Buying a 1999 Mountain Aire 3758

LUV2RV-MN · 07-06-2011, 08:23 PM

Hi All,

We are in the process of buying a 3758 with 13,000 miles. Looking for others experiences with Mountain Aire. Any known problems? This unit has a Ford V10 engine. I fly down Sunday morning to inspect and pick it up. What kind of mileage have others seen with these gas engines. Would appreciate any wisdom or tips.

Ray

Mr_D · 07-06-2011, 08:28 PM

The Newmars are heavy so the gas mileage will usually be less than most other makes. Figure maybe 6-7 mpg and feel lucky if it's more.

DandS · 07-07-2011, 05:24 AM

A V10 engine will average 6 to 8 mpg, depending on conditions, in most any size coach. Had a 30' Winnebago and now have 37' Newmar (much heavier) with that engine and realize virtually the same mpg.

dav-cle · 07-07-2011, 05:35 AM

I just sold my 2000 MA 3758 with 93k on it. never a mechanical problem... The floor plan is the best i've seen for a 1 slide unit, like it much better than my 2005 MADP.7 mpg pulling a toad was about it unless i was in Fl. flat lands doing 55 and would get close to 8.5... Enjoy !!

allynne · 07-07-2011, 11:09 AM

I would be very wary of a 1999 model with 13000 miles. About 1000 miles per year. Not used enough for my taste, possibly many problems down the road from non use.

Al Sawyer
'05 MADP

chaperon · 07-09-2011, 11:45 AM

We bought a used 98 last Sept - Love the floor plan, has the Ford 460 so can't comment your engine.... As you've likely read it's a condo on wheels, so shouldn't expect great milage.
Have had to do a few minor repairs and reno's - but very solid and well built.
If it's anywhere close to the condition ours is in - you'll love all the features and quality of the unit.

Skip426 · 07-09-2011, 04:45 PM

13000 miles, are the tires original to the unit , they may need to be replaced, before you travel. If so adjust your offer accordingly.

**"007"** · 07-09-2011, 05:37 PM

Welcome to the Newmar forum Ray & Paula.
My 99 3758 was a good coach with mileage between 6-7 and the V-10 had good power.
The Ford chassis of that era had problems supporting the Newmar coach.
On both the 99 MA & 98 KS I had work had to be done with chassis suspension in order for safe travel and control.
The 98 KS I had added leaf springs added all around to lift the coach box up 3" and level. After that was done the coach traveled across from east coast across Canada to B.C. and back through states on a eight week trip. Couldn't have been more happier with the suspension and drive on the V-10 over & down the mountains out west.
The 99 MA was a different problem but had to do with suspension also.
This coach I installed a AIR-LIFT system with four bags over all wheels and compressor plus pressure relays & 1 control for front bags installed in compartment just forward of drive wheels drivers side.
The rear bag control was up at dash board so it could be controlled by myself because of weight changes while driving gas tank, holding tanks etc,etc.
The air bags systems now have auto level controls to set air bag pressures and keep coach riding on level plane.
The passenger side of your MA will lean to that side because of the weight of Gen, batteries, kitchen,larger storage compartments etc,etc.
The rear drive wheels may scuff the top of wheel well causing a hesitation at times when leaning to that side.
Wanted a dealer to do the job but they said it couldn't be done thats the reason I installed the bags myself.
You may not run into this problem previous owner may have had added leaf springs or bags installed.
There are other fixes that could be made but I wouldn't be happy with them.
Cost wise both jobs were about the same, $1200, but with my labor for installation of bags. This was back in 1999.
The spring job would require an alignment.
Both coach's served us very well with all Newmar installed options it was just the Ford chassis that needed help.
Traveled in 99 MA from P.E.I. to FL. many times was a great coach.
You have some low mileage on that coach just be aware of what I have said about chassis my 99 had low mileage also they use it local campgrounds.
Tires should be checked if not mentioned.
Good luck in your quest and welcome to Newmar family.

mikron · 07-09-2011, 05:46 PM

Run the VIN through Ford. The V10 in 1999 had chip/filling problems when cast was blown out and gets in the oil pan on some engines. We had a 1999 V10 but only put 12,000 miles and no problems but we had checked with Ford.

LUV2RV-MN · 07-09-2011, 08:14 PM

Thank you all for the info. I fly out tomorrow to inspect and pick up, get to drive 1500 miles home and will track overall performance and post back when I get home. If I run into problems, I may be back on here for assistance. We owned a 2004 39S Fleetwood Discovery with a 330 CAT and sold that in June 2010. The overall fuel average on that was 6.7mpg. We upscaled in quality a bit we believe with the Mountain Aire and wanted a rig for short runs until we buy our dream rig in the future which is a back bath Tiffin Allegro Bus. Bought the MA for 40% of what we sold our D for.

GGG · 07-09-2011, 10:30 PM

We did a very similar trip three years ago, flying out from Wisconsin to purchase a 99 Mountain Aire located in Texas. We had Ford truck service do a thorough inspection of the engine and chassis, and all systems were in good condition. We have had no problems with the coach, and only had to purchase a new set of tires. I hope you enjoy the return trip home as much as we did.

Gary & Marty

Perry White · 07-10-2011, 03:47 PM

I don't know if I could go from a Diesel pusher to a V-10. What about you guy's? Real short trips maybe. I just have a bad taste for the V-10 I had in a Ford Excursion. 8.9MPG compared to my sons 7.3 at 17.4MPG

rvjimmy · 07-10-2011, 06:45 PM

It would be hard to go back to a gasser for me,I like the power and the pull a DP has. Now lets not forget the quiet ride, but as we all know this conversation has been worn out a few to many times.