BECOME A MOTORHOME SPECIALIST

AND GET THE BEST HOME ON WHEELS
YOUR MONEY CAN BUY

You may not have to be a motorhome specialist, but you'll be driving, hauling and living in this thing, so it's a good idea to know as much as you can about it before signing on the dotted line.

So where do you start?

Well, first you should sit down in front of your laptop with a pad of paper and a pencil and decide just exactly what you want and need.

Spend time browsing and comparing types, prices and year models. The best way to understand values is to see what motorhomes are actually selling for now. Sounds simple, but it's not always.

Begin by browsing makes and models at NADA Guide for RVs & Motorhomes. Also see RV Buying Tips for a guide on what to do once you find something you like. Think of these as "Motorhome Specialist 101."

The 3 BASIC TYPES OF MOTORHOMES:

CLASS A

These are the largest and most luxurious of them all. Some are as big as a bus and, when all the sliders (those room extensions which enlarge, usually by power or hydraulic systems, the interior space) are extended, seem as large as a small house! You can have these outfitted with any and all of the modern conveniences your home has ... and more. Full size bathrooms, complete kitchens, large flat screen TVs, comfortable bedrooms with closable doors and almost anything else you can imagine.

If you're in this league, and are purchasing new or near-new, your motorhome specialist job will be to find the brand, size and feel of the rig that lights your fire and simply locate a reputable dealer.

As with cars and trucks, though, its smart to let a previous owner take the big depreciation hit. A Class A, one or two years old, with a good warranty is best.

Older Class A's are another story. Here you'll need help. You can still be the motorhome specialist, but, depending on what you know about electrical systems, holding tanks, hydraulics, mold, gas or deisel engines and running systems, you'll probably need a good RV mechanic. Before you spend a dime, however, go over the motorhome carefully and jot down anything you find that's not working or seems odd. And remember, low mileage on a really old rig could just mean its been sitting out in a field for a decade or so! Ask questions. For remodeling tips click Used Class A Motorhomes and let your imagination run wild!

CLASS B

These little beauties are ones you can live in and park in a regular parking space at the mall. Some have pop-tops or high-top roof, swivel captains chairs, built in TVs and even showers! Most have nice beds, stoves, refrigerators, stereos, dinettes and toilets. Built on van frames (mostly) these are also among the most fuel efficient, with some getting up to 18-20 mpg.

Its best to always have a mechanic look at anything you're planning to buy (in these cases a competent RV mechanic) and the Class B Motorhome is no exception. Since its so small, the more amenities it has, the tighter and more complex it is.

I lived in an older Winnebago LeSharo with everything and found that sometimes it took longer to remove stuff to get at a problem than it took to fix the problem! Not to mention having to put all that stuff back in.

Call around and ask a few RV mechanics what they'd charge to look over your prospective purchase and choose the one you feel the best about.

Talk to the mechanic and let them know what's important to you. You don't want them spending time—and charging you—to check things you plan to replace. Class Bs are, in my opinion, the easiest to operate and maintain and the most fun ... especially if its just you or you and a partner. Most can be driven through a McDonalds (watch the top!) and parked anywhere SUV's park.

Most auto mechanics can work on the drivetrain (or, as a motorhome specialist, you can) and road-trips are much more spontaneous than Class A's. For remodeling tips click Used Class B Motorhomes. You might just decide to buy an older one and put your money in a really rad re-deux!!

CLASS C

Class C Motorhomes look sort of like those cab-over camper shells on pickup trucks, but they're far from that. Close to Class B's interior-wise they (like Class B's) are mostly built on van frames or beefed-up cargo van frames and make use of the swivel captains chairs in the cab.

Also, like Class B's these can be worked on, mechanically, by most auto mechanics and owners.

Fuel economy takes a back seat to Class B's because of the increased weight and, by necessity, bigger engines. Several models have 4 wheel drive, though, so the larger motors are needed.

The area over the cab is usually the bed, leaving more room "downstairs" for the rest of the living area. For remodeling tips click Used Class C Motorhomes for ideas on ways to get off-road in style and comfort!!

Whichever motorhome you choose, remember you'll be with this thing for some time, and you should really try and be the best motorhome specialist you can ... before you buy! Happy hunting!