…… Want to buy a motorhome; need your help

Tundra Gypsy

Tundra Gypsy

Veteran Member
I've been wanting to buy a motorhome for some time. Here is my history: I used to camp every summer; a few days here and there. I am a retired, 'glamping gal.' Gal friends have stopped camping over the years. I sold the little trailers over time too. My one friend and I were camping up until last year. I had purchased a truck with a camper and had been using that. Now she can't camp anymore because her hubby has dementia. I want to sell the truck and camper because I no longer want to climb up into the bed area.

There is a Class C motorhome for sale. It is only 20 feet long and has everything I need in it. It even has a bed in the back corner. Here is the reason I want to buy it: I am home all the time; hubby is in California and won't be back until October. All I do is work on this place. I go days without seeing or talking to anyone. My hubby rarely calls, nor does my family. My daughter no longer talks to me. If I want to see people, I go shopping or to church. My few gal friends are busy with their husbands and family. We're all getting older too.

I enjoy being out in nature, enjoy views of lakes and streams. I would get someone to go day camping with me; there are a couple of people who might be available. I don't think a gal should go off on her own these days; especially at a campground full of unknown people.
I don't know how many times I would use it, considering the price I'd have to pay for one; so that is a consideration. I might use it four or five times a summer. If I could just take off once a week; drive an hour to my favorite little campground on the Kootenai River; I would be in heaven. Sit out next to the river; which trains in the distance and listen to nature.

Problem is I don't know if my two friends would always want to go with me. Don't know if spending that much money would be wise. Then there would be the upkeep. The one I am looking at is old...like a 1992 old. Owner says it has been well maintained.

I don't know what to do. I read that people who live isolated lives have an increased tendency for dementia, heart attack or strokes. My big question is do I really need a motorhome? Do I want to spend the money then, end up spending more money on the upkeep? It will sit for 5 months during the winter too. I just don't know what to do. The truck and camper are going in the paper on Thursday to be sold. However, If I have to evacuate because of fires, I won't have anything to stay in. (my mind is always thinking).

What to do, what to do. I need your comments and help with this difficult decision. Thanks
 
From what I understand, never having owned one, is that motorhomes, or as we call them here in the south camper-trailers, are notoriously fond of the roof leaking. So they park them under carports with an extended height, when not in use.

Point being: If it is going to be parked at home you should be thinking of the cost of the extended height carport as well.

Neighbor of mine, goes roughly once a month with a 5th wheeler, and when at home keeps it under a carport.

Or go high dollar Airstream and have seen those parked in the open and lived in for years.
 
OK, here goes. We bought a short Class C a handful of years ago, to travel around the country in retirement. After looking at all different type of campers: bumper pull, 5th wheels, Class C and Class A buses, we narrowed it down to the short 24 ft Class C. It's just the two of us and the dog.

Having everything self contained in one unit, is a plus. I liked some trailers, but my current truck couldn't pull them, so it would have also meant a new truck and a the new trailer, which at that point, was in the motorhome range in prices. Plus, wifey likes to get up while in transit and move around, something she couldn't do in a pickup.

The biggest decision, and I think you've figured it out, is "HOW" you will be camping. The downfall of a Class C, if you don't also pull a car, is that if you want to go out and sightsee, or run to the store, is you're stuck in that one place. If you pre-plan well, and take all you need, and aren't planning on leaving, then it's nice to have it all contained in one unit.

We are always rolling almost daily, so I don't tow a car. On some of our longer stays, like in Florida, I'll just rent a car down there. When we do multiple days at one location, like race weekends, we just make sure to hit the grocery store and liquor store, and stock up first... LOL...

Getting out and about, even for short trips is awesome, versus sitting on the couch watching the boob tube. It defintely keeps you young and active, keeps your mind sharp, and keeps you thinking. You have the right idea there.

Now, the 1992.... first, all campers need work and need repairs... that comes at no extra charge... LOL... even on my brand new rig, I've had to fix so many problems, but since I'm able to do them, I don't take it back to the dealer.

