Barb and I have been thinking seriously about a new 5er (Mobile Suites), BUT, we just heard from a friend who has a 1996 Holiday Rambler Imperial for sale. I'm giong to scout it out tomorrow but knowing these people, I know the unit will be emaculate. Here is the listing info: 1996 Holiday Rambler Imperial - Book value $74,000, 305 horse Cummins diesel turbo, 6-speed Allison Transm., jake brake, Howard Power Steering, 6 newer Goodyear RV tires, upgraded rear sway-bar, self-leveling jacks, air ride suspension, inverter, diesel generator 7.8, washer/dryer, lv-din rm slide, 2 dr refrig w ice maker, 2 AC (front new), rear heat pump & air, satellite dish & receiver, new carpet, new white leather sofa, CB, central vacuum, awnings on all windows, cruise control, mid-entry door, solid cherry cabinetry throughout, and more. Sale price $65,500.00 Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Digitog41 (Ken)
Froggi said
07:23 PM Jun 28, 2007
I took a look at my rv.org CD and the only Imperial model in that year with any major issues is the 39WDS which has a low CCC. Other than that, nothing jumped out on any of them....and they are all rated for full-timing.
Jim01 said
07:40 PM Jun 28, 2007
I have not heard anything bad about HR products, however, I would be concerned with the age of the unit. If maintained well, the engine and chassis should not give any problems, but after 11 years, you can expect to start having some problems with the rest of the MH.
There are many systems in a RV that just seem to deteriorate after awhile. If you're thinking of using it for Full-timing, do you really want problems with an older unit while out on the road?
Also, check out the ccc (cargo carrying capacity) for the unit. Some of the older RVs were not suitable for Full-timing because of low capacities. Most "experts" say that the average Full-timer needs at least #3000 of ccc for their belongings.
If you are still interested in the HR. Have a qualified RV person check the unit over before you buy. The seller may be a friend, but there may be things wrong that he doesn't know about.
On the other hand, I personally know 2 Full-timers who have Mobile Suits 5th wheel trailers, and they are hard to beat. They are very nice units.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Jim
-- Edited by Jim01 at 20:42, 2007-06-28
wmalefyt said
08:10 PM Jun 28, 2007
Be very careful of older diesel pusher motorhomes. DP's are very expensive to maintain and as another poster stated there are many systems involved. At $100+ per hour labor charges at most places you will run up big expenses for any maintenance or repairs. I know, I speak from experience!
Also, check NADA for prices, if they go back that far. In my opinion $65,000 is way too much for a now 12 model years old motorhome.
Racerguy said
08:44 PM Jun 28, 2007
Another thing to consider is the fact that many RV parks restrict the age of RV'S in their parks. On a two week vacation to Oregon we were asked twice what year our 5ver was when we called for reservations. It's not right but it's a growing trend at the comercial parks.
Digitog41 said
06:02 AM Jun 29, 2007
Thank you all for the advice. I'll print out the replys and take them with me. I knew I came to the right place for answers!
Judy said
10:02 AM Jun 29, 2007
We almost went this way with a MH but when we found a brand new fiver for the same amount of money as a used MH we decided to go the route of the new Double Tree elite fiver since we already had the truck to pull. Best of luck in whatever you decide. We are all different in our needs for the full timing life. southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs
Digitog41 said
06:05 PM Jun 29, 2007
Well, today was a real eye opener. I checked out the Holiday Rambler that was reported to be in great condition and it was really showing its age. No way was it worth $65,500.00.
As it turns out, I talked to the owner and told him, in a nice way, that we really needed more living space and would continue our search for a 5er. I just received an e-mail from him stating that they desided to lower the price to $49,500.00. Interesting! (Still not worth the money)
I walked the lots of four RV dealerships and looked at everything from fifth wheels to $350,000.00 MHs ( like I could afford one ) and I keep coming back to the Mobile Suites. It must be a sign or something. Allthough at the last stop I saw a Newmar Torrey Pine that looke interesting. I'm trying to schedule a plant tour of that facility when we go up to Gohsen, IN for the Mobile Suites Tour.
I also went to a Ford dealer and test drove an F350, dually, 4wd, King Ranch. WOW, it rode like a lemo.
So, thanks again everybody for your input. Advice well taken!
Ken Pace (Digitog41)
Here is the listing info: 1996 Holiday Rambler Imperial - Book value $74,000, 305 horse Cummins diesel turbo, 6-speed Allison Transm., jake brake, Howard Power Steering, 6 newer Goodyear RV tires, upgraded rear sway-bar, self-leveling jacks, air ride suspension, inverter, diesel generator 7.8, washer/dryer, lv-din rm slide, 2 dr refrig w ice maker, 2 AC (front new), rear heat pump & air, satellite dish & receiver, new carpet, new white leather sofa, CB, central vacuum, awnings on all windows, cruise control, mid-entry door, solid cherry cabinetry throughout, and more. Sale price $65,500.00
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Digitog41 (Ken)
I have not heard anything bad about HR products, however, I would be concerned with the age of the unit. If maintained well, the engine and chassis should not give any problems, but after 11 years, you can expect to start having some problems with the rest of the MH.
There are many systems in a RV that just seem to deteriorate after awhile. If you're thinking of using it for Full-timing, do you really want problems with an older unit while out on the road?
Also, check out the ccc (cargo carrying capacity) for the unit. Some of the older RVs were not suitable for Full-timing because of low capacities. Most "experts" say that the average Full-timer needs at least #3000 of ccc for their belongings.
If you are still interested in the HR. Have a qualified RV person check the unit over before you buy. The seller may be a friend, but there may be things wrong that he doesn't know about.
On the other hand, I personally know 2 Full-timers who have Mobile Suits 5th wheel trailers, and they are hard to beat. They are very nice units.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Jim
-- Edited by Jim01 at 20:42, 2007-06-28
Also, check NADA for prices, if they go back that far. In my opinion $65,000 is way too much for a now 12 model years old motorhome.
southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs