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12-13-2017, 08:28 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 7,494
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Would you purchase a MH in winter in Northern US
Hi,
If I purchased a MH in winter I may have issues with test driving and checking the water pump and heater etc are working. Also it could be 4 months before I get to use it properly.
Would this stop someone if a screaming deal came along?
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2008 Phoenix Cruiser 3100
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU.
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12-13-2017, 08:36 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Chicago Area
Posts: 248
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I purchased mine at Thanksgiving. I tested what I could, but what sold me was that there was still a year left on a supplemental warranty. I felt like that covered the downside. It turned out to be a very good deal, with very little wrong.
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Marty and Denise chased by Casey our GR
2020 4369 DSDP with '15 Jeep Grand Cherokee
'06 Monaco Knight 40 PDQ that served us well
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12-13-2017, 08:46 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,642
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Bought this one from a dealer in New York in February. I don't see a problem. the systems can be tested then re-winterized.
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2024 KZ Durango Gold
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12-13-2017, 08:57 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Alberta
Posts: 1,591
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I have bought most of my units in the winter - sellers are usually pretty motivated. A thorough check over by qualified inspectors can pick up most of any issues. Do you know a couple of friends/contractors for hire that can inspect chassis/house systems? Always good to have second sets of eyes.
Brian
__________________
Towr: 2007 Country Coach Allure 470 - 37 Sunset Bay Cummins 400 ISL, Coach #31563
Toad: 2016 F150 King Ranch - 3.5L EcoBoost 4x4 Supercrew (curb weight 4,775 lbs)
Toad: SOLD 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee (yes, it has a Hemi) (curb weight 4,720 lbs)
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12-13-2017, 08:58 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Port Orchard, WA
Posts: 4,215
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lllkrob
Bought this one from a dealer in New York in February. I don't see a problem. the systems can be tested then re-winterized.
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Absolutely! Keep in mind though, that the seller will probably want you to pay for cost of re-winterizing if you chose not to purchase. Personally I feel that is fair.
If a seller balks at de-winterizing and checking ALL systems, RUN, don't WALK away!
The only system(s) that I can think of that you may not be able to get a good test on would be the air conditioners.
Water pump will still work and thermostat cycle if you do a reasonable test drive. I would run the generator for awhile as well, with a load. Test the water heater FIRST ON ELECTRIC, then switch to gas. It is easy to see if the heater is burning efficiently on gas, but more difficult to see if the electric is working properly if the heater is already "pre-heated".
Good luck!
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Scot & Laura Kellersberger, U.S. Army (ret)
Newmar 4 wheel drive Dutch Star 3891, SOLD
Now RV'ing on the water in a Trawler!
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12-13-2017, 09:13 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 7,494
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Thanks all,
If it was to be dewinterised how long so for to get a proper test if a heated building is not available?
__________________
2008 Phoenix Cruiser 3100
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU.
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12-13-2017, 10:47 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 179
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hit_the_Rhod
Absolutely! Keep in mind though, that the seller will probably want you to pay for cost of re-winterizing if you chose not to purchase. Personally I feel that is fair.
If a seller balks at de-winterizing and checking ALL systems, RUN, don't WALK away!
The only system(s) that I can think of that you may not be able to get a good test on would be the air conditioners.
Water pump will still work and thermostat cycle if you do a reasonable test drive. I would run the generator for awhile as well, with a load. Test the water heater FIRST ON ELECTRIC, then switch to gas. It is easy to see if the heater is burning efficiently on gas, but more difficult to see if the electric is working properly if the heater is already "pre-heated".
Good luck!
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I agree with the above post, although you can test operation of the heat pump if temps are above 40 deg - which would likely confirm AC functionality as well. We bought our 2011 DP in January 2016 from Winnebago RV near Rockford IL (and live in WI), and had similar concerns. Regarding plumbing, you can still test operation with pink antifreeze in the pipes for everything but the water heater and possibly washer/dryer/ice maker - it will just cost a few bucks for 3 or 4 gallons of antifreeze to pump through everything. Engine, tranny, chassis items should not be an issue in winter, and it's actually a good time to test for potential fuel system problems. For the items you can't confirm operation of, consider setting aside a reasonable amount of money in a joint escrow account that is closed after full system operational testing can be performed. In our case, the dealer was great to work with; but if this is a private sale, stand your ground and test everything you can - don't let them use weather as an excuse to hide something. Good luck and keep us posted!