My concern with the 1992, even if it's been taken really good care of, it's still a 1992. Hoses, wires, tubing, gaskets, etc all dry rot. If systems aren't used regularly, they can develop issues. I would suggest a really good look by a mechanic or a mobile RV tech, to check it out.

Money is definitely an issue, and instead of a truck and trailer, you're combining it all in one unit, on a Class C. It comes down to what your budget can handle.

My rig sits for 4 -5 months during the Winter, but I cover it, as I had a custom vinyl wrap done on the exterior, as I really hated the original decals. But then it's uncovered the rest of the time, since we try and travel every month or two.
 
We are working towards full time RVing. How are you with the physical aspect of the set up and breakdown? You will need to dump the grey and black tanks, level and hook up hoses and such.

There are LOTS of RV communities out there to meet people and find your "tribe". Try Today is Someday, Changing Lanes and Our Journey in Miles all on YouTube. They have Discords you can join and have "crews" that have get togethers.

You can also try RV Caravans. There are different companies that will run guided tours of different areas of the country as a caravan of people moving through the tour together. They look out for each other, and it is run by a Wagon Master and Tailer who make sure you all get where you need to go each step, that your rig is ready to go and that if something should happen like a breakdown, they wait with you and get you the help you need. Try looking on YT for RV Caravans - there are a number of companies that do it and the YT Channel "Our Journey in Myles" films their experiences for a number of Caravan trips across the country. You can see what it entails and they detail their experience each day.

This is OJIM's review of their Black Hills and the Rockies tour
View: https://youtu.be/bcd1kl1vvjw


My husband and I joined the Today is Someday Crew. While we dont have our rig yet, we are getting to know the community there and they do lots of get togethers across the country. They have a blast. Lots of "single" travelers also in that group doing just what you are looking to do.

Our Journey in Myles

Changing Lanes

Today is Someday
 
Our last motorhome was 45 foot diesel pusher ( had fivers too ). Not no more. Retired. Don’t miss it. Maintenance constantly. Batteries, roof, tires, plate fees were $2600 year, oil changes, something will always break. Do you have a place to keep it? Maintain it?

What would you do for a car if only driving class C to camp in. You would have to break camp to go someplace. Plan on expensive tires every 6 years or so. Batteries need replacing too if electric coach. Our last one had 8. Slideouts? Just more to go wrong. Can you crawl under and retract them manually if motor fails?

If I were to do it again. It would be a Wagoneer or Yukon, something like these that could handle a 8000 lb travel trailer bumper pull no more than 25ft. Bumper pull. Zero slideouts.

Oliver would interest me.

Luxury Fiberglass Campers by Oliver Travel Trailers | Oliver Travel Trailers
 
I like some of the vans but you need to make sure that any upgrades don't overload your budget and vehicle performance. Length of those vans also impact what roads you can drive on. Cooking? A single induction burner is a great feature. Some of the vans have bigger than dorm sized fridges in them. How much interior "living space" do you need. How much storage space?

Our plan is to rent a few different types ... trail, RV, van ... to try them out and see which fits us and our needs best. Yeah, kinda not cheap. But then again neither are any of the purchase options.
 
If you are only going to use it four or five times a year, renting one will save you thousands. A smaller gas powered camper typically needs engine and transmission replacement every forty thousand miles or so. Licensing and insurance are on the clock when it is parked. A twenty four year old camper is going to have water leaks. If it needs an engine or transmission, they are easily five grand each. A chassis rated for one ton is overloaded before you gas it up. (Chevy C30, Ford F350, etc.)

Letting them set up is hard on parts and body.

Unless you have cash to burn, or intend to RV on a full time basis, renting one is monumentally cheaper.

A Diesel pusher is horrendously expensive to license, insure, and maintain. A brake job can run ten grand.
 
PrairieWind said:
E-bike for trips while camped?
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Millennial. /rolleyes/

:lkick:





Great idea, actually.
If you're brave enough to ride one.

Not for me, I stumble enough when I'm going back inside for my next drink.

(Crossbowboy is currently on vacation, and not responsible for anything he posts this week.
Please approach your wonderfully accommodating moderators with any concerns, and they will pay attention to the matter upon his return.)

