Looking to buy—tips, opinions

[modrob]

New member here. Several years back, I owned two older 80s Class A units. Now, I’m wanting another unit for some short and maybe longer intermittent outings…
I’m partial to Class A, but I do like the Cs as well.
Ideally I’d like to have a diesel pusher, for the quietness for sure, but mainly I feel the diesel engine is more robust. I also don’t like the heat produced by the gas engines up in front—I’ve seen and repaired the manifolds on the 454s that have warped from the heat, and have seen them running so hot they glow cherry red.
I’m sure the costs are more in maintaining the diesel…
I may be asking too much, but can units in the model years around late 90s thru early 2000s be found that still have some good life left, and affordable? Opinions welcomed. Thanks.

 

[John&Andrea]

Welcome to the group. I’m no mechanic but to your question. I think yes you can find 20 year old units in good shape mechanically. My concern would be the structure and appliances. Roof being a big concern. Good lock in your search. Try RV Trader.com to get ideas and prices.

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

The newer the RV, the more efficient the engines are. I can see a hot manifold on a carved 454, but a newer fuel injected engine is going to have sensors and computers to alleviate a condition that would make an exhaust glow.
My V10 runs cool, there is no heat coming off the doghouse at all. Newer engines will get better mileage, too.

 

[rvkev]

I personally prefer pre-computer engines and other components. No Deisel exhaust fluid needed. No catylitic converters either. Look at Wanderlodge, Beaver, and Barth. Look for good bones and the rest is mostly the same. There are other companies that do not produce coaches any more. If you are handy your rig will be serviced by you. We are all smarter with online videos and forums like this.

 

[Joe Hogan]

IMHO if you are handy with maintenance, a pre emission diesel would be my recommendation. Apparently the MFG are still struggling with the mandatory emissions system. DEF system is a PIA.

 

[modrob]

I’m still in the hunt—daily looking. But I’m thinking it’s not the best time now, with the touring season already here, and in my area it seems like nearly all are sold within days of posting. Good for them, bad for me LOL.
I’m still torn on several things though, and I’m weighing them daily also…Diesel or gas: I’d rather have diesel for the robustness of it (I feel) but that usually means a bigger coach, and that means trouble for parking at home—we have a steep driveway and at the top every area is still on a slope. And not enough room to turn around or maneuver. (However I’ve purchased a small bulldozer so trees and leveling might be doable LOL)
Class A or C: the C we would choose would likely be smaller so maneuverability wouldn’t be an issue. Getting to the engine area for repairs that I am capable of are painful—but an A model I’m sure has similar issues in being able to get to things.
And of course, trying to find one that’s not due to have a major breakdown in motor or tranny—too many miles or not enough, too many years not enough miles, etc.
I’m thinking I prefer the Ford engine for some probably minuscule reasons…
Hmmmm…so much to think about…

 

[rvkev]

Go with the engines beginning with "C" as in Caterpillar and Cummins.

 

[rosey5224]

New member, I am looking for a gas class A RV 30ft to 40ft . My question is , what RV should I avoid and or what make or model is more reliable . Any and all help or advice is appreciated

 

[Wemustrv]

New member here. Several years back, I owned two older 80s Class A units. Now, I’m wanting another unit for some short and maybe longer intermittent outings…
I’m partial to Class A, but I do like the Cs as well.
Ideally I’d like to have a diesel pusher, for the quietness for sure, but mainly I feel the diesel engine is more robust. I also don’t like the heat produced by the gas engines up in front—I’ve seen and repaired the manifolds on the 454s that have warped from the heat, and have seen them running so hot they glow cherry red.
I’m sure the costs are more in maintaining the diesel…
I may be asking too much, but can units in the model years around late 90s thru early 2000s be found that still have some good life left, and affordable? Opinions welcomed. Thanks.

Yes you can find them. Diesel much more reliable and fewer repairs needed and the noise and the heat is in the back not up in the driver area. Purchased our 2007 Coachman Encore 40TS 5 years ago for $68K with 47,000 miles on it.

First Photo is us camping on BLM land in Custer South Dakota an the other us camping at a Harvest Host Vermillion Living History Museum and Folklore Park Lafayette LA.

 

[Chico71cuba]

Go with the engines beginning with "C" as in Caterpillar and Cummins.

I think thouse only coming in Class C plus...and they are kinda big for me and my wife...thank you