Community Forums

Pasture · 03-08-2013, 12:03 PM

Hello, new to the forum, and just sold my travel trailer last year. Have 3 kids and always wanted to have an used class A to take on our annual summer vacations-live in Midwest, and have plans to go to Yosemite one year, then Utah, Montana, Canada. Found a nice '99 Georgie Boy Cruise Master 34' Cummins Diesel w/ slide-out for sale about 11 hrs away. Has been stored inside, 30k miles, and new tires, new wood/tile floors. Rubber roof. He is asking $34k, and I feel like it's worth $25k-$29k depending on who you talk to. Any thoughts? My budget is $20k-$30k, and really want the diesel for the mountain roads--maybe it is a silly idea to have a Class A for family vacations, but it has always been my dream. Not sure if I can find anyone in the seller's town to do an inspection before I offer to buy and fly down there. Thanks for any thoughts--I know some of you have been down this same road before!

Pearce · 03-08-2013, 12:07 PM

I'm new as well but you only live once so if you want something go after it. As far as the inspection, there are some good people here and maybe someone could help you out. Good luck!

vsheetz · 03-08-2013, 01:40 PM

I bought my current coach from 500 miles away. Treated it like buying a sticks and bricks house. Did the money negotiations and deal first - provided a deposit - sale contingent and deposit refundable upon inspections (got someone local to inspect before I traveled, then my final acceptance once I traveled). Local inspection found a couple issues - which we re-negotiated price/fixing. Then I traveled, did the acceptance inspection, and finalized the deal.

Pasture · 03-08-2013, 04:34 PM

Thanks VSHEETZ. Sounds like a good plan. How much did you pay for the inspection, and how much did you give for a deposit? I like that version of the Cummins in this 1999 Georgie Boy--built before all the emission rules on diesels, so they seemed to get better mpg. I know the diesel's have more maintenance expense, but I have traveled the mountains with a gas, and nothing compares to the turbo-diesels in the high altitudes. I wonder how many wives on this forum are comfortable driving a Class A on the Interstate? I would like my wife to help with the driving if we choose to buy.

Hooligan · 03-08-2013, 07:55 PM

Welcome to IRV2
Here's all the specs on the 99 Cruisemaster. Cruise Master by George Boy
Looks like the diesel was 35 or 36 ft, on a Freightliner chassis, the 34ft was on a Ford gas chassis. The 99-2000 Cruisemaster is very similar to my Landau diesel. The CM has a few appearance and trim improvements, as well as a larger chassis.
I've been pleased with my GeorgieBoy, second GBM I've owned. The Landau gets good mileage, handles and rides well and has a useful layout.

Price would depend on how well it's been maintained, (records) both running gear and interior.

Pasture · 03-09-2013, 05:10 AM

Thanks Hooligan. What can I expect for mpg driving around 60mph with no tow? I like the cummins and allison 6 speed. Besides the large quantity of oil, why do folks highly discuss the cost of maintaining a diesel? I have farmed and maintained many diesel tractors, and besides the extra batteries and water filter, there wasn't much to it. If I store this on a concrete pad with a high quality cover, will I have to worry about mildew, or do these nice covers with vents breathe well? Thanks for all the help.

Hooligan · 03-11-2013, 04:15 PM

Hard to forecast mileage, the Cruise Master is basically 2000 pounds heavier overall than my Landau. With the 260 engine, towing the Suzuki, I have averaged a pretty steady 11mpg, and usually travel 62-65mph. You will find a sweet spot, too slow and your tranny is constantly shifting at the slightest hill, too fast and mileage sucks.

Diesel maintenance is only more costly if you have someone else do it at $100+ an hour. If you can change oil, all the filters, lube the chassis, change coolant, tranny fluid , it's only parts and turning wrenches. Some is done every year, some at 2 or 4 years.

Lots of info on the web and you can sign up for Cummins Quickserve for manuals and parts lists specific to your engine. https://quickserve.cummins.com/info/index.html