Cheers, and happy camping!

Love y'all. :D
 
An RV is our retirement plan. We want to go west and move from place to place. And I have also thought about becoming a camp host at a campground here on the east coast during the summer months. That way you don't have to pay to camp. I talked to the camp host at the last place we went camping earlier this summer about what all it involves, and it seems like it is just straightening up the sites when people leave, keeping the general area clean and being available if people have questions. Also telling people to keep the noise down if it gets too loud.

We would be selling our house and living in it full time. My daughter and her family have a big enough yard that we could park there when we go visit them too. I still have 3-5 years until retirement, so I have time to shop :)
 
Tundra Gypsy said:
Gal friends have stopped camping over the years.

I don't think a gal should go off on her own these days; especially at a campground full of unknown people.

Problem is I don't know if my two friends would always want to go with me.
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I’ve run into these gals meet-ups a couple times, always seemed to be having a good time, might check them out…

www.sistersonthefly.com

Outdoor Adventure Group for Women - Sisters on the Fly

SISTERS ON THE FLY SOTF is celebrating our 25th Silver Jubilee by publishing a souvenir magazine/book, ‘The Mook’. Author Irene Rawlings, sister #1322, writes about our past, present and future, epic road trips, fly fishing tips, how to buy a camper, campfire cooking and more. […]
www.sistersonthefly.com www.sistersonthefly.com

Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane
 
crossbowboy said:
Millennial. /rolleyes/

:lkick:





Great idea, actually.
If you're brave enough to ride one.

Not for me, I stumble enough when I'm going back inside for my next drink.

(Crossbowboy is currently on vacation, and not responsible for anything he posts this week.
Please approach your wonderfully accommodating moderators with any concerns, and they will pay attention to the matter upon his return.)

Cheers, and happy camping!

Love y'all. :D
Click to expand...

So we'll get to see a lot of PWI from you? Good to know. LOL
 
shane said:
I’ve run into these gals meet-ups a couple times, always seemed to be having a good time, might check them out…

www.sistersonthefly.com

Outdoor Adventure Group for Women - Sisters on the Fly

SISTERS ON THE FLY SOTF is celebrating our 25th Silver Jubilee by publishing a souvenir magazine/book, ‘The Mook’. Author Irene Rawlings, sister #1322, writes about our past, present and future, epic road trips, fly fishing tips, how to buy a camper, campfire cooking and more. […]
www.sistersonthefly.com www.sistersonthefly.com

Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane
Click to expand...

Oh my gosh ... cute trailers, polka dot rain flies, and costumes. Absolutely zero being gray in that group.
 
My self gave up on camper trailers or 5th wheeler they cost to much in fuel to use.
I would like a small inclosed trailer to put my tents and other gear in that can be pulled with a KIA Sportage.
We own two Cabela's eight person dome tents one of which is a four season tent, numerous sleeping bags and sleeping pads and other camp gear that go's with tent camping.
I'm in my late 60s and had busted my pelvis five years ago I get around with a cane and I still want to do this. :D
 
I'd have to say pass on that particular rig, just due to the age. If you liked working on them, that's one thing, but most folks don't. As has been mentioned, lots of things to go wrong on that just due to age, no matter what the maintenance was. (unless maintenance means all hoses replaced, all belts replaced, all fluids replaced, recent transmission rebuild, recent engine potential rebuild, ancillary engine items like alternator, water pump, etc replaced, exhaust inspected and replaced, brake lines and soft parts replaced, bearings, electrical, and on and on)

And that's just for the chassis. Not the house.

I'd say small trailer, minimalist. Either that, or if you want a second option, pickup truck with camper. But either way, look at something that's easy to work on, very common, has great access to spare parts, and is relatively cheap to run.
 
King Samson said:
I'm not sure asking a RV DEALER, which RV to buy, is a good suggestion...

Ever deal with a RV salesman? Think used cars... but worse.... :shkr:
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I'm with you there; I used to sell & train some F&I SW years ago. Out of all the categories of Sales people in the Wonderful Wheeled World, I met the most sleazoids in the RV business.

