Pricing

[Dave1132]

Looking at a Gulf Stream 2007 B touring cruiser XL 5231 for $42995 anyone have any comments and it has 5800 miles. On a ford 450 with a V10 engine

[Doggy Daddy]

Buying from Dealer or private party. If it has original tires on it, you will have to replace them due to age. Check their Birth Date. Check for fluid leaks and when was last lube, oil and filter change? Smell transmission fluid (from dip stick) for burn't smell. Also the age of the coach and engine batteries. Physically inspect the roof for patches and leaks and condition of all covers for cracks. Is there a sellers warrantee? Physically inspect engine compartment and storage bays for rodent damage, they love to eat plastic and make nests. When was water heater last serviced/flushed and anode changed? Extend and inspect all awnings. Get VIN and check for recalls with Ford and Gulf Stream.

[Mr_D]

For some reason there are a lot of myths about tire age that keep getting posted as "gospel"!
Even Michelin, who, like other manufacturers, say there is no hard and fast "rule" on when to replace tires.

Michelin Technical Bulletin
May 15, 2006

Service Life for RV/Motorhome Tires

The following recommendation applies to RV/Motorhome tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible.

That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have RV/Motorhome tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for continued service. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.

Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition and inflation pressure, but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent tire failure.

It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone. However, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.

While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.

For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when specified (but not to exceed 10 years).

The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire that begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “0304” indicates a tire made in the 3rd week (Jan) of 2004.

"If the cracks are less than 1/32" deep the tire is fine to run. Between 1/32" and 2/32" the tire is suspect and should be examined by your Michelin dealer. If the cracks are any deeper than 2/32" (1/16") the tire should be replaced immediately"

From Toyo:

Proper Inspection and Storage of Tires
Before taking your RV on a trip, make it a practice to inspect the overall condition of your tires and inflate the tires to the proper air pressure, especially when removing it from a long period of storage. A thorough check should include both inside and outside sidewalls, tread area, and the condition of hardware such as valve stems, valve caps, and wheels.
The tread should be checked for any unusual wear, cracking, penetrations, and/or cuts. An uneven wear pattern can indicate misalignment or worn suspension parts. Check for any type of condition or damage that might result in failure. Since many RVs are used seasonally and sometimes stored for extended times, it is possible that tires will take many years to wear out. Tires, as any rubber product, will age over time. If tires show cracking in the sidewall or tread surface that is more than 2/32nds, they should be replaced before your next trip or vacation. Store your RV in a cool, dry area away from major heat sources and extreme cold. An enclosed area is best with no exposure to electromagnetic sources such as generators or transformers.
If you must keep your RV outside, cover your tires from direct sunlight.
Take your RV to your Toyo Tire dealer for service to check or correct any of these conditions.

[Doggy Daddy]

The age of tires on RVs being purchased is a negotiable item when discussing sales price. Replacing tires is expensive! If and when a tire sidewall blows for what ever reason, odd are high you will have some damage. Fenders being destroyed is common and floors are know to get buckled up. And don't forget the possibility of loosing control of the vehicle. Tires and brakes are on the top of my list when it comes to safety. Just MHO.

[RVThere]

Make sure you crawl underneath and look for rust. Low mileage is great but if they sat in a swamp you could have trouble.

If it is the one for sale in Orlando, the pics look pretty good. There is a 2006 for sale in TN for $39k with more miles.

There is an older listing for the Orlando rig at $45k so he has already dropped his price. Offer $37k and see if he'll settle for $40k.