Shopping For A Used Class C RV - Things To Look For 

I found my 2002 Class A on Marketplace. $18k and 11k miles. Loving it. Looks/Smells brand new. Triton V-10. Had it all gone over and took off! Someone up above guided me to it. So lucky.

I agree I would not pay $70,000 for a rv it's crazy the prices.

I bought a 24 ft 2013 Coachmen Freelander Chevy Chassis 4500 a couple years ago for $36,000. It had 23,000 miles on it. The Generator had 58 hrs on it. Blue book said it was worth 42k. I put new tires on it because they were weather cracked. Everything works. I bought it from a couple in their 80’s. It was on Craigslist.

The prices are the reason I'm going to dump a bunch of money into my '96 instead...it's all maintenance.

Campers are built like cardboard boxes, and priced like a home with acreage. At least the van has a real roof and dependable construction.

$4 a gallon out west. Good news is, I double the value of my truck every time I go to the pump!

With your talents you don't need those prices. Keep your van life, and you'll run into another RV over time.

Rv's are at a Premium right now, as alot of folks are downsizing into them right now.. Thank goodness you have the knowledge and skill to work on them... I still say a good used one is they way to go.

That 2018 Forest River for $75K is only $4k cheaper than I paid for my 2018 Jayco brand new. The used market for RVs has gone crazy, but I bet that by next spring there's going to be a glut of used units as folks get the RV'ing bug out of their systems.

I could've watched you shop for Class C's all day...and yes they are so expensive...I'm with you when it comes to group 3...best of luck with your search.👍👍👍👍🤞

I just spent over 300K for a RV and 2021 Jeep Rubicon and frankly I cannot justify the money, i.e. buy a used RV with a older TOAD and just love life. Thanks Dave for keeping it real.

Great vlog Dave! Old TOYOTA'S FROM LATE 70'S EARLY 80'S STill hold their value! CRAZY!👍

Great things to look for Dave. Yes, it was very edu-kate-shun-able, lol. 😂👍👍

It's helpful to cruise along with Dave and Bella. Thank you for bringing your experiences to light Dave. Hope you find what you are looking for and that it's just right for y'all.

I’d by from Camping World before I’d ever buy from General RV again. Even Matt from Matt’s RV Reviews left General RV and as a person who bought a Motorhome from General RV I DON’T BLAME HIM!

Yay! This helps me feel good about my recent decision to fix up my '98 class C Four Winds RV instead of trying to sell it and buy something newer. (Selling would be hard here in FL because I dismantled it for boondocking by removing the toilet, furnace heater and water heater.) The RV repair person that I found is going to give it a good going over and install a new AC and reversing fan since mine are broken. I hate the AC, but it is absolutely necessary at times. My generator can run it easily (but I hate that too). He told me "Yes, it will cost a good deal, but this RV is so much better than the new ones." I hope he really meant it and wasn't just persuading me. I really believe that my E350 engine is strong and that we will be able to keep on rolling as soon as it is comfortably fitted out again.

We loved our class c. Purchased from an RV show at the rv show at the Farm Complex in 1996. It was a 26ft Shasta Travlemaster. We paid 28kk for. Wish we still had it, east west queen bed, long jack knife sofa, small swivel chair, great bathroom, overhead bunk. Perfect for two, we traveled for 5 years. Good luck on your search. See ya soon.

Purchased a 31 ft class C 98 Shasta Cheyenne with a Ford E450 Super Duty engine in it and 55k miles and brand new tires and AC for 11k a month before the Pandemic RV explosion in May 2020 my family and I absolutely love it!

Thanks for sharing your awesome information that helps we are looking for a RV see yah Dave and Bella hugs always

I learned so much from this video on what to look for in used RV. Count yourself blessed to have the knowledge of repairing and how to spot water leaks and the unbuyable. Thanks!

The prices make old Betty look pretty good .

Glad I get to watch and listen. Learned a lot.

Dang, Betty would be worth a million or two based upon the inventory shortages & price increases over the past couple years🤑🤑🤑🤑

I brought my family camping across Australia. Bought a Kmart 4 person tent, Blow up mattress, Coleman Cooker, some picnic chairs all for under $300. Best adventure we ever had.

