Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Class A Motorhomes: First Time Buyer...Updated 03/06/2006
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 > First Time Buyer...Updated 03/06/2006

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luvsracin55

Tennessee

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Posted: 08/08/09 07:05pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

If you are looking to buy your first RV, do your homework. My husband and I decided to look for a motorized RV earlier in the year. We went to a Boat and RV show -- talked to a dealer -- arranged a visit to the dealership. We really were more interested in a smaller unit on a Ford Econoline chassis. The dealer had a couple -- but would need too much work to make usuable (and we didn't need another project). To make a long story short -- we are now the owners of a 1997 Winnebago Brave DL. But we made the mistake of not test driving it first although they warranted that all appliances were in excellent working condition. We have since had to replace all the components of the panel air conditioning and the front roof air conditioner (about $2,000). We tried to work this back through the dealer -- gave us the runaround and didn't give us the time of day. So, not only research the type of unit you think you may be interested in; but research the dealers in your area. If they have a website -- check it out. If you have co-workers or friends that have RV's find out what dealer they patronize. The only local dealer in our area doesn't carry motorized units but, luckily, they will work on them. This experience has left my husband wishing we hadn't bought one -- although we have had excellent experiences to date on our trips. Good luck and hope your experiences are better than ours.

PJG061073

SD/Anywhere/Full-Timers

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Posted: 08/08/09 09:55pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Sorry, about your past bad experience... Is it fair to share the name of the DEALER AND LOCALE ?

THX..


Have a wonderful day..
Regards,
M&P .. ">
ANNIE - 2008 Safari Cheetah-40 SKQ- 08 Jeep Liberty Toad
CAT 7 350- C-7, Serial # WAX65944
ReadyBrake Surge Brake System integrated w/ReadyBrute Elite RV Tow Bar-BLUE OX Plate
FMCA-F414825
Still in WPP..">


riggarob

Farmington, NH

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Posted: 08/08/09 10:02pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I really hate to sound like a d*#^, but would you buy a car w/o test driving it. Did you get the "warranties" in writing? Apply lifes lessons, you'll be better off in the long run. Robbie


luvsracin55 wrote:

If you are looking to buy your first RV, do your homework. My husband and I decided to look for a motorized RV earlier in the year. We went to a Boat and RV show -- talked to a dealer -- arranged a visit to the dealership. We really were more interested in a smaller unit on a Ford Econoline chassis. The dealer had a couple -- but would need too much work to make usuable (and we didn't need another project). To make a long story short -- we are now the owners of a 1997 Winnebago Brave DL. But we made the mistake of not test driving it first although they warranted that all appliances were in excellent working condition. We have since had to replace all the components of the panel air conditioning and the front roof air conditioner (about $2,000). We tried to work this back through the dealer -- gave us the runaround and didn't give us the time of day. So, not only research the type of unit you think you may be interested in; but research the dealers in your area. If they have a website -- check it out. If you have co-workers or friends that have RV's find out what dealer they patronize. The only local dealer in our area doesn't carry motorized units but, luckily, they will work on them. This experience has left my husband wishing we hadn't bought one -- although we have had excellent experiences to date on our trips. Good luck and hope your experiences are better than ours.



08 FW Providence 40X
FL-XCS chassis
46"LED,Blu-ray 5.1
Ready Brute tow bar/braking/break away system & wireless light bar
'11 Ford Edge AWD toad
2 Honda 2000s for 30 amp dry camp
&300 watts of solar

Beware of those who point their finger the LOUDEST !

stroz4

CO USA

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Posted: 08/28/09 11:40am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

All very good information.


