Looking to Buy My First RV

[rugbyferret]

Hello,

I am looking at buying a used class C RV in the $2000 to $5000 price range, and am wondering what advice people might have for me. I am hoping to live a very Spartan lifestyle by myself in the RV. I don't plan on driving it great distances, but instead hope to be able to live simply in Southern California by finding good places to boondock for a few weeks or months at a time.

I found a 1972 Chinook for $4000 that looks very interesting to me, but I'd love to get more input from others. The pictures look like it's in good condition, and the seller says that the engine was rebuilt in 2008.

Any input or advice on buying a small used RV for under $5,000 would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!

Cheers,
Wes
_________________
Wes Farrow
Director of Operations
Soltura Languages Incorporated
www.solturalanguages.com
wfarrow@solturalanguages.com

[Russell]

I would learn as much as possible before buying the used RV. Try reading posts on a forum like the one here on rvtravel.com and rv.net/forum and learn as much as possible. You can also go to a site like www.usedrvsforsale.com. Read under the How to Buy link as well as look at comparable used RVs to see if the one you are looking at compares. Good luck in finding the RV of your dreams.

[RV Mech Tech]

Wes: check out www.rvbookstore.com. They have books on buying used RVs. Like Russell says, learn as much as you can. You are looking at two parts to a motorized RV: the chassis and house part. For the chassis mechanical condition and what it's going to cost to safety certify, the chassis should be considered. Will the engine pass an emission test? Best to include that in the deal if you can. The house/RV part will need propane system certification (in most states in the US and provinces in Canada). Condition of the coach body, especially if there is any water damage, are the main determining factors for the selling price. Are all the appliances operating? What about the plumbing and electrical system? Generator if equipped? If you are handy and do a lot of your own work, then you can look for a 'handyman's special' and accept the condition of a used unit with the intention of fixing it up yourself. But if you have to have someone else do the work on the RV to get it roadworthy, then take this into serious consideration. The repair bill can add up very quickly.

[brucebr]

Budget that same amount for repairs. And hope it is enough.

PS Look at the condition and date of the tires. At about $150/tire, it can add up quickly. Any tire more than 6 years old requires replacement. Don't risk your life on old tires.
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Bruce and Jenna
Clancy, the Australian Terrier
FT since 7/2007

[lizbard]

If possible, pay a mechanic (unless you are knowledgeable or have a friend) to look over the chassis, brakes, tires, engine, etc. Then if needed, pay someone to look over the applicances, generator, etc., so you know what you are getting into. I did not and trusted the salesman (I know about used salesmen) because we had been buying Saturn vehicles since 1994 and were confident we could tell how everything was. We paid $35,000 for a 2002 Winnebago Brave and have paid approximately $8,000 in repairs since March 2009.
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Texas WAC