21 Foot or Less Affordable Class B?

[den18]

Hey all,<br /><br /> I am exploring options and looking for a Class B 21 foot or under (I would like it to fit in a parking space and not get cited) RV. I have always been frugal and have been lucky enough to save a good amount but some of the prices on these are INSANE. I am a firm believer that it is better to buy one good quality item rather than multiple bad quality ones but I find it hard to accept $50,000+ price tags on Class B RVs. I am also not a huge fan of the layout of the&nbsp;Road-treks&nbsp;as I need an RV for just&nbsp;myself&nbsp;not multiple people.<br /><br />So, here are my questions to anyone nice enough to share their knowledge:<br /><br />1. Which Class B RVs are the best bang for your buck (affordable but still good quality)?<br /><br />2. Which Class B RVs have the best layout for a single person full-timing rather than a few people going for a camping trip?<br /><br />All help appreciated!

 

[gypsydreamer]

<br />edited

 

[Les H]

Pleasureway and Falcon are two other brands, and Elk made one for a short time. For $50k, it sounds like you are looki.g st 3-5 year old units at dealers. There ARE deals to be found through dealers, but your best bet is a private seller. B's hold thier value rediculously well, so you may have to search quite a bit. I have seen a few over the last year or so in the $6-10 k range that wernt too bad at all, but still out of my range. I have around $3500 into my bus, including tge ourchase prce.

 

[Guest]

Hi Den18...take a look at this website:<br /><br />http://www.tosimplify.net/<br /><br />It is Glenn Morrisette"s site and he has a Chinook class B which is my favorite of them all...do some searching and see what you can turn up for prices...I don't know how much he paid, it was more than I can afford but I don't think it was anywhere near $50K...<br />Bri

 

[Coffee Tim]

I've looked for a used&nbsp;class B and have found anything decent in this area is gonna be about $8500 to $12,000.00.&nbsp; I've found some cheaper ones about $3000.00 but looked like they needed thousands of dollars worth of work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

 

[den18]

Thanks for the responses all.<br /><br />bk2value: I have been reading over Glenn's website and the Chinook looks like something I would be interested in. Unfortunately the ones on sale seem to be in the $30,000 range which is also very high. <br /><br />How old should I be willing to go? I am worried that the older models (before 2000) will be less reliable and require more maintenance.<br /><br />If I can find something between $10,000 t0 $20,000 I would be satisfied.

 

[Journeyman]

You may have to choose between age and price. T he current owners know what they have is a good deal no matter what age.<br /><br />

 

[Guest]

I think you can find something very nice for that price range....the trick may be to be patient and look at a lot of them....you will eventually find a good deal...it will depend on a combination of things...to have a good idea of your personal needs, to find a really well maintained, lightly used rig, and being ready to pay when it comes along...obviously you aren't going to go around with 20k in your pocket but having it reachable at any time may make it possible to pick something as it comes along.<br /><br />I think that nothing works so well as lots of research...join forums, look at classifieds constantly and go look at rigs as much as you can to develop a feel for the wear, etc. and even drive them when you can....<br /><br />I would suggest you don't buy something online and sight unseen although I know people who do that....usually they know a lot about what they are doing. Thinking of my friend who bought a Windstar on ebay and had it shipped to him...he is very happy with it. But he drives windstars and is very knowledgeable about Ford brand vehicles and a good mechanic.<br /><br />I would try to stay in the mid 90s, up. If it were me, I would want fuel injection for the better mpg...<br />Best,<br />Bri

 

[Guest]

obviously you aren't going to go around with 20k in your pocket&nbsp;

<br /><br />Why not? &nbsp;It's the safest place for it.

 

[Guest]

[<span id="post_message_1274892864">Why not? &nbsp;It's the safest place for it.</span> /QUOTE]<br /><br /><br />Hahaha,,,,no wonder some people are armed to the teeth...<img src="/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br />Now....back to my planet...<br />bri

 

[Guest]

Here is a cool Chinook that is around town here a lot...the guy is rich and owns property all over so is only here when he is checking on his property...<br /><br />I hope these come through well, I took them on my dog walk this AM with my phone....it is a newer Chinook and the painting is extremely well done although it may not come over that way with these photos..hope so...<br />Bri

 

[howardsells2000]

I'm looking for a class B as well but I can't get over the price tags. I like the idea of them being small enough to park and not draw a lot of attention. but the prices are always so high. you can get an awesome class A for the same amount of money or less. I want to upgrade to a newer camper but I'm still saving my money and researching.

 

[Seraphim]

Best buys are the intervecs, like the Falcon and Horizon

http://bentfalcon.wordpress.com/gyrfalcon/

 

[magentawave]

I'm looking for a class B as well but I can't get over the price tags. I like the idea of them being small enough to park and not draw a lot of attention. but the prices are always so high. you can get an awesome class A for the same amount of money or less. I want to upgrade to a newer camper but I'm still saving my money and researching.

<br /><br />So true! I'm seeing lots of clean Class A's available for way less than Class B's and Class C's. I don't know why but for some reason the Class A's resale value isn't very good.

 

[citytravelfotos]

^ Maybe gas mileage?

 

[den18]

I assume its gas&nbsp;mileage, how&nbsp;drive-able&nbsp;it is and honestly the hassles I imagine you would find just parking it. I have also read that they were not built well.

 

[magentawave]

^ Maybe gas mileage?

<br /><br />Yeah probably, but is the mpg that much worse than a Class C?

 

[WanderingRain]

I share your predicament. I often salivate over the class A's that are cheap until I realize they are cheap for a reason (having to do with gasoline). There's some decent class B's that show up occasionally on PPL Motorhomes (that's in Houston TX, I dunno where you're based at). I eventually had to go with a Ford Econoline myself and plunked down 4,400 for it... Mine is a metal tent as well. And a closet for my clothes. That's about it. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />

 

[jones303]

Hi All, <br /><br />I have a 1999 21' American Cruiser with 50,000 miles on it that I am looking to sell for $20,000. It's a great vehicle, and you can drive and park this baby anywhere, yet it has everything you need: stove, bathroom, shower, microwave, TV, bed, generator, closet space, and more. <br /><br />If anyone is interested, email me at [email protected] and I can send pix and provide more info.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Donna