Community Forums

Rowan · 01-08-2011, 03:56 PM

We're planning to purchase a 2007 Holiday Rambler Neptune XL (36pdq), and would really value any input from experienced owners. Is there anything in particular, especially of a mechanical nature, that