Community Forums

tacking · 10-11-2014, 05:49 PM

Just got back from looking at a 2003 Damon Intruder 38' (there abouts). Only 14K miles. Three slides. Very clean. Chevy 8.1 Vortec. Needs tires I am sure.
I can have it tomorrow for $31K. I want to jump on it as to "ME" it sounds like the perfect 'deal'. But being somewhat of a newb to this and not knowing anything about Damon, I need to hear any warnings that I may not be aware of.

Thanks
Greg V

Clark Savage Jr · 10-11-2014, 05:56 PM

Friends of ours have about a '99 Damon and love it. They spend a good six months/year in it. I love their floor plan and especially the bathroom. They put in a toilet that isn't made for midgets!

vsheetz · 10-11-2014, 06:20 PM

Can't comment specifically to Damon brand. Off hand the price sounds in the correct ballpark, with the low miles and if very good condition. Coaches of this age some still have the brass colored lights, shower, etc. which to me is a turn off and dates the coach. Is this in the range of having the Work Horse brake problems, and if so has the recall been done? Check out everything, especially the roof. Check for any evidence of current or past leaks. Got maintenance records?

B D HOWie · 10-11-2014, 07:24 PM

Check NADA website for low retail. Do not add any options. Include miles only if gas engine. This should put you in the ballpark $ range.

tacking · 10-11-2014, 07:45 PM

I see the windshield is an issue Damon, which this one just had work on the day before. Stains on the ceiling show me now that the cap over the windshield had been leaking at the flat roof line, which as I read also seems to be an issue.
Hmmmmm. This may not be the coach for me even though it seems like a lot for the money.

DieselTech39 · 10-11-2014, 08:00 PM

If it has the infamous Auto Park brake you may want to google "Auto Park" in the tool bar above leaving it set to IRV2 for info.

Here's one to start with: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f22/auto-...ing-81418.html

Campbell5 · 10-11-2014, 08:55 PM

We have a 2002 Intruder with the Chevy 8.1 and Allison Transmission. We love it! The chassis is rock solid. The only major repair we have had to do is a new cooling unit for the refrigerator and six new Michelin tires (ouch). I would take caution with any visible water damage.

Like others said, the price and mileage seems in line if the coach is in good shape.

The Intruder was Damon's top-of-the-line gas coach. (Outlaw excluded) The Chevy workhorse chassis was an upgrade as well for the coach.

JJH3rd · 10-11-2014, 10:20 PM

If this has a NorCold refrigerator, be sure it has the re-call up grade (box with lights & new sensor added to heat exhaust pipe for gas operation.

mojoracing · 10-12-2014, 01:56 AM

I absolutely loved our 8.1 with the Allison. If they had still offered the workhorse on our new bounder I would have opted for it vs the ford. Like a previous poster stated, I can't stand the antiquated brass fixtures and stuff. It does date the coach. The deal breaker for me would be the water leaks. Even if they were addressed, they still did damage and I for one wouldn't risk a coach with water damage. There are far to many coaches out there with no water damage. Find one.

tacking · 10-12-2014, 03:36 AM

Thanks all for your replies.
I made up my mind last night that I would keep looking and opt out of this one.

I think I really want to end up with a DP anyway.

wa8yxm · 10-12-2014, 03:49 AM

I am sitting in about 38 feet of 2005 Damon Intruder 377W as I type this.

The ONLY warning I will give you is make sure the recalls (I'm not sure if there are any on that model year but this applies to ALL vehicles, as generic advice anyway) Make sure all applicable recalls have been done.

Have brakes and rotors inspected, And talk the seller into new tires. They are expensive.