New to Class A - About to buy used - any advice?

[Chuckge]

All I can say is buyer beware.
M h salesmen are no different than used car salesman.
They will say whatever they need to make the sale.
Have the unit thoroughly checked by another experienced m h mechanic.
Even then plan on spending $10000 to 20000 on repairs and maintenance.
Remember m h are a box you throw money into.

[mrcummins]

I assume your 330 is an ISC with an Allison 3000. The B340 has the Allison 2500 and is also torque limited in the lower gears. This is apples and oranges when it’s towing related. I would discourage this combination in a 39 foot coach towing a heavy vehicle

[mrcummins]

340 hp is a current ISB. The 330 was an older ISC. They are not comparable

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by kkbward

Hello All - Hope my post finds you well!

My wife and I (and dog) are taking the plunge from being regular travel trailer RVers to going full-time working on the road. We have done 4-6 weeks in a Flagstaff 23-FBDS many times now and we love it. Looking to spend most of the year in 2 spots (3-4 months each) and the rest pretty variable chasing sun, fish and trails.

We are about to pull the trigger on a used DP and we would love to get any feedback to give us a little confidence going in to the deal trying to avoid any big expensive mistakes. The details of the deal we have negotiated from our dealer:

2013 Coachmen Sportscoach Cross Country 390T

-34,000 miles
-340 Cummins - 6 speed
-The dealer is adding and installing stackable W/D, Convection-Micro, a new Sofa Bed (not a JackKnife), converting to a king bed
-All tires were shot, so they are replacing
-Dealer commits to ensure everything works as it should
-No real maint records - disappointing for sure
-Only 5k towing - another disappointment - hoping to flat tow a new Ranger

Settled on $79k

So thought on if it seems like an OK deal and an overall decent choice for us. Any advice or comments are so very appreciated!

Many Thanks,

Brian

We bought a used 2014 gas Class A January 2020. I immediately bought an ESP from Goodsam. 2 months later we filed a claim for $5600. They paid everything minus the $1000 deductible. Don’t buy the warranty from the dealer.

[dmctlc]

Originally Posted by kkbward

OK folks - We are 95% out on this one - i think i am convinced it would be a decent deal for a camping vehicle, but full-time seems very questionable.

With that, we looked at a 2013 ITASCA ELLIPSE 42GD (transwest in CO) today that is currently overpriced @ $210k, but at a realistic price closer to $170k may make it worth the substantially higher price. 450 HP and 15k towing. The layout matches our needs better and already has most of what we want.

I am not sure the dealer will consider the lower price - but at least there are comps around this price range and people really like these coaches from the reviews I have been able to find. its not a tiffin or a newmar, but these seem to have been well built and close to comparable...

All the same inspections still apply - including figuring out the questionable passenger side slide (an issue i am finding) - but it has potential. If it any point it seems questionable, we can just wait....

Overall, I know folks have many opinions and there will be plenty of people who think this one is a loser too, but I am very glad to hear all opinions just to help us have as educated decision as we possibly can.... I will be VERY interested in hearing from anyone who actually has a similar coach from a similar time period...

My thanks once again,

Brian

So I've not read every post and I know it's been said that this is overpriced and I agree but this day and age with the pandemic everything is overpriced. I currently have a 2018 Winnebago Forza 38W and it's a great coach. I like the fact I can go on their site and pull up every dwg. and parts list. Freightliner and Cummins offer unbelievable support. I did a nice long trip from our home in Florida up to Pigeon Forge TN and down to Ft. Mitchell then to Eastpoint, FL. and finally home. Coach was excellent. Performed nicely in the hills and though it didn't scream up the mts. towing a 4300LB toad it ran nice. Nice enough my buddy with a Gas Mirada came home and went right out and bought a DP. With all that said we will be moving up, if all goes well this week as we'll be doing our walk through on a 2017 Tiffin Phaeton 44OH. Why, you'll ask, if I seem happy with the Forza. Well I'm planning longer trips this year up the East Coast and another longer one up the Midwest. I've always intended on getting a coach with a tag axle and looked at many. these past few weeks including 3 Itasca's, 2 - 2015 (QD ($240K) &HD($230K) & a 2016 each with about 30K miles. All needed tires, one a lot more. The QD was tempting but all three Itasca's lacked a lot of basement storage which bugged me and one 2016. We were close to a 2016 Entegra Anthem 42RBQ. 10K miles price right but started a walk through and found a major mice problem not just under the bed, cabinets, etc. but in the dash. Something you don't want to see on any coach never mind an all electric one. Very disappointed but just didn't want to deal with issues down the road. Even with an extended service plan they won't cover mice damage. So what does my long winded story tell you, I wish I had gone for the Tag Axle first even though the forza was great and no complaints. So IMHO take your time and get something that you won't regret down the road since you will be living in it fulltime. Get the HP, Torque and layout even if you have to wait. Some will say it's a deal, and it may be but I'd be apprehensive this dealer will do everything to your best benefit. You even had doubts stating you'd lose money moving up down the road. It may cost you more now but in the long run getting something more up to hat you'd need living fulltime will cost you less money and stress in the long run. There I've said what I wanted too and wish you luck if you haven't already made the plunge. You made a wise choice coming to the forum for advice, I've found much in the 4 short years I've been on it. Thanks

