*bttt*
Make sure it comes with the CarFax report!
At least here in Wisconsin the gas stations all have the free car and truck classified magazines that catalog used vehicles from all over the area. You can also try local auctions, check the bulletin boards at the courthouse for seized property auctions.
And Class C is the best type of motorhome, IMO. Class A is too big, and Class B is too small.
Car trader has an RV version. They have a website.
Bankston Motor Homes, Huntsville, Alabama.
I know, not on the West coast. He carries used RVs, also. Lot’s of class C motor homes.
My daughter just bought a 19 footer from these guys and is very happy with the RV and the support from CruiseAmerica. These are used rental RVs.
Rvtrader.com
You can probably get a better deal if you wait a few months. Prime travel season will be over.
Cruise America in Mesa AZ HQ location only.
Hmmmm. I’m thinking of King Lear. But Mr. Mercat and I love our Rialta.
If you’re going to travel the Western USA, I’d make sure this Class C RV you want has got a diesel drivetrain. I just keep meeting people at RV parks that bought into a gas engine and call it a complete pig on uphill climbs. Even if they have a GM big block 496/502 with Banks Power, they just bog down at high altitude. A lot of the formidable-looking badges touting amazing power on gas vehicles don’t amount to anything more than a sticker with fancy graphics.
Diesel is admittedly about twice the cost to service over a gas engine, but I don’t think I’d want to try to chuffle around on a gasoline motor anywhere West of the Oklahoma panhandle — especially when you’re toting your entire household around.
You might want to see if you can afford to buy into a rig where you have a brand new lower-end diesel truck towing a trailer — fifth wheel, or not. That way you can unhitch and have a driving vehicle for your needs.
With the advent of ultra-light trailers that only came into being in the last few recent years, dealers and private individuals are eager to cut loose new and used ‘Not-so-light’ travel trailers for a good price.
Get a vehicle with a Cummins/Duramax/PowerStroke/Eco-Diesel and you probably won’t regret it. You don’t need to lay down anywhere close to $70k for a loaded maxxed-out honcho truck 3500 to get a good diesel motor. You can keep it way under $30k. A used trailer only a few years old can sell for under $20k if you’re saavy and do your research.
Also, check out youtube. Lots of videos on the subject from RVers.
Have you ever traveled/owned an RV (travel trailer, 5th wheel, motor home) before? Have you ever taken extended trips (minimum 3 weeks) in one previously? It is a great lifestyle for some; no so much for others. The latter folks are often stuck with no small amount of disappointment and a big debt if they finance their rig. Most RV dealers——while not totally dishonest—would never ask these questions. Its not all adventure and freedom. Sometimes its broken AC, power converters, noisy neighbors, irresponsbile dog owners etc although I would have to say that the RV travel community is made up of some of the nicest folks in the world.
Please update on what you decide! Sorta similar here.
Unless you have done a lot of RV camping before, I would suggest you rent an RV several times for week long trips first!
I have had several friends that bought the biggest and the best and set out to see America. Only to come home early and sell the RV before the year was over.
Great fun at first, but when the fun turns to labor and huge expenses, or you are stuck for days with the spouse in bad weather waiting for a starter solenoid, fun changes to something else.
Rent first.
Look at PPL Motorhomes based in Houston, TX. PPL is the largest consignment motorhome company in the world. All sales people are salaried. Two years ago we got a 10 year old 30 foot class A with 36K miles for $17K dollars.
I drive a CRV. Be careful they are chick magnets. /s
Check the obits in Sun City, Retirement Village, etc.
Lessons learned from someone who has been there.......