What is high mileage for a Class A motorhome?
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: What is high mileage for a Class A motorhome? We will discuss a few key points to pay attention to before buying a second-hand Class A motorhome. We will also give you a few tips on the maintenance of a Class A RV.
What is high mileage for a Class A motorhome?
High mileage for a Class A motorhome is any number over 200,000 miles. Of course, this is in the end just a number, as the condition of the RV and how well and often it was serviced would be more important.
When you choose to invest in a second-hand motorhome, it is mainly for economic reasons. However, the market for used motorhomes is very large and the same model can be very different from another depending on its past.
Here are a few questions that are meant to help you make the best decision when it comes to purchasing a second-hand Class A motorhome:
- How many owners did the motorhome have? The first thing is to check whether or not the used motorhome is first hand or not. Indeed, the more different owners it has had, the more likely a vehicle is to be worn.
However, this is not a universal truth, as it is better to choose a vehicle that has had several respectful owners than a single owner who has not taken care of the vehicle. In all cases, ask for the maintenance log to check that the motorhome is up to date.
- Does it have a lot of mileage? The mileage of the vehicle must also be taken into account. The less a vehicle has been driven, the more likely it is to be in good condition. Ditto for his seniority.
More broadly, the general quality of the used motorhome can be estimated using various points: age, mileage, maintenance book, exterior condition, interior condition, reputation and rating of the make and model, parts that have been changed …
- What amenities does the RV have? The level of equipment and the condition thereof is also a criterion of choice. Thus, it is possible that different equipment has been added to the basic motorhome (satellite dish, bicycle rack, etc.). Do you find this equipment useful? Are they in good condition? In addition, how much does this additional equipment weigh in the sale price?
- Can you take the motorhome for a driving test? Also, take the time to try out the motorhome to get an overview of its driving comfort and to check that it starts and operates correctly.
Regarding the mechanical aspect, opt for a turbo diesel that is much less sluggish than a simple diesel.
- What is your budget, really? The budget you have is surely the most important criterion when choosing a used motorhome. It defines the different characteristics of the motorhome.
On a very tight budget, one trick is to look for an old vehicle from a prestigious brand. The motorhome may lack modernism in terms of its equipment and design, but it benefits from a quality equivalent to that of a recent mid-range motorhome for a much better price.
In the case of a comfortable budget, we can target a used motorhome less than 6 years old with a mileage of fewer than 200,000 miles and in good condition.
What is the lifespan of a Class A motorhome?
A Class A motorhome is between 21 and 40 feet long and is also called a conventional motorhome. Class A motorhomes are built on a specially designed motorhome chassis on the ground. Due to the space, the A-Class is known for the luxury and the options available there. They are heavy and can support even more weight when optional sliding parts are added to the main design.
The downsides of Class A motorhomes are that their large size makes them more difficult to maintain, they have less fuel, and it’s hard to find a place spacious enough to park them. Also, the price can be quite steep, with models typically starting at $ 32,500 and going all the way up to $0.6 million at the extreme luxury level.
Each motorhome manufacturer sets deadlines for the maintenance of their vehicle. After 10 years, it is usually necessary to get down to replacing the timing belt. Other more or less substantial costs may arise, such as the clutch which tires out, especially for urbanites and the elderly who excel in clutch slippage.
The particle filter, the turbo or the shock absorbers can also be part of the expenses. This is without counting the other organs that can age more or less well.
The 200,000 mark is therefore not inevitable for a well-maintained motorhome. Above all, this round number does not correspond to much. A motorhome that has only been on the highway will wear very little.
On the other hand, those who wait for the maximum deadlines for their maintenance generally face substantial costs during the 300,000 miles. It is for this reason that many cars usually end up as parts or scrap.
If it is a rare motorhome, having an advanced age but having had good maintenance throughout its life, with a maintenance book, regular expenses … There is no reason why the purchase of a 200,000 miles Class C motorhome is not recommended.
Finally, several factors may or may not accelerate the ageing of a motorhome, even more than its mileage. A motorhome that has lived by the sea will be more prone to rust, another that sleeps in a garage will age much better. Again, large engines are often more enduring … But also more expensive to maintain! In any case, never buy a motorhome with high mileage if it is known to be unreliable.
Advice on driving and maintaining a Class A motorhome
One of the greatest benefits of Class A motorhomes is comfort. These motorhomes can have multiple rooms, tons of sliding exits for extra space, a full-size kitchen, a living room with a fireplace – you’ve got the idea. When you’re inside a Class A, you don’t feel like you’ve left home for nothing.
Some custom Class A’s resemble a fancy hotel penthouse suite. There’s ample storage space in an A-Class too. These rigs even have a “basement,” which will house just about anything you think you’ll need on the road.
One of the biggest drawbacks of Class A motorhomes is price. The A Class is extremely expensive, usually costing $ 200,000 and running into the millions. They are also challenging to drive and park; some states require you to have a special license (such as a non-commercial Class B license) to drive one.
You are also limited as to where you can go. Due to their immense size, some RV campgrounds (and most state and national parks) cannot accommodate Class A motorhomes. Power requirements are also a consideration. Class A motorhomes require a 50 amp connection, while travel trailers only need 30 amps. You will pay more per night in 50 amp camps.
You need to think carefully about maintenance with a Class A. Imagine breaking down on the side of a highway on one of these pieces of equipment. A large flatbed crane will need to be called in to take it to the mechanic, and many mechanics will not work on Class A motorhomes because the engine is so difficult to access!
Conclusions
Buying an RV, especially a used vehicle, can be a tedious and overwhelming process; it requires intelligent and strategic thinking, as well as the intelligence to get a reasonable offer based on quality. Make sure you follow the directions above for a good deal.
Do you want to purchase a used RV? Before you jump into shopping head-first, there are a number of things to consider! From the type of trailer desired to insurance issues, including the different trailer standards in effect, this is a purchase that should not be made on the spur of the moment and should be carefully considered.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or comments on the content!
Other FAQs about Class A Motorhome that you may be interested in.
How hard is it to drive a Class A RV?
Do you need a Class A license to drive a Class A RV in California?
FAQ on What is high mileage for a Class A motorhome?
How many miles is too many for a used RV?
Any RV that has close to 200,000 miles is deemed an old RV and has too many miles to be considered a good investment. Besides the number of miles, obviously, you need to ask the dealership all kinds of questions regarding the condition of the recreational vehicle.
What is good mileage for a used RV?
Good mileage for a used RV is between 30,000 and 50,000 miles, but a good score will, of course, depend on several other factors.
What do you have to take into account when buying a motorhome?
When buying a motorhome, you have to take into account so many things that it is best to involve each member of the family in the process. Give each person precise instructions. Do an eye check of the tires, electrical system, the condition of the furniture, etc.
How many miles is too many for a used RV?
Any RV that has close to 200,000 miles is deemed an old RV and has too many miles to be considered a good investment. Besides the number of miles, obviously, you need to ask the dealership all kinds of questions regarding the condition of the recreational vehicle.
What is the best place to buy a used RV?
Below you will find a list of the best 20 places to buy a used RV. We advise you, first of all, to weigh the pros and cons of acquiring a used RV and if not, it would be better to rent one.
How do you modernize an old RV?
You can modernize an old RV by repainting it, changing some of the furniture, changing the interior lighting, adding a few chairs and an awning, adding some abstract art pieces or changing the wallpaper.
