Community Forums

Shutterbug57 · 03-11-2020, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timjet

Just know that once you get to the campsite a gasser is just as comfortable as a DP.

Maybe yes, maybe no. When we were looking, gassers appeared to have lighter weight items that were somewhat less comfortable than the DPs. You are also more likely to get a washer & dryer in a DP than a gasser, again a weight thing. While there may be some gassers that are as comfortable as some DPs, on average, that was not our experience.

Bigd9 · 03-11-2020, 06:27 AM

Over the last 6 years, I have spent an average of $2,682.54 per year. I keep a spreadsheet of all motorhome cost that includes things like 6 batteries, residential refrigerator, 6 tires, one breakdown including the towing and repairs, waxes, storage , upgrades and all maintenance according to Freightliner specifications.

It does not include fuel, and insurance. I perform all of the labor so far.

Wright1 · 03-11-2020, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timjet

If you are trying to get into a DP on a budget, my advice is don't. A mid 2000 DP will start to require some engine work beyond routine maintenance. If you intend to do the routine stuff yourself you will save a bunch, if not plan on $1500-$3000 annually for lube, oil change, tranny oil change, gen oil change, coolant change on both engine and generator, front axle oil change, differential oil change, air filter for both gen and engine, 2 fuel filters for engine and one for generator, hydraulic filters and a few other things I can't think of right now. Not all above need annual attention but you get the idea.

There is nothing like the ride and stability of a DP but you will pay for that. Just know that once you get to the campsite a gasser is just as comfortable as a DP.

Thanks for the advice. I can do all the regular Maintenance myself. Just worried about the big stuff. But I guess that can even happen on my newer truck with 51000 miles on it too!

Ivylog · 03-11-2020, 02:58 PM

My point of reference is from 40 years of heavy equipment ownership. I find many of the maintenance discussions boarder on the absurd... recent air filter every year comes to mind. Another is a oil change every year regardless of miles... I’d be happy to recycle their 3,000 mile DP oil into one of my machines. Oil sampling is probably the best money saving option... $25 well spent.

Two years ago I bought a 08 Navigator with 41K miles... oil had just been changed so doing a oil sample would be of little use. Fortunately the recent mileage was marked on the filters so with 52K miles I’ll probably have a SpeedCo change the engine oil on the way home for around $300 with a oil sample. Not convenient to back the MH into my shop at home and still $200 if I do it myself... I’ve gotten lazy.
Your mileage and comfort level may vary.

sledhead · 03-12-2020, 11:24 AM

We have a 2000 american eagle and as a retired mechanic I do most of my own mainance and in coach repairs, but do use oitside repair shops for heavy work, would say that 2500 a year figure is pretty close to what I have paid so far in the two years weve owned our coach. FYI if you have a rural king near you they have real good pricing on oils and filters and other misc parts, got a sale on now on shell diesl oil and rebates from shell as well, bought 7.5 gallons of rotella oil for 85 bucks and with the 30 in rebates came to 55 bucks, the