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Old 01-08-2019, 02:34 PM   #4
BrucePerens
TrailManor Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 893
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Don't buy new. Initial depreciation is awful, and new motor homes require a lot of warranty service while they shake down. Dealers have an awful history of ignoring warranty repairs in favor of more profitable business, and holding RVs put in for warranty service for months, often until the warranty expires.

Consider the service scenario. A problem in your motor home will often require repair by specialists rather than the ubiquitous car mechanic. Where will you live while your RV is in the shop? The lack of competition means that they have less incentive to provide good service. Thus we hear a number of motor home owners swearing that they will only get service directly from the manufacturer. And TM owners know the manufacturer hasn't always been that good, either.

The Mercedes Sprinter conversion owners tell stories about Mercedes dealers refusing to service them. Roadtrek will call the dealer for you, and explain their contract with Mercedes. Other brands may not, and such contracts may not last forever.

IMO trailers are much better from a service perspective. The negatives are that they are harder to back in, they take a little time to unhitch and hitch, and in California and some other states they have their own, lower, speed limit. But servicing your tow vehicle is a lot easier, and you don't need a toad.

Watch out for large slides with multiple motors or hydraulic actuators that must be synchronized in speed for the slide to deploy and withdraw properly. They tend to get out of alignment when you are far from service, and I hear some people have had to drive to service with the slide withdrawn "as far as they can get it".
Heavy appliances on a slide is asking for trouble.

Look carefully at comments from Thor owners. Some folks think that is the worst brand.
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Bruce Perens K6BP - 2004 TM 3023, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
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