Community Forums

Ricwan · 06-13-2012, 11:10 AM

Me and the good wife are retiring soon and are interested in this 1997 Ford Rex about 36 ft.,asking about $15,000. 460 engine.Would this be a good moterhome to buy?What problems should I really check it out for?Tks for any heads up.:

Ric

ka7suz · 06-13-2012, 11:25 AM

If it doesn't come with a nearly complete mechanical history, with receipts, and with all of the manuals that should have come with it - for appliances, generator, etc. then proceed with extreme caution. It if has low miles, be very careful. Drive it, take it to specialists (transmission, engine etc) if permitted.

Find out the age of the tires by the DOT numbers. If they are near or over 7 years old, expect to replace them.

Be sure the floorplan/layout is agreeable to you and your activities. If you or your dear wife enjoy cooking, you might want to consider the true amount countertop work surface (this is usually the most overlooked deficit.) If on the on the other hand, you plan to grill outside, and/or do simple dishes most of the time, then work surface may be less of a problem.

Unless it has been replaced already this coach will have the old CRT tv/s. You will want to replace them - sooner or later. Can you do the work yourself?

Just off the top of my head...and in part, the voice of experience.

Enjoy the shopping, and happy retirement!

JoAnn

ghoststories · 06-13-2012, 11:33 AM

Hello and welcome to iRV2,looks like the above response pretty well covered it....

chief02 · 06-13-2012, 11:33 AM

Look for hidden water damage. Soft floors, walls ceiling,roof, hidden water stains in corners and under cabinits. Run every appliance. Ask if you can stay in it a few nights or have a RV shop inspect it. Might run the VIN# in Car Fax.

bsirby · 06-13-2012, 04:04 PM

Hi Ricwan, welcome to IRV2. Looks like you are already getting excellent advice. Good luck and hope you are able to get an RV soon.

Ricwan · 06-14-2012, 10:01 AM

Thank you all for your advice about buying a motor home.We've owned a few trailers but never a motor home. Lot of stuff to check out!Especially when you want to get a deal you can afford.We need to buy a big one as we have 3 dogs and a cat too.Big dog is Horatio(doberman)Penny(mini dashie old lady!) and sweet Gabriel(mini Pom).Keeps the wife busy and out of trouble!!

I never knew about the DOT for tires!Tks,will copy and keep all the advice.

Nick-B · 06-14-2012, 01:30 PM

Hi Rickwan and

When you say "Rex", I assume you mean "Rexhall"? If so they are a good coach. But at that age, there are no guarantees. Expect to spend time and money to get everything up to par. Does it have a slide out? If so then the $15K price tag on a '97 Rexhall w/slide is a good price - again depending on overall condition and how much more you might have to invest in it.

The 460 motor is pretty much bulletproof. The biggest problem they had was cracked/warped exhaust manifolds and broken manifold bolts. If you hear an exhaust leak (putt, putt, putt) then you have manifold issues. Look for missing bolt heads on the manifolds. If there are missing bolt heads, the rest of the bolt is still in the head and can be a pain to remove. Headers and free-flowing exhaust eliminate those problems and give you some power gains.

Best of luck!