Advice on used campers?

[mom2twinz3]

Hi,

I have been reading this board and enjoying all the posts.

I am thinking about buying a used Class C motorhome to use not only for Ft Wilderness, but also for trips to visit family in TN, and other destinations.

It seems that even used ones are pricey, and I would have to save up for a nice down payment. Can those of you who have purchased used RVs, tell me if you feel it is worth the investment, and what to look for as specifically pertains to RVs?

We currently have a tent, which I used this month on the way back from TN, but my DD age 14, hates tent camping. We also have a pop-up, but as I will likely have to take the kids myself, since my husband hates Disney, I don't really feel comfortable towing the pop-up all that alone. We live in MD.

I think more and more, a used motorhome would be the answer for us.

Thanks,
Mary

 

[parmtoo]

My best friend has a new one, she drives it all over with her 2 daughters. She taded in her TT when her DH started working more.........she wanted something she could drive herself and she loves it!
I wouldn't even know how to begin seaching for a used RV, but someone on these boards will............................

 

[christinou]

We had a pop up and bought a used Class C, it was only 1 year old, and in good shape. We love it, and it was a great deal, a lot cheaper than a new one. We bought it from a dealer. we really did look it over, and made a list of what needed to be fixed before we would buy it, and they fixed everything. I don't know anything mechanical, so I made sure it ran!, and the warranty transferred over to us, I made sure that they were no water leaks inside, and that everything was in working order, we used it all last summer including a trip to Fort Wilderness and this summer. We love it.
Good luck in your decision.

 

[John VN]

Mary

A RV is usually only a good investment in FUN not a good financial investment unless you get a really great deal.

Look at rv.search, rv.online, pplmotorhomes, and others to get an idea of used prices.

rv.net is a great source of info.

Buy some magazines and read about RVs.

Most important is to spend time researching before you buy.

John

Was just on rv.net and found post that might help you out. Go to Class A Motorhomes and scroll down "originator" column until you see post by Len Souza about doing "Homework" when buying a RV.
Lots of info on this site as I mentioned before.
Good luck.

 

[mom2twinz3]

Thank you all.

John, those links are very helpful. It is true that the investment would be in fun. I know that we'd get much use out of it. However, our budget is such that we'd have to look for one from about the early 90's, so we'd really have to be meticulous in making sure it is mechanically sound.

I have seen some in local papers with low mileage. But if I went that route, i would definitely have an experienced RV mechanic look it over before buying.

One thing that is steering me in this direction is that we have 5 children, (there is a set of twins in there) and it is difficult to find a hotels where all of us can stay. Nothing but Ft Wilderness is affordable on Disney property. Last time we stayed at HIFS with the Entertainment rate, but I think they stopped taking it. The pop-up works okay, but it does get cramped as it really only sleeps 6.

Thanks again, you've given me some great places to get started.

Mary