Many successful buyers share stories of finding a "time capsule"—a one-owner coach meticulously stored in a climate-controlled warehouse.

Not every story starts with a "garage queen." For some, it’s a labor of love:

: One owner found a 2006 Monaco Diplomat with only 6,000 miles . After a full tune-up and new tires, the coach performed flawlessly on a 7,000-mile trip through Banff and South Dakota.

: Another couple bought a 2000 Dynasty that had been neglected. The husband learned to work on diesel engines himself, eventually using a forklift to remove a slide-out to repair a rotten floor. Key Advice from Owners