wklose99
arlington
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I'm 26 and pretty set on taking a 5 week roadtrip with my girlfriend across the US at the end of this summer. Renting is outrageous in my opinion so I have been looking at used RVs, preferably in the 20’-24’ range.
I found one last weekend that is 24’, a Gulfstream Independence with 65k miles and a $21,000 asking price. The motorhome is sold by a smallish owned company in SW Virginia (Snyder’s RV) and seems to have really nice people. They assured me their techs go over it before all sales and ensure everything works. I have not talked to them about what sort of warranty comes with the purchase.
I was wondering if anyone has any feedback on Gulfstream Class C motorhomes? Also, I was having trouble finding a floorplan and motorhome specs on the internet, does anyone know a good place to look for 2004 Gulfstream Class C motorhomes? I know this is something the seller should provide, and I have requested the information from him, but I would like to verify it online.
Based on the research I’ve done this seems like an alright deal. I don’t know how bargaining typically works but I was hoping to try and get it down closer to $18,000 with some sort of warranty.
The only other alternative that seems promising is buying a used RV from cruiseamerica.com out in Manassas, VA. Although their FourWinds Majestic 23’ motorhomes are 2006-2007, they are also around $18,000 and typically have about 150,000 miles on them. I feel like it would be very hard to resell that in a year or two, which I plan to do.
I would love some experienced RVers to offer any input into my situation, as well as any feedback on the RV models (Gulfstream Independence and FourWinds Majestic) I am considering.
Thanks!
-Will
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Ka Ron
Kelowna
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Joined: 12/31/2009
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Will
Whatever you buy, you will find that in a couple of years (If you like the lifestyle) and a lot us do, you will upgrade anyway.
Make sure whatever you buy has been thoroughly checked out and everything works.
A 2004 probably has no warranty although some dealers will offer a 90 day (??) as an incentive to buy from them.
A smaller dealer may not offer warranty.
It looks like a good price for the unit.
Join Us For A Trip Down The RV Highway
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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Welcome to the forum Will.
Consider hiring a good RV tech to do an inspection before you buy. It will be money well spent.
Check for leaks, then make sure there are no leaks, then check again for leaks. Even a small leak can cause a lot of damage.
Personally, I would stay away from a rental. Someone said once on the forum: What's the difference between a rental RV and an All Terrain Vehicle? The Rental RV can go anywhere.....
There are a lot of units for sale. Take your time and look.
And, ask questions. There is a lot of information available on the forum.
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garyhaupt
Back living in Kitimat..northern BC.
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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How much is that rental going to run you? because operating a C is not an inexpensive proposition. If you are thinking of this for that one time trip? hhmmm...Because with a rental, whatever breaks, quits, wears out..is not yours to pay for. On the other hand...everything on an RV starts at $1,000 to repair. Fridge, hot water tank, furnace. Tires will run you 1,500 if you need to replace all 6 and that is not an unusual event. If the unit you buy, whatever it is..has had a leak? you are buying grief. They are built with wood , like a house, and leaks = rot. If you are a fix-it guy? you are good. If not? please please....really think about this. It'll suck every red cent you have in your bank account and then some. And..if it busts on the road? you either pay to repair it or ...?
Those of us that operate RV's love them and will swear by the dream...it's just not a five week dream, is all.
Gary Haupt
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crasster
Dallas
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Joined: 07/06/2007
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My advice is to get into RVing, you either need to be RICH or Handy.
You can be average with funds as long as you are average handy.
My advice with the Class C buy is this - (and this is MY opinion and I know some will disagree). I would NEVER buy an RV from a small dealer. NEVER!!! Smaller dealers often deal in the "auction stuff" and they don't have as large of a reputation to hold on to. They may be nice and all, but often they deal in someone else's problems.
Large dealerships have reputations to uphold, and are often owned by corporations where heads will roll. When you buy something this expensive, you want somewhere that has a great reputation, great reviews online, and LOTS of people shopping so you know volume is moving and RVs are not sitting around on a lot.
My advice could save you a fortune in headaches and money.