[Roadyacht1]

I have always been of the philosophy of buying older quality as opposed to newer not so quality. I have a yr 2000 Newmar Dutch Star 38 with Spartan chassis, 3000 series tranny and Cummins ISC 8.3L. I have 10,000 towing. And best of all, I have put 15,000 mi on it since purchase (with 35) with NO significant problems. We even have a washer/dryer aboard. Lot’s of tankage and she looks near new inside and out.
I think any pre-DEF Newmar with similar specs would do you much better that the Coachman. And you should be able to find quality coaches for under $50K
Or no more than 75. We paid $35K and no regrets.
I think that bang for the buck. This is the way to go. Just start researching all the DEF problems. So glad that I don’t have to deal with that.

[Oklahoma RV]

Originally Posted by kkbward

Wow - more great advice to add to my gradually building knowledge base. It is SO appreciated.

Officially passed on the Sportscoach - feeling quite relieved. Its a camper, not a live-in - i can totally see that now.

We are pretty seriously moving on from the idea of a sub 100k forever coach. Its not realistic with my limited knowledge and expertise to take on a fixer-upper.

The Itasca is still an option, it is at the very limit of the length we wanted though. Its crazy to balance getting the HP and layout you want without ending up with such a beast of a coach.

I like the idea of a sub-40 foot, 380+HP, 10K towing type of machine. The Allegro Reds are interesting, but I hate the layout for chilling out at night when the TV is on the end of the couch.

So adding in countless hours of research, everything you all have provided and seeing several different brands, we have narrowed down our criteria:

• 10K+ Towing
• Must be diesel
• At least 380HP with 1000-ish torque
• King Size bed
• One comfortable bed for an adult guest
• Under 42 Feet (prefer under 40)
• Residential Fridge - Stackable W/D
• Theater Seating with the TV across (preferred)
• Decent kitchen counter space
• A dream would be to also have a place for my MTB(s) (starting to let this go)
• Everything is tall enough for 6'6"
• Preferably no more than 5-7 years old
• Absolutely no more than $250k prefer 150-200
• Quality that will make it so I am not constantly fixing something (occasionally fixing i understand is part of the deal)

I have probably just described the unicorn coach that the entire world is looking for.... Ugh - the joys of RV shopping...

Thanks for reading - I will update as the saga progresses - seems there will be much more to come and hopefully leave behind a helpful thread for the next person....

Brian

There is a 2013 Itasca Meridian 40’ with everything
you described and low mles at I-35 RV in Denton Tx.
$159,900. We test drive it. It’s sweet.
We found a 42E equipped the same with new tires & batteries that we bought.

[BluewaveRV]

Pull out drawers near floor & look for water marking. Look at the engine & how easy it is to do so as will as has it been maintained. Does it have a mechanical fuel/lift pump? If so is the pump easy to get to? If no there is after market systems that can be placed in easy access & they have 1st fuel filter-electric lift pump-2nd fuel filter. Thus replacing the OEM filers & that lift-pump that you can not get to & has the manual push-push pump to prime your fuel system. We bought a Holliday 37' 1995 diesel pusher & It has been a money pit. But my neighbor has the same but a 1996 & has not had any trouble at all. So much more I have done & deal with. Wishing I did not sell my Cessna 172 to start RVing. Getting old sucks !! A call is needed should you need to know more. John

Originally Posted by kkbward

Hello All - Hope my post finds you well!