2008 F-350 V10 4x4
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59shortcut

Arizona

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Posted: 09/12/09 05:57pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I new I wanted a class A motor home we looked for a long time prety much went through many of the sugestions in the article above. I have a 2008 Winnebago Destination rear engine gas powered. It meet all our expectations at first we have been frustrated with all the things that have gone wrong. It broke down twice in one week with two diferent problems. Had to be towed twice. what an experience you can't have any type of tow truck pick you up when you have a 39' motor home. Anyway got through those problems. Last week in Colorado we had a front leveling jack break a hose so we could not put or jacks down almost did not get my slides in because of the problem. Anyway I could go on and give you a list of other little anoying things. This dose'nt mean my wife and I are ready to give up RVing. I just wish we could go awhile with out propblems. We have had this coach for two years is this the norm with a new motor home?

alanoireland

salt lake city

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Posted: 09/23/09 05:53pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

J, brilliant piece, as I am doing the research so that I may full-time. I do have most of my answers for what I believe I need for this diesel pusher. And yes my interest is in used and my question , sir, is how does one find either a mechanic or someone knowledgeable enough about these rigs, when the units are considerable distance from home? Help, many tks, a

Russ-WB3FQI

York Pennsylvania

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Posted: 09/23/09 08:51pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have a cummins engine and use the cummins dealers. Many of the dealers work on RV's and have 30/50Amp hook ups so you can stay there while they work on your rig.

I'm sure the other diesel engine folks are doing the same thing.

You'll find these diesel mechanics all over the country. I have signed up with Cummins ($25 membership) and i get a 10% discount on work. Usually recover my cost on the first preventive Maintance visit each year.

Search the Internet for the type engine you have and you'll get alot of hits.

Russ

boatbob2

Morriston,Fla

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Posted: 09/25/09 09:50am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

HI,i have owned 2 class C rvs,both gas. i was looking for a small class A,with a diesel engine.looking on Ebay,i found a 1997 Safari Trek,6.5 GM dieselFront engined,, 480 auto trans with 42,000 miles on it.asking price was $16,500.i offered $15,500 and he took the offer. i sent him $500.00 by paypal to seal the deal,then went to Oklahoma to see it,thinking that if it was junk,i would walk away and loose the $500.00. turned out the coach was BEAUTIFUL.very nice condition.i bought the coach,and drove it back to Florida,it ran very well,and got 9.75 mpg.at 65 mph.after i got home ,i discovered that the left front tire was worn to the steel cord. i replaced the tire,$247.00, and took it to a truck place to have it aligned. they informed me that the air bags (front were blown)(leaking) i had the bags replaced,$629.00, and drove fron Florida to Maryland,at 55 mph.got 11.73 mpg. no further problems,it looks great and runs great too.it is 29 ft long,with no slides.a new coach would have had its problems also,but if it totally falls apart,i will loose less than $16,500.

Boomerang66

Moves around

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Posted: 09/27/09 02:26pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I am a 1st time buyer that needs some advise. So far I have done several rentals of a 24' Class C. I found the Winnebago View very easy to drive and park almost anywhere. After 2 weeks the View was getting a bit confining and we plan to use our new RV for up to four months at a time.

So far I have been leaning to buying a used diesel pusher. I am concerned that most of the newer models are about 40' long. I like the layout of the Winnebago Journey 37H as I want the TV to be a eye level rather than above the cockpit.

My question is how limiting is it drive a larger RV of up to 40' in length? Will I have difficulty finding places to park in the State and Federal parks? Is it much of an advantage to find a 35' model?

Which manufactures should I consider? I want to get a model no older than 2006. Fleetwood and Winnebago have some nice layouts, are these RV's well built?

Any other advise that anyone can offer would be most welcome.

Mr.Mark

Out West and Mid South

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Posted: 09/27/09 03:41pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Boommer, the best advice I could give you is to rent a larger RV to see if you like how it handles, the room inside, etc. You will get tons of opinions here. It seems in California, most State Parks limit the length of an RV to 35ft. max. So, we never visit to them since we are at 42 ft.

Personally, I won't go smaller as we like the extra room with four slides. If we ever get another one, it will be 45 ft.

MM.


Mr.Mark
2021.5 Pleasure Way Plateau FL Class-B on the Sprinter Chassis
2018 Mini Cooper Hardtop Coupe, 2 dr., 6-speed manual
(SOLD) 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach, 45 ft, 500 hp Volvo
(SOLD) 2008 Monaco Dynasty, 42 ft, 425 hp Cummins

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