DreadDulcimer
New Member
Hi, all!
In about three weeks, I go on a festival tour for a month (North Carolina, Ohio, New York, Maryland and back home to Florida) and I'm under pressure to buy a Class B campervan on a micro-budget (no more than $15,000.) The vehicle I was *going* to use suddenly became unfit and renting a car isn't an option. My wife and I have been looking at getting me into an RV for some time as it would help save on motel lodging and now our hand has been forced. Though I can rough it with the best, I've been led to understand that a generator, a/c, toilet/shower, microwave, water tanks and stove are a MUST. Not knowing anything about RVs, and probably not able to bring along a mechanic to give everything a look, I'm in need of some specific insight; can you give a newbie some clues on what to look, listen and feel for during inspection?
On another note, after poring over hundreds of Florida RV listings from both dealers and private owners, I've come across some recurring models and even some Class C bargains and wonder if anyone knows of existing issues with these? For example, I've found two 1988 Ford Falcons for around $8000, but have read elsewhere about problematic window seals and leakage. I know it really depends on how well each vehicle was maintained, but it seems that some issues have sprung up irregardless. The short list:
* 26' 1988 Mini Winnie - 60k $8500
* 24' 1998 Gulfstream Conquest Limited Edition - 49k - $11,000 (exhaust problem w/ generator)
* 21' 1992 Toyota Mini Winnie Warrior - 49k - $12,000 (dream catch, hope it's still available!)
* 20' 2002 Roadtrek 190 Popular - 44k - $29,000 (way out of my price range - but if I can finance....)
* 20' 1999 Dodge Coach House Platinum 192KS Wide Body - 99k - $15,900 (*eek!* on the mileage, dealer sale)
* 19' 1990 Dodge Coach House - mileage not listed - $7,400
* 19' 1995 Dodge Coach House - 200k! - $7,500 (no shower)
* 1991 Ford E150 Amerigo - $3500 (toilet, no shower or generator - last choice option, cheaper than renting a car and booking even the cheapest rooms, but would I regret it later?)
The '88 Falcons are still under consideration as well. So, what are the "bare necessities" that I'm looking for? What glaring warning signs should be considered? The information out there is overwhelming and I've such a short time to glean as much as possible, so please forgive my utter cluelessness. I appreciate any and all input plus suggestions on comparable models that I should consider.
On a final note - I have found quite a few older Class A motorhomes within my price range - but I'm really wary of getting a bargain on the front end, only to be knocked down by difficult-to-find parts down the road and exceedingly thirsty gas tanks. Is this right thinking?
Thank you for your consideration and assistance!
Sho na bish, (Miccosukee for 'thank you')
Bing Futch
In about three weeks, I go on a festival tour for a month (North Carolina, Ohio, New York, Maryland and back home to Florida) and I'm under pressure to buy a Class B campervan on a micro-budget (no more than $15,000.) The vehicle I was *going* to use suddenly became unfit and renting a car isn't an option. My wife and I have been looking at getting me into an RV for some time as it would help save on motel lodging and now our hand has been forced. Though I can rough it with the best, I've been led to understand that a generator, a/c, toilet/shower, microwave, water tanks and stove are a MUST. Not knowing anything about RVs, and probably not able to bring along a mechanic to give everything a look, I'm in need of some specific insight; can you give a newbie some clues on what to look, listen and feel for during inspection?
On another note, after poring over hundreds of Florida RV listings from both dealers and private owners, I've come across some recurring models and even some Class C bargains and wonder if anyone knows of existing issues with these? For example, I've found two 1988 Ford Falcons for around $8000, but have read elsewhere about problematic window seals and leakage. I know it really depends on how well each vehicle was maintained, but it seems that some issues have sprung up irregardless. The short list:
* 26' 1988 Mini Winnie - 60k $8500
* 24' 1998 Gulfstream Conquest Limited Edition - 49k - $11,000 (exhaust problem w/ generator)
* 21' 1992 Toyota Mini Winnie Warrior - 49k - $12,000 (dream catch, hope it's still available!)
* 20' 2002 Roadtrek 190 Popular - 44k - $29,000 (way out of my price range - but if I can finance....)
* 20' 1999 Dodge Coach House Platinum 192KS Wide Body - 99k - $15,900 (*eek!* on the mileage, dealer sale)
* 19' 1990 Dodge Coach House - mileage not listed - $7,400
* 19' 1995 Dodge Coach House - 200k! - $7,500 (no shower)
* 1991 Ford E150 Amerigo - $3500 (toilet, no shower or generator - last choice option, cheaper than renting a car and booking even the cheapest rooms, but would I regret it later?)
The '88 Falcons are still under consideration as well. So, what are the "bare necessities" that I'm looking for? What glaring warning signs should be considered? The information out there is overwhelming and I've such a short time to glean as much as possible, so please forgive my utter cluelessness. I appreciate any and all input plus suggestions on comparable models that I should consider.
On a final note - I have found quite a few older Class A motorhomes within my price range - but I'm really wary of getting a bargain on the front end, only to be knocked down by difficult-to-find parts down the road and exceedingly thirsty gas tanks. Is this right thinking?
Thank you for your consideration and assistance!
Sho na bish, (Miccosukee for 'thank you')
Bing Futch