Help with 2005 Dolphin purchase in WA state??

[Paul-Roni]

We live in Minnesota but are interested in a 2005 Dolphin in Washington State. This RV has not been used much in the last 3 years. What do we need to look for? I am worried about rust as the RV is only 50 miles or so from the ocean. The owner did add a rust inhibitor undercoating when the RV was new.

Are there any National owners in the area that would be willing to look it over for me? We have had the coach looked at by an RV repair shop and engine/drive train/tranny/brakes looked at by a mechanic but since we are so far away, we would love to have an experienced RV'r test drive it for us.

We would, of course pay for your assistance.

[wa7hra]

Since I am only 35 miles from the ocean, tell me specifically where the rig is located, I may be able to help you.

[keninvic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul-Roni We live in Minnesota but are interested in a 2005 Dolphin in Washington State. This RV has not been used much in the last 3 years. What do we need to look for? I am worried about rust as the RV is only 50 miles or so from the ocean. The owner did add a rust inhibitor undercoating when the RV was new. Are there any National owners in the area that would be willing to look it over for me? We have had the coach looked at by an RV repair shop and engine/drive train/tranny/brakes looked at by a mechanic but since we are so far away, we would love to have an experienced RV'r test drive it for us. We would, of course pay for your assistance.

I purchased a 2004 Dophin in San Antonio last year. It had sat around for near 2 years and I had problems with the following:

- Check the front and rear caps at the roof seams.
- Genset carb may have old fuel that has turned to shellac and need a carb replacement.
- Engine fuel filter will likely need replacement.
- Top of sidewall to gutter joint.
- Mileage was only 12,000 miles, but all 6 tires needed replacing.
- Dometic fridge did not work. (replaced with Norcold)

Any motorhome requires periodic maintenance and will suffer if neglected. They are well built motorhomes - we love ours.

Dont be concerned about the rust in WA - ours is now in Victoria, BC and we are less than a mile away from the ocean - rust is not an issue like it is in humid places like Florida.

[njs42]

i might be able to help just depends on where it is-----and when you need this done

[Paul-Roni]

Motorhome is in Sequim WA. Would like it tested sometime this week if possible. Do you think that is doable?

[mike9999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul-Roni Motorhome is in Sequim WA. Would like it tested sometime this week if possible. Do you think that is doable?

I'm on the way to Sequim, but won't arrive until 9/2/2011. 11 days from now.

[wardy]

My 2004 Dolphin had very little rust when I traded it in 2009. I often camped right on a sea wall in Flagler, Fl. Really I thought the gas coach was very well made. I would have sold it to a friend no problem. As one of the others posted make sure you get all cap/roof seams inspected/seal.

[TommyThomson]

Greetings,

Sequim is not on the ocean if that makes you feel any better. Additionally, It lies in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and receives far less rain than most Puget Sound areas. Rust should not be a problem.

Tahuyatrails

[njs42]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul-Roni Motorhome is in Sequim WA. Would like it tested sometime this week if possible. Do you think that is doable?

I cannot get up there this week---very sorry. The best I can do is sometime after the 30th---too much going on here right now. So you understand I am south of Seattle and it would take an entire day to get up there do a good test and return. I'm happy to do it just cannot make it this week---or the first part of next.

[wa7hra]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul-Roni Motorhome is in Sequim WA. Would like it tested sometime this week if possible. Do you think that is doable?

Too bad. I was in Sequim last week. Now, I am 80 miles away.

I wouldn't worry too much about rust if the MH has been stored in Sequim. Even though the town is on the coast of the Straits of San Juan, it is dry there. It is in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. Annual rain fall is 17 inches average whereas we get over 100 inches here on the south end of the Olympics.

However, I would be concerned about the brakes and the tires if the rig has not been driven much. Just by chance, if the brake caliper recall has not been done, you can get a complete brake job for $1500 when the job is done.

Good luck, Bob, wa7hra............

[Paul-Roni]

Had everything checked out. All we need to add is a Grade Brake. We are trying to set that up with Brezel RV Performance in Olympia WA.

We are going to go ahead with the purchase-sent a down payment today. I guess we will just test drive it when we arrive. We have driven similar Dolphins here in MN and have been very pleased. This one is a 2005 Dolphin 6355 LX (on a 2004 W-24 Chassis). The owners were snow birds so it only has 15,000 miles. Has not been used much for the last three years.

They have added Steer Safe and rear stabalizers and a King Dome satellite. Note: the W-24 chassis does not have the brake recall. They are doing the Norcold recall this week. Also 3 new batteries.

We will pick it up mid-September and drive to Minnesota along I-90. Do I have to be concerned about early snowstorms along that route?

[njs42]

Happy motoring--

[Fred and Bonnie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul-Roni Had everything checked out. All we need to add is a Grade Brake. We are trying to set that up with Brezel RV Performance in Olympia WA.

An '05 W24 came stock with the grade brake. I would take a close look at the coach when you pick it up, this dealer is missing something.

Is the unit at Pennisula RV?

fred

[Paul-Roni]

The motorhome is on consignment at Peninsula RV. From looking at the VIN number, it looks like a 2004 W-24 chassis with a 2005 motorhome. It has a 5 speed Allison push button transmission. The owner said they purchased it in Dec of 2004.