Need info on buying a used Class C rv

[minnieandmickey]

We are thinking of buying a Class C RV in the next couple of years. Should we worry about mileage, if it were you what would be the max mileage? We are thinking about going through a RV rental place to purchase, any ideas with that? Any other info would be great. Thanks guys and gals.

 

[lawnspecialties]

Check out www.rvforum.net. It's like disboards for RV's

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

I'm no expert but my DH thinks he is His opinion is.... no more than 75K to 80K on a gas engine and no more than 120K to 140K on a deisel. I'd also ask for service records and consider the general condition of the RV. Lastly, DH suggests a private, single owner, would have a greater investment in caring for the RV than one used by multiple, "never have to be in it again" users.

Not sure if that is the kind of info you were looking for.

Happy Holidays!

 

[Hpyhiker]

also try www.rv.net and I guarantee your husband could spend the entire weekend reading about Class C's

 

[John VN]

What advantages would there be by going through a rental place?

Most people who rent do not know about RVs and might not treat them as well as someone who might spend $80,000 or more for their own 2nd house.

 

[stillh2o]

You can buy an eighty thousand dollar motorhome, and it is not like buying an eighty thousand dollar car. You won't have payments of $1800 dollars a month. You can finace a motorhome for 15-20 years, and have payments of 200-300 dollars a month, and it is a considered a 2nd mortgage on your taxes.

 

[Luv'sTink]

I wouldn't buy from a rental place for the reasons mentioned above.

My Dad owns and RV repair business and you would not believe how bad people treat the RV's they own let alone people who rent them and have no idea how to use them.

Also, before you buy make sure you take it to a reputable place and have it checked out, there could be a lot of things wrong that you cant see just by looking at the RV. Such are dry rot. This sounds gross but act like you are flushing the toilet and take a good smell (you don't have to get real close) because if the black tank has not been taken care of properly it is very hard if not impossible to get rid of the smell that will come from it. Check the roof, people tend to let the roof go because they think it is good for 10 years. The 10 year warranty is only good if they owner takes proper care of the roof. Check the heater and refrigerator (no smell), hot water tank, converter, make sure no tanks leak, so they will need some liquid in them. Check to make sure the propane tanks have been updated with the new fittings or they tanks can't be filled. Check the walls and the floor around the walls for leaks, sometimes you can see the runs on the walls around the windows. If the floor feels spongy there is/was a leak. Around the toilet for leaks. Geez, I could go on and on...


Then you have the whole chassis to check also. Since I am sure you get the idea I will let it go...

Here is a tip for keeping a clean and smell free gray and black tank.....After you clean out the tank, put a small amount of water in the tank add chemical and a small amount of dish soap before you leave to go home. As you drive down the road the bouncing and swishing from the motion make the soap wash the inside of your tank and it wont hurt the tank at all. Be sure to winterize properly in cold areas.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Here is a tip for keeping a clean and smell free gray and black tank.....After you clean out the tank, put a small amount of water in the tank add chemical and a small amount of dish soap before you leave to go home. As you drive down the road the bouncing and swishing from the motion make the soap wash the inside of your tank and it wont hurt the tank at all. Be sure to winterize properly in cold areas.[/QUOTE]


I agree on the tank cleaning method, I have used it before with good results. I always tease my wife that its not supposed to smell too good, its not like you are storing flowers in it !

It sounds like the OP is ready to do the research required to make a knowledgable decision. The purchase of a used unit requires a lot of knowledge, not only of the RV portion but the chassis as well. Ask around and see what people do and dont like about their chassis. The ease of maintenance and repair and the availability of competent service while on the road should be factored in. Make sure you get a maintenance history and if possible a warranty repair record on the unit. Many trips to the dealer for chassis work can be a flag to a lemon. Its a lot of leg work but could pay off when you buy.

Good luck
Scott