People are buying them up like crazy, with fires, floods, tornados if they have to evacuate they at least have their own space and somewhere to put their things in case their house is gone when they come back. People who got stuck in for the better part of two years are looking to get out and enjoy life while they can. Good luck on your search👍🏻🙋🏼

I love my 1984 E350 C Class, i watched ur video on ur repairs on ur older c that u had. Can't wait to see what u find

Dave and Bella I have to say another great video you put out to share with all of us. Thank you so much for pointing out what you should be looking for when you buy an RV. 🤔🤔🤔👋👋👋👍👍👍🧡🐕

The wife and I, both recently retired, had been looking for an older class c,for about 1and a half years,not wanting to spend more than 15 grand thereabouts,,,well we found one on Facebook 2 months ago,an `89Ford Gran Ville Debonair, 26ft,460 big block,3speed C-6,40,190 mi,smooth fiberglass exterior wall panels,minimal rust spots,surface rust,, we got it for $9,000,,we're the third owners.It lived it's off season in a barn,so not alot of weathering to the exterior. Had to put new tires on rear axle and spare,that was $1100 for 5 of them,new house batteries, and some other odds and ends,all totalled about $12,000,with tax and tags and first years full coverage insurance. Not too bad. The previous owners left tools 12ton bottle jack,leveling ramps,full tank of propane, complete kitchen utensils, bedding,camp chairs, it was basically a turn the key,and go for a ride!! It does have an exhaust manifold leak on the passenger side,and the Firestone Ride Rite air bags system slowly leaks down. Like yourself, I'm my own mechanic,and will repair this old girl myself..Our local rv dealership salesman was impressed at the condition of it,he said it was one of the good ones to have and hold onto. I just subscribed to your channel, you seem like a man like me,somewhat old fashioned, knows the value of a dollar. Have a good day!😎

If you want more space than your van, consider a box truck and build out the box as you like it.

👍👍👍 Just looked up book value of my 2017 Class C bought new in 17 and it’s value 4 years old and 40000 miles is same as I paid for it.

I bought my 2004 Class C in October 2019 - just before Covid came to the US - for $20K. I could sell it today for twice that! I love that I bought an older model because it seems sturdier and of higher quality material (like real wood cabinets) than the ultramodern looking RVs they're busily mass-producing today. With a few interior updates and new batteries, she's a great little RV!

A couple of the Cadillacs you pointed out (white one and blue one) are actually 1958 Chevrolets. That year was a one time body style, people either loved or hated them. A hard act to follow after the 57 Chevy!

Yep, my 2020 Jayco was 68,000 with everything out the door. I sold it a week before Covid. That Jayco is now 110.00!!

Wilma? Wilma and Betty could drink together! 🥳🍻

Yeah, Dave, It's a good idea to go to ALL of the places that have RVs in order to gather information about models, prices, etc. that are out there at the present time, whenever that might be. Thanks for sharing what's out there :) What is nice about going to a location is you get to look at stuff up close instead of just online. The more info you gather the more ideas you will come up with for when you find the one that says "Buy Me."

I’ve been looking at new Trailers and man the prices are crazy high 😳 Good luck Dave.

That white Caddy looked like a 1958, mine was a Black Fleetwood, a real tank&, a real solid car. Good luck with your hunt, i will enjoy your hunt. :)

I'm thinking Ausia bought at the right time. If I remember correctly she paid around 69K for hers, it was a yr old at the time. Maybe a follower will have one for sale or know of one you would really consider. Safe travels n hugs to Bella.

You should try to extend your search online to South Western states where it is dry and you can find campers that are quite old and are remarkably preserved with nothing more than a pole barn for sun protection.

RV TRADER for new and used

Gas is $2.89 here. Glad I am not up there. I thought it was bad here. My poor sister is in California and they pay $4.86 I think. Crazy…. I love when you take us shopping with you. Wish everything was not locked up so we could see inside. When you asked Bella what time it was she looked at you like don’t look at me I don’t have a watch. LOL.

The market is also crazy in Australia also for RVs. Keep looking you might find the right one. 👍👍

very good points to consider. i am glad i have a 1995 ford high top van i can stand up in. 110,000 miles and runs great. it does have some rust but not very bad.

My husband started looking for a bunkhouse bumper pull in fall 207. We live in Muskogee, ok. We traveled all around Ok, Texas, and Kansas. We looked at auction sights country wide. Physically checked out over 50. The pictures would be great. In reality, they were junk. We could handle dated but not worn out. The new ones were flimsy and not well built. I had given up. But my husband kept checking and found our 2012 Open Range Mesa Ridge. Perfect condition and only 35 miles from home. The point is it will happen if its meant to be. Don't settle. But you know all that. Just encouraging you and Bella.

Nice...I am getting ready to buy my first RV...I will be looking for a used one. Great information for me Dave...thanks...

