I’m a Winnebago fan, having owned two. Very trouble free for me. But I’m going away from my Winnebago class A gasser back to a class C. This time an ENTEGRA class C. I wanted to be more nimble again and the particular Entegra model fit our needs. Thank you for your videos.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you Duane. For the past couple of months we’ve been looking for the right used class C but have been very disappointed in the condition of them. Disappointed in how people don’t maintain them as we know they should be, disappointed in how some dealers in Arizona but zero effort into checking and cleaning them up. As you said, used often means the factory missteps have been corrected. But, with the new marked as it is we think we’ve worked out a deal on a 2025 model for a few thousand more than a two year old unit. Now we need an inspector in the Phoenix area. I’m good but I may miss things. Thank you for your videos.
@@anthonyb2334 It's so true that most RV owners do not maintain them like they should and dealers often don't prep or PDI their used RVs much either. And that's why RV inspection is so critical if you want to make sure you know the true condition of any RV you are considering for purchase. I'm glad you have already made the decision to use an RV inspector Anthony. It's money well spent!
Hi Mike. Most questions you have about RV inspections can be answered on this page on my website - rvinspectionandcare.com/rv-inspection-guide/ I hope that helps.
I love your channel! I really value your information since you’re in the business of inspecting RVs. I’m looking to buy a used Diesel Class A motorhome & decided on the diesel from watching several of your other videos! So thanks for taking the time to make all these videos! I’m sure more people than u know appreciate it:)
Hi Tammy. It's always nice to hear that my videos have been helpful and are appreciated. That inspires me to continue making more. Thanks so much for the positive feedback!
What really angers me are the poseur/ignorant/low info RU-vid hosts who continue to call a Class C a "B Plus." I appreciate that you distinguished a "small class C" from a large one. The "Super Cs" really are fantastic, but they are in a completely different price range than the ones you discussed. There simply is no such thing as a "B Plus" motor home. I believe you discussed this in a prior video once. Class Bs are built on a unibody van or minivan chassis. Class Cs are built on a a body on frame or truck chassis wherein the RV portion of the truck is lowered down onto the chassis. It will have a conventional passenger side door rather than a sliding door. A perfect example is the Airstream Atlas versus the Interstate. One is Class C. The other is Class B. There is no B Plus version, as some challenged vloggers like to maintain. If a sales person describes one of his/her products a B Plus, run away. He/she doesn't know the first thing about RVs. You will save yourself a lot of heartache and wallet pain in the long run. It's so unfortunate that the RV industry and the banking/financial sector have never made leasing arrangements available to RVers. If leasing were available, I would never buy another RV. It would mean you would not be hooked into a lemon until death. A 3, 5, 6, or 7 year lease would give an RVer the protection of some finality to the deal. Why has this never been made available to RVers? Your take on this issue would be very appreciated. Thanks for an excellent, informative video. Everything you put out is always first cabin.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us on the subject Roger. And thanks for the suggestion of making a video about RV leasing. I'll see what I can do. And I appreciate your support of the channel too. Have safe and happy RV travels!
Why, probably because a used rv has poor residual value compared to a car? Also, the manufacturer has to have faith their product would hold up,last a while without falling apart, and hold value to make it work. Interesting idea though, if ai leased one for 3 years, would probably turn it in, and give up on the camping idea, lol.
Just retired in 2019. Spent 50 years of my life repairing European automobiles. 35 years owning my own shop. Mercedes was one of the best constructed automobiles in the world. About 30 years ago they started going down hill quickly. Now the absolute worst. Their prices kept going up, but there quality has it rock bottom. I am now a full timer the last 5 years and would NEVER depend on an RV with a Mercedes chassis. Seriously.
