looking at trading up to AC diesel

[dbwardell]

We currently have a 2005 Four Winds Hurricane, 31' gas, with no slides and are looking at a 1999 American Tradition, 40' with 1 slide. Does anyone have any information about the Tradition that would be negative on this trade? It has 56K miles and newer Michelin tires 2 are 2008 and 4 are 06. Everything works as it should and it appears to be well taken care of. Of course, there are some issues due to the age, but my main concern is mechanical and roof problems. I feel it is a decent coach and am not concerned about minor problems, as I do most of my own maintenance anyway.
Thanks,
dbwardell

[BABrede]

Don't know much about the Tradition, but we own it's sister, a 2000 Eagle 40VS. We've owned it for a little over a year and it has about the same mileage as the unit your looking at. We have 2 slides, 1 in the bedroom (closet), and the other is the kitchen. I'll list our issues below;

Blew up Heart Source Inverter (don't ask), not available anymore. Replaced with 2800 watt Magnum pure sine wave unit, and Progressive Surge protection system. And 2 new HDTV's. No electrical problems since then.

Radiator (side mounted) took a dump. Replaced it in November 2010. No problems since then. Runs cool as a cucumber.

small plumbing problems, a leak here, a leak there. nothing major. Had to replace the kitchen faucets.

We need new tires very soon, probably next week while in Decatur, IN. Ours are dated 2004.

The washer/dryer unit shakes the coach pretty good.

Not a fan of the 3 jack leveling system, but it's what we have...

We got real lucky finding our coach. The previous owner took good care of it and stored it inside, so it looks very good. We have very minimal rust, nothing major yet. Others I have talked to on another forum have had more problems. I try to keep on top of small things so they don't become big things. Plus having knowledge of other problem areas give me insight into what to look for.

Overall, we are glad that this coach found us. We like the fit and finish of the coach and that all the cabinets are made from real wood. We're going to Decatur to talk with a guy about doing some remodels to fit our needs better.

Good Luck in your trade.
Kerry

[FormerBoater]

Have owned our 98 Eagle for 2 years+ and close to 20K miles.

Eagles share the chassis and basic engine/transmission with the Tradition, but have different features and a fiberglass roof.

Had to replace some lightbulbs, get the reefer flue cleaned, replace the magnetic switch for the entry steps. Otherwise trouble free.

American Coach used top notch materials and components in those days.

Our Eagle has no rust, great electrical system and is easy to own and operate.

Single living room slide makes these 40 footers comfortable when parked.

Dave

[hooverbill]

You'll get good support from American Coach.

[dbwardell]

We passed on the Tradition and purchased a 2000 American Dream with 40K miles on it. It is in perfect condition, or at least looks that way. We are taking A SHAKE DOWN trip after Easter to try things out.
I hope all goes well.

[Gary RVRoamer]

A 2000 Dream is one of the very best years for an AC product. A real classic and excellent performance and reliability. Sure, there will be problems in any older rig, but the 2000 Dream is a top choice.

[dbwardell]

Gary,
I appreciate the vote of confidence. We just got back from a 300 mile shake-down and everything was perfect except the hot water heater. It would light but then apparently turn off as we had cold showers. The refrigerator is a 1200 series Norcold and it is in a recall, but already taken care of. Just one more indication that the previous owners took care of this one. Wow, we had 39 mph gusts and it held the road great. I AM IMPRESSED WITH THIS COACH'S HANDLING.
Dave & Ronnie
2000 American Dream
2003 Tahoe
Home base: Sun Lakes, AZ (not snowbirds, but heat birds-we leave in the summer and travel)

[Gary RVRoamer]

Congratulations - glad you are enjoying it. The water heater is usually an easy fix. You said "light", so I gather you were using LP gas mode. Does it work ok on electric?

[dbwardell]

We haven't tried electric yet. We don't have hook-ups where we store it and it isn't convenient to go there just for that. We keep it about 25 miles away at our son's ranch. He has covered parking available there, which we appreciate. Maybe we will be there over the week end and try it then.
I'll post when I know.
Dave & Ronnie
2000 American Dream
39 MPH gusts on our shake down and it held the road beautifully!!!! I'm Impressed!

[Graybeard315]

Congrats on the 'New' rig. We have put a little over 2,000 miles on our '01 American Eagle and it is a solid unit. You might want to run your coach over the truck scales, we found a little imbalance and simply repacking a few things in the basement cured everything. Right now we're at 19.5K rear, 11K front.

[JMonroe]

Pictures!

[Gary RVRoamer]

Run the generator for 30 minutes (it needs exercise anyway) and try your water heater on electric that way.

[Triker56]

Make sure there is water in the tank before turning the electric part on.
If not you will need a new element.

[dbwardell]

Since we just bought it I am taking it to the dealer to check the water heater out. That way I am assured that they will (OR SHOULD) do it correctly. I have talked with them and they don't think it is a big problem. Probably a connection or fuse. I will wait and see what is wrong and let them fix if for free.
Thanks for all of the input.
I will post some pictures for you when I get them.
Dave & Ronnie
2000 American Dream