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Nemisus · 10-19-2022, 01:49 PM

Greetings iRV2,

My wife and I are currently pondering the idea of acquiring a 2007/2008 Fleetwood Excursion 40X. We located it online and its roughly 3k miles away from us. That said its an interesting listing as it was bank repo'd and then sold to a dealer that had intent on restoring it. The previous owner attempted some upgrades and ended up causing more harm then good. Mostly "house" issues. Then it was repo'd or surrendered for various reasons.

Anyhow, the specs on it are interesting because for it's age it only has 6500 miles on it.

It sits on a 2007 Freightliner Custom Chassis. When I run the VIN it comes back M-line and X-line. Which is it? I paid for a Car Fax and it sates M-line. The other I didn't not pay for.

House is a 2008 model Excursion 40X.

Has the 8.3 Cummins with 360 HP and 1050 Torque with Allison 3000.

My reservation with this Coach is that it has sit for nearly 4 years on the lot that had intent to restore.

We feel confident that the important items are sound but I know nothing of Fleetwood and wonder if this would be a good investment.

We are nearing the fun project of our 99 Rexhall Anthem and are looking for something bigger and this just might be the ticket. We like projects and enjoy working them together.

I know, a MH is not an ideal or cheap project by any stretch. I 100% know this will be a money pit. But it could be something that we fix ourselves and keep for the rest of lives without having to put down a small mortgage to get it.

Any thoughts and or opinions on the Fleetwood Excursion would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

RichKimball · 10-20-2022, 09:24 AM

I looked at it via the pics on the internet. I like the floorplan. It's rough for sure. Not sure I would offer the price asked...and would want engine fluid analysis done. Tires are original so those have to be replaced before travel.

Personally I like the older Fleetwood units as I feel there is good workmanship there. I don't know anything about the Cummins 8.3. I think there can be issues but again I don't know.

The inside issues can be taken care of easily enough. The outside has many blemishes and some can be made to look better. Awning is gone.

It's a long way for you to travel for this fixer upper. At the right price knowing the work and materials needed I might go for it.

Best wishes

Nemisus · 10-20-2022, 09:56 AM

Hey Rich,

Thanks for the feedback.

No way would I be offering the asking price. We do have a offer in mind but it will have to include 6 new tires and a full service on drivetrain. At the very least some fluid changes.

Based on what I see... the Awning, repainting the front nose (completely sanded clean as the Diamond Shield failed), and the body work will be the high dollar repairs but neither would keep us from using it.

Our current 99 is hard to look at some times but the inside is immaculate since our refresh. We start inside and work our way outside as long as the everything works.

The HOME itself is what I like to call a blank canvas. Yeah some of the damage makes me scratch my head on what the owner was thinking but between my wife and we're skilled enough to repair and or replace or design our own.

I also noticed that this model had the outdoor kitchen on the passenger side. Removed from what I can see on the images. Not sure how much that would cost to replace or if it were even something I'd care to have.

I do believe there is a lot of potential with this coach for someone who has the skills, time and patience to do so.

The biggest hurdle for us is the time and money spent just to see it in person and then the drive home should it work out.

Even at the best possible offer were looking at some over head that could be considered on a closer coach that doesn't need teh work.

Its fun to look at any rate.

Thanks again

Nemisus · 01-19-2023, 06:53 AM

Good morning iRV2,

Wish me luck as we are set to fly over and see the Excursion in a few weeks. Made an offer we thought was fair and it was accepted. If it works out we'll be set for the long 44 hour drive home.

Crossing fingers this works.

I'll update more as things progress.

Cheers

JB

OkieSVT · 01-19-2023, 07:13 AM

I was just reading your post from last year and was curious if you bought the RV. Sounds like a fun trip if you buy it. I like doing that. If you buy it, the trip home, of course, is a great time to get to know the rig. Good luck and please post and keep us up to date.

Nemisus · 01-19-2023, 07:16 AM

Hey Okie,

Yeah its been a long journey getting to this point and I feel lucky its worked out so far. Interesting scenario to say the least but we stand a good chance at getting a Rig for a killer deal that is a perfect canvas for what we want.

Our Rexhall Anthem is nearly complete and its been an amazing experience.

Definitely stay tuned for updates and hopefully a ton of photo's.

Cheers

rkdillinger · 01-23-2023, 04:05 PM

Any updates???

Nemisus · 01-23-2023, 04:08 PM

Hey Dillinger,

we aren't set to fly over to VA until Feb 3rd. All the necessary fun buying stuff is done though. Just have to see it, like it, and finish the sale. Then the journey begins.

Based on the time and efforts put in by myself as well as the sales guy helping me it'll be really surprising if I don't buy it.

The fact that I've already ordered some (inexpensive) parts for it pretty much says it.

Gonna be a long two weeks.

Navy Dad · 01-30-2023, 03:41 AM

We were once where you are. We bought a 2005 Fleetwood Excursion 39C with only 16000 miles. The floorplan and wood craftsmanship aren't offered in later models. Added luxury vinyl plank floor, engine fluids, filters, inverter, house batteries, step motor. Prior owner added new tires, rebuilt AC's, resealed roof.
With a lot of tools, YouTube, and a reserve bank account, we became full timers of a coach that in today's dollars would have been $400 to $500 large. We have about $73k into it so consider ourselves way ahead. They don't make them like this anymore. Good luck, don't look back, and hire only when you can't fix it or would cause more damage.

Nemisus · 01-30-2023, 04:49 AM

Hey there NavyDad,

Thanks for sharing your experience. We are getting more and more excited.

Looking forward to providing photo's and details of our experience.

Cheers

JB

Nemisus · 02-03-2023, 07:18 AM

Tomorrow is the big day. Can't really say how excited we are. Wish us luck and we'll be sure to update as the things progress.

We don't take off from CA till 10:30 but should be in VA by 10:30 am Saturday.

cheers,

Tha_Rooster · 02-03-2023, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemisus

Tomorrow is the big day. Can't really say how excited we are. Wish us luck and we'll be sure to update as the things progress.

We don't take off from CA till 10:30 but should be in VA by 10:30 am Saturday.

cheers,

You live in CA and buying a DP?

Nemisus · 02-03-2023, 02:16 PM

Hey Tha,

Is that bad? Not all parts of CA are smog zones. I also already own a 34 foot Rexhall with Diesel and its never been an issue.

Now if you're just referring to the cost of fuel, well yeah that sucks but its life and I wont let it stop me from enjoying it.

hilgert · 02-03-2023, 02:54 PM

Nemisus, check your messages...I sent you a PM with some additional information that may be useful if/when you actually purchase the coach.

Safe travels, and good luck!!!