With that said, there are also individuals to look for. I love to find the elderly people that just "can't do it anymore" and have an RV that they took great care of. Usually they'll cut you a deal too. They are happy to see somebody who will enjoy their old coach (and tell you a lot of great places to visit) and you are happy to get a great gently used RV for a good deal. A happy handshake too at the end.
Sorry to be so tough on dealers. I DO NOT trust anything but HUGE dealers. By HUGE I mean they have to have acres of RV's, and a MASSIVE selection, and tons of staff. THis spans from popup campers, TT's, and A's/C's & DP's.
4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.
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midnightsadie
ohio
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any rv you look to buy. you need to check the age of the tires ,on a long trip, I,d want new or very close to it. tires rot no matter where there at.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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They can often suck up another $2K+ before it would be ready for a cross country. For a one time trip renting will be cheaper in a $$$ sense.
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mattbrown454
Weatherford TX
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Joined: 02/01/2012
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I purchased a 2004 Gulfstream Ultra (Class C) with only 12K miles this past spring. It had been sitting for quit awhile and although it had very few miles on the tires, they were 7 years old, cracking and needed to be replaced (didn’t know this at the time). The dealer assured me they were good, which they were not. My cost: $1800 dollars in new tires. I should of had dealer put new tires on. Expensive lesson.
Here's some more expensive lessons I learned from my purchase:
1. Make sure it has all maintenance records?
-lets you know what has or has not be done, good for resale
2. Get dealer to change oil (regardless of what they tell, get them to change it)
3. Get dealer to do a complete service on the generator (regardless what he says)
4. Get dealer to do a transmission service (Again don't let them tell you otherwise, get it done)
5. Get dealer to do a coolant serviced (Same as above)
6. Get dealer to inspect replace brakes (65k it's close enough, get new brakes)
The above items should be non-negotiable, especially if it's been sitting for a long time.
Bad things happen to fluids that sit for long periods of time, they begin to break down and lose their ability to perform their intended purpose (lubricating/cooling). Water can condensate or leach into the system with changing temps and infiltrate the systems which is not good.
Oil should have been changed every six months regardless of mileage.
It will cost a several hundred dollars to get the maintenance done on a Class C but must be done or else risk spend big bucks getting repairs done on the road somewhere.
Tires are a major expense (believe me) and are the most important safety consideration on a RV. Even if they're only a few years old they still may need replacing if they haven't been run regularly. Get new tires in the deal!
Visit RvDoctor.com which as a lot of really good information on RV care and maintenance.
With all that being said, if it was well maintained and you have the documentation to prove it, it should be fine, barring unforeseen mechanical failures (anything mechanical can break down without warning)
With all that being said, I drove all over the state of Texas this past summer with a Jeep wrangler in tow and it did great! No problems, strong engine, no malfunctions.
One last thing; check the microwave and makes sure it runs for a few minutes without cutting off.
Matt Brown
U.S. Navy(RET)
31' Gulfstream Ultra
http://www.rvtraveltalk.com
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Holiday27
Gresham, OR.
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Joined: 12/12/2011
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We have some nice Class C's out here in the NW for rent for $700 a week. They are advertised on Craigslist. I'm with some of the other people that have suggested renting. Unless you plan on rv'ing in the future.
Good luck with your search!
2002 27PBS Holiday Rambler (Aluminum sided/roof) Love it!
Previous RV's
'94 Jamboree 22ft. (This beast had a 460 with tons of power)
'95 VW Eurovan camper (5 cyl. dog) Pulled a 3 rail fine though.
Tent
Borrowed folks '84 VW Westphalia (water cooled)
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wklose99
arlington
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Holiday27 wrote:We have some nice Class C's out here in the NW for rent for $700 a week. They are advertised on Craigslist. I'm with some of the other people that have suggested renting. Unless you plan on rv'ing in the future.
Good luck with your search!
Thanks everyone for the good advice. I agree it would be a hassle to buy and sell later, but renting is so expensive. Looking at cruiseamerica, if we rent a 23' for 35 nights, use the generator 6 hours a day and drive an estiamted 8000 miles the cost will be almost $9,000. Thats a guaranteed loss, whereas if I buy a used one and resell it I have a good chance at making back most of that money.
$700 a week though sounds much more reasonable. Are these private renters?
Could anyone recommend something besides cruise America for rentals?
Thanks,
Will
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