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Old 05-27-2009, 09:35 AM   #1
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Pre-purchase inspection

I am considering the purchase of a 3 year old used diesel pusher in the Allentown, PA area. Anyone know of someone I can use for a pre-purchase inspection of the house and or chassis.

Thanks.
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Old 05-27-2009, 09:57 AM   #2
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Welcome Campers2 to irv2.
These PDI LISTS should help you out. Good luck with purchase and do ask questions.
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Old 05-27-2009, 11:01 AM   #3
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I don't know of anyone in that area who could assist you. I would point out, however, that there are really two purposes for a PDI.
1. To make sure that everything works.
2. To familiarize YOU with that operation. If you are the one who is going to be using the RV, particularly if you don't have a lot of RV experience, the PDI is essential to become familiar with proper operations. Many have used tape recorders, video cameras and the like to save the information provided.

IMHO, no PDI can completely determine the condition of a used RV, particularly a DP. If your plan is to use the PDI to identify problems with the chassis, I suggest the you locate a facility that has a lift and seasoned diesel mechanic who can assist you. If you have good, solid maintence records on the vehicle, the problem in this area is somewhat less. For the "house" portion, any seasoned RVer can probably help with things like the water pump, furnace, etc. Many of the appliances and components are common among TTs, 5ers and MHs. I do admit that if it is an upper end priced DP, it will be much more complex than average. I have often suspected that it could take 5 days to fully and methodically check out everything on such a vehicle.
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Old 05-27-2009, 12:44 PM   #4
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Thanks for the info.
I have had TTs and 5ers for over 15 years so am not too concerned with the house inspection. It is the engine I am concerned about. I know know nothing about diesels. It is a CAT C7 with about 15000 miles, which probably isn't even broken in yet.
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Old 05-27-2009, 01:35 PM   #5
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The first thing I would do would be to ask if there are any maintenance records available. If there are not then I would check all fluid levels. It would probably be a good idea to check them any way.
When you check the engine oil level make sure the dipstick has been properly calibrated. When you check the transmission fluid level also look at the fluid on the dipstick and make sure it is a bright red and not dark red.
The C7 is a good engine and when taken care of will last a long time.
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Old 05-27-2009, 02:17 PM   #6
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Here is a link to FL Forum. & the Cat engine forum.
May find some answers to your concerns on these forums if not already checked or else just ask.
As jdoc said one of the best combo's you will find.
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Old 05-27-2009, 04:29 PM   #7
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Campers2, one other thing. With only 15000 miles on it the engine isn't even broken in good yet. The sites that 007 gave in his reply are good sites with lots of information.
If I may ask what brand motor home are you looking at?
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Old 05-27-2009, 07:50 PM   #8
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IMHO, I would never buy another MH without having a qualified diesel mechanic check it out first...when I bought my 01 Monaco Dynasty in 06, the top half of the engine came apart on our first big multi-state trips, we were lucky and found a small, family owned diesel/RV repair shop who rebuilt the top half for a very, very reasonable price. We had the pleasure of camping in their lot for 8 days while they did the work. Of course the dealer I bought it from was in another state and sympathetic, they tried to get Cummins to at least cover the parts...at first indicated they would help, but then declined. Unless your a real shade tree mechanic, it is well worth the money to have it checked...bad belts, bad batteries,...leaks in the timing cover gasket, or the hydraulic pump, air conditioner compressors working properly, etc., etc. When your spending this type of money, why cheap seats yourself for a few hundred in order to lower your chances of a problem. Some would also recommend an extended warranty program for at least the first year. I went without, and with the egnine rebuild, and a hydraulic pump rebuild earlier this year, I am about even with the cost of the EW....it's now been almost 3 years and 15,000 miles and my MH runs great.....
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Old 05-27-2009, 09:22 PM   #9
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To all --thanks for the tips. We are going to look at the coach this Saturday, I'll try and remember (with some cheat sheets) all I've read.

Jdoc--it is a Newmar Ventana.
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Old 05-28-2009, 07:36 PM   #10
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Here is another source for a pre-delivery checklist and also an article on Buying a Used Motorhome.

Good luck!

RV Resources
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