Not sure why it worked out that way . . . .
 
what ever you buy have a good mechanic to check it,, pay a few dollars for some one instead of a dealer that is selling it.

if you have already been camping for years, i hope you are carrying a couple of guns, a pistol and a shotgun cut down to legal limits, including cutting off the stock to turn around in a camper shorter is better

have someone install brackets on your door that you can slip a 2by4 thru. id like to have 2 cell phones, one left in the back bedroom, or speakers and siren to attract attention if someone is trying to break in,
 
Wow! That river and scenic views are great!
I would check out the bed & breakfast sites. I looked at

Dumont's Creekside Lodging

"Welcome to Dumont's Creekside Bed & Breakfast – your charming retreat nestled by the relaxing creek. Experience cozy accommodations, homemade food, and warm hospitality. Perfect for romantic getaways, relaxing stays, or exploring local attractions. Call us and book your peaceful escape tod
www.dumontscreeksidelodging.com www.dumontscreeksidelodging.com
I'd feel safer staying at a place like that.
 
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Tundra Gypsy said:
I've been wanting to buy a motorhome for some time. Here is my history: I used to camp every summer; a few days here and there. I am a retired, 'glamping gal.' Gal friends have stopped camping over the years. I sold the little trailers over time too. My one friend and I were camping up until last year. I had purchased a truck with a camper and had been using that. Now she can't camp anymore because her hubby has dementia. I want to sell the truck and camper because I no longer want to climb up into the bed area.

There is a Class C motorhome for sale. It is only 20 feet long and has everything I need in it. It even has a bed in the back corner. Here is the reason I want to buy it: I am home all the time; hubby is in California and won't be back until October. All I do is work on this place. I go days without seeing or talking to anyone. My hubby rarely calls, nor does my family. My daughter no longer talks to me. If I want to see people, I go shopping or to church. My few gal friends are busy with their husbands and family. We're all getting older too.

I enjoy being out in nature, enjoy views of lakes and streams. I would get someone to go day camping with me; there are a couple of people who might be available. I don't think a gal should go off on her own these days; especially at a campground full of unknown people.
I don't know how many times I would use it, considering the price I'd have to pay for one; so that is a consideration. I might use it four or five times a summer. If I could just take off once a week; drive an hour to my favorite little campground on the Kootenai River; I would be in heaven. Sit out next to the river; which trains in the distance and listen to nature.

Problem is I don't know if my two friends would always want to go with me. Don't know if spending that much money would be wise. Then there would be the upkeep. The one I am looking at is old...like a 1992 old. Owner says it has been well maintained.

I don't know what to do. I read that people who live isolated lives have an increased tendency for dementia, heart attack or strokes. My big question is do I really need a motorhome? Do I want to spend the money then, end up spending more money on the upkeep? It will sit for 5 months during the winter too. I just don't know what to do. The truck and camper are going in the paper on Thursday to be sold. However, If I have to evacuate because of fires, I won't have anything to stay in. (my mind is always thinking).

What to do, what to do. I need your comments and help with this difficult decision. Thanks
Click to expand...
How about sell the camper, keep the truck, and get a pop up camper. They are really very easy to use, lightweight, and easier to store.
 
WildDaisy said:
Also, many campgrounds have a 10 year rule, meaning they dont allow rigs that are older than 10 years.
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I was going to post that. A well-known Youtube RV-er had a real go-round when their meticulously maintained, 11-yo RV was denied access to their favorite campground. But it's a great example of rules put in place to prevent "Cousin Eddie" from taking up residence at nicer campgrounds.
rv.jpg
 
I RV a lot. Truly do love it. But age, roads and weather take a toll. You have to be prepared to fix a lot of little things. Currently replacing my bathroom ceiling vent. Hail shattered the cover but didn’t hurt the rest of the unit. That is about $175 worth of items and I will do the work myself. That would cost north of $500 if you use a RV repair shop. I try to be very careful driving around the Country. Some RVer’s I have ran in to their units are older but look and work very well due to keeping them up. I have strict rules I try to follow for safety. I check an area out pretty well before going in and setting up home.
Strange that you mentioned the Kootenai River. I am currently looking at going there. If you don’t mind I will send you a PM about some specifics.
 