My wife and I (and dog) are taking the plunge from being regular travel trailer RVers to going full-time working on the road. We have done 4-6 weeks in a Flagstaff 23-FBDS many times now and we love it. Looking to spend most of the year in 2 spots (3-4 months each) and the rest pretty variable chasing sun, fish and trails.

We are about to pull the trigger on a used DP and we would love to get any feedback to give us a little confidence going in to the deal trying to avoid any big expensive mistakes. The details of the deal we have negotiated from our dealer:

2013 Coachmen Sportscoach Cross Country 390T

-34,000 miles
-340 Cummins - 6 speed
-The dealer is adding and installing stackable W/D, Convection-Micro, a new Sofa Bed (not a JackKnife), converting to a king bed
-All tires were shot, so they are replacing
-Dealer commits to ensure everything works as it should
-No real maint records - disappointing for sure
-Only 5k towing - another disappointment - hoping to flat tow a new Ranger

Settled on $79k

So thought on if it seems like an OK deal and an overall decent choice for us. Any advice or comments are so very appreciated!

Many Thanks,

Brian

[Keithharward]

Prevost motorhome conversion.

[jpuckett001]

Check underneath for rust. A lot of motor homes have been to salty Florida beachfronts. Making maintenance difficult. Turn on the furnas and verify it heats the thing to 90 then turn on the air conditioner and verify it cools it down. If you purchase in winter get an extended warrantee on the A/C till you test it in summer. The AC units are only a couple thousand but labor can be a few thousand more.

[Vandallen]

Never leave your blackwater tank dry. A little blue stuff with water splashing around will make it clean. Join aaa with rv coverage.

[fuelish]

I feel your pain as I just ended my search. I've spent 3 months of concerted effort looking for an originally expensive rv in the $50-70,000 dollar range. I came across a number of excellent running Rv's that would pull a large truck up a mountain, but the house was tired.

Hold out for one you like that has capabilities for your price, $80,000ish. Coachmen built Rv's to be affordable. I fear you will find it lacking should you come west.

My search is over we put a $60,00 bid on a low mileage 2006 Monaco Knight with a perfect interior that was accepted. Not the quality I wanted but will suffice to get me on the road. Knights are on the lower end of Monaco's line.

It has 365hp, 3000 series transmission, newer tires 34 week 2019, new batteries both start and chassis, 08/2019 etc. The service records are spotty but the ones they do have show a willingness to spend money on maintenance.

Be ready to buy when you find one that fits your parameters. They go fast.

Mike

[PeterFTH]

I spent the better part of a year looking at used RV's ... there were certain features I considered deal breakers. 1) Side radiator a must. With the radiator in the rear, you have to tear apart your bedroom to even see the engine. Discourages maintenance. 2) Raised Rail Chassis ... provides for sufficient vertical clearance in the basement storage areas ... full width, slide out trays in 2, keep a ton of things easy to get to. 3) I forgot number 3. Finances - you can anticipate anywhere from a couple thousand in annual fuel and maintenance to ten thousand. You just never know. Last year the "checkup" on my Cummins 400HP/Alison 6-speed came to $4,500 ... replaced some hydraulic hoses, a new air drier and filter, lift pump, coolant leak - flush and refill with the right chemistry (can't use OTC antifreeze without additives to protect the engine), belt tensioner ... nothing dramatic. But almost the cost of a decent used car. People tell stories on this site all the time - borrowed to buy an RV, ran into a $20,000 issue on their first trip ... can't afford the repair, can't walk away from the loan. Have plenty of cash for when you need it - it's just a matter of time. Good luck!

[LouK23]

Do yourself a favor and buy a maintenance policy that covers repairs. We did that when we had our DP and it was definitely worth the cost. If the unit has slides, be sure to check them. Ours had a super-slide (roadside one big slide) that contained the w&d, kitchen and refer. The weight was really too much and we had lots of difficulty with it. So glad you are getting a DP and not a gas unit. Nothing is better than the assurance of horsepower to get up and down mountains easily. Check the slide awning tops for wear before closing your deal. If they are starting to tear on the side edge make the dealer replace them before you close. Also check the generator out completely. I hope you will enjoy your rig as much as we enjoyed ours. Towing a dingy is the only way to go. We tried electric bikes, but nothing is better than a jeep or small car you can use to go shopping and day tripping. At Yosemite the drive into and out of the park was no small distance and larger RV's only have one place to stay inside the park and getting a space is very difficult.