Nearly New Beaver over past 12 months

[Maverick 31]

Hi everyone,

This is my IRV2 first post, although I have been lurking for quite a while. I have found the forum information very helpful in both buying and maintaining our first "class A". We have had tents, Volkswagen pop -ups, a travel trailer, and a "class C" over the years. For other newbies, here are my recent class A experiences gained over the last 12 months.

We bought a 1995 Beaver Patriot from an individual in August, 2010. I believe it is a jewel that was hidden under faded fiberglass. It just needed some TLC. It had 51,000 miles and 147 hours on the generator. It still had the "Original tires", which were Only 16 years old. It did have full documentation and maintenance history. After new tires, it made it home approximately 1,500 miles without any incident. Then the real work started.

Here is a punch list (and prices) of work completed over the last 12 months for scheduled maintenance:
New Tires -$3,200
Complete engine oil/filters/belts/hoses/chassis inspection, alignment transmission fluids/filter & change to Syntec, cooling system flush - $3,410.
4 new coach batteries, 6V Deka GC 145 - $640
1/2 new windshield -$465
new front privacy drape - $450
stereo power, tv converter box for analog TVs - $75
new H2O heater annode -$20
reseal roof - $200 , then Poly Glow on roof (looks like new)
"A" service 2011 - $952
Cleaning and Polishing - just a lot of "sweat equity"

Unscheduled Maintenance (the surprises):
replaced one HWH Leveler RAP9550 - $449
transmission service/reprogram ECU _ $940
air conditioner compressor/clutch/charge system - $650

Examples of Parts/Prices
P55300 oil filter - 34.76
FS1000 fuel filter - 13.63
P553004 Fuel Filter - 9.86
PA2721 Air Filter - 146.57
DQ6050 Air Drier Filter Kit-191.08

We have been a little over 8,000 miles, including Colorado,Cape Cod, and Florida, averaging 9.9 MPG. We have enjoyed using it, but hope the day comes without the $$$ surprises. Keep up the RPM!

[texnet]

Good looking coach!!

[goreds2]

I would say 9.9 MPG is pretty good for that big of rig. Very nice!

[rvjimmy]

Nice coach and wish I got that kind of mileage, happy when I get 8 pulling a toad.

[Wanabee FTer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvjimmy Nice coach and wish I got that kind of mileage, happy when I get 8 pulling a toad.

Happy when I get 7 with the toad!
She's a beauty Maverick

[Brigadoon]

Great find! Plus you are doing it right- not trying to nickel and dime it. Once everything is done (and you must be close at this point) you will get plenty of trouble free use out of your new Beaver. Good job. By the way, great fuel mileage!

[Maverick 31]

I looked for a long time before I jumped into this one. It sure is nice just cruising down life's highway (particularly when everything is working the way it should).

Brigadoon, you live in one of my favorite parts of the country. I've hunted several times in the San Juan Wilderness area just south of you. I love taking a horse into the mountains. If we get anything or not, it is always a great trip.

[DRosedale]

Nice rig. Enjoy.

[FLYING BUTCH]

Nice looking coach for sure BUT no one so far has mentioned the cost and work you have had to put into her!! For my two cents, owning a RV is a lot like owning a boat, there is always something that needs to be fixed or replaced. If ya can't do some of the work yourself (lot of times with helpful people like are on this site) or don't mind spending a LOT of money and time getting repairs done then you might not want to get one. We love traveling and spending time in ours but there are THOSE times???