Would love some advice from seasoned RVers.

[Sportocaster]

Hi all, thanks for the warm welcome!
So here’s the situation... My wife and I are selling our house and moving to a new state. One plan is to buy a used diesel pusher to live in for 3-6 months while we get to know the area and find the right house. My question is, is it realistic to think we could get something in the under $40k range that would serve us well for that time?
[emoji120] Thanks in advance for your wisdom.

[Arch Hoagland]

Absolutely.

You didn't mention what state...If it's Minnesota it's going to get mighty cold in an RV and heating it will be expensive.

Florida...nice and warm...

Have you ever owned or used an RV?

[Isaac-1]

In normal times I would say yes, though with the Covid RV craze at the moment prices are way up across the board on used RV's.


For $40,000 you should be able to find a road ready 15-18 year old mid to upper mid tier diesel pusher in the 38-40 ft length range with a couple of slide outs. Particularly if you buy from a private seller.

[Milford 47]

Rent anything, don't buy

[Bigd9]

Originally Posted by Milford 47

Rent anything, don't buy

Good point. Unless you plan on using the RV a lot afterwards, I would think twice about buying. There are a lot of expenses owning a diesel pusher. From sales tax to maintenance.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

It's absolutely possible! There are many diesel pushers in the 10-20 year old range within that budget. Just be very careful and do a LOT of tire kicking before making a selection.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Talloaks]

This could be a fun and interesting experience for you or it could be a very frustrating and costly experience. Many new Diesel Pusher owners have wound up with a bill for $10-20,000 for roof, engine, transmission, etc repairs that may or may not have been revealed by pre-buy inspection. Everything is expensive in a DP motorhome, and most everything is subject to failure or at least requires timely maintenance. And don't assume you will recapture your costs upon resale because you will not.

So, just be aware of the risks, and be aware that the probability of incurring those risks is not insignificant. Your best option might be just to rent conventional housing in the area during your exploration period.

Good luck!

[Isaac-1]

To follow up here, even if you don't have any mechanical issues, there is still considerable cost of ownership involved in RV life, you have insurance and registration, which vary considerably from state to state, but combined can be anything from $700-$2,500 per year, as well as RV park expenses if you are living in the coach, or storage lot cost when you are not, storage cost is all over the place and may range from $30-300+ for fenced outdoor storage. Site rent at a commercial RV park can be price comparable with a small apartment which would have more floor space. Again this varies with region, but is generally in the $400+ per month range for monthly renters.

[F4Gary]

Why a diesel?
For that money, you can find a nice 35-38' gas motorhome and it would be a lot newer than a diesel in that price range.

[NXR]

Originally Posted by Milford 47

Rent anything, don't buy

I see this advice often but around here the RV dealers rent gassers for $2,000 a week.

Ray

[Dutch Star Don]

I don't think buying a diesel pusher in that price range would be a wise idea for what you want to do. Here's why.....first, you'll be homeless with no place to do repairs, which a coach in that price range will need. Second, you may spend more time broken down, then seeing future places to live. You would also have to buy and set up a tow car, unless your spouse is going to follow you everywhere in a car. Setting up a tow car can cost thousands.

I would buy a new(er) truck, so you have a sightseeing vehicle and a nice used trailer. It will be much cheaper in the long run. You can even leave it on a lot if you decide to build, as your home during construction.

[Sonic]

Good advice above. There’s a fairly steep learning curve involved with a motorhome, especially a diesel pusher.
I’d consider looking for a short term rental home and use your car to explore the area.

[Sportocaster]

So, we are looking at the Oregon coast. Not too cold. I have used RV's in the past, and driven a couple of tour buses, Eagle/ Prevost back in the '80's and '90's.

[garyre]

Housing prices in Portland are becoming very attractive I am told...