Why is the resale value of Class A's so low compared to Class C's?

[magentawave]

I see lots of killer deals on Craigslist for clean used Class A's. The one in the photos is a 91 Chaparral 24'er with only 58,000 miles on it and the guy is asking only $3500...and says he's willing to take any offers. <br /><br />Why do Class A's and even smaller Class A's like this one sell for so little? What am I missing here?<br /><br /><br /><strong>Here is the text from his ad...</strong><br /><br /><em>"</em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><em>1991 Chaparral 24' class A motorhome Ford chassis 460 motor, runs and drives great 58,000 miles, Owens 4000watt generator. Plates good until April 2013 just Smoged last week and passed fine even better than last time. Almost new tires. Looks great inside and out, {carpet in living room could use a cleaning} Has two queen size beds, bathroom with shower/tub, toilet, sink, kitchen has two stainless sinks, stove/oven, microwave big refrigerator/freezer, on-demand hot water heater, roof top AC, heater, 3/4 of one side has awning. This is a turn key motorhome camping or long trip. I just bought her for myself and a friend to live in and with gas prices {10mpg} and park fees we can't afford to run around and be a nomad like we thought. I need to sell her soon so I and my friend can get a place. Make an offer, any questions Due to lack of funds I don't have a cell phone so email me and I'll drive it by or you can come and look. Thanks"</em><br /><br /></span><br /><br />

 

[Ricekila]

<p>

What am I missing here?

<br /><br />People are hurt-in all over <img src="/images/boards/smilies/mad.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />One mans -- "Hey lets buy a camper and go on vacation" <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />Turns into -- "I need to sell this mistake -- I need the money now"&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" /> <br /><br />Is another mans -- "I could live in that" <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />If I could sleep for 10 minutes in the vette --- It wouldn't be for sale <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" /></p><p>P/S -- nice camper -- I could live in that - and even have people over <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" /></p>

 

[Unchained]

What am I missing here?

<br />Three words: The crappy economy.<br />The seller pretty much nailed it:<br />

<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><em id="tinymce" class="mceContentBody " dir="ltr">I just bought her for myself and a friend to live in and <strong>with gas prices {10mpg} and park fees we can't afford to run around and be a nomad like we thought</strong>. I need to sell her soon so I and my friend can get a place. Make an offer, any questions <strong>Due to lack of funds</strong> I don't have a cell phone so email me and I'll drive it by or you can come and look. Thanks"</em></span>

<br />These days, some people are now living in their former 'recreational' vehicles because they have lost their homes. <br /><br />Others choose to sell the family RV, but the market is glutted with people trying to get out from under and there are a lot fewer buyers who can afford the mileage and upkeep of a class A than there used to be. Add in the desperation of people who need money NOW, like this seller who jumped before doing research (something I was guilty of when I bought my first van) and prices are driven WAY down.<br /><br id="tinymce" class="mceContentBody " />In contrast, I've been watching the prices of small, lightweight TTs (that can be pulled by a v6), and they are up. You can still find bargains now and again, but there are VERY few Scamps, vintage Shastas or other small travel trailers that aren't completely trashed for under $2000 out there.<br /><br />Lastly, I feel bad for this seller and wish someone would direct him to this site. Things might look up a little for him if he knew that an RV doesn't HAVE to be in a park every night. <br /><br />

 

[simply lesa]

ditto unchained som.ody get ths guy some support and info for the life. thats a great looking rig for thst prive.i hope it bevcomes a win win story keep us posted

 

[Guest]

The one thing that is key to this lifestyle, and you folks exhibit it daily, is flexibility. If we stay pinned to one specific idea, it can get really expensive quickly or we find we can't do it.<br /><br />For instance Suanne's 6 month trip around the states visiting all the national parks. In a behemoth class A it would cost more than I make in income to do, but the way she did it in her Prius, it becomes very affordable if not quite as comfy as in the biggy. But as Americans, we often like to say "biggy me!" as the ad goes...<br />Bri

 

[magentawave]

Yes, flexibility is key because I don't want anything to be an anchor as I doubt I'll ever "camp" in paid-for campgrounds so I'm still looking. I could be okay with an older Class B but I'm still trying to figure out where I'd store my SUP's, surfboards, and mountain bike. I'm going to look at an 85 Ford F250 with a big camper on it later today.

