New Member Greetings from Montana

[bmwhacker]

We have been RV'ers for 25+ years and currently have a large Diesel Class A. Years back we had a couple different conversion vans and now that we are retired, wanted to revisit our youth (so to speak) and spend some time touring / camping in a reasonably priced used, smaller class b style RV.
I searched for over a year for such a rig and was surprised to find the market so tough for used rigs. We winter in AZ and I looked at 10 different rigs over the Winter. Anything priced south of $10k was worn out, abused and typically ugly / requiring work.
A week ago I thought I finally found a 1990 Ford Coachman Class B but after traveling over to see it, found it was aesthetically pretty poor, with peeling clearcoat every where. The rig had only 65k miles but the seller was solid at $10k and I just couldn't justify the price for an eyesore (with a cracked windshield).
Today we decided to visit a local museum in the neighboring town 45 miles away and lo and behold my Wife spied a Class B in a store parking lot with a "for sale" sign on the dashboard.
Long story short, the rig was a one owner 1996 Dodge American Cruiser. The rig had everything we were looking for with 70k original miles....everything works and aesthetically it is a 8.5+....the price was right so...SOLD!

[rowiebowie]

Welcome to the forum bmwhacker!

Looks in good condition. We started in a class b. I don't envy you downsizing and having to jettison so many items for the smaller space.

But you will absolutely enjoy the smaller driving experience, ease of parking, and spending much less at the gas station.

[bmwhacker]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

Welcome to the forum bmwhacker!

Looks in good condition. We started in a class b. I don't envy you downsizing and having to jettison so many items for the smaller space.

But you will absolutely enjoy the smaller driving experience, ease of parking, and spending much less at the gas station.

We're only "downsizing" for our shorter 5 - 10 day trips. Our diesel Class A will be kept. We have AZ. and MT. property so we avoid Winter weather. Worked out in sub zero crap for much of my younger life so no more of that!....lol

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by bmwhacker

We're only "downsizing" for our shorter 5 - 10 day trips. Our diesel Class A will be kept. We have AZ. and MT. property so we avoid Winter weather. Worked out in sub zero crap for much of my younger life so no more of that!....lol

Didn't know you were keeping both. I'm jealous of your two rigs and your two locations to avoid cold weather. But in my case, I'm also jealous of the fact you can avoid the heat.
.

[Peder_y2k]

What was the right price? Looking at a '98 model with no bathroom sink in my region.

[bmwhacker]

Originally Posted by Peder_y2k

What was the right price? Looking at a '98 model with no bathroom sink in my region.

Seller was asking $11k....could only talk him down $500.00...so final price was $10.5k. This one has a toilet, but no hot water system....which we can do fine without.
The closest thing I found last Summer was a late 90's "Airstream", with over 100k miles, which was priced at $15.9k, firm.
Numerous rigs we looked at had an overhead bunk set up, which we did not really want. Passed on a 1990 Ford Coachman which was firm at $10k, peeling clearcoat and an ugly tannish / brown... it was also an overhead bunk setup. I had first shot at it and passed, the second looker bought it.
After a couple months ownership on our American Cruiser, I've found a few minor items that needed attention and handled them myself....a couple missing (marine style) bulbs, a couple burnt out bulbs, a loose bolt here and there, missing sewer roof vent cap, nothing major.
We're heading out on a 3 - 4 day road trip tomorrow.....visiting a few Hot Springs over in SW Montana.

[Peder_y2k]

Thanks for the feedback as it helps me define price ranges for B's that I encounter. Also helps me decide what compromises to accept. Makes me a better shopper.

[Stanova9]

Hello and welcome,enjoy stay here