Considering '98 Flair 25Y: Your Advice?

[hisport]

Hi

New here. And, new to RV'ing (other than VW Westfalia.

My wife and I just retired. Toying with the idea of trying a motor home. Renting seems pretty restrictive (mile/day wise) and $$$.

So, while looking at several older "starter" candidates (mostly class c), came across a pretty clean Flair 25Y; 1998, Chevy chassis. It has pulled a light car (2400#) most of its ~50K miles. $10K asking; needs newer rear tires, coach batteries, isolator(?) battery panel, awning fabric, but overall pretty nice and basic. I figure $2 -4K to make ready for travel (couple shake down trips, then Canadian Maritimes, from NC)

Is this an OK model to give things a try with? I'm pretty handy, but don't need a full time job. It seems basic and sound enough to suffice, but I have no practical experience. Would like it to be comfortable for two for up to a month, moving weekly, towing a dinghy. If we like the life, can make a bigger $$ commitment later.

Current owner says he did roof, front airbags/shocks. It has not been covered, but looks pretty good (and I'm fussy). 4K gen set sounds fine. I have not driven it yet. Not sure the Flair weak spots to look for

A contender? Your advice? thanks!

[TonyDi]

Glad to have you here with us.

It sounds like you are pretty handy and should be able to handle a lot of your repairs. I would have a professional inspection done on it. It is well worth the money and you will know for sure what you are getting into. If the rear tires need to be replaced, and they are the same age, the fronts will need to be replaced too.

Good luck with it and Happy Trails!!!!

[IdahoSRT10]

If all the mechanicals check out ok $8K would be a deal, deduct from that for repairs or needed tires.

[DieselTech39]

Glad you're aboard. I agree with Tony on the inspection, that way no hidden "gotchas". Best of luck on your decision. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

[mojoracing]

Its had a roof put on so I would look for water damage. It may have just been preventative but most times folks noticed something in order to put a roof on. The good news is that it has a new roof so any problem that may have existed is most likely cured. Just look for any signs of bubbling in the wall boards or soft spots, stains, ect. that could indicate damage from water. Fire up all the appliances and make sure they work. For 10k that would cover it for me as long as it ran good and went down the road well. Pretty basic rigs. I wouldn't worry too much. Enjoy!!

[hisport]

Rear tires on this '98 flair 25y are old (per current owner)

Believe 19.5 on 6" rims, using obsolete tire size. Believe this is a P32 chevy chassis

Can new 225 70 x 19.5 be used without modification of rear wheel spacing, etc? Any clearance issues?

Am I right in assuming 4 rear tires will be ~$1200 - $1800?

Safe life 8 years ?

Any good reason to use $$$$ michelin RV tires? Whats a safe alternative?

[AZGypsie]

We are the proud owners of a new to us 99 Flair that we bought for a song as well. I love it!! Its comfortable, it was clean, low mileage, came loaded with lots of extras (dishes and stuff). We have yanked the carpet out, put wood flooring in, got rid of the booth in favor of a table and 4 chairs, in other words, made it ours. It has run like a champion and I couldn't be happier with it.

[ouRVee]

Originally Posted by hisport

Rear tires on this '98 flair 25y are old (per current owner)

Believe 19.5 on 6" rims, using obsolete tire size. Believe this is a P32 chevy chassis

Can new 225 70 x 19.5 be used without modification of rear wheel spacing, etc? Any clearance issues?

Am I right in assuming 4 rear tires will be ~$1200 - $1800?

Safe life 8 years ?

Any good reason to use $$$$ michelin RV tires? Whats a safe alternative?

Hi Hisport,
When we bought our 95 Flair we had to buy three tires (spare was good) and got them at Sam's. They are 19.5 Michelin and as I remember the Sam's price was the cheapest around our area. I also agree about having a PPI done before buying.
Good luck