I'm sure you've heard this question a thousand times...

[WTHNot]

I'm sure you've heard this question a thousand times: I'm starting my search for a good used Class A diesel pusher to go full time in. I'd like to know what brand/models should I consider (help me make my short list)? I know each one is unique and ensure the maintenance records are up-to-date, tires, rust, etc. are checked out. I want to eliminate as many lemons, poorly designed, bad year models, brands and models as possible. I'm looking for used, low mileage (reasonably low), approx. 38ft. (will look at 40ft'r; easily for wife to drive), more than 300HP (we travel over the Rockies a lot) and I my price range is $60-70K. Quality and reliability is utmost importance. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

btw: it'll be my first big unit, currently we pull a teardrop with a 6cyl. Subaru Outback.

Thanks in advance.

[WTHNot]

One thing I have been doing is when I read the different threads, I look at the rig people have in their signature. If they've been full-timing for awhile (5-10yrs), they must really like their rig. I put those on my list.

[Arby49]

Check out ppl. My friend just listed a 2006 36' Monaco Cayman with them. That year was during Monaco's prime, has a 350hp. PPL has a lot of units.

[charliearrow]

Like you I did my research as well and we bought a recently loved 2003 42ft Monoco Windsor ($38k) with a Cummings 350 and only 45k miles and previous owner had replace refrig, microwave, furnace, both AC's, recliner, generator with only 400 hrs -- we have had to replace the garbage Goodyear tires, added windgard Directv ant. And new King HD Ant.- oil change and cummings complete service to tranny and genie and it's a dream to drive - look long and hard but there are great deals out there

[MSHappyCampers]

We love our 2002 Monaco Windsor! It should be in that price range.

350 HP Cummins ISC350 engine

Allyson 3000 tranny

Side radiator and exhaust

Full-body paint

3 slideouts

Separate "throne room" with vanity

Onan Quiet Diesel 7500 genny


Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs! Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[okcnewbie]

You asked;

I would start with RV trader and put in 50 to 70k as the price and then sort by year. This will give you the model year you can afford. Obviously, the higher end MH's will have to be much older to fit in your budget.
You can eliminate some via pictures and description but some of them that sound great don't seem so great when you are in them. I'm doing the same thing and have a different budget but everything is relative. For myself I'm leaning towards older and higher end. Good luck. I'm sure you will find something quite nice that is in your budget. Of course, budgets have been known to change when people actually start taking test drives.

[4Fingers]

One of the most important things is the floorplan. Find one you like. Ask others what they like about theirs. Shower size or do you want a tub? Do you want your toilet in a closet? Washer and dryer hook up? Dinette or table and chairs? One of the most important to me was bed size, being 6' 3" tall we needed a full queen or king size bed (80 in. tall) not a RV queen( 75 in. tall). How about slides?
I am sure you will get lots of help. Good Luck.

Happy Motoring
Don & Susan

[WTHNot]

Thanks all. Good start.

[WTHNot]

How much mileage should I be looking at? I know a lot depends on how well it's been maintained. I wouldn't want to look at something with 100K or more. I imagine we'll travel 6-10K a year (when you live in Texas everywhere is far away), and I hope to full time it for at least 10 years (early 70's).

[WTHNot]

Any brands or models to stay away from?

[DaveandDoris]

We love our Monaco diplomat. 2009 that we purchased 18 months ago. We are starting our 8th year of fulltiming and on our 3rd rv.

[WTHNot]

Thanks. Had not considered Monaco's until the Windsor and your's came up.

[Cinequip]

Go hang out in the Owners Forum, Alpine. Higher end DP, with 34, 36, 38 and 40' variants, many with mid-door entry. One of the best riding coaches. Alpine owners very well organized, and willing to help with technical issues. You can find great deals with lower mileage coaches.

[Dutch Star Don]

Monaco and Country Coach made some of the best coaches out there (years ago). The Monaco's are easier to find because they made more of them. I would NOT buy any coach for full timing that did not have at least an ISL 400.

In 2004, Monaco offered the ISL in their Camelot line and above. In 2005 they offered the ISL 400 in the Diplomat and above.

You can still go to Monaco's website and look at all of the older floorplans Monaco RV Brochures – Monaco Coach Luxury RVs – Class A Motorhomes | Monaco Coach.

A good used 2004-2006 Monaco would probably fit your price range.