We had a Chateau 29' 20 years ago and I mostly liked it. The quality was okay enough, and as I was mechanically proficient it was livable. Thor, from my recollection had a mixed reputation so I was pleased we didn't get a lemon off the line. We took it from every corner of the continent, across Canada and the USA a handful of times and it had no problems, except that E350 chassis' V8 was utterly anemic at altitude driving. Would I buy a used Class C of that ilk? Probably not, unless it was an incredible deal. Otherwise, I'm happy to take in your quality recommendations. However, I wonder about Mercedes chassis: Is their maintenance, repair, and parts not only higher cost but more sporadic? I'm not the biggest fan of Ford and their practices but there is no doubt I could get a part or service any where in North America. We had a Class A on a VW Diesel chassis in the past and it was a nightmare when it started to develop mechanical problems.
I wish I could recommend Thor because they put out a lot of RVs in various classes. But I can't put them on any list of the best quality manufacturers at this point. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't get a good RV from them. I know several folks who have Thor products and are happy with them. But there are other brands that are more consistently better in construction and customer service for the time being. I hope that may change in the future. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts and experiences with us!
@@RVInspectionAndCare Right on! As I grow older, I only become fonder for consistent, and reliable quality. I'm really enjoying the content and going back to watch way more. I'm seriously thinking of returning to the RV party after a long break. Boy am I glad guys like you and the NRVIA exists! Thank you for your content! I suspect we'll be purchasing your e-books soon.
I love all of your videos, thank you for helping us out. I really wanted a Mercedes chassis 24' class C but was not willing to pay 90K for a used model. I found a 2017 Thor 22B E450, original owner, garage kept, 24 hours on the generator, babied and well maintained with only 5800 miles on her. It literally looks brand new, and everything works as new. The owners told me that from new they had no issues at all. When I bought it last year the only two minor problems I could find were, one igniter on the stove did not work and the black tank was reading 3/4 full constantly. I replaced the burner wire and installed a tornado flush nozzle in the black tank, end of both issues. I only paid $50k and could not be more pleased with this RV. Did I just get lucky because I see Thor takes a beating for build quality? I have been all over this coach and can't find a single flaw anywhere. She runs like new and the living space is as well.
Hi Randall. It sounds like you found a great RV for your needs. It's true that Thor has their issues with overall quality. Mainly with maintaining consistency with the products they produce. But you may have found a really good one and that's a great thing. I hope you enjoy it and have lots of fun adventures in it!
Thanks for this video! This is exactly what I needed for my search for an RV. I often think about getting a used RV instead of a new one. For some of the same reasons you stated. Like the price would be the true value of an RV. Now I'm now armed with the knowledge of what to look for and get the best bang for my buck.
We purchased an Entegra Odyssey 30z. We absolutely love it. The RV is well-made, easy to drive, and comfortable to stay in. My RV is a 2022 and so far little to no issues. I love the one piece fiberglass roof appearance and the very few seams. The AC units, leveling system, and entertainment systems are excellent. I would purchase this unit again.
first tip stay away from all slides . no heat producing exhaust on passenger side most important stay away from diesel the cost of fuel and maintenance is insane if you look online at used class c the lost are full of diesels because people are not buying them . the ford transit rv are taking over the market with the v6 awd 1 ton best deal and best rv out there and can be serviced at most ford dealers . a diesel has to be maintained by a diesel mechanic and the price is way to high .the cost of fuel and def requirements come on diesel is on the way out
I think you're being too dogmatic. Slides really make an rv a home. Also, diesel engines have benefits over gas. Both of the above come with drawbacks, however as long as a person understands the cons, well, it's their choice.
Turbocharged v6 is junk most of the time and nobody really follows the maintenance guidelines for them. A 3000 dollar or more part to repair that can't be fixed solo.
Sprinter vans are too claustrophobic. I have to have some slides because we travel with three large dogs. A sprinter van without slides would never work.
