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Kliwks · 05-22-2012, 06:26 AM

I have had my deposit on a 2003 National Sea Breeze LX for about 3 weeks now. Very nice coach. How ever, while looking at it the owner noticed that the generator wasn't charging the coach batteries. So he took it to Camping world and after several days, the converter was replaced and the 50 amp breaker was replaced. That problem seems to be resolved. I spoke with him on Sunday to see if we were all set to pick it up tomorrow (Wed) and he informed me that he went down to the RV to vacuum it. He wanted to put the slides out. When he went to level the unit the jacks came down VERY SLOWLY, and only came down half way. He brought it back to camping world and he and I are waiting on a diagnosis. I was supposed to pick it up this past Saturday, but because of a massive concert in Asbury park, we opted not to get jammed up in traffic and waited until this week. I hope these things aren't omens. The owner is transferring an extended warranty with a year and a half left on it to me. I don't know if I should walk away or not. We really like the coach. The nationals seem to be so much nicer that anything else we've seen or looked at.
What would you do???

Dogpatch · 05-22-2012, 06:38 AM

How many miles on it? How much use has it had by this previous owner. So many variables can come into play that can affect what you are seeing go on. At least the previous owner is getting the things looked after in advance of your purchase.

billyb · 05-22-2012, 06:39 AM

national built a good unit, but its 8 years old and you will have to put up with the problems as they come. if its a good price and it fits your needs, go for it.

Perry White · 05-22-2012, 06:43 AM

Seems like he's trying to make it right for you. Check out the extended warranty or any glitches.

Dunner · 05-22-2012, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billyb

national built a good unit, but its 8 years old and you will have to put up with the problems as they come. if its a good price and it fits your needs, go for it.

What problems. National didn't allow problems to be built in to their coaches.

If the converter was replaced, the batteries may not be fully charged. If you can, try some jumpers from another vehicle or put a good charger on it. Do the jacks work better with the generator or motor running? Does the new converter work? Lights should be good and bright on shore or generator and be charging at over 13 Volts.

Planocat · 05-22-2012, 07:47 AM

I would be encouraged by the owner's honesty in dealing with the problems. And the fact that it has a warranty is a big plus....... if it were me and the coach is what you want, buy it.

Dunner · 05-22-2012, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kliwks

When we were looking at the RV, the generator had been running a while but when he pressed the system check button on the control panel, it indicated LOW battery. He said that wasn't right, so he brought it in for service and he told me that they replaced the converter. But when I spoke with him today, he said that it still wasn't fixed and it was back in the shop for service. They told him that there was a short in the 12 volt system causing the breaker to trip on the converter. They couldn't find the short yesterday, but will be back at it on Monday. The owner said he has never had this problem. Obviously I'm concerned. I don't want an RV with electrical problems right out of the box. I thought a Carfax report might be prudent to see if there is any history of issues I should be aware of.

Was this problem ever fixed?

clyon51 · 05-22-2012, 08:20 AM

National + warranty + sellers actions = buy it.

njs42 · 05-22-2012, 09:16 AM

I have an 03 Dolphin LX and even though I have not have any major problems if one pops up it would be normal wear and tear not an indication of abuse. Actually the problems I had occured when it was brand new and were rectified and nothing major.

If the unit has set for a long time waiting to sell then things can come up. If it has been abused you would probably be able to tell by looking.

I am impressed that the buyer is correcting things and making them known to you. With the warranty you are buying a nine year old rig but with a hedge protecting you. Not too bad.

Ramblin · 05-22-2012, 09:22 AM

I may be a bit biased, but I really like National coaches. I concur with previous posters, assuming all your individual variables are aligned (floorplan, price, lifestyle, etc) it seems more like a "BUY" than a "PASS" to me.

Dunner · 05-22-2012, 10:57 AM

Don't mean to sound like a naysayer, but could this seller be desperate and will fix anything to get rid of it? Not that he is hiding something, just wants to get another coach or needs the money.

Benny367 · 05-22-2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planocat

I would be encouraged by the owner's honesty in dealing with the problems. And the fact that it has a warranty is a big plus....... if it were me and the coach is what you want, buy it.

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