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legarcia · 10-12-2017, 04:57 AM

I’m buying from original owners who have been great to work with. They seem to have maintained everything very well in every way well documented. It has miles in the 40k range and they have also put new tires on as well 2015 and only 2300 miles since then. Winnebago has been around long time any feedback from current owners ? Also would you inspect pre purchase even with all documents they have even offered to let me stay in it while we finalize purchase and offered to take me around driving to show me how things work as far as I’m comfortable they said big city 50 miles away and their like we can go there. Thoughts ?

Sandy Swede · 10-12-2017, 06:00 AM

Yes, get a third party inspection. Even nice, honest sellers make mistakes. Highly recommend that you get an oil analysis of that expensive diesel engine. Blackstone or Polaris. ATF can also be tested. Don't give cursory attention to the genny, either its mechanical condition or its ability to run at least one appliance and the front roof ac at the same time. Ask the owner to demo all systems to (1) make sure they work, and (2) know how they work - take notes or video.

Do you have a checklist yet? There should be one in one of the 'stickies' on this forum, if I recall correctly.

I see that you inquired about extended warranties (service contracts) on another thread. Smart.

Best of luck and keep back $5 - $10k for unanticipated problems.

legarcia · 10-12-2017, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Swede

Yes, get a third party inspection. Even nice, honest sellers make mistakes. Highly recommend that you get an oil analysis of that expensive diesel engine. Blackstone or Polaris. ATF can also be tested. Don't give cursory attention to the genny, either its mechanical condition or its ability to run at least one appliance and the front roof ac at the same time. Ask the owner to demo all systems to (1) make sure they work, and (2) know how they work - take notes or video.

Do you have a checklist yet? There should be one in one of the 'stickies' on this forum, if I recall correctly.

I see that you inquired about extended warranties (service contracts) on another thread. Smart.

Best of luck and keep back $5 - $10k for unanticipated problems.

How do I find the stickie notes ? And thank you for the advice

veraken · 10-13-2017, 05:42 AM

Get professional inspections done. If you don't do this BEFORE you purchase, you run the risk of spending significantly more AFTER the purchase. If something is found, the inspector should be able to give you an estimate to repair. You can then decide if you want to proceed and can use it to negotiate a better price. You will be going into it with your eyes open. IF nothing is found, GREAT!!

I would suggest that you get an independent certified RV mechanic to inspect all the RV systems, including the roof. In addition I would have the engine, transmission, frame, etc. inspected by a diesel service shop. Having a coolant and oil analysis by a lab (like JG Lubricants ) would reveal any hidden problems.

Make sure everything is in writing!! Any purchase should be contingent upon successfully passing these inspections/tests.

I would do this to any used MH I was looking to buy.

Buy an Engine Oil Analysis Kit Today | Engine Oil Analysis Service

Sandy Swede · 10-13-2017, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legarcia

How do I find the stickie notes ? And thank you for the advice

Go to upper left of page. From the left you will see "User CP", then "Register", when you get to "Files", click on the word. The second listing is "Buyers Check List." When you click on this you will see a file titled "Used MH Checklist." Download it and you are ready to save and/or print out. As you will notice, there are many other worthwhile titles available to help you get edumacated.

Superslif · 10-13-2017, 06:22 AM

I think the biggest thing is to make sure the diesel engine is and has been serviced as it should. With only 40k miles there shouldn't be many wear issues, but have the filters been changed?

MobileOneDS · 10-15-2017, 03:20 PM

Ditto with SuperSlif

Bought are 38 Ft DP with 38 K miles from private owner, the MH was in excellent condition always stored in heated garage. The owner had all his maintenance records including list of each part number for filters, oils and fluids. ( the one missing part number was the air filter) on my DP it's $124.00 and was the original when I change it this past spring!!

Based on what I had seen up to that point I made the decision to move on the MH before some else with more experience bought it out from under me!! Looking back I 'm glad I did, the unit is clean and hasn't given me one day of problems. With the help of a school bus mechanic I 'm learning plenty about the my Cummins diesel and Freightliner chassis. Won't own /drive anything less then a DP!!

Good luck on your purchase!

mike