Me and the wife are starting to look at class c RVs to live in full time. We could easily save thousands per month by simplifying our lifestyle. Thanks
Ditto on the Sunseeker. We started with a Minnie Winnie but traded into a Sunseeker so we could more easily pull a tow vehicle. I didn’t like that the Minnie Winnie didn’t have a back window either. 🤷♀️
Coachmen is not on my Class C recommended list of brands. But that doesn't mean that you can't get a good RV from Coachmen. It just means that there are usually better brands to choose from in a similar price range that put the odds on your side that you will be happy with your RV for a long time. I hope that helps.
@RVInspectionAndCare oh wow thanks for reply. Soooo one more. We are headed right now to look at a 2020 Winnebago Vita 24p- 22k miles - $86k. Thoughts on that one? Promise- last one .lol
@@Melissa-mz3qu Winnebago is on my recommended list for small Class C RVs. Just be sure to check the cargo carrying capacity to make sure that it meets your needs. These smaller Class Cs are often lacking in that area.
I'm a Winnebago guy, but i want a class c with W/D option under 30 ft for state parks. That leaves Coachman Leprechaun 298QB. Positives: W/D option, Azdel sides, slide covers, 12v frig, King bed, J lounge that converts to U, nice amt of internal storage, reasonable price Negatives: Accordion blinds, not much external storage or covered connections, Lippert main slide, not using slam latches on ext storage, can't use King bed with slide in. I like the Winn Vista class a (29V) but no W/D and wood furnishings appear to me to be same as my 30K TT, I'd expect better in a 200K camper. The outdoor kitchen is nice but W/D a must. My concern is Coachman reviews I've read, but Leprechaun seems to get better reviews recently.
Well, I have the remote job but I couldn't afford something five years to new. Any chance have you done any reviews for purchasing older models? I'm a very simple person - just me!
Hi Kelly. I haven't made a used Class C video that goes back more than about 5 years so far. But I have created a guidebook that goes back to 2007. You can find it here - payhip.com/b/2hzk3 I'm glad that you mentioned this subject though as I can see that a video needs to be made about it. Thanks for watching!
I own a new 2011 Mercedes E class diesel. I asked the salesman how much was an oil change and he said $150😂... I thought ok I can do that... First oil change $150. Second oil change $250 Third oil change $600... There's a reason why you are unlikely to see a Mercedes on a tow truck. HIGH MAINTENANCE! HIGH LABOR RATES. A Mercedes isn't for a penney pincher... I had my Mercedes for 10 years- great gas mileage and trouble free... You pay for what you get.
Was really surprised by your used Class C recommendations. I've been a long standing member of the RV Consumer group and their ratings don't match with yours. Thor, Tiffin and Winnebago all get pretty low scores for quality of build. You also did not mention Leisure Travel Vans out of Canada. Oddly enough they score higher than all the other class B+ or small Class C US made coaches. If it is built in the Elkhart Indiana area we won't buy it new or used.
Rating RV quality is a subjective endeavor, so my viewpoint may not always match the way that others see things. As for why RV Consumer Group came to the conclusion they did, I really don't know. I actually agree about with them about Thor these days. But I can't understand giving Tiffin or Winnebago low scores for quality. Both of those companies have excellent reputations for quality among both the industry itself and consumers. As for Leisure Travel, I don't consider that their products are Class C RVs. I put them in the Class B+ category since they are built on a van chassis and therefore fall in between a Class B and a normal Class C RV. And yes, I highly recommend Leisure Travel for build quality.
Jayco also makes a wonderful 29D (model i own) traveled thru 21 States last summer in it and covered 11,500 miles in 4 months.It’s a 2007 Melbourne . Nothing but good things to rave about.
I wanted to comment on this before. I think you have the same RV that I have. A Scottsdale by Newmar. The same interior. I enjoy your videos. I originally wanted a class C but I didn't like the over hangs. Do you have any suggestions for class C without that overhang.
