Found a neat motorhome, but....

[Colliemom]

Those of you who have been reading my few posts since I started on this site, know that I have been sitting on the fence trying to decide about an RV etc. You have given me lots of food for thought. GREAT!!!
Today while I was out at the local WalMart I spotted a motorhome at a local used car dealer. Stopped to check it out. It's a 1998 31ft.Class C Winnebago Minnie. Beautiful coach. Only a little over 18,000 miles on it. Fully equipped and even has a slide out. Lots of room, LOTS of storage and I just loved the interior. Nice sofa in the slide out, overhead cab bunk was plenty big and out of the way (don't plan on usling it anyway), nice walk around queen bed. Shower was seperate from bathroom but that's no big deal. Most people I know just use them for storage anyway. He's selling it for somebody in town here who is only getting rid of it cause he wants to go up to a bigger Class A. Asking price is $24,900. Its. been kept stored inside when not used, so the exterior looks brand new and I could tell from snooping around inside that it has been well maintained. Also has three new tires on rear. Ford Chassis. Only problem is that I don't have the $24.000 right now. Truck lease is coming due pretty soon and I do have to think about a set of wheels to drive, that's a necessity. So I guess it's dream on. Anybody out there have any experience with Winnebago. Used to see them around a lot but don't as much anymore, at least here. Don't even know where a dealer is for one up here.

[Acadianmom]

A web site I like to research RV sales on is pplmotorhomes.com. This is a consignment lot in Houston, TX. They show floor plans and pictures of the motorhomes and trailers they have on their lot and the price they want. They also have a section that shows things they have sold in the last couple of years. It will give you a good idea what the different rigs are worth.

Probably the main thing you have to watch out for in older RV's are leaks. The Class C's with the overhead bunk are probably the worst for that. There is often discussion about RV parks not letting you in with a rig that is over 10 years old. I don't think I know anyone personally that has been turned away but guess it could happen. In this economy they are probably more worried that your money is green. The big Class A resorts are probably the ones that started the age limit.

Good luck on your search.

Martha

[avalen]

seems like thats all I ever see is Winnie's
Isn't it always the way.....you find it, that perfect bargain, but the timing is just wrong.
I satisfy my craving by checking out rv's on craigslist and also rvonline.com. Another one
I enjoy is Crankyape.com, its an auction site and honestly have seen some great deals
go through there and also some high priced stuff I thought people bid way to high on.
But it was all just for my entertainment and to keep track of the market cause no way
can I get anything for another 4 years at least.

[Colliemom]

Yeah, that's kind of my problem too. After reading some of the replys to my posts, I am beginning to thnk that my best course of action is to keep reading vaious posts, keep looking at RV's, save up some more money, get my truck lease/buy taken care of, then decide where to go from there. If somethng pops up tisis spring or summer, then I can decide on it. You know, I love the open road and maybe it should look into doing some full timing for a bit. I will be able to start SS next summer, so it may be time to unload the house and enjoy life for a bit while I still have my health. I am single and an only child with just 4 cousins in the family, the which of I don't see that often. So I am on my own. Just me and the two "furry" girls. There's a lot to think about and read about. Right now I am looking through RV bookstore to see what's out therer and plan to order some books on various subjects. Or maybe some from Amazon too. But i plan to keep asking questions and enjoying this site. I too am watching Craigsilst. I do have a friend who used to work for an RV company and he has told me that if I see something used I like, he will go over it with a fine tooth comb and also knows the questins to ask.

[Ladyhawk]

I have a C (Jayco) but am impressed by Winnebago. The overhead is great for storage if you don't need the sleeping space. I like having the shower separate from the bathroom, so when I'm in the shower, someone else can use the bathroom. Not an issue if it's only you though. I've only had it since last Sept., but no leaks so far and I've been out in some pretty bad storms. Happy hunting!

[retiredhappy]

The leaks in Class C's are usually only IF there is a front window in the overhang. I've had my Gulfstream Class C with no window up there since 2003 (its a 2001). Only leak was where a tree branch got the edge of my roof in the back. You do need to decide BEFORE your lease is up which way you're going to go. You sure don't want to buy a big truck and then decide to buy a motorhome and tow a car. Go look at all the different RV's, sit in the driver's seat, sit on the sofa, lay on the bed, pretend to cook a meal in the kitchen. As for parks not allowing RV's older than 10 years its usually in those highend resorts that cater to the BIG Class A's. Its their out to refuse to let in some of those really crappy old rigs with transients living in them.