Community Forums

realmccoy196 · 04-23-2015, 07:15 AM

Hello. I am new and am looking to buy our first RV for family with 3 young boys 7,6,4. I want to travel quite a bit and cannot pay more than 8-10k for a rig. We want something sturdy and good but it does not have to be decked out or fancy. Is this realistic. What are some widely regarded years and makes for older Class C RV's? Thank you.

Dynadave · 04-23-2015, 09:20 AM

If you are a do it yourself and a good handyman ( electrical, mechanical) type of person you might be ok pursuing your goal. Given your budget, I think it will be difficult to find a good, solid, trouble free unit. Be prepared to have problems that will need fixing. I would look at condition of the rv more than the make. Has it been maintained and taken care of? Drive it before buying. Look for any evidence of water stains in the interior, avoid those units, damage visible is the tip of the iceberg and can be extensive. Have you considered renting one prior to buying? A lot can be learned in that first trip as to what you want or don't want. RVing is fun, take your time and make sure you get a good unit.

Mich F · 04-23-2015, 01:52 PM

Realistically with an $8-$10,000 budget I think you would be much better served with a travel trailer, than a class C. Naturally you would need an adequate tow vehicle, but you should be able to get a newer, better TT than class C for that amount of money. Less to go wrong/bad and worry about also.
Before people start jumping all over me with that view, I should soften it a little. I actually sold a 1997 Class C last Dec. for $9,000. It had 57,000 miles on it, a brand new exterior paint job, almost new cab carpet and house wood look flooring, 2 yr old roof, 2 yr old (or less) roof air, and a bunch of other newly replaced "stuff". As far as I know there was nothing wrong with the unit and I think the young couple with two young kids that bought it got a great deal. With that being said there are a lot of RVs out there in that price range, that aren't in great shape. Even with the one I sold, who knows how long things will last. With a TT, you at least take the eng. and transmission out of possible problems.

wblynch · 04-25-2015, 11:09 PM

I don't know where you're located but here, out West, we have a brand named Lazy Daze.

These are great units and solidly built. They are beasts. I've seen photos of rolled over lazy daze still in one whole piece. They don't dome apart.

Anyway I found a gorgeous 1991 on a Chevy chassis for $8,000 18 months ago.

Until now, the most expensive thing I've had to do is replace six tires for less than $800

It is going to need brakes soon and a radiator flush.

So, try to find a Lazy Daze if you can.