It is a Newmar, but our rig is a Kountry Star. But A lot of Newmars looked alike on the inside during that time period though. Unfortunately, the front overhang is what often defines a Class C. It's a way of maximizing sleeping space. You might find that a Class B+ or a Class A might fit what you're looking for better. There are smaller Class As that might do the trick for you. And B+'s are built on van chassis frames but they more similar to a Class C than a Class B. I hope that is helpful Charmae.
I would not own a Mercedes under any circumstance. More expensive to maintain and the owners I talked to had issues with them. The various mobile mechanics I've used don't like them either. I like the E-450 chasis. They are used for the people moving buses the national parks use and the run and run and run. Affordable to repair.
There is absolutely no clear evidence that Thor's ownership has had any negative effect on Tiffin at all. Instead, Thor bought Tiffin in December of 2020 while the Covid pandemic was already affecting not only Tiffin, but every other RV manufacturer in the industry negatively due to workforce shortages and major supply chain issues. So yes, Tiffin struggled with quality and consistency during that period just like many other RV builders did. But they have begun to rebound now and their products are heading in the right direction again like most of the rest of the industry.
I've been shopping the Winnebago 'EKKO' but heard quite a few complaints about them. Of course oft mentioned complaints were the alternator (?) problem and the fuel line to the Generator.....I'm looking for a 1-2 year old well maintained RV.
I had a Mercedes chassis and I hated it because you’re only allowed to use B5 or less biodiesel. ( otherwise, you can ruin your engine and void your warranty ). I wound up in Oklahoma driving from gas station to gas station trying to find bio diesel or diesel that I could put in my Mercedes chassis and don’t try calling ahead to ask what the station has because the person answering the phone has no idea what you were talking about. And dealers don’t know that there’s a specification about it even though it’s written on the inlet to the diesel tank and it’s in the owners manual. I called Mercedes to see if there was a workaround. They informed me that there was not, and that they don’t manufacture their products based on what the US does with their diesel. Very bad customer service.
There are definitely cons to having a Mercedes Sprinter chassis RV and you mentioned some of them. But a lot of RV owners with that chassis still love them for their positive aspects. They remain very popular.
Mercedes-Benz afirmar que não é possível usar diesel de qualidade inferior em seus motores, mantendo assim o alto nível de qualidade da marca alemã não é atendimento ruim ao cliente, muito pelo contrário. Não é a toa que sua van é a melhor que existe atualmente no mercado mundial, seja para motorhome, transporte de passageiros ou mercadorias, os seus caminhões são altamente confiáveis e duráveis e os seus carros de luxo são os escolhidos para transportar membros de diversas realezas em todo o mundo.
A lot of people feel the same way. I'm glad that you have the issue resolved in your own mind. It will help make your decision making process for RV buying much clearer. Safe and happy travels to you!
I am looking at a 2021 freedom elite 30fe but haven't been able to find many reviews. What scares me most is that it was made during the pandemic and I know QC took a dive during that time period.
Hi Julian. I am not a big fan of Thor products. I feel that you can get a better coach for about the same money from a builder that pays more attention to quality and customer service.
Great work. My wife and I (in our 70’s) would like to buy a good quality used class B+, gasser, with a rear sleeping arrangement. She sleeps in and I’m up very early. I prefer not to wait outside for her to wake up. Might you have a recommendation for us or a guide we could purchase with a ranked list? Just naming two or three models/years would be a tremendous help. Thank you. Tom
Hi Tom. You specified a gas engine for a Class B plus RV and that limits the offerings somewhat as so many manufacturers like to use the Mercedes Sprinter chassis with the diesel engine instead. But here are a couple of B plus brands and models that I could recommend - the Winnebago Ekko on the Ford Transit chassis and the Leisure Travel Wonder on the Transit chassis. Both of those are great brands that make a quality RV. So any gas powered used Class B plus made by those brands would be a good choice. I hope that helps.
Jayco is on my recommended list but Forest River is not at this time. If you want to find out about all of the Class C and Super C motorhome brands that I recommend, you can download my guidebook on that subject here - payhip.com/b/2hzk3
Yes Richard. Tiffin is known for lower CCC in some models. As long as you know that going in and store your cargo accordingly, it doesn't change the fact that the Wayfarer is an exceptionally well built small Class C.
