[shook1]

I've been considering purchasing a used motor home/ rv. I don't know much about them, but saw a few on the net, in NJ, for around $2000. I'm looking for one to maybe take to Virginia once a year, and possibly a spare bedroom when someone stays over. I have considered a camper trailer too, but I don't want a pop-up.

Does anyone have any advise on what to look for, and what to stay away from?

Luke

[400 4spd.]

If 2K is your price range you can't be choosy. I think water leaks will ruin one quicker than anything else, so start with the roof condition.

[marxjunk]

stay away from anything built on a 1 ton chassis.. unless its very small

2000 barely gets a a pop up camper anymore thats any count.

if you have a good truck already...a pull along fits what youre asking for

[Bob Hall]

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm

Go there and ask away. You will most likely have to open your wallet wider or check out a site like
http://www.rvtrader.com/
www.auctionzip.com

[Simple Man]

2 grand is not going to get much at all.

[Jim Doran]

I think about this often as well given we're getting older and want to travel more.

Here's a short interesting article that I found quite useful: http://www.caniretireyet.com/choosin...rement-travel/

[shook1]

I've seen a lot of RVs, motor homes, campers, trailers on Craigslist for around $2k. I know a few of them are scams, and I would never buy one I couldn't see in person. The others could be cheap for age, condition, or just a motivated seller.

I'm taking suggestions from this thread in hand before looking at anything. I thought I might sell my Lemans to purchase one.

[Jagtec1]

I'm in the market also...and there is a LOT of JUNK out there. I don't think you'll find much worth buying for less than about $6k...and even then you have to be careful.

FWIW, any of those CL ads with the text on the picture with the price (usually ridiculously low) or contact info/email address are scams.

[GTO68FXSTC98]

Back in the late 70's early 80's, my dad rented one for a couple of weeks. I don't know if that is still an option though.

[Simple Man]

Originally Posted by GTO68FXSTC98

Back in the late 70's early 80's, my dad rented one for a couple of weeks. I don't know if that is still an option though.

http://www.cruiseamerica.com/rent/?u...FRc6gQodDnYE0A

[goatless]

There is a '70s Ford motorhome for sale at one of the garages in town. I looked at the sign as I drove past today- $1800.00.

I can take a look if you're interested in something that old.

[The Champ]

A $2000.00 motor home most likely will turn out to be a money pit.

Tires alone will run you a chunk of money and most likely the tires on a $2000.00 motor home will need replacing - they may look fine but be too old to be safe.

I've experienced losing a tire on a motor home on a trip - they'll be twice as expensive when you try and find one off the Interstate.

[shook1]

I didn't consider the cost of tires. Then there's brakes and engine maintenance.

Maybe I should lean towards a trailer. I have a truck that can handle pulling one, but it would likely sit in my back yard most of the time.

[Bob Hall]

Tires are going to get you no matter what. I've never had a blow out in my life until I got a travel trailer a few years ago and then it's been a blow out fiesta since then, even on the 5th wheel I got a couple of years ago. Learned valuable lessons. Keep the speed below 65 on these boxes. ST tires tend to blow more on a camper then say an open car trailer in my personal experience. I now carry two spares with me when I go camping.

[x-bird2]

Once a year? Rent one for the trip. With that little use, after a couple years, your going to be tired of the continual maintenance you'll need to give it to keep it in good condition. I inherited a 30-foot trailer -- 2-3 times a year inspecting it, airing it out, cleaning, going over the roof etc etc ... . after 5 years and never using it once, it got sold.

[Bob Hall]

I've looked into renting one to our trip to Florida next October

They "include" 1100 miles for $385. Anything over that is $.35/mile.

11 Nights $1199.00
1100 Estimated miles: $385.00
Supplemental Liability Insurance: No Charge
Vehicle Prep Fee: No Charge
Subtotal: $1584.00
State Tax: $95.04
Surcharge Daily: $22.00
Damage Deposit: $500.00
Total Charge: $2201.04

Trip Details
Pick Up Location 1122 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA
Drop Off Location 1122 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA
Pick Up Date October 01, 2016 between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM

Drop Off Date October 12, 2016 before 11:00 AM
RV Type Large RV (C30)
Number of Passengers 2
Kitchen Kit: No
Personal Kits: No personal kits
Total Included miles 1100

Payment Details
Reservation Downpayment $300
Balance Due on Pickup $1901.04


My monthly payments and insurance for my 5th wheel for a whole year is less then that total.

[x-bird2]

Have you checked into renting one in Florida?

[Sirrotica]

5 years ago 1978 Holiday Rambler 33 foot with an inverted fifth wheel from somebody that had to get rid of it immediately and paid $650 from their $2100 asking price. It was descent inside and was well kept up but no way I was going to pay $2100 for something that old. The camper needed some repairs but buying one that old you know that going into it. Ours also doesn't have A/C, nice to have when it's sweltering, but not an absolute necessity.

Our camper doesn't have a generator, nice to have one with an quiet Onan unit when your somewhere that is primitive camping. I have an emergency generator I use when we go camping, of course they aren't as quiet as an incorporated unit is.

Make sure the propane appliances work properly and the fridge works, also make sure the freshwater pipes haven't been left with water in them and cracked the plumbing inside the walls or under the unit.

We use it to camp at Norwalk and some of the dirt track races we go to so I'm sure it's paid me back in motel fees already. I have a 93 6.5 turbo diesel dually to pull it with and it can run 65 down the interstates around here no problem. In the off season I use it to store stuff in that I don't want in the garage over the winter.

I've never had a trailer with an inverted fifth wheel until I bought this camper. The fifth wheel is mounted to the trailer and the pin is in the bed of the truck. Leaves the bed of the truck open to use for hauling without the fifth wheel sitting smack in the middle of the bed. Also not many people have this setup so thievery is less likely because no one has a rig setup to haul an inverted fifth wheel.

I always have liked the idea of using a trailer and being able to drop it at your destination and use the tow vehicle to get around locally instead of hauling another vehicle behind a motorhome. The fifth wheel tows much better than a bumper hitch does also, better weight distribution on the truck and no sway going down the highway.

As has been said roof condition is key to having any RV stand the test of time. Same as a house once they get wet inside it goes downhill quickly. Most floor are made of particle board and they degrade quickly when wet.

Mines been a good investment and for the few times I use it in a year it's nice to have. It takes up a large piece of real estate when parked on a subdivision lot.

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by x-bird2

Have you checked into renting one in Florida?

This.

When I used to go to the NASCAR race in Michigan every year I used to pick up a camper about 25 miles from the track.

Didn't have to tow the dang thing through Chicago - that was worth what I paid to rent the trailer for the 2 or 3 nights I needed it all by itself.

No need to store it. No insurance. No upkeep.

[Bob Hall]

Originally Posted by x-bird2

Have you checked into renting one in Florida?

Originally Posted by The Champ

This.

When I used to go to the NASCAR race in Michigan every year I used to pick up a camper about 25 miles from the track.

Didn't have to tow the dang thing through Chicago - that was worth what I paid to rent the trailer for the 2 or 3 nights I needed it all by itself.

No need to store it. No insurance. No upkeep.

Yep, it's a little cheaper to do that but we travel with pets and I like to split the drive up in 2 days. Finding a pet friendly motel/hotel is almost non existent for anything over 1 or 2 animals. The dogs don't kennel well at all and that was the biggest reason why we bought a camper. It's still cheaper to own and insure mine for a year then to rent one down in Florida.