Bionic Man
Colorado
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Joined: 04/03/2009
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I'd take the V10. Newer unit, lower miles, better engine. FWIW, I've had pretty good luck with my Gulfstream & would buy another.
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 HO Cummins
2002 Sea Hawk 32' 5er
2004 Crownline 216 LS 350 MAG
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Ripsnort
Lake Tapps, WA USA
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Joined: 07/15/2004
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TheKellys90 wrote:Don't forget to check the tires. Most say that 7 years is the maximum for tires. Six tires are not cheap. Ten year old rv's are on the too old side. Check the prices on similar models at pplmotorhomes.com. Look down the sides. If you see a bubble in the fiberglass, it means that there is or has been a leak and it is delaminating. Be sure to get an rv tech to check it out for you.
tjmb wrote:I think you are looking for trouble with anything older than a couple of years and less than around 50 or 60K.
Sometimes budgets dictates what RV we choose. Personally speaking we chose an older RV with low miles (42k) because we couldn't justify high payments for something we use 6-10 times a year. We are not retired, and we invest alot of our $$ into college funds for our kids so that we can actually retire early and not have to worry about "college payments" when we near retirement.
We also choose to pay cash for toys rather than pay interest, which means our RV had to be under 12k when we were shopping.
That said, to the original poster..if you're handy, and expect to put some $$ into it after purchase, the older RV is the way to go. I knew ours had an issue with the cab over regarding dry rot, but I figured I was able to fix this when we bought our MH and it was a point in which I negotiated the owner down in price.
Some of the more expensive items I immediately upgraded on the MH was as follows:
MaxxAir Roof Vents ($74)
Gen-Turi ($139)
Installed tiling on floor ($130)
Flatscreen TV ($375)
New Deep cycle battery for engine ($80)
New Mountain Ryder XT Shocks ($223)
4 new All-Terrain SXT tires ($742)
Coach Deep cycle battery ($109)
So, either way, you're going to pay more than the purchase price, because there is always something that needs repairing or replacing on a used motorhome.
If I were going to live in my MH 6 months or more a year, only then would I consider buying something that I cannot pay cash for, and be willing to make payments.
Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly,Love truly,Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.
Rip's Garage!
1990 Fleetwood Jamboree 27 ft E350
Cabover Rebuild Project
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j-d
Sunny Florida USA
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Joined: 09/04/2003
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We rented a Gulfstream that made better use of space and looked "richer" than our Jayco, but it wasn't as well put together. Also, our Jayco is the entry level model, so the difference in appointments would be the greatest.
I think you must put a priority on floorplan/liveability. Then, the condition of the coach and the condition of the chassis.
We had a 24' Class C on an E350 that was carbed 460 and C6 three-speed transmission. Its fuel mileage was no worse than our current one in signature. In Ford, I don't see much advantage once you get into an EFI 460, until you get one new enough to have the very much upgraded 5R115/TorqShift automatic, and those years will be above your price range.
Have any unit you're serious about air pressure leak tested.
God Bless, jd
2003 Jayco Escapade 31A on 2002 Ford E450 V10 4R100
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StealthSlacker
NorCal
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Joined: 04/20/2009
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tjmb wrote:I think you are looking for trouble with anything older than a couple of years and less than around 50 or 60K.
I would agree with that LOL!! But as long as you know what kind of trouble you are getting into, then you'll be fine. As the majority have said, I'd choose the 1999 just based on your description - it would have an essentially modern chassis (driver / pass air bags, ABS disc brakes, and of course the Triton V10) and all other things being equal, that is super important to me. Whatever one you get serious about, pay the $500 for a full inspection from a cerfitied RV tech who can very the safety and condition of the chassis as well as test all of the cosch equipment. Then you'll be prepared to negotiate the best deal and know what repairs are needed down the road. Budget at least 20% of the purchase price for unknown repairs!
Good luck!
1998 Coachman Leprechaun 305MB
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TyroneandGladys
Chandler AZ
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Joined: 06/03/2008
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Just a reminder on the Ford Engines blowing spark plugs out.
Most Ford engines 1990 to 2003 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L engines used the 4-5 thread design cylinder head. In 2003 the SOHC 2 valve type engines were upgraded to a 9-12 thread spark plug design. The newer 3 valve type engines use a whole new type of sleeved spark plug."
So the blown out spark plugs were a problem for engines through 2003
Tyrone
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kaffs
PA
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Joined: 11/27/2009
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Thanks to you all for your advice and comments. I put a deposit of the Jayco- hinging on a successful inspection and rv tech. 'go-over'. The thing is beautiful- and well cared for. He has all this paperwork from the day he bought it organized in a binder ( lists of things he did to it, mechanic papers, purchases, oil change info, etc.) - which showed me he really cared for the thing. No signs of delamination- recently new tires ( 2 years) , rubberized roof, very clean inside and out. So, now, who do I find to look over the rv piece of it? The owner is paying for a new inspection from the Ford Mechanic- although it is inspected till March 2010, I asked for it to be done again. Do i call a local rv dealer to set up the rv inspection? How much does this usually cost? Just wondering.
Thanks
Kathy
Possible new owner of a 1999 jayco Eagle 29' Class C - Yeah
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maillemaker
office
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Joined: 09/08/2009
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Quote:I think you are looking for trouble with anything older than a couple of years and less than around 50 or 60K.
Of course budget is a concern for nearly everyone, and not everyone can drop 50-60K on a RV.
Yes, the older they are the more likely you are to have problems, and there are going to be things to fix. We paid $7000 for the 1990 Winnebago Warrior we bought a couple of months ago. I've put $600 into the generator and I'm about to put $1000 in tires into it, and come spring time I'm going to have to do some AC work on the cab AC. So far (we've used it twice) it's been great.
Steve
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