@@RVInspectionAndCare two big adults and a full water tank and you are leaving a thin margin. Add a full size dog and some clothing and you are close to maximum. I suspect many Tiffin owners never weigh their loaded rig as the answer might be painful.
@@arisdaddy2001 Actually, my research says that the Wayfarer is rated for 1150 pounds of CCC. While that isn't as much as some other brand models, it's ample enough if you are careful with loading your rig. And once again Richard, that still doesn't change the fact that the Wayfarer is a popular and well built RV, made by a high quality manufacturer with exceptional customer service.
I haven't created much content on those subjects so far. But there is well over 200 videos on my channel that covers a lot of RVing topics that would be good to know.
I try to review any brand that is sold in the US no matter where it comes from. But some brands produce so few units in a year that I just can't personally review them. Or they just don't have much of a presence in the US market. And I suspect that's the issue with the ALP Adventurer.
LTV is on my recommended list of manufacturers. But as long as your expectations aren't too high, there are some good Class C builders in the states too. Don't believe all the negativity out there.
@@RVInspectionAndCare I watched this video before and just wanted to remind myself of your recommended models. That’s when I started looking more at the Entegra coaches. I like the Minnie Winnie, but they seem to love sticking the kitchen in a corner of a slide out leaving very limited counter space and I love cooking. Also not fond of the main TV being mounted on a long arm mounted in the front bunk. Thanks for the recommendations. 👍👍
@@genxskeptic5816 Sometimes it's a challenge to find the floor plan you want from a good brand. Also, I wonder who designs these interiors too. Especially the TV. A lot of floor plans have the TV in an area that is not easily viewed from any part of the room without turning your head in an uncomfortable way. Oh well, that's my rant for today. 😀
Just because an RV has Azdel in the sidewall construction does not guarantee that luan is not used in the ceiling or floor. There are very few RV's made that could be considered truly "luan-free". But Azdel does not figure in my determination of whether an RV is quality made or not. And I explained my reasoning about the subject in this video - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xplQPhKFwnk.html
I couldn't mention all of the brands that I recommend for quality build and customer service in a video that only features 3 manufacturers. But Lazy Daze is definitely on my best brands list found in my Class C buying guide here - payhip.com/b/WCwf7
Any RV based on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis is going to be expensive to maintain, and dealer service not as available as Ford, Chevy, or Ram. The diesel engine has less power overall, and diesel engines in general cost more to maintain because of all the required emissions equipment. Also the towing capacity is less, in fact you may be close to Max GVW when you load it with water, propane, and your personal effects. Tiffin Wayfarers in particular are heavy.
There are pluses for choosing a Sprinter chassis as well and lots of happy users too. So I lay out both the good and bad of these RVs in this video - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SeroO5ALniU.html But truthfully, I don't consider them or any van based chassis RV a true Class C. There is no clear definition for these size RVs, but I feel that they belong in the Class B+ category.
Actually the chassis for both the Mercedes Sprinter and the Ford Transit are great for smaller RVs. Each has its own strengths that appeal to certain people.
What are your thoughts on Leprechaun, I think they are made by Coachman but not sure. I think it was a 311DS. I will look at the Tiffin as I didn't know they made Class C's, love the looks of their A's. Thanks.
I am not a big fan of Coachmen products in general if we are just talking about quality construction and customer service. The Class C segment of the RV industry is filled with manufacturers who use sub-par building materials and methods, and whose customer service needs improvement. The brands that I mentioned in this video and in my Class C buying guidebook would be a much better choice in most cases.
@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you very much for the reply. I was also looking at a Minnie Winnie, 31K I think, so I will look closer at that. Thanks again, oh and I am a new subscriber!
