Class A advice?

[bpaikman]

Our first motorhome was a 2006 Winnebago 36G - we sold it when it was 12 years old. We never had issues with major things, EXCEPT the air filter system for the engine, got clogged due to a flaw in Winnebago design at thatt time, as best I understand. Expensive fix. Difficult to reach - required a diesel mechanic.
Another thing I recall is that Winnebago is restrictive about who can work on them, or get parts - I don't recall exactly - it wasn't a problem to us at the time.
We spent $ on repairs - over 3 years, we replaced all 4 jacks, plus the engine air intake clog), and other small issues that cost us $ because we were both working at the time and weren't into DIY. I think maybe $20-25K in repairs. yup. Probably could save at least half if DIY.
I still think Winnebago and Tiffin have more liveable designs than Fleetwood, Newmar, or others. But I don't trust Tiffin because of the peeling issues they had with 'ultraleather, an expensive and unnecessary problem.
I too researched for 3-1/2 years before we settled on the one we have, which didn't check all the boxes on my list, but checked some pretty big ones.
Keep researching - my ideas and wants changed a lot during my research, and when we were ready to buy, even in this crazy covid economy, we still managed to find what we wanted at a fair price. (btw, we ended up buying a used dp from a dealer, snd are really glad we did - they fixed all the small problems (Fast! lol because we wouldn't pay until they did). There WILL be small (or large) problems - good to get them addressed before buying - saves lots of $$ and time - I doubt a private seller would do it. Unless you happened to find one in perfect shape (doubtful).
One more point. We did a "fly and buy'. I found a coach 2000+ miles from where we live, but it was what we wanted. After MUCH correspondence, we flew there to buy it we (had our toad shipped surprisingly competitive market for that - I'm STILL Getting shipping offers 3 months later ). We were lucky - it all worked out well.

 

[Loose Cannon]

Good to know some of the quirks with the Winnebago, as that is one of the makes I'm looking at. I'm also reading about independent RV inspectors (for those long-distance purchases), as well as supplemental insurance for 'stuff that breaks' (Good Sam offers this), and wonder if it's worth it. Glad to hear yours worked out well!

 

[bpaikman]

I don't think supplemental insurance is worth it... I have always said take all the money that you would pay out to any supplemental insurance, put it in a special bank account, and draw from that bank account to make repairs/replacements and you'll come out ahead. on 99% of items. Not ipads though. I'm hard on those, and have had 2 replacements I always get insurance for my iPad I used to get it for my phone also, but not worth it anymore with a good protective case.

 

[bpaikman]

don't write off the Winnebago but to pay special attention to the air and take system. I recall the mechanic said something about the way Winnebago designed it, some tube was blowing on something, causing it to clog sooner... and he moved it a bit. I'm sorry I can't be more specific, but my husband does remember exactly... is not awake yet..
Oh yeah... hundred percent recommend an independent inspector from NRVIA. Our guy paid for himself, Pointed out things we were able to get fixed before purchase, and saved us a heap of $ and trouble. We did purchase through a dealership and they worked quickly (Possibly because we had flown from across the country, willing to walk away from the deal, because we were visiting family in the area). They fixed the issues within two days, even calling in a specialist.

 

[Loose Cannon]

I don't think supplemental insurance is worth it... I have always said take all the money that you would pay out to any supplemental insurance, put it in a special bank account, and draw from that bank account to make repairs/replacements and you'll come out ahead. on 99% of items. Not ipads though. I'm hard on those, and have had 2 replacements I always get insurance for my iPad I used to get it for my phone also, but not worth it anymore with a good protective case.

Thank you for confirming what I suspected about supplemental insurance; I'm reading "If your budget is $50k (mine is), buy for $40-45k and spend the rest on repairs and upgrades".
And I agree with you on the insurance for electronics! I always get the extended warranty on my GPS, as I'm hard on those!

 

[Loose Cannon]

don't write off the Winnebago but to pay special attention to the air and take system. I recall the mechanic said something about the way Winnebago designed it, some tube was blowing on something, causing it to clog sooner... and he moved it a bit. I'm sorry I can't be more specific, but my husband does remember exactly... is not awake yet..
Oh yeah... hundred percent recommend an independent inspector from NRVIA. Our guy paid for himself, Pointed out things we were able to get fixed before purchase, and saved us a heap of $ and trouble. We did purchase through a dealership and they worked quickly (Possibly because we had flown from across the country, willing to walk away from the deal, because we were visiting family in the area). They fixed the issues within two days, even calling in a specialist.

Winnebago and Fleetwood are the two I'm looking at the most, both for construction and layout. And since I'm looking nationwide, no doubt an NRVIA inspector is well worth it, as well as buying from a dealer. I really want everything to be 'road-ready' from the beginning!

 

[hiwaymyway]

I'm an over-the-road trucker, plan to retire in three years, RV full-time. I have a Dodge Dakota and am buying a Harley soon. I'm single (for now!), and intend to circle the country once a year, avoiding snow!
I'm looking at self-contained 37' Class A motorhomes, with Fleetwood models (Discovery 37U, Bounder 38L), and Winnebago (36C and 36GD), of particular interest. Budget is $40-50K, so I'm looking at 15-20 year old RVs. Any advice for me?

I am by no way an expert but, I have been looking for a class A for 4 years now and if you take the time to look you can buy excellent motorhomes for $20000 to $30000.

 

[Loose Cannon]

Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[Loose Cannon]

Still doing my research, thinking I'd like to have a washer/dryer, ice maker and oven in a 37-40' Class A (I like the layout of Fleetwoods). I realize I'd be sacrificing some storage space, but it's just me. I'm wondering about reliability and usefulness. I like to cook and expect to be boondocking more often than not, so want to be as self-contained as possible. Are these items worth it?

 

[AbdRahim]

I originally did not want the washer and dryer, but the price was right, and now I would definitely prefer it. Very convenient.