low end unit at 20+ years.

I know you said you want diesel, but make sure you can afford the higher costs to maintain and repair the diesel. It's not massively more in general, but when I see people concerned about purchase cost, I do worry.

Your budget would allow you a much newer gasoline coach, and you might want consider that.

Steve

UncleBilly · 04-30-2015, 04:46 PM

I'd look at (and did) Beaver, Monaco Crown Royale/Dynasty and Country Coach. My heart was set on a Beaver from mid 90's but everyone I found someone would sneak in and buy it. "Settled" for my 96 Country Coach Intrigue for $30,000. Awesome shape, kept indoors, and all records. They are out there, may take up to a year too find it... Good luck..😜

1996 Country Coach Intrigue 😜

Oilbrnr · 04-30-2015, 04:58 PM

Foretravel or Country Coach.

Smitty77 · 04-30-2015, 05:02 PM

Beaver, Country Coach, Foretravel would be in the two three of the years you mentioned. Like the higher end Monaco's too.

As mentioned, condition, condition, condition. Pride of ownership. Documentation.

Happy hunting,
Smitty

FormerBoater · 04-30-2015, 05:35 PM

An American Eagle.

Peralko · 04-30-2015, 05:49 PM

Country Coach, of course!
http://m.rvtrader.com/dealers/PPL-Mo...Y-40-114595040

TechWriter · 04-30-2015, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3charter

I know that I want a 32-36 foot DP with a fiberglass roof and no slides, but dont have ton of money. I am in the 20-30K range.

Take a look at the DPs currently for sale at PPL Motorhomes to get a good idea of what's available in your price range.

Also look at what DPs actually sold for at PPL Motorhomes.

Before you purchase a used DP, see if service and parts are available for it. You don't want to end up paying more for parts than what you paid for the DP itself.

Finally, for $20-$30K you'll probably be buying a 10-year-old or greater DP. Even though the engine, chassis, and transmission should be in good shape, other things may be showing their age -- ACs, fridge, etc -- and may need to be replaced.