Community Forums

KenMerk · 08-13-2014, 06:21 PM

I'm retiring in spring 2015. I have been thinking about RV'ing for years and been reading about it for months. I looked at my first used rv today. A 2000 Newmar Mountain Aire model MADP4080. Inside is quite nice/good shape. Outside is well weathered with peeling gelcoat and a few scratches. I think I can bring back a nice gloss to the exterior. I would have to replace the tires and the converter, and put in a washer/dryer combo in the empty (but ready) space, plus the back up camera doesn't work, so replacement is mandatory.

Odometer says 39,000 mi. Generator 59 hours.
Private seller is asking 30k. I could put in another 7k to fix it up.

Any thoughts out there?

Skip426 · 08-13-2014, 06:35 PM

Welcome to iRV2.
I would be a little concerned about the gen set hours. Sound like it's never had the recommended 2 hrs. a month run time . They are better used and maintained than stored and ignored.
Internal rust, due to humidity, of the components is a killer for these units.
Does the owner have service records for the drivetrain ?
In the four year since , I purchased my 99, I've been very happy .
Not familiar with the Mountain Aire line up .
What engine and chassis is under the coach?

KenMerk · 08-13-2014, 06:44 PM

Freightliner X-line Chassis Allison 330 hp

DieselTech39 · 08-13-2014, 07:37 PM

Glad you're aboard. Best of luck in your decision. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

bnsonger47 · 08-13-2014, 07:57 PM

If it's on a Freightliner XC chassis then, more than likely, the engine is a Caterpillar 3126. It could be a C-7. The 3126 has two belts one of which drives the water pump. The C-7 has only one serpentine belt. The Allison transmission is good. They have the motorhome market sewn up. Caterpillar exited the other-the-road market a few years ago but that doesn't really matter because you can still get great service from CAT or Freightliner.

As to your estimate of putting in $7K for the coach to "enhance" things a bit -- I think you'll spend more. The gelcoat, if it's as you say, is hard to shine once it starts to deteriorate. It was popular because it was cheap as were the vinyl stripes. Now the market is demanding full-body paint for one good reason -- good looks and serviceability over the long haul (15+ years). Personally, I'd get it painted.

Washer/drier -- that's a definite. We've had three diesel pushers. Our third is the Dutch Star we got in March. The other two had Splendides. Though plumbed, the DS had no Splendide. It does now. One month of doing with out and being on the road helped us decide.

Back to the gelcoat -- about the only thing to bring shine once it has lost it's natural luster, is to use some floor finish like you can get at Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. Wash very good. Put on the finish by wiping in one direction keeping the front edge (regardless of direction) wet. Do it in logical sections -- roof to waist, waist to bottom. Do a second coat in 48 hours. It will glow for about three months and turn water very well. In three months touch up all over with another coat of the finish. The floor finish is branded as Zep.

**JohnRR** · 08-13-2014, 11:22 PM

Good luck with your decision.

Medico · 08-14-2014, 05:08 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

MSHappyCampers · 08-14-2014, 08:05 AM

Hi Ken! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang here!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Ramets · 08-14-2014, 08:37 AM

I'm with Skip426. I would be concerned with the gennies hours. And get those maint. records, without those I would be reluctant to close the deal. There are many, many coaches out there that have been well taken care of. You say you've been reading for months about RV's, I would slow down just a tad, and do some more research. While the Newmar is a fine coach, we own one, we didn't start out looking for any particular name. Researching and talking with owners of RV's we slowly narrowed down our likes & dislikes. We ultimately settled on the one we have now, but it could have been another brand. We got a great deal on our DSDP over 4yrs. ago, and have been fulltiming ever since. Everyone has different tastes, I'm not sure you know yet what will be important to your way of using it. Keep doing your due diligence and you'll find what you're looking for. Good luck, and welcome aboard.

John H... · 08-14-2014, 08:51 AM

Welcome to the forum. As mentioned low genny hours could become a problem. If you really like the coach, you may want to make a lower offer to cover some of the repairs such as $25K.. Good luck....

"007" · 08-14-2014, 09:31 AM

Welcome to the forum & irv2 Ken.
Here is a Brochure and 2001 Owners Guide for you.
In case of some trouble with Gen here are some links to your type take your choice.
I would run the heck out of it with your AC's operating to see how it holds up under load and go from there as to what is need to get in top shape.
Check oil level and fuel hoses and make sure no dry rot.
Below in my signature are links to many more in relation to your Newmar your interested in.
Why is it necessary to change the converter ? Is it because of the batteries not charging than read some of the links to determine if its something else and wiring cable connections may have to be checked and reconnected after clean up on chassis frame or batteries them selves.
You may have a Bird System to maintain all your batteries which is explained in links also.
You have time to look over all systems in coach and test in your driveway before hitting the road for road tests, not many miles will just have to upgrade some items for chassis.
Good luck and we are here to help with questions.