Community Forums

Rollly · 10-30-2012, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Mopar

If it's perfect in every way, $30k isn't unreasonable.....not a steal, but that's the top end of what it's worth.

If it has "issues" and is less than perfect, nope....not a deal. In average condition with a little bit of cosmetic damage, that's about a $23k motorhome, tops. Even then, you're not stealing it.

We paid $34,000 for our 2001 35' Southwind with 18,000 miles on it last winter. The previous owner kept it in Pristine condition and we are completely satisfied with our purchase.

Our former MH was a 2000 Dutch Star gasser that we sold for $29,000. This Southwind is much nicer.

sharmanrn · 10-30-2012, 06:21 PM

Mgtr,
My issue is I have a Honda CRV. I have no way to get a 5th wheel or a travel trailer from Colorado to AZ. Who knows? Maybe I'll enjoy driving a Class A and want to explore the Grand Canyon. I'll be teaching so summers will be free....

Shar

sharmanrn · 10-30-2012, 06:24 PM

So sorry...didnt realize other post had gone thru ...

sharmanrn · 10-30-2012, 06:30 PM

Ok so I've noticed prices are high in AZ. Low in Tx. Does it matter what part of the country it comes from? Aside from humidity sea salt and corrosion from snow removal?

Jon Mopar · 10-31-2012, 12:30 PM

^ as long as it wasn't driven in the salty winter conditions, it really doesn't matter....unless it was right on the coast. I wouldn't buy an RV that sat in a driveway that had a view of the ocean.

SylviaCub · 10-31-2012, 01:07 PM

Shar. Why don't you rent a motor home or two before you decide? Take short trips within 200 miles of your home and see which style you like best and feel more comfortable driving and staying in.

I had an old class A MH once. I hated the thing. I felt naked driving it. But driving my brother's class c wasn't bad at all. It will also give you an idea of what you'll spend on fuel and how fun (or not) the set up will be.

Just an idea.

elang · 10-31-2012, 01:36 PM

We bought a 1999 dicovery dp 36 ft for 33,000 it has a w/d combos and if you know where you will be park in AZ. we're in AZ right now and we stay in a mobile/rv park on cKellips for 250.00/th clean spaces it's call M&M mobile villa, so your prize is within range, good luck

wa8yxm · 10-31-2012, 04:05 PM

I too can not help you with the value but..

There is a Robin Willimas movie: RV, You might watch it, it's funny and some of the things that happen, really do happen, ,, Most of them are "Dramatic excess"

Once you are done with that there is a You Tube Video,, IT is Jeff Daniels (He is the nice guy who drives the bus in the movie, He really is an Rver, and a very nice guy, even though it takes Robin a while to figure that out) doing a piece he calls "The Recreational Vehicle" I will make that one easy for you.

This too really happens.. Not often, thankfully, but it really happens. I know someone who sort of did it (Details are a bit different but, Yes, he left his wife at a Flying-J)

Oh, be warned, empty mouth before clicking link... You will spray your keyboard if you do not. Jeff is very funny. And the dealership he mentiones.. Next door to it is an A&W where I've been known to get a hamburger or two.. ALso had a long chat with the manager (By phone, he called me, my job) Jeff is from Michigan, Ann Arbor Area.

Recreational Vehicle - Jeff Daniels, Live - YouTube

Gocoffeer · 11-01-2012, 12:51 PM

There is a really nice tool on this site called "Motorhome Buyers Checklist" It is a very comprehensive self explanatory guide to help you itemize the MH to be sure you are getting value. There are very nice advertised MHs out there for $21K-30K that have lots of goodies and are in the 36ft size. I think 36-38 ft is where you start to get the Washer/Dryer add-on. I think it is valuable. You can find some low mile specials with low generator hours.

Craig Gosselin
1996 Fleetwood Bounder 34H

sharmanrn · 11-03-2012, 10:52 AM

Thank you all for your good advice. I am in a time crunch as my house will be auctioned off the last week in November and hopefully close by December 30th. I need to have a rig and loaded to get down there the end of the first week in January. I have 4 legged kids...a large 75 lb shepard and 4 cats. Yikes. Nope cant rehome them...one of the cats is 18 years old, another is brain damaged, a third is siamese and the forth well she's a typical strong minded tortie. The brain damaged is 2 years old and the girls are 9 years old. They wouldn't be adopted and i can't quite bring myself to put them down. The shepard is kennel trained, quiet and in training to be a therapy dog. Going to Page Az and rentals are hard to find...they want 1000 dollars per pet deposit. I'd rather put 5 grand into a RV than give a landloard that much. I want to pare down and live simply. I have spent my life taking care of two kids with special needs and my mom. My mom just passed away and my two kids are out on their own and doing ok. They do not want to move. So I'm ready for a change and a new challenge.
Shar

Gocoffeer · 11-05-2012, 02:01 PM

Sharmanrn: I am so with you on the purchase and purpose of your buy. I too am a first time MH owner. My skills lend me some ability to go thru the mechanical issues and make some of the problems become non-issue. I think you can get a ton of assistance from RV mechs and owners with lots of experiences right on this site. Now...after you buy the MH...fill gas tank up and go buy 3 16oz cans of SeaFoam fuel additive at the auto store. this will help remove gunk and moisture from your new purchase. I added a K&N air filter to my engine for some added horsepower and slightly better fuel economy on my drives.

Here are just two tips to get you started.

Craig Gosselin
1996 Bounder 34H

sharmanrn · 11-05-2012, 06:07 PM

Thank you gocofeer for you kind reply as well. This is a wonderful site and I will make it.
————
Shar

sharmanrn · 11-29-2012, 05:29 PM

Thx Craig! I get to pick up the coach Saturday and I'm going to p/u the 3 cans of sea foam tomorrow. I will ask about the air filter Saturday. (I'm soo sorry i misspelled your name last post. Darn smart phone not smart enough!!!) Thx for the tips.

pumper9x9 · 11-29-2012, 07:16 PM

Hi sharmanrn,
You are a teacher so you know the value of knowledge. I have found that thing that helped me the most to get started was to go to rv.org and buy their product. They have a lot of great basic and advanced information on all things rv. Their rating system seems to be dead on based on the coaches I've been in and seen at rallies. It will be the best money you'll spend on your rv. By the way I get no kick back from them. It's just a great product. Good luck and welcome to the rv world.