West Coast FT
California
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Joined: 11/24/2005
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peaches&cream wrote:Do as they all suggest, instead of spending $10,000 to $15,000 spend $20,000 to $30,000. You will feel much better. 
LOL peaches&cream. That's the Residential RE montra. Those poor suckers are stuck for life.
TV 02' Chevy Silverado 3500 8.1 liter 4X4, Rancho 9000, Airlift Airbags 2 Honda EU3000,plus paralleling kit (6000 Watts peak!)
Old Rig (03' Lance 1161) Boy I missed it!
New Rig (05' Cedar Creek 37RDQS)
Second new Rig 1996 Damon Intruder 325B
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Raloma
Banning, Calif, USA
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Joined: 12/13/2003
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We have a 1995 Southwind Storm, We've had it for 8 yrs. and we are very happy with it. The only thing about it I don't like is the rubber roof, but all fleetwoods have rubber roofs. Just look until you find one you like and be happy with it.
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topflite51
In The Desert of Nevada
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Joined: 05/13/2004
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mike brez wrote:topflite51 wrote:Big Katuna wrote:My general advice would be to get a 2000 and up chassis if at all possible. Both Ford and GM chassis got much better after that. Wider track, better suspension, better brakes, more power, better mileage, better trans, etc.
If you HAVE to go earlier, stay away from the Ford and its 16" tires and trouble prone brakes. What GM chassis in a Class A after 2000?
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It was still a P chassis after 2000. Actually the last model year for a P was 2005 and was replaced by the W16 and W18. I think in 2000 they went to a wide trac front end instead of having the front tires about 4ft apart like my P30. Thanks, didn't know the P was still being made for that long. That explains a lot about the brake issues only being on the W20 and 22's. Can you point me to any info regarding F53 brake issues as the 'tuna refers to?
 David
Just rolling along enjoying life
w/F53 Southwind towing 87 Samurai looking to golf or fish
Simply Despicable 
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topflite51
In The Desert of Nevada
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dbl post
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ressless1
Western North Carolina
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peaches&cream wrote:Do as they all suggest, instead of spending $10,000 to $15,000 spend $20,000 to $30,000. You will feel much better.
I do understand there are improvements in the later models, but there is a big difference between $10,000 and $30,000 from my bank account
And if gas spikes again, I had rather have the smaller investment sitting in the driveway.
Two of the units I spoke of appear to be very well maintained by owners who cared about their "baby". I think either could provide a great "bang for the buck" for a few years, with out breaking the bank.
I need to know if these make, model and years had any known problems I should be aware of before purchase, or to use as a point of negotiation.
All of the comments have been reassuring and I thank you for sharing your knowledge.
* This post was
edited 11/04/09 11:29am by ressless1 *
Ford Powerstroke, R-Vision 291, harley Davidson Road King, Honda Shadow Tourer
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semiretiredDIY
WA state
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Joined: 12/15/2008
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I picked up a 30' 95 Southwind. for 8,500 plus tax last year. it had 75,000 miles on it. It needed cleaning, but nothing major. I put new tires, and resealed the rubber roof, changed the engine transmission oil and filters. Also replaced the radiator. I have put over 6 thousand miles on it, she doesn't use oil and the 4 speed GM transmission works flawlessly. I have a nice 83 Sports Coach that is worth about 3,000. (Its not for sale) The 95 with TBI, and overdrive transmission is a big improvement. The 95 has a GVWR under 16,000, therefore no automatic e-brake! Another excellent point is: the brake calipers have metal cylinders!
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sum1
So-Cal
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Joined: 11/07/2005
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ressless1 wrote: Is there any reason for a fellow with big dreams and a small budget to shy away from these units? Can the vast experience here recommend other brands to look for, or stay away from in the general year range and budget? I have one and own it with no current plans to replace it. Pick the one that feels right to you and don't sweat the minor imperfections. No matter what age, you should budget contingency for new tires no matter how much tread is left on the existing ones. Spend some time getting to know it and tinkering with it. Lots of guidance here on the Forum as you do so
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peaches&cream
Northwest Georgia
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Joined: 06/18/2007
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ressless1 wrote:peaches&cream wrote:Do as they all suggest, instead of spending $10,000 to $15,000 spend $20,000 to $30,000. You will feel much better.
I do understand there are improvements in the later models, but there is a big difference between $10,000 and $30,000 from my bank account
And if gas spikes again, I had rather have the smaller investment sitting in the driveway.
Two of the units I spoke of appear to be very well maintained by owners who cared about their "baby". I think either could provide a great "bang for the buck" for a few years, with out breaking the bank.
I need to know if these make, model and years had any known problems I should be aware of before purchase, or to use as a point of negotiation.
All of the comments have been reassuring and I thank you for sharing your knowledge.
My previous quote was a jest and I agree totally with your thought process. That is why I own a 1995 MH and not a 2000. I like to feel the money in my pocket instead of looking at it in the driveway.
1995 Holiday Rambler , F53, 460, Banks Exhaust & Trans Command
Toad 1995 Miata
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melvonnar
clearwater florida
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Joined: 06/26/2009
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peaches&cream wrote:Do as they all suggest, instead of spending $10,000 to $15,000 spend $20,000 to $30,000. You will feel much better.
Why stop there;;They finance motorhomes for 20 years; just think of the joy you will get making payments.
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