Community Forums

Jester47 · 06-09-2016, 10:33 AM

We are looking at a 2006 Dutchstar DP on Spartan with a Cummins. It only has 27,000 miles on it. I feel that being driven so little can be a negative for a car, but is it an issue with DP motorhomes?

vsheetz · 06-09-2016, 10:40 AM

Maintenance records are king, got them? If regularly maintained its ok for low miles. As for overall usage, has the coach sat unused or been used regularly but not for long trips? Sitting unused is bad.

LVRVLUVR · 06-09-2016, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikester

We are looking at a 2006 Dutchstar DP on Spartan with a Cummins. It only has 27,000 miles on it. I feel that being driven so little can be a negative for a car, but is it an issue with DP motorhomes?

I think its more how long it set between driving it

TwelveVolt · 06-09-2016, 10:47 AM

You definitely want to see service records. Based on used coaches we saw while shopping, I would not automatically assume that the filters and oil had ever been changed. Most owners appreciate the investment they have made and follow service recommendations. A few drive it like they rented it.

Grenadiers · 06-09-2016, 10:54 AM

Our 2004 Winnebago Vectra had 25,000 miles on it when we bought it last November. The 8.3L Cummins has worked perfectly, the rest of the coach, well, have had to spend some coin on it. We changed the oil, not knowing when it was changed last, and had the Freightliner Oasis do a once-over on everything. That's about all I would expect.

znt1186 · 06-09-2016, 11:04 AM

Bought a 10 year old Tiffin Allegro Bus 2-1/2 years ago with 15,000 on it. Had Freightliner in Gaffney change all fluids, filters and belts last year. Now have 27,000 miles on it and going strong. I would recommend changing everything to get a base line on maintenance and go from there. I also carry spare belts and hoses onboard just in case. Don't forget tires. 5-7 years is time to start thinking new tires IMHO.

38Chevy454 · 06-09-2016, 11:07 AM

I would not worry about the miles, that is not that low. The engine is just broken in. More worry about other systems, "lot rot" can be a problem for RVs stored. So the history of the previous use and how it was stored is more of a concern than the engine miles. For example, if it was used 2-3 times per year, that is better than used a lot for first 2 years and then has sat for past 8 years.

TwelveVolt · 06-09-2016, 02:53 PM

Guessing that it has the original tires, so remember to factor that into your cost.

trimacon · 06-09-2016, 03:58 PM

Doesn't seem low, we just bought an 09 last September with 6500 miles. More concern with tire age and service records.

Tha_Rooster · 06-09-2016, 04:17 PM

My 07 has 21k I wouldn't worry about miles it's the tires.

cbramsey · 06-09-2016, 04:29 PM

My 2001 Dutch Star was purchased last December with 26,XXX miles. Tires (Michelins) dated from November 2006 and had been covered (a lot) because there was NO cracking in the sidewalls and there was plenty of tread left. So I knew the tires had been replaced once.

Spent the intervening months between and now going through all the mechanical systems and replacing tires as budget allowed. Finished the last of the tires at the beginning of May.

Now, I am going through and taking care of the nagging maintenance issues (redoing the seam between the fiberglass and rubber roof, replacing a fluorescent lighting fixture that is no longer working, etc.) as time permits.

G Schulz · 06-09-2016, 04:44 PM

I've had mine for three years now, it's a 2009 and it only had 5,000 miles when I bought it. Oil was changed for me before I bought it. Last summer I changed all fluids and filters and had the antifreeze tested. The antifreeze test was fine so I just left that. The transmission fluid that came out when I changed the filters looked like the new stuff that I put in. It was time for the transmission filters anyway. Good to have a base line. Engine purrs like a kitten, it should it's a CAT.
Been doing lots of upgrades
All LED lighting
New digital antennae
Digital antennae booster
Larger TV in bedroom
Color backup camera
Install washer dryer combo
Install electric bed lift for storage access
Variable speed water pump
A real home theater sound system
Roadmaster spare tire carrier
New tires all around
Planning a big trip to the Florida Keys this winter and don't want to have any issues with anything. Hope all goes well as this is our first big trip ever.

2009 Safari Cheetah 40'
350 HP Cat
2014 Ford Focus
Air Force One