I'm interested in buying an RV

[Dunner]

Hicks, what are you talking about? The OPs or yours? Whose water damage? All appliances and plumbing systems tested. What? Tested good or tested bad? You're not making sense or I've lost it.

[bluepill]

Originally Posted by Dunner

Hicks, what are you talking about? The OPs or yours? Whose water damage? All appliances and plumbing systems tested. What? Tested good or tested bad? You're not making sense or I've lost it.

'Nuff said, old buddy...............

[ahicks]

Originally Posted by Dunner

Hicks, what are you talking about? The OPs or yours? Whose water damage? All appliances and plumbing systems tested. What? Tested good or tested bad? You're not making sense or I've lost it.

The question was:
<<<In buying an RV that's 10 years old , what are the top 5 things to look out for? >>>

Regarding the coaches I looked at prior to buying this one, the number one reason for turning on my heel and walking away from a coach was water damage (smells, mold, peeling wall paper or headliner, delams inside and out, etc.)? The point I was trying to make was there is a need for extreme care to be taken regarding that issue! If there is evidence of water damage I would encourage anyone to find another coach to look at.

Regarding the appliances, I would want them tested. You need the results of those tests (positive OR negative) to help establish the value of the coach you're looking at? Makes no difference if they work or not at this point. You just need to know one way or the other to establish value! Same goes true for the plumbing, and a good chassis inspection by somebody REALLY qualified to do that?

If I know the status of ANY water damage that exists on the coach, the status of all appliances, plumbing systems, and the chassis, I can likely come up with a pretty good idea of what that coach is worth. Without any one of those checks, I cannot?

Does that help?

I was trying to be brief, as the OP said he only wanted the top 5 things of a topic I could write a book on. 19 years working on these things in my younger days taught me a lot of lessons learned the hard way, and showed me a LOT of stuff. I just wanted to hit the high spots? Judging by your confusion, apparently I was too brief, and for that, a thousand apologies.

Take care buddy...
-Al

[Dunner]

Gotcha. When I went to buy a coach, I looked at 10 on two different lots, Saw the ones that had something i didn't like, Made an offer on what I liked and bought in all in about 6 hours. It was that clean. I Saw the overpriced Monacos and the like and found one I could slide right into. When I got it home, I discoverd it had all sorts of accessoriesies. Patio cover, screem, three BBQs, three tables, ect. It was virtually camp ready. It was being sold because the PO developed dementio, I was at the right place at the right time. Probably could have got it for a lot less but as being fare.

[ahicks]

Just a guess, but thinking you weren't looking at 10 year old coaches that day?

-Al

[Dunner]

Wrong. It was 2012 when I bought my 2004, so kinda close to 10 years.

[Charlie263]

I'm learning a lot, mainly that there are a lot more than 5 things to look for. But I'm liking the advice on checking chassis and drivetrain first. All the smaller stuff come after that. And I learned that water damage is a killer. Thank you thank you. !!!

[ahicks]

I would say that when it comes to chassis and drive train there's a "finite" element there. If it's broke or worn, repairs can be relatively easily estimated, and whatever's broke or worn replaced?

That's NOT the case with water damage! Many/most times you are not able to see all the repairs that will be required until you have it torn down to the point you stop discovering further damage? Think of a house with a bath or kitchen that's not been maintained properly? Those are MUCH easier to repair, and estimates to repair/replace can double or triple once started?

IMHO, the better plan is to first make sure the coach itself has no apparent water damage (none, not even a little). THEN consider the rest of it knowing you'll have a solid base to work with.

The lowest mileage chassis, in mint condition, is worthless if the ceiling of the coach mounted to it is sagging due to water damage.....

Best of luck in your hunt! -Al

[Charlie263]

Originally Posted by ahicks

I would say that when it comes to chassis and drive train there's a "finite" element there. If it's broke or worn, repairs can be relatively easily estimated, and whatever's broke or worn replaced? That's NOT the case with water damage! Many/most times you are not able to see all the repairs that will be required until you have it torn down to the point you stop discovering further damage? Think of a house with a bath or kitchen that's not been maintained properly? Those are MUCH easier to repair, and estimates to repair/replace can double or triple once started? IMHO, the better plan is to first make sure the coach itself has no apparent water damage (none, not even a little). THEN consider the rest of it knowing you'll have a solid base to work with. The lowest mileage chassis, in mint condition, is worthless if the ceiling of the coach mounted to it is sagging due to water damage..... Best of luck in your hunt! -Al

Wow thanks for the insight. I feel like I'm armed with knowledge that may save me big time.

[Charlie263]

So how many miles can a well maintained gasser be expected to last?