Cool moth on the gas pump! The RV you were interested in looked like the trim on the cabover was twisted away from the side too. Good luck with the search. As much as I find these interesting, hope you don't go crazy looking for a new home. I wonder if prices will drop a little when winter gets closer...

I priced the 22 foot rear slide Freedom Elite at Camping World just before COVID. Priced to me right off the bat before any other negotiations was about $56,000. The blue car was a 58 Chevy, sitting between a 49 Cadillac and a 57 Ford. Delamination is a major problem with those old RVs, especially from the cab over if it has a window. When I ordered my Winnebago Class C, I ordered a window delate over the cab. I learned my lesson from my first Class C. Good luck in your search.

My dream rig is a class B, preference for Pleasure-Way...but the sticker shock is, well, SHOCKING indeed! May have to just continue to hold off...and thanks for the tips. Take good care now and continued best of luck with your search...Bruce and Otis

No harm, no fowl. 🦆 Yep, I guess I’m a dated gal because I luv my 1996 well maintained teal interior. I find it has a rather cooling and relaxing oceanic water effect on my mentality. 🙀

I'm liking your evaluations.

Dont ne in a hurry when the right one comes along you will know it

Found my 26ft class c right down the road from where you are in Hyde Park,2006 Gulfstream in excellent condition for 25 g,been in love since the day I saw it,what a rig,been great just making it mine.

I'm looking too. One of the things I'm looking for is no window on the front over the cab, they always leak. Also I've installed aftermarket fuel injection on several project cars. FITech works really well and bolts on just like a carb and it's not that expensive.

Very informative video. Thanks for sharing. Now I know what to look for I'd I decide to purchase an older Rv. 😃 👍

Thank you for sharing some things of what to look for in buying a camper; things I have no clue about. Really good to know about looking for "bowed-out" sections and water leaks. I planned on buying a van and doing a camper build after retirement but now not sure, and like you, I look when driving around to see what's out there. Hope you will be willing to share even more what to look for (even basics, mechanically), Thanks again.

Hey Dave!! Have you thought about going online like to a camper or RV’s buyer guide to see what you could possibly find ? Wishing you the best of luck and hoping you eventually find the right RV for you and Bella. You have taken great care of both RVs The Bounder and Tioga .. You’re so smart by doing your homework. Until next time, later

Bella. She would love to pay. But only in kindness . (Woof, Woof. Happy tails). Happiness. Is being together. Happy travels. Regards

Bella Bella!!! Hey 👋🏼

We bought a brand new, class C Jayco back in 1988. Back when they were good quality. Solid wood cabinetry....solid. It was $49,000. Our payments were less than $600 per month and if you spent more than 6 weeks in it per year, you could deduct the interest. Now, forget it. More than some real estate.

I absoluty agree. I like you are not a rich family man.. I believe heavely in learning as much as possible. I have always been convinced to look for vehicles around 2 years old. Depresiacition, wear and tear on the interior as well as the exterior. Not being pushed into a bad decissons. Many thanks amigo Peace from Texas

Rv prices are too high right now, especially new. There are other market forces that may increase supply. The fall & winter coupled with rising fuel cost but it still seems like ppl are wanting to hang onto their rv's. We definitely live in uncertain times, inflationary & affordable housing is non existent. I know you will find something good though, like a 26' with rear bed low miles & no water damage w built in generator 👍

We bought a Used 2018 Class C Thor 24' .... From Camping World in Colorado Springs for 40k! Has like 140k miles but We Weren't Planning ALOT of Travelling ..... We Love it! Don't Hesitate to Make Offers!!!! Use the mileage and other defects for Discounts! Hope You Find One!

Private party is the ONLY way to go. At least private will negotiate generally. And you won’t get any more protection from a dealer than a private so don’t be thinking dealers are any more honest or have actually done any kind of safety or systems checks. The salesman will tell you they have but highly unlikely. And I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know because you’re mechanically inclined and an intelligent guy. Good video.

New sub. Upgrading from a 25 ft travel trailer to a class c rv. I learned more in a few minutes then I would even have thought about. Haven't a clue to what's best. I like your reasoning for 3rd group. I wouldn't care about dated colors interior. There is always a work around to cover up what isn't appealing to the eye. Thank you ! Will be watching more.

Our Airstream just celebrated 32 years on the road, was $33,000 new in 1989. A similar one today is pushing $150,000(new). Would like to finally upgrade(keeping the 89), but may wait a couple more years!!

Yeah you know what to look for 👍

I'm from Michigan and your right there is a great place in Wayland, D&L auto sales they deal with a lot of class b and class c

I'm looking at older used rvs and really don't know what I'm doing. I've got a good mechanic but the rest of it... 🤔 Your tips, especially for exterior walk around, were so helpful.