Do typical TV dealers trade Jeeps for an RV? I'm In St. Louis, going to start looking around for a class c. Then sell my house and live out west with my dogs. I just need direction as to where to go to buy, erc.
I created a guidebook that lists my recommendations for Class C brands all the way back to 2007. You can download it here if you like - payhip.com/b/2hzk3
Actually this video is not about making a head-to-head comparison of makes and models. I'm just listing a few of the brands and models that are a cut above their competition in terms of quality construction methods, customer service after the sale and resale value.
Tiffin makes a great RV Dee-Dee. And buying an RV that is before the Covid pandemic is probably a good idea too. Enjoy your new RV and the places it takes you!
Great info I’m in the process of getting a 2006 Winnebago Cambria 26a, your thoughts on it, that has been in storage for 10+ years, less than 2K original miles. RVing is new to me. Should I be concerned about the age and non-use. Seems to be in great shape although going to spend quite a bit to get it back in shape. Got it for hardly nothing. Thanks for any advice you may have.
Winnebago built some very good RVs in those years. But I would concerned about the age and non-use. RVs are meant to be used and they actually benefit from regular usage. So I recommend that you be careful with the engine and drivetrain especially. Maybe have a reputable mechanic that you trust look it over thoroughly for you. And make sure that you have a certified RV inspector go through the RV part too and see if any major issues come to light or not. I hope it turns out to be the gem that you are looking for.
Hi Sean. Yes, older Fleetwood Jamborees are on my recommended list. But one that far back will definitely require a thorough RV inspection to make sure that it is worthy of consideration. I explain how to perform a personal pre-inspection on older RVs like that in my guidebook on buying used RVs. You can find and download it here - payhip.com/b/cPLl I hope that helps.
Coachmen is not a brand that is on my recommended list but that doesn't mean that you can't get a RV made by that brand. Just be sure to get it inspected thoroughly before buying to know what kind of shape it's in. And you can find good used RVs at lots of places online like RVTrader.com, RVT.com Ebay, and on Facebook groups where RV sellers post their rigs for sale. I hope that helps.
Hi Les. I am not a big fan of Thor products in many cases. I just feel that there are better brands out there to choose in the same price range. And RVs that come out of rental service have often been used hard. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't get a good one. But I think there are better choices to be had. Just being honest ...
The Wayfarer has absolutely TERRIBLE load carrying capacity. Virtually unusable if trying to stay under the legal GVWR limit with a full fresh water tank, some passengers etc. The Entegra has significant handling/sway issues when towing in any wind. Personally, I think the most reliable Class C RVs not stricken with load capacity and handling issues are the Ford and Chevy chassis budget RVs without slides, in the 24 ft to 26 ft range. Stable, lots of load capacity, decent tank sizes and reliable without the extra weight and complexity plus better full time access, and no slide issues ro contend with. In terms of Brands, I prefer Coachman because they use Aztel walls instead of luan, so never any delamination of the fiberglass, and they're lighter, so able to offer bigger tanks for those of us who like to boondock/dry camp. Just my personal experience with these rigs.
