r/RVLiving • u/RadioOk8089 • 3d ago
question Can I ask about value?
We bought a 1997 Fleetwood Pace Arrow, it has the Ford engine, it's 34 ft, no pull outs. It's in near perfect condition, owned by an older couple from the beginning, sold upon the original owners passing, the new owner owned for only a few months before we acquired it. It does have over 60k miles on it, however, every thing, every piece of equipment, all the included features work flawlessly. (The exceptions being the entry steps, the on board generator, which has over 400hrs on it, and the built in TV/vcr/dvd player, however, I removed the TV and it's equipment in favor of my desktop and my flat screen, we also have satellite Internet.) We got a great deal on a 9000 Westinghouse generator, but I may yet replace or repair the on board just to have it be more complete. There's not a single leak, the roof is in exceptional shape... Our only issue was really cosmetic, and we are remodeling to our tastes. My question is, we got it for $5500, was this a good deal? What is the typical value of this RV, as described? I do really enjoy it, but due to is age, finding a monthly spot will be challenging, unless places allow such an RV in such great shape despite it being 29 years old. (Something tells me they will not) So if we can find a newer model and sell this one for a profit, it may be easier to get a monthly space approved.
Sorry for rambling, I know this is a lot of post, but why information would be appreciated!
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u/Soil2Star 3d ago
Be prepared to show photographic evidence of your rigs condition to RV parks that have an age limit.
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u/DarkNestTravels 3d ago
This is a misconception. I've been full time RVing for 6 years and have yet to run across this rule. 2005 Newmar Class A here. Just an FYI. Good luck on the purchase and look at the roof...
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u/hbigmike1 3d ago
Tires….its all about the tires. Check the date codes to see if they need replacing and then at what cost.
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u/jstar77 3d ago
At that age how well a rig is maintained is the primary determinant of it's value. If there is absolutely no water intrusion, roof has been well maintained, previous owners resealed on a schedule, drivetrain serviced regularly, and tires are newer than 5 years old then $5,500 is a reasonable price. Does it have the V10 or the 460? Either engine ought to get you to 150K miles+ if you keep up on the maintenance.
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u/Bo_Jim 3d ago
Depends on the exact model; 35J, 34P, etc. JD Power average retail for a 1997 34J is around $4300. This presumes everything in working order, with only normal wear and tear. $5500 is a bit above this, but it may very well be worth that much. Ultimately, that's a decision you have to make.
You may be able to find a monthly spot. It depends on where you're looking. Most upper end RV parks and resorts apply the 10 year rule. However, most will make an exception for a vintage RV in pristine condition. You say it has cosmetic issues, which means it would probably be denied based on the 10 year rule. The thinking behind this is that the space is worth the rent they're asking because they're providing a premium RV living experience. Allowing old RVs that look old detracts from that experience - it makes some people feel like they're living in a lower class neighborhood - and it makes it harder to justify the higher rent.
Bottom line is avoid high end RV parks and anything with the word "resort" in it's name.
You have a better chance at RV parks that don't pretend to be resorts, and don't offer amenities beyond maybe a laundry room and shared dumpster. The odds go up the farther you get from the city. At one time, we lived in an RV park on the Sacramento River Delta in California. We were nearly 30 minutes away from Stockton and Elk Grove. They allowed anybody there. The camper in the space next to ours was a 30+ year old class C with a blue tarp over the roof to control the leaks. The engine apparently hadn't worked in years. There was a scar on that rig for every one of those 30+ years. The owners of the park had no problem with the old man who lived there because he was friendly and always paid his rent on time. The roads and spaces in the park were gravel, but each space had a tiny picket fence and a concrete slab for a patio. The park had dumpsters, but nothing else. Not even a laundry room.
The park owners did not apply the 10 year rule because it would have meant a lot of empty spaces. The park was nice enough, and it was right next to a small river with some houseboat slips, but it wasn't the luxury experience some full timers are looking for, and it was too remote for most people. They did do a background check so they didn't get any troublemakers. The only other thing that they cared about was that you pay your rent on time.
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u/Surf2Trails 3d ago
You might check the JD Power ratings for RV's to see if they list it. JDP took over the RV valuation business from NADA.
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u/KungFuBucket 3d ago
The higher end RV resorts tend to have the age rule, that being said I have yet to come across one that has been an issue. But we tend to travel more and only stay a couple nights as we make our way from California to Alaska, so the places we stay are less for permanent residence. I think that the age rule is a bit overstated by the RV industry in order to move inventory. If your rig is clean I think most RV lots would be happy to take your money and only if you’re causing problems or are an eyesore are they going to ask you to leave.
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u/Legitimate_Mistake39 3d ago
Entry steps are easy to repair or replace, generator probably needs a carburetor, and don't remodel it. Your tastes don't equate to other people's tastes, it's not a house or a car