 

[howardsells2000]

I like that, where is it located?

 

[magentawave]

Its in the San Diego Craigslist.

 

[blkjak]

460 gas hog / boat anchor .... blkjak

 

[magentawave]

I like that, where is it located?

<br /><br />And its now only $2500.

 

[Ricekila]

Do I spy with my little myopic eye a Marines Sargent's scrap book I see on the floor ?

 

[maritimecamper]

I have a 460 in present motorhome, it has a 4 speed automatic, gets 7 miles to a gallon. A lot of power! Used to have a mh with a 351, gutlass. I prefer more power...Parking a day or two longer per month, seams to equal out the cash each month.

 

[howardsells2000]

I wish it was in Maryland. I would go look at it.

 

[Guest]

The fuel mileage, combined with upkeep, and the fact that not every mechanic can work on 'em (you need a big bay, which most don't), conspire to drive down the prices.<br /><br />Non-slide-out models were already very low before the economy crashed because everyone wanted all the slideouts for the extra room. So they got a double whammy.

 

[may pop]

When people go on vacation they want 100% reliablity,They want extra nice insides. As motorhomes age people get tired of them.<br />The people who buy nicer ones often have what I call&nbsp; "a case of the news" Which is everything they own has to be new. EVERYTHING. So there are too many used one and the value goes into the toilet. They all get poor milege around 7-10 so using them for anything else is a waste.<br />Then they are also built to self destruct after awhile.<br />Ron

 

[Salida Scarlett]

As a newbie, (here on forum) and hopefully a soon to be solo boondocker, this conversation is getting a little bit scary, even if it is informative. But that's what I came here for, information.<br /><br />See, my hearts desire is to go full time, but as a woman, selling my house, and leaving the comforts of home, I just know I would not be satisfied with living doubled over in a super cramped space where I wouldn't be able to cook, or do some of the usual things a woman would do around a regular house. <br /><br />I know I can get an incredible deal on a pristine condition Class A with all the amenities, with low mileage. For example, a 97, 31 ft. Winnebago, but I have to admit the gas prices for a large RV are going to add up on my fixed income if I were to do much traveling at all. So, what do you think would still be a comfortable size for a woman to be able to still feel like she has a reasonable facsimile of a house? <br /><br />I heard of a guy that got a clean 85 maxed out 21 ft. MH with only 35 K mi on it for $3,000. You know you could buy a lot of gas for what you'd pay for rent, or keeping up a house,, even at 3.50 to 3.75 per gal. <br /><br />Anyways....<br /><br />Kind of what I thought might be a way to work out this dilemma is if I decide on a little larger RV, is to say...travel to a desirable area, stay a few weeks or a month before moving on. Or is this going to be a catch 22 situation anyway you shake it?<br /><br />I'd also like to know why you feel these Class A's, (or any of them -I guess), are built to self destruct after awhile. No kidding? Does that mean that even the better, little used ones are going to have a lot of expensive maintenance or repair problems? These are some of the things I'm asking ahead of time so I don't run into a bunch of unexpected problems...and expenses. <br /><br />Just want you guys to know I really appreciate the info on here. So, thanks a bunch <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />Scarlett<br /><br /><br />

 

[Guest]

Well, I enjoy cooking too, but we are talking RV appliances here. It's only within the last few years that "home" appliances have made serious in-roads into "from-the-factory" RVs. Larger RVs may have slightly larger ovens, maybe a more&nbsp;serviceable sink, but really the only thing you get on a bigger&nbsp;motor-home&nbsp;from that time period is more&nbsp;counter space.<br /><br /><br />My big fear with you (on a fixed income), is not just getting stuck from high gas prices (there are places that it's already over four bucks, and is gonna go way higher), but becoming trapped because there isn't any way for you to pay your way out.<br /><br />A few people here who move do so ever three to four months, from what I've read. That gives them time to build up a safety net for fuel, repairs and unexpected expenses. It's not&nbsp;necessarily&nbsp;a catch-22 with a steady income, it's just that you could end up being somewhere a lot longer then you were anticipating, which could cost you in the long run.<br /><br />I dunno about the self destruct thing. Some models were built better then others, but most were stick (wood frame) primarily, on an open top frame (kinda like a cutaway van, but with just a steering wheel and a seat instead of the van front), so they all can get rickety fast if you aren't vigilant on body maintenance.

 

[Salida Scarlett]

<br />Thanks for the input Armadillo. Now, that's what I'm talking about. Stuff I need to know before I buy an RV, and head out. I know I could get a far more luxurious RV for the money if I chose a Class A, but the question is do I really need that much RV and maybe biting off more than I can chew financially. After all, I'm going solo and don't have to have "that" much room or a big oven. A decent size fridge, yes, for sure.<br /><br />Also, I was kind of under the impression tho that people had to stay fairly mobile, moving from site to site pretty often, in order to avoid camping fees, etc. I'm not sure I'm ready to be going onto BLM wilderness type sites all by my lonesome just yet. They tell me I can do whatever I set my mind to, but....I haven't set my mind to it yet and I think it might spook me out, especially at first. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />I will continue to research and find out as much as I can to avoid making fatal and costly mistakes. The idea is to have fun and enjoy life, not stress out. <br /><br />Thanks again....<br /><br />Scarlett<br /><br /><br />

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;Welcome to the forums Scarlett! I think that you're on the right track ,researching and taking a hard look at all of the options. There really is no right way to do this so there are people happily fulltiming in all types of vehicles. The trick is to find the right one for you that will fit your lifestyle which you don't even know because you haven't experienced this lifestyle yet! <br /><br />&nbsp;The most important thing to look for in a used RV is water damage. It's not always obvious so look for rippling on the outside skin ; stains , bulges or mustiness on the inside; and soft spots on the floor , walls and ceiling.<br /><br />&nbsp;Smaller is usually better but being comfortable is important too. Go through all the motions of daily living in any RV that you're considering. Check the seating , food preparation area , room in the shower and bathroom ,etc.<br /><br />&nbsp;There are ways to save money camping without being out in the woods on your own. Staying on BLM land in a popular area like Quartzsite will allow you as much or as little company as you wish. New Mexico state parks have a annual camping pass that cuts the daily camping fee down to $4.00 a night for electric hookups and free for no utilities. <a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/FeesPermits.html">http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/FeesPermits.html</a> <br />If you are disabled or over 62 get a national park pass - <a href="http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm">http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm</a><br />This will get you half price camping in national park , national forest ,corp of engineers , BLM and other federal campgrounds. Many of them are inexpensive to start with so with the pass they're really cheap.

 

[Salida Scarlett]

I found your information very helpful!&nbsp; Yes, I am a senior, so I went to that link you posted about senior discounts. Wow! That was really encouraging. I'm beginning to be so glad I haven't made a choice yet about buying an RV because I can see there are so many issues to weigh out and take into consideration. For example, I knew that gas prices were going to be an issue, and so this, for me, is going to necessarily going to be a major factor in whatever decision I make. I just went to one very helpful site that said Class A's might only get 5 to 7 mpg. I almost went into shock on that one! But, those are the things I'm looking for...facts and info, and down the line this is going to be the telling thing, whether I'm having a good time enjoying the RV life, or miserable, scared and broke because I made some dumb choice...<br /><br />http://www.ehow.com/facts_5894814_gas-mileage-motorhome.html