AF Lifer
Indiana
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Joined: 08/19/2008
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Hi,
New to the forum and have several (many?, tons?) questions that I hope won't come across too out in left field. First of all we are primarily looking for either an A or a C in the 22-27' range. The biggest reason is at this point we can't afford the cost or hassle of a toad. Having said that, if the "right" larger A would present itself we would probably look very hard at it. Parameters are: rear bed, full bath, under $10k. (During my search I have been attracted to the more unusual units: Travco, GMC, Clark Cortez, etc. But the "management" has nixed most of those). With all that said, any guidance towards an intelligent first RV purchase would be appreciated. Minor repair isn't a problem; I'm a car nut, fair carpenter, excellent electrician, so-so plumber so a few items on the "honey do" list will not stop a sale. Thanks for your time, hope I didn't babble too much.
 "One useless man is a disgrace; two become a law firm and three or more become a congress"
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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Joined: 02/19/2004
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If I was looking for a Class C it would have to be a Lazy Daze.
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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Fishinghat
Western Washington, USA
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Joined: 10/03/2002
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I'd consider an older Holiday Rambler Class C, perhaps mid to late 1980's.
Holiday Rambler Navigator DP, Mustang Convertible, and Honda VT1100C Shadow.
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AF Lifer
Indiana
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I would love a Lazy Daze but they are few and far between in our area and certainly don't fit the under $10K (usual price appears to be 6 pints of blood, arm and a leg).
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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I don't think that $10,000 will buy you an intelligent first RV that is motorized, with any reliability.
JMHO
bumpy
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Johng
Gilbert, AZ, USA
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Joined: 08/23/2002
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You might want to give Craigs List a try, alot of MHs (As and Cs) on there, folks are looking to sell.
God luck in your seach.
John and Judy 
US Air Force - Retired
05 Beaver Santiam 40DST
08 Malibu Toad/Brake Buddy
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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You mention a couple of the real classics. The Clark Cortez was one of the first really high end motor homes. There is almost a cult following of people who own and have restored these things. The GMC MH was another one that was far ahead of it's time. Problem is that they still command 20K for a good one. Down side to a MH is without a toad you have no means or getting around except the MH! Have you considered a small trailer or a tent trailer? A good tent trailer can be had for well under your 10K figure and could probably be towed by your present car/van/SUV. It would get you out and into the woods on a regular basis for very little cash and afford you the opportunity to get the family into the RV lifestyle. Just a thought!
Donn
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Kirk
Livingston, Texas.
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Joined: 06/17/2001
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Any motorized RV that can be purchased for $10K is probably going to require a great deal of repair skills or you will spend a lot getting someone to fix it. I agree Donn that you would be wiser to buy something which you can tow. One thing about either a pop-up or one of the hybreds is that they not only weigh far less, but they also cost much less and can be purchased new, or nearly new for the amount in your budget.
You may want to consider joining the RV Consumer Group so that you can learn a little about RVs before you buy and make a really bad choice.
Good travelin! ........Kirk
sent via Starband, Manual Flyer dish
www.adventure.1tree.net
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AF Lifer
Indiana
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Thanks for the input thus far. We have come across a couple so far that seem promising. Appliance operation isn't a major thing as we're going to revamp that area as we go. One that has caught our eye is the shorter (25'?) Fleetwood Flairs. We've looked at several and they seem pretty straight forward; particularly like the late 80s/early 90s with the Ford 460 and C6 as this is a driveline I'm fairly familiar with. Mileage doesn't scare me, as a matter of fact I'd feel safer with a rig that had shown consistent rather than a lot of sitting time (leaks, rot, etc).
On the trailer, I have no problem (a teardrop behind the Ranger and I'd be happy) but the other half doesn't feel secure in a tent trailer and there is a possiblilty we may take it horse camping.
I will check out the Rv Consumer Group!
Again, thanks so far.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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AF Lifer wrote:Thanks for the input thus far. We have come across a couple so far that seem promising. Appliance operation isn't a major thing as we're going to revamp that area as we go. One that has caught our eye is the shorter (25'?) Fleetwood Flairs. We've looked at several and they seem pretty straight forward; particularly like the late 80s/early 90s with the Ford 460 and C6 as this is a driveline I'm fairly familiar with. snip.
I had a flair, 25Y, 1993 IIRC. had a choice of dinette or sofa. unfortunately I chose the sofa. was a pain putting those two tables up and since it had no slide very tight getting by. other than that it was a nimble craft. mine was on the P-30/32 chassis which was not a strong point.
bumpy
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