Community Forums

tcwventures · 07-18-2015, 03:53 PM

My husband and I are planning are going full timing hopefully beginning in 2016 in a fifth wheel toy hauler. At first we were going to buy new but then we saw the prices and now we are thinking of buying used from approximately 2005 to 2008 but we are worried if a rig of that age would last us another 10 years of full timing. We have been look at 2005 or 2006 KZ Escalade 41 CKS. Does any one out there have any input or suggestions, it would be appreciated.

wolfcreek · 07-18-2015, 05:23 PM

I think you would be fine in a 10 year old rig. There are plenty of folks out there
that are full timing in older rigs than that. I wish you good luck and happy trails.

nothermark · 07-18-2015, 05:33 PM

How many are full timing in units 20 or more years old?

336muffin · 07-18-2015, 05:37 PM

We bought used to fulltime in with no regrets. My advice is to buy quality with strong factory support. We keep our mh in top condition with preventive maintance inside and out.

Be aware, there is a difference between a camper and a home! We have made extensive modifications to be comfortable and at home.

Nana25K · 07-18-2015, 08:05 PM

In 2007 we purchased a used well built 7 years old 5th wheel. In 2013 we traded it on our Dynasty MH. While its exterior decals were fading it was still in great shape when we let her go. The dealer gave us way more than we expected and he had it sold quickly. Oh and we had no hesitation in buying a 2000 model Monaco MH
Look for quality of build. Well made cabinets etc. In used units factory back up isn't much help because its out of warranty. Other things like the refer etc will wear out. But remember that everything on a new rig is your problem after a year or so anyway

Buying used at a good price means you get a great rig with out all the huge depreciation
Just do your homework

twogypsies · 07-18-2015, 08:05 PM

You might want to consider this 2008 toy hauler for $40,000. Newmar is a top manufacturer.

2008 Newmar X-Aire 41CKLG Toy Hauler FOR SALE $39995 OBO - RVs, Tows, and Toads for Sale - Escapees Discussion Forum

Plenty of full-timers travel in older rigs. Friends of ours has a 15 year old toy hauler and they travel constantly with it. Good luck!

336muffin · 07-19-2015, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nana25K

In 2007 we purchased a used well built 7 years old 5th wheel. In 2013 we traded it on our Dynasty MH. While its exterior decals were fading it was still in great shape when we let her go. The dealer gave us way more than we expected and he had it sold quickly. Oh and we had no hesitation in buying a 2000 model Monaco MH
Look for quality of build. Well made cabinets etc. In used units factory back up isn't much help because its out of warranty. Other things like the refer etc will wear out. But remember that everything on a new rig is your problem after a year or so anyway

Buying used at a good price means you get a great rig with out all the huge depreciation
Just do your homework

I disagree! ALL Fleetwood / American Coach owners receives tremendous factory support no matter what year or 1st, or 5th owner. We receive FREE LABOR at National Rallys and a huge discount on parts at same. We have owned four used American Coachs and are very happy with support. The free tech line is fantastic for analyzing a problem in the field and has helped me fix a problem quickly or know what needs to be ordered to do so. The manufactures are not all the same! I am not putting any manufacturer down, I know about this one first hand though.

tcwventures · 07-19-2015, 10:34 PM

Sure appreciate everybody's input, it has been very helpful.

Magumba · 07-23-2015, 03:55 PM

We bought an 03 Itasca Suncruiser in 2009 to full time with, we still have the motor home.
We've been very happy with our decision.
I'd recommend buying from a well known dealer and but the extended warrantee. We had an Extra-Ride warrantee for four years which was very good about paying claims. Also don't buy your rig and leave town on a long trip give your self time to sort out any problems.
Good luck.

JFXG · 07-23-2015, 09:42 PM

tcw........ When we started full timing three years ago, we bought a then ten-year-old motor home. It's still fine, and we can easily see ten more years and more, as long as we keep with the routine maintenance.

The important thing is to buy a unit that will stand up to the daily usage of full-timing. The simple fact is that quality lasts, so you want to look at manufacturers with a long term record and reputation for building a high quality product. You must differentiate. You'll find a great many units are designed to be used as intermittent campers, and have neither the quality of materials nor the quality of structure required for the kind of longevity and reliability that you will want.

I suggest you subscribe to the RV Consumer Group (www.rv.org ) and look closely at their ratings of the different manufacturers and models in which you may have interest.

Good Luck!

Mr_D · 07-23-2015, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFXG

txt..... The important thing is to buy a unit that will stand up to the daily usage of full-timing. A great many units are designed to be used as intermittent campers, and have neither the quality of materials nor the quality of structure required. I suggest you subscribe to the RV Consumer Group. ( www.rv.org ) and look closely at their ratings of the different manufacturers and models in which you may have interest.

Our 2002 DSDP was not rated for full time use, but that's exactly why we bought it. It sure surprised me to see that in the owners manual AFTER we took delivery!
As to the ratings: the companies write most of their ratings by looking at the sales literature and never even seeing the rigs.

JFXG · 07-23-2015, 10:09 PM

Mr D..... I don't want to rehash the RVCG subject. There are plenty of threads here that do that. I will only clarify that 1) the RVCG did indeed rate the '02 Dutch Star for full timing-- in fact, iirc every Newmar DP is so rated; and 2) when we were shopping we found the RVCG's ratings and evaluations to be extremely accurate and thus very helpful. YM, of course, MV.