Hi Barry. I will agree that the Wayfarer makes cargo carrying a challenge, but not impossible. But the coach itself is really well made and the customer support by Tiffin is incredible. And there aren't a lot of people who are going to be buying motorhomes without slides these days. I also agree that not having slides makes things a lot easier in many ways. But it's just not a popular choice for most buyers. Look around and see how many non-slide Class Cs are sold these days. As far as Coachmen is concerned, their recent offerings have extremely poor fit and finish in my opinion. And overall quality of construction is worse than their competitors. Also, Azdel is a nice thing to have in an RV. But in my opinion it is often overrated. Many great RVs have been built for years with luan and wood construction, and they have lasted just fine if they are properly maintained by keeping the RV joints well sealed to prevent water intrusion. And saying that delamination cannot happen with Azdel is not true. It does significantly reduce the chances of that happening. But the glue that bonds Azdel to other materials in the wall can still separate and fail. And if the bonding process at the factory is not strong enough it could eventually delaminate too. And the weight savings with Azdel is not usually enough to make a major difference either. So in most things you mentioned here I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Agree that we will disagree. :) The Wayfarer has a load capacity that averages 600-800 lbs. With a couple plus their medium sized dog, say 250+175+40 =465lbs. That leaves 135lbs to 335lbs for everything else, including small portable grill + 20lb propane bottle (80lbs), leaving 55lbs to 255lbs for chairs, food, clothes, coffee machine, pots, silverware, plates, mugs, hoses, etc. I'd say it is virtually impossible for any fulltime couple to remain legal and safe in one of these rigs. Regarding the coachman rigs, they always seem to offer the biggest water and tanks sizes, usually 40 to 50 gallons of fresh vs the much more common 28 to 35 gallons. This makes a BIG difference to those of us who don't just do weekends or go from park to park. I've never, ever seen a Coachman with Azdel with any sidewall delamination. Seen plenty of internal luan wood based sidewalls delaminated due to water leaks. Agree about the lack of maintenance. Unfortunately it still happens too often, IMO. Anyway, I just wanted to offer my thoughts on these differences, as they might be useful for folks to consider as well when looking at these rigs.
Class Cs are in high demand right now it seems. And Jayco builds a pretty good one for the money. It may take some patience to find the one you want but stay diligent and you'll probably find it eventually. Thanks for watching and commenting Pam!
I find that the easiest way to to find real world starting prices is to look on RVTrader.com and make a nationwide search. Then throw out the high end and low end prices and use the median price range as a starting point for negotiation. I hope that helps!
Thor makes quite a few Class C RVs. So I am aware of their offerings. But I don't feel that they qualify to be in the top 3 used Class Cs on my list for this video. Thanks for watching and asking though.
Love your videos. DO you have any recommendations on what the maximum mileage on a used RV is? And could you do a video on common issues to expect when buying a used RV?
Thanks for supporting the channel. It's much appreciated! It's hard to make a call on what is too much mileage for a motorhome. Of course, diesel engines generally last much longer than gassers. I recommend that you perform a fluid analysis on any used motorhome that you are seriously considering and see what the engine oil says about the condition of the engine. To me, that is more reliable than just using a mileage number. I hope that helps. And thanks for the video suggestion too. It's on my list!
I’ve been looking for an Entegra Odyssey or Esteem but haven’t found one in my price range yet! I’ve also looked at some nice Coachman Leprechauns, Forest River Sunseekers, a Holiday Rambler Vesta and Thor Four Winds but I don’t know much about their quality or reliability!
I would highly recommend an Entegra Class C for purchase. There are other new Class Cs that I can also recommend. You can find those recommendations in my guidebook here - payhip.com/b/WCwf7 There are some very good ones that you are overlooking.
We have had two different Thor Class C's and the build quality was dismal. Too bad because their designs are innovative and appealing, but the poor craftsmanship and mediocre after sale warranty support really upset me. I wanted to like them and keep them but got rid of both, shame on me.
We are planning on retiring in a couple of years, selling our house and getting a Class C to travel for a few years while we still can. With a Class C is it easy to come and go in your motor home when your in a campsite for a week or so? We know nothing about set up/take down (yet!) so we’re wondering what you do when you want to go see the sights or make a grocery run.
Hi Julie. If you buy a smaller Class C RV, it can very useful not only for travel and camping but can also be used as an around-town vehicle too. But you will have to disconnect all hook-ups before leaving and reconnect them when you return. Of course, as the RV gets longer it gets more difficult to use for errands and short trips. In that case, many RVers tow another vehicle behind the Class C RV, either on a tow dolly or with all four wheels on the ground. I hope that helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks for the info. We already know we don’t want to tow a vehicle and we’re not looking for a huge motor home with it just being the two of us. So glad we found your YT channel, we have so much to learn in the next couple of years and your videos are great.