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I like the convenience of a true motor-home, but I dislike a whole lot more. As you get into the bigger and heavier motor-homes, the chassis and drive-trains become medium duty truck components instead of light duty truck components and parts and repair costs skyrocket. Some really high end ones are built around a heavy-duty chassis, running gear, drive trains and engines. $$$$$ Also consider that you can't really live in your motor-home while it's in the shop being repaired.

I think it's much more practical to have a small(ish) camper trailer that can be pulled by a 3/4 or one ton pickup truck. The two vehicles are easily separated so you can drop the trailer and run errands.

Upthread someone made the very wise suggestion that you consider renting a motorhome for your upcoming trips.

Best
Doc
 
We run into single women camping all the time. They don't have any problems, but they're observant and if they don't feel comfortable they move on. That seems to be quite rare. We've made friends with a few that we keep in contact with and meet up with when they're in this area of the country. We mostly camp in National Forests, BLM land, COE properties, and state equivalents. We prefer dispersed camping to a developed campground.

Get on the Internet and search for RV groups and look for ones that center on the model you're buying. Find out the pitfalls of the model and brand you are looking at so you'll know more about what to expect. If you're concerned about a breakdown on the road, subscribe to a road service. We use Coachnet RV assistance service... unlimited free towing and service on the road.. They've towed my regular car three times, and changed two motor home tires over the years at no extra charge. Pricey, but worth it for us.

It's hard to RV on a budget unless you use it a lot; motels and cabins are probably cheaper for the amount of use you're planning, but, having it in the driveway ready to go helps us use it more. And there's no way we could spend this amount of time in national forests and BLM land if we didn't have the motor home. You might want to keep the truck and get a smaller pull-behind. If I was going it alone, I'd just get a 17' pull behind and use a pickup to pull it.

But 20' is a nice size class C for a single occupant. Age isn't as important as maintenance and condition. Water is it's enemy, so be sure it's inspected very closely. That 10 year "rule" probably won't affect you in AK, and it's never an issue with federal, state, county, and city campgrounds. I doubt you'd like staying at any campground that has that rule going on. In all our trips we ran into it one time... it was a luxury park in a city (Been a while, but a Thousand Trails or Encore Resort, I think). A last minute stop where we just needed a quick overnight in an urban area. We just ignored them and found a reasonable campground a mile away.

Not to mention, since we're on TB, it makes a quick "get of here" vehicle.
 
Wow! I'm overwhelmed with your responses. Thank you so much. There is much to think about. I will re-read everyone's remarks several times. The biggest part is how much I will use it and what will the costs be to repairs as they pop up.

I recently sold my small 16-foot travel trailer. Again, I had to hook it up by myself and then try to back it up when I went camping. I didn't like the stress.

I used to belong to Sisters on the Fly; had a pink trailer I pulled around. Unfortunately ran into a group one time that were very liberal. It was difficult to sit there and listen to them go on and on about their hate for Trump. I dropped my membership and started camping with close gal friends. One of their trailers was purple and white on the outside. The other friend's trailer was yellow on the bottom with large polka dots on the top. We were quite the attraction at campgrounds.

People noticed them and always asked to see the inside of them. My problem was trying to back my trailer up. I just couldn't do it no matter how hard I tried. Luckily, I had friends who could guide me into my camp site. That is why I changed to a truck with a camper. Thankfully some campgrounds had pull-throughs! And yes, I was the only one who always 'carried.' I didn't care what the rules were.

Anyway. a friend said today if I buy it; and use it a few times and get tired of it; just sell the thing and move on. If it starts costing money for repairs; sell it. There are always other options. Thanks everyone!!!
 
There are several over age 60 women who are living out of either their cars or vans intentionally. They do quite well. Evidently van living is really catching on.

