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Old 01-20-2025, 07:06 PM   #1
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2003 American Eagle 40W inspection points

I'll be looking at a 2003 American Eagle 40W soon. Has 2 couches, one is a sofa/love seat thing and the other should be a convertible couch. It's a 3 cushion couch but I can't tell if it's a jackknife or pullout couch. Are there any easy ways to tell? Obviously I'll figure it out when I'm physically there but thought I'd ask.


Bigger picture, are there any areas or systems that are unique to this coach that I should spend extra time inspecting?


Is there a sub-forum for these coaches specifically that I don't see? Sorry if I have this posted in the wrong place.
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Old 01-20-2025, 09:07 PM   #2
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A jacknife will slide out about 20 inches and have no mattress. A pullout will have one. I have a 2002 Monaco Windsor that has both as well. I like the American Eagle, almost bought one for my first rv but didn't feel comfortable with the salesman. Can't beat the side radiator. Good luck
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Old 01-20-2025, 10:10 PM   #3
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This is now a 23- or 24-year-old Fleetwood Product.
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Old 01-21-2025, 07:41 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by d23haynes57 View Post
This is now a 23- or 24-year-old Fleetwood Product.

True statement, but how is it helpful?


I'm not new to motorhomes, I'm new to the American Eagle. The point of the post was to inquire about AE specific systems or structural areas that require specific inspection beyond the normal things found on a motorhome.
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Old 01-21-2025, 09:03 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by csracing View Post
True statement, but how is it helpful?


I'm not new to motorhomes, I'm new to the American Eagle. The point of the post was to inquire about AE specific systems or structural areas that require specific inspection beyond the normal things found on a motorhome.
Being very familiar with National RV products, I have to ask why would get rid of the 1998 Tradewinds to only go say 5 years newer for an American Eagle. What do you plan to gain?
My comment was based that many people do not know the Fleetwood product line included the American Brand.
So all things that apply include roof leaks, water damage inside including the slide out boxes and any signs of structural fatigue.
For a coach this age regardless of visible care and maintenance you are taking on risks. Purchase price may just be the down payment. Will you be able to fund an engine or transmission replacement?
Having just been through this exercise replacing my 04 Tropi-Cal I found that most of the early coaches were dated both for interiors and equipment, drivers' aids. Some engines took a step up beginning in 2004. My Tropi had the CAT C7 @350HP. Was built to order. At just about 100,000 miles the combination of Northeast Roads and winter use did it in. Fatigue was evident and I ended up basically junking it. For me 2006 to 2008 is sort of a sweet spot. I ended up getting a 2008 Foretravel. The build of the Foretravel is such that I now understand why folks pay more for them.

As you are interested in slightly upscale stuff also take a look at Foretravel and Country Coach.

Hopefully this is of some help.

Dennis
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Old 01-21-2025, 11:45 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by d23haynes57 View Post
This is now a 23- or 24-year-old Fleetwood Product.



While it is true that American Coach was owned by/part of Fleetwood, American had separate manufacturing and engineering during the time period that you are considering (2003).


As an owner/operator of 16 years for a soon to be 27 year old American Eagle which is my first and last RV I can offer the following:


-Spartan chassis, Cummins ISC+Allison 3000 series transmission is a "hard to beat " combination.


-Independent Front Suspension and a generally overbuilt coach yields a coach that is a pleasure to drive and virtually immune to cross wind conditions and the "bow wave" of passing semi's.


-One weak point in the IFS is the "lubed for life" ball joints that are OEM. Typically the rubber boots rot away and if the owner does not lubricate the ball joints they tend to fail. HAVE THE BALL JOINTS CHECKED...UNEVEN TIRE WEAR WILL BE PRESENT IF THEY ARE NOT IN SPEC.


-The other item to be examined closely is the cargo bay frames on the coach. Check for rust and any corrosion. If they are rust free you are good to go.


-Other than that check what you would in any Class A that you were considering buying.


Good luck!!!
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Old 01-21-2025, 01:13 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by FormerBoater View Post
While it is true that American Coach was owned by/part of Fleetwood, American had separate manufacturing and engineering during the time period that you are considering (2003).


As an owner/operator of 16 years for a soon to be 27 year old American Eagle which is my first and last RV I can offer the following:


-Spartan chassis, Cummins ISC+Allison 3000 series transmission is a "hard to beat " combination.


-Independent Front Suspension and a generally overbuilt coach yields a coach that is a pleasure to drive and virtually immune to cross wind conditions and the "bow wave" of passing semi's.


-One weak point in the IFS is the "lubed for life" ball joints that are OEM. Typically the rubber boots rot away and if the owner does not lubricate the ball joints they tend to fail. HAVE THE BALL JOINTS CHECKED...UNEVEN TIRE WEAR WILL BE PRESENT IF THEY ARE NOT IN SPEC.


-The other item to be examined closely is the cargo bay frames on the coach. Check for rust and any corrosion. If they are rust free you are good to go.


-Other than that check what you would in any Class A that you were considering buying.


Good luck!!!


Thank you for the specific and pertinent response. Much appreciated.
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Old 01-21-2025, 01:40 PM   #8
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I can't speak to the 2003 model. I have owned my 2000 Eagle since new. Well built x2 on the front end bearings.

Specific to the 2000 they had a tendency to rust along the basement door frame underneath the coach. I'd recommend a good inspection in that area.

American Coach made some great motorhomes, enjoyed mine for 25 years and counting.
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Old 01-21-2025, 01:46 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by csracing View Post
I'll be looking at a 2003 American Eagle 40W soon. Has 2 couches, one is a sofa/love seat thing and the other should be a convertible couch. It's a 3 cushion couch but I can't tell if it's a jackknife or pullout couch. Are there any easy ways to tell? Obviously I'll figure it out when I'm physically there but thought I'd ask.


Bigger picture, are there any areas or systems that are unique to this coach that I should spend extra time inspecting?


Is there a sub-forum for these coaches specifically that I don't see? Sorry if I have this posted in the wrong place.
I own a 2004 American Eagle "J"/400 ISL/Allision 3000MH for the last 14 years that has 73K on the clock & this coach has been just a delight to own & maintain. I'm the 2nd owner. The only thing I've needed to do was put a new Transfer pump on it & that's it! I do my own PM on the coach. The 2004's were the NEW body style & other changes & are Rock Solid coaches as is that 2003. They just don't make them like these anymore. My coach's MSRP was just under 400K before options new. The previous owner did upgrade to a RoadMaster rear antisway bar...swapped out to Dura Bright Alcoa Rims...Acrylic front guard...Engle MT-80 Fridge/Freezer...Hydro Hot System.
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