You said the small ones were 25-26 feet. I'm looking for a 19-24 foot Type C. Do you have a video on those? Weirdly, RU-vid search on channels is not great
@@RVInspectionAndCare I am also looking for sub 24 feet. Phoenix Cruiser makes one model on the Ford 450 chassis that seems much roomier than any Sprinter. The Phoenix Cruiser I have walked through seemed very nice, although expensive.
The best places to get prices for used RVs online is rvtrader.com and rvt.com Just search nationwide to get a good feel for average prices across the country.
There are other Sprinter based RVs that I can recommend too. But I agree that finding a good used Class C with low miles and made by a quality brand is a challenge these days.
@@racingfortheson If you are looking for a Class C RV built on a Ford chassis, I have listed all of the brands that I recommend here - payhip.com/b/2hzk3 I hope that helps.
Hi Edward. I know that many people would consider that Leisure Travel makes a Class C RV. But both the Wonder and the Unity models are built on either a Mercedes or Transit chassis. And to me that makes them a Class B+ RV, not a Class C, which is what this video was about. But the good news is that Leisure Travel is on my recommended list of Class B+ RVs. Thanks for watching and commenting though!
Very nice Robert! The Class Cs on a Mercedes chassis get pretty good fuel mileage for an RV. And that's going to be a real advantage this summer when fuel prices are sky high!
Same here, but I have the mini C Winnebago View on T1N chassis. 17mpg as well. Tons of channels on how to work on the engine, or find yourself a T1N mechanic.
Hi Carl. It's hard to provide a life span for RVs because a lot depends on how well they are maintained. If someone really cares for an RV, there is no reason that they couldn't last for many decades. On the other hand, I have seen 5 year old RVs that are pretty much trash because the owners did absolutely nothing to care for it. That's why I highly recommend that you ask for maintenance records whenever you buy a used RV. If the records show that lots of loving care has gone into the RV, it may be a good candidate for consideration. Of course, if you buy the RV new, you have the chance to maintain it like it really requires and get a long lifespan as a result.
@@RVInspectionAndCare I used a similar philosophy when buying used Toyotas - do they have maintenance records - are there a lot of receipts in a binder or did they (I did) put what work I did inside the drivers manual indicating mileage and kind of work performed by me. If it takes up the front/back of manual - it's a no brainer. If you open up the engine case or saw no pics of engine case on a website - if it's dirty keep on moving.
Ok we are looking at a 31ft and are considering taking out the bottom bunk and add stackable w/d and small desk/work area. Thanks for responding and enjoy the content.
Actually Gulf Stream got out of the Class C market about 8 years ago. And before that they had a fairly poor reputation among many RVers for both quality workmanship and customer service. In recent years they seem to be improving in all of these areas. But I would not put them on any top 3 list at this point.
It was one of the best for sure. But the company shut their doors in 2015 and has not reappeared as far as I know. But if you find a good used one, it may be a great buy!
A 22 ft. RV is great for being really nimble to drive. But it's also a little short on living and storage space. I recommend test driving one or renting one that length to see how it fits for you.
I would like to see more pickup truck platforms as opposed to vans even for a small class c. A 4x4 Ram 3500 or 4500 would do it for me. I guess the van front end costs less.
As the title says, this is only a "Top 3" listing. That means that there are plenty more Class Cs that could be added. But as I said in the video, time doesn't allow them all to be considered on YT.
I must be too poor to RV, my experience with Fords are very frequent maintenance, and while I’ve never owned a MB, I’ve heard horror stories about $500 service charges, and very expensive repairs.
Actually the Ford chassis in use today for Class C RVs has been around for many years and is very reliable and trustworthy overall. Of course, some have more issues with others with the chassis but that can often be traced to poor maintenance which is a common fault of many RVers. The worst thing that can be said about the Ford chassis is it does not ride and handle well without additional suspension components in many cases.