You might look into a van. It would be easier to maintain, If you want AC you would have to figure out how to hook one up. If that does not matter then you are good to go. Many of them use a battery generator and run a small fridge, lights, recharge phones or laptops. They recharge with solar panels or as you drive they recharged. I think they called one of them Jackery? Something like that.

You could also look into putting small rack on the back that holds an E-Bike or small scooter if you want to have some sort of transportation that is easy to haul.

There are tons of ideas on the RV channels that people have mentioned. Weigh out the cost between a fixed up van vs an RV. See which is the better budget. You will have a much easier time reselling the van down the road.
 
We just bought a 1995 Fleetwood Flair. 30 foot. Started out looking for a Class C after we sold our trailer that we never used (wife didn't want to pull it, was afraid). Every Class C we looked at in our price range had too many issues. Found the Flair, and the wife fell in love. Immaculate inside, very solid outside. I have found that the new stuff is junk, no quality control anymore. We wanted something we could get in and go. Have tented all our lives, but it was getting a bit much to setup and teardown at our age.

Just brought in a new bellcrank and control arm to get the steering working back to spec, plus a new air bag kit for the front. May add some pics later, have to go to work!
 
Noooo! One has been mentioned already, the 10 year rule!
#2 any class C or class A built before the early 2000s has all its chassis made custom that means that all the brakes, springs,wheels and suspension pieces cannot be purchased from a local parts store.... As a matter of fact Anywhere!
 
A friend has a 26foot motor home on a 2005 Ford chassis. It is a money pit! I have fixed a few things for him. I would never go near a motor home.

Our county was given an older motor home. We started to make it a mobile. Command post. I put in lots of work on it. We finally gave up and auctioned it. It was another money pit. Always something wrong with it.

They may be ok when newer but all my experance with them has been awful. They set around to much. Critters and rust constantly work on them. The engines are hard to get to for repairs. I would do a LOT of study before getting into one.
 
If backing up with the trailer is the issue most newer trucks (2019 or so) have trailer backup assists. On my 2024 F150 it is extreamly simple. You just need to setup some measurments of the trailer and then when backing up use a small knob and the NAV screen and you can back it up in the smallest of spaces like a pro, I use it all the time with my trailer. Many demos online and information, google Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist, I am sure other trucks have it also.
 
We bought ours before the 'Vanlife' craze hit. 2005 Sprinter based RV, drives great, fits in a regular parking space (24') and has all the needs for the two of us. Its an older 2500 with no slides, so no dualies, but that also means great milage. I have been known to hum along at 70+ on the freeway and get 24-26 MPG. We have been gradually modifying it and fixing the things it needs but I'm getting ready to tackle a plumbing leak next. I can get most parts in most towns. The wife loves the fact that when we go somewhere in it, the trip begins when we roll out of the driveway and the only set-up when we get there is the window shades.

The camping process isn't new to you, so you can easily evaluate what you want it to do. If it was just me instead of two of us, I'd probably look at doing some sort of stealth camping rig in a van or SUV, but everybody and their brother is doing that stuff now and prices for the obvious suspects are through the roof.

Here's another question,

If it's just the camper part of your rig that you don't like anymore, have you considered simply changing the camper and keeping the truck?

A non-cabover bed style might do what you need and give you the advantages of a truck you already know without undertaking a whole new beast to sort out the problems of.

I don't know the size of your current truck but-

An example

Used 2023 Cowboy Long Bed - Capri Camper

This camper includes: Weathered cedar interior – charcoal cushions & shades, roof mount A/C, outside shower, stainless sink, table & 3-cushions, smart TV and bluetooth stereo, microwave, 4-corner manual jacks, stairs
capricamper.com capricamper.com
 
There are a number of concerns mentioned here, all valid from the viewpoint stated.
Not worried about the idiotic 10 year rule, have never heard of it being applied up here in Canada. Don't care anyways, if someone is going to sneer at me and mine, will sneer right back and go elsewhere :p

We want to be able to 'get in and go'. These days, that is more of a concern than ever before.

And finally, do what makes you happy. Not anyone else. You.

This made us happy.

20260721_104642.jpg
 
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