LuvOurBoxers
O'Fallon, IL
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Joined: 07/18/2008
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Desperately need advice.
We have decided we want a class A. We just don't know whether to get an older model diesel or newer gas model. We also don't know which make we want, except have ruled out the Coachmen.
We go to dog shows about every 6 weeks with our two boxers and little Silky Terrier. The shows last 2 - 3 days, and we drive from 4 hours to 10 hours. We will keep it at a private campground as a weekend get away.
We don't plan to travel very long distances for a few years.
We can spend up to a max of $60,000, but would be more comfortable spending less. Should we look for private seller or dealer 
We really need to find something within the next 2-3 weeks.
* This post was
edited 07/18/08 11:57pm by LuvOurBoxers *
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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For $30K you can have one tomorrow I expect. Either should work fine for your stated usage. Gas will offer more options in finding a MH on your short time table.
* This post was
edited 07/19/08 12:07am by Gale Hawkins *
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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LuvOurBoxers wrote:Desperately need advice.
We have decided we want a class A. We just don't know whether to get an older model diesel or newer gas model. We also don't know which make we want, except have ruled out the Coachmen.
We go to dog shows about every 6 weeks with our two boxers and little Silky Terrier. The shows last 2 - 3 days, and we drive from 4 hours to 10 hours. We will keep it at a private campground as a weekend get away.
We don't plan to travel very long distances for a few years.
We can spend up to a max of $70,000, but would be more comfortable spending less. I have been told that if we use it frequently enough we can deduct the interest from our taxes. Does anyone know about this?
We really need to find something within the next 2-3 weeks. No minimum or maximum of use, you can deduct the interest (if the loan is secured by the RV) as a second home. We've done it for many, many years and been through two audits with no trouble
Deen - Vancouver, WA
'02 Dutch Star 4090 (41+', triple slide)
435/1200 ISC Cummins/Banks PowerPak
'08 Honda Civic/dolly
'05 Honda Odyssey/dolly
NRA Benefactor Life Member
FMCA f47302s, Life Member: Good Sam,
Newmar DP Owners Group
51st yr of RV'ing
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RAGster
Marietta, Georgia
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Joined: 08/01/2006
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The older the RV, it will be better if you can do your own maintenance. They all will need maintenance, but the older ones usually require a little more work due to previous owners neglect. However, if you shop around, you can find an older unit that has been garage kept with maintenance records.
You should check out some older Blue Bird Wanderlodges. You can find a nice one for price you are seeking. Google vintagebirds, wanderlodge owners group, and wanderlodgeforum.
Good luck in your search.
Glenn
RAGster
1986 Wanderlodge PT-40
Marietta, GA
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tomlang
Los Angeles area
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Joined: 06/11/2007
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Personally, with $60,000 to spend, I would look for an older very-high-end diesel. You should be able to find a 1995 give-or-take Foretravel Unicoach (model would be U270, U295, or U320) for about that price or a slightly older Foretravel Unihome (Grand Villa) for a bit less. Foretravels are built to last forever.
Tom and Lynne
Tom is an Electronics Engineer, Lynne a retired teacher.
old rig is a 1988 Winnebago Superchief, just back from being on tour with the Blue Turtle Seduction (band)
new (our dream rig) is a 2003 Foretravel 38' U295
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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Joined: 02/19/2004
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JMHO, but spending $60,000 in the next few weeks on ANY MH is not a good deal. This has caused many people to HATE MH's. Take your time and get informed. Read JohnnyT's posting on buying a MH.
Test drive several.
Unless you are real lucky, I think you will be sorry.
Good luck.
DeWayne & Judy
04 3810 Dutch Star
ISL 370
Frank's autoformer
01 Sahara Jeep-toad
F 374382
It is hard to kiss the lips at night, that has chewed your butt all day long!
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Big Katuna
Deland, FL
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I personally agree that a higher end coach like a Foretravel would be the way to go. I have had two gas coaches and one DP and if I couldn't afford a DP, I would switch back to a pickup and an Airstream.
If you DO end up with a gas coach, get a 2000 or newer. The suspensions, trans, etc got a lot better after that.
The difference basically is if you go with gas at that price point, you will get more slides, etc. You could still get a one slide Holiday Rambler or Monaco in that range.
In a 10 year old coach, delamination and roof problems will be what to watch out for. Foretravel doesn't have those problems.
Mostly .
My Kharma ran over my Dogma.
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LuvOurBoxers
O'Fallon, IL
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Joined: 07/18/2008
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Ok, so I slept on it and read everyone posts and decided we should move up in price. I WANTED to spend $60k, but we could afford $80K. We are not mechanics and don't want to spend a lot of time having an RV in the shop. We have a fast paced life, and this RV is supposed to make it easier.
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Joined: 07/03/2005
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For the amount of mileage you project a gas engine will free up a lot of your money for other coach goodies. Diesel engines cost a lot of money.
Jim, Sharon and Buddy the Yorkie
1999 Gulfstream Sun Voyager 31' ISB Cummins 210 uprated to 275
Trippe-Lite 1800w inverter 4-6v GC batteries
3- Kyocera 130w solar panels
1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
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Wimsey
Michigan
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Joined: 05/03/2007
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As someone who also travels and shows dogs we opted for a slightly used DP. It gave us more carrying capacity and a diesel generator which is a must if you travel in hot areas during the summer to shows where there are no electric hook-ups available. One important factor to keep in mind is how much water carrying capacity you have -- it seems to be something that a lot of dog show people don't think about until they are at a show and run out of water with no area to refill that tank. If you have questions, let me know and I'll be happy to share what we looked at, how we modified the coach to fit our needs, etc.
Talboys -- aka 2002 35' Gulf Stream Yellowstone Country Club
Traveling home for http://theblueposts.org/wimsey
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