Looking for our first MH

[GingerNinja]

My wife and I are shopping for our first MH. We have narrowed our search to a 2000 - 2003 Adventurer. I was just curious about any 'trouble spots or systems' that I should look for in these models. We are looking to spend around 30k and need 35+ feet and the ability to sleep 6. We will be using the rig for weekending and vacations. Any and all input would be appreciated.

[Clifftall]

Welcome to the forum. My first MH was an 01 35U Chieftain. That model was a very popular one and Adventurer made it as well. It would fit your needs per you description. Good luck.
Cliff

[Petro]

GingerNinja;

I also want to welcome you to iRV2. My 3rd MH was a 97 Adventure and my 4th was a 2003 Chieftain. I was very satisfied with both rigs.

Don

[John Hilley]

The Adventurers in that time frame are tried and proven models. You may want to expand your search to the Brave, which is like the Adventurer, but with different options. Also look at the Itasca equivalents.

[srt20]

We love our 2000 adventurer 37g. No major problems.

[Patrol 65]

I have the Chieftain 35U which is almost identical to the Adventurer. To sleep 6 make sure that you have the dinette booth which converts to a bed. Either of these units will be a good buy.

[Bug512]

Welcome and you have stopped by the right place to ask questions.

We have a 04 Adventurer that we purchased used in 2010. The only "major" issue was the windshield leaked. I cleaned and resealed it in the spring of 2011 and it has been fine since. You and do a search on "windshield leaks" and find about this topic some more. Bottom line is to test for leaks using a garden hose around the windshield during the inspection process.

Remember that depending on the age of the tires you might be looking at replacement.

Personally depending on how mechanically inclined you are you should leave a 2-3K in the bank for preventative maintenance on all the mechanical systems, repairs and unforeseen issues.

Do you plan on towing a car (toad) behind the motorhome for transportation?

[GingerNinja]

We will be towing a car when we take vacations. Are extended warranties a good idea for these units?

[Bug512]

There are two camps for extended warranties.

I remember them quoting me several thousand dollars for one, then there was the deductible then the drive to the repair shop. I'm sure it would be expensive being that the motorhome you are looking at is 10-13 years old.

Personally I would put the cash in the bank of what the extended warranty would cost you. If you need repairs you could draw from that, if you never use it then take a vacation in a couple of years with it.

Remember that insurance companies and banks never come out on the loosing end.

Do you know what vehicle you will be towing ?

Do you have a chassis preference Ford vs Workhorse / Chevy ?

How about floor plans ? You said that you will be sleeping 6 people. That is a lot of making beds at night and packing them up in the morning.

[GingerNinja]

We'll be towing an '09 Kia Rio. As far as sleeping arrangements, we have 2 grown kids (18&22) along with their significant others. They would only be traveling with us 1 or 2 times during the year. The dw and I are planning to full time after our son is finished school in 4 years. That's when we would upgrade to a Tour or Ellipse.

[GingerNinja]

I really don't have a preference of engine/chassis. From what I've read on this forum, both seem to have about equal support, although I do like the Allison tranny, that would put me in the chevy/workhorse camp.

[Bug512]

Looks like you have a great plan now and for the future.
Do you have a floorpan in mind? How many have you looked at?

[GingerNinja]

We've looked at dozens. We're being very particular. In the years we're looking at there only seems to be two floor plans, the 35U and 37G. We really can't find a feature on either one that sets it apart so we're looking for the best unit for the best price.

[Bug512]

Looking around the cost looks to be over 30K. Is that what you are seeing?

[GingerNinja]

That seems to be about the neighborhood. There are some in the mid 20's and some dreamers in the 40's

[Raining Star]

We just bought a 99 Winnebago Chieftain 36L in excellent condition for 34,000 and felt we got a great deal. You may be a little too hopeful on what you're expecting to pay. Good luck.

[Bug512]

Here is a 35U for sale in NJ.

Link here