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John & Kathy, and Pixie
Maggie May - 2011 Winnebago Journey 34Y
MoJo - 2020 Jeep Rubicon Toad
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12-13-2017, 11:02 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 7,494
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PackerPower
I agree with the above post, although you can test operation of the heat pump if temps are above 40 deg - which would likely confirm AC functionality as well. We bought our 2011 DP in January 2016 from Winnebago RV near Rockford IL (and live in WI), and had similar concerns. Regarding plumbing, you can still test operation with pink antifreeze in the pipes for everything but the water heater and possibly washer/dryer/ice maker - it will just cost a few bucks for 3 or 4 gallons of antifreeze to pump through everything. Engine, tranny, chassis items should not be an issue in winter, and it's actually a good time to test for potential fuel system problems. For the items you can't confirm operation of, consider setting aside a reasonable amount of money in a joint escrow account that is closed after full system operational testing can be performed. In our case, the dealer was great to work with; but if this is a private sale, stand your ground and test everything you can - don't let them use weather as an excuse to hide something. Good luck and keep us posted!
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Great idea about testing with anti freeze.
__________________
2008 Phoenix Cruiser 3100
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU.
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12-13-2017, 12:26 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Spartan Chassis
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 665
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I bought mine at the end of summer, and did all my own inspections and systems checks at a dealer in Florida. If I had to do it again under the same circumstances I would only do it the same in nice warm weather. I spent 2 days on the coach before I signed the purchase agreement. I guess it would depend on what you are buying and how much you are spending plus the age of the coach. I am a DIY type of guy.
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Terry & Sue
2015 Newmar Essex 4553
2023 Bronco OBX
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12-13-2017, 12:32 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
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Why not if you test EVERYTHING first?
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2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
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12-13-2017, 01:36 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Spartan Chassis
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 665
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I agree, but not everyone is mechanically inclined. My father in-law was like that, he had to call someone to change a light bulb.
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Terry & Sue
2015 Newmar Essex 4553
2023 Bronco OBX
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12-13-2017, 05:26 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Western NY
Posts: 6,113
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Sure...
I would write a purchase offer w inspection contingency by mechanic, RV dealer and/or buyer ( at buyer expense) w seller demonstrating all systems & appluances in working order. Buyer has the right to back out / get any deposit refunded if any deficiencies noted.
If any issues identified it reopens $ negotiation or seller corrects deficiencies at their expense. Buyer nor responsible for rewinterization.
Probably needs some tine limits included for insoections and repairs.
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Don & Marge
'13 Newmar Ventana 3433 - '14 CR-V TOAD
'03 Winnebago Adventurer 31Y - SOLD
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12-13-2017, 05:31 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 7,494
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Winemaker2
Sure...
I would write a purchase offer w inspection contingency by mechanic, RV dealer and/or buyer ( at buyer expense) w seller demonstrating all systems & appluances in working order. Buyer has the right to back out / get any deposit refunded if any deficiencies noted.
If any issues identified it reopens $ negotiation or seller corrects deficiencies at their expense. Buyer nor responsible for rewinterization.
Probably needs some tine limits included for insoections and repairs.
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That sounds like a good plan.
I do not plan to upgrade for a year or but keeping my options open.
__________________
2008 Phoenix Cruiser 3100
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU.
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12-13-2017, 05:33 PM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Villas, New Jersey, Titusville, FL
Posts: 47
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Watch for road salt damage. I purchased a new motorhome in July 2015 from a dealer in Connecticut who received it in January. Looking back at the dealers pictures, you could see salt all over the unit. By October, salt wear and tear was showing through on the chassis and wheels.
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Jan & Liz
2017 FW Pace Arrow 33D
Cape May, NJ and Titusville, FL [TGO]
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