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I'd say go for it.
As for old RVs, they can be a great bargain, and if lots of them are still around -- like GMC and Winnebago motorhomes from the 1970s for example -- parts are not hard to come by. It helps LOTS, however, if you can do your own RV maintenance/work so you can save LABOR costs at a shop which often are high...as with cars. You may have to buy a new part -- shop around though for best price -- but at least you can save on labor IF you know how to do the installation.
There are even "classic RV clubs" whose members help each other out re: parts, manuals, wiring, restoration tips and so on. Some people buy old RVs, restore them, and resell them to people who appreciate "collectibles" but they also are very usable RVs as they ever were even though dated.
Some people want to simplify their lives and so don't care for all the expensive frills/decorations on RVs nowadays that can cost hundreds of grand...it's up to you -- or your budget -- to make the call re: what you'll be getting...hopefully, it will ALSO be one you will like and is comfortable/reliable to live in/with.
Some quality brands (in my opinion): Allegro and Allegro Bay by Tiffin, Monaco, Barth, Foretravel, National RV, Newmar (pricey since there are no old ones from the 70s or early 80s), Champion, Vogue, GMC, FMC...these latter few are classics and some have clubs I mentioned earlier.
I would advise you to find out which were the top-of-the-line motorhomes/RVs from a certain period back then and look for one used in the best condition you can find...quality THEN is quality NOW...don't buy a cheap POS that wasn't even good NEW!
Be advised, NO motorhome is perfect, even the 500-grand ones...so none are without their particular flaws or whatever and just about all will have one problem or another crop up...you then find out if the dealer is any good when you ask for things to be fixed (if you bought from a private party, you're on your own, but don't let that stop you as there are LOTS of nicely-kept/maintained used RVs for sale).
Good luck and be careful,
John D. |
RV and bus conversion info since 1996.
email John D.
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