It's not the fuel pump that's set to shut off at $75, it's an agreement between the credit card company that you're using and the business. For example, at Pilot and Flying J, the pump shuts off at $75 when using my Discover card. At other truck stops, the pump shuts off at $125, while other places, there's no limit.

That is a beautiful area you live in!

Bella is such a sweetie. And so intelligent. Top dog on RU-vid.

Wish I didn't own my 2017 Nissan Titan S.L 5ltr Turbo Cummins diesel. Already have problems at 26k. But my 2021 Lance 2375 with factory installed upgrades was $49k and worth every penny.

Yup Camping World sure loves their Campers.

And to think, not that long ago, before the pandemic and the "van life" instagram movement a brand new 22 foot Class C could be picked up for $55-$60k. Prices have sky rocketed in the last 3 years.

Good advice! Just walk away… I’ll look at prices down here in Texas when I pick up my camper. Getting warranty work done. I’ll post a video on my channel.

Name her "Bella's Bungalow"

Yes the prices are insane!!!!! My Toyota corolla has went up $4,000 in just 2 months!! I've been looking good for van's but I think I will now wait till the crazy prices go back down!

Thanks Dave, I learned a few things for sure! Much appreciated!

They are beautiful though!! Love the class C!!

YOU ~ ROCK ! !

That moth was just chillin'... $5.18 here, for premium, because you get better mileage with it. My rig is named Betty White, because she is white and I hope she lives as long as her namesake. 2003 Tahoe Z71, 5.3.

................. Hi Dave !!!!!!!!!!!!! Dirk from Michigan here ........ Looking forward to your next move on possibly another RV !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See you some time again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven’t heard anything good about Camping World……. Every RV’s prices have gone through the roof EXCEPT for Class A’s.

Run, David, Run!

When Covid is over there will be a flood of them for sale. Take your time and you will find a deal.

hi dave ya i got e350 1989 class c 460 fuel injected and last year c6 3spd tranny very reliable i cant afford a new one so i just keep on going but their is a stigma with the old ones not yet a classic good luck on hunt

I saw a lot of wrecking yards today on state route 51 between Memphis and Union City. Fields of classics in the weeds . Big rigs , busses , pick ups.tractors. I bet there's RV s , didn't have time.

They are outrageous at any dealer

Great video! Newer RVs are definitely beautiful; but I couldn’t get myself to sign a debt contract for that much money…especially when I bought our home for less than that back in the recession of 2008. I rather keep our 1986 Heritage Chevy 30. It cost $2,500 back in the 2009. Now I am remodeling it myself. Subscribed. Cheers!

Here in Vegas, for a good survivor the prices are about 15k for 94ish year to about 20k for sort of newer like 07ish...

Its $1.00 more than that and is going up every day , thank you joe

Dave, look at Cruise America's used sales three years ago the prices and quality was great. I got a 2014 23' Thor for 27k. Around 100K in miles but you know its been serviced and fixed regularly. Its made to last with a lot of durable features special for a rental company. Check it out, I bought mine in Long Beach Ca. not sure about the east coast. But like you I shop a lot before I buy.

Dave you have to wait for a private seller or till next year or so for the people who don't want to camp anymore. A lot of folks will get rid of theirs because of the realities of dumping and high priced campgrounds.

A buddy of mine has one of those old Leprecon's that runs great but he can not get it inspected because the tires are cracked. Over $3000.00 for new tires.

I have a 83 transtar.runs like a champ.

Sold my 2007 Wolf Pack front-deck toyhauler last month on Craigslist for $8250 (paid $6k for it in July 2020). Turned around and bought a 2011 Heartland North Trail 30RKDD for $16k (insured for $25k) and loving the layout. I use it for work, so the extra space and amenities was totally worth it.

I think Camping World should change their ways. I stopped going to our local outlet because everything in the store is extremely expensive and they post the membership price too which is much lower. That does not set well with me that I am punished for not being a "member" They can stuff it! With all the fires in the west, numerous people are buying RV's to live in when they lose their homes and so all the dealers and used sellers are taking advantage of people. I think this is terrible.

Been looking at Cruise America they sell 2018's for 33k they have 130k miles but all highway miles, and they have all the service records from day one, and offer warranties.

Good eye! Dave

You silly, you get a C- for car identification calling two 58 Chevys, Cadillacs. :) Used RV prices went thru the roof during the pandemic, dealerships were buying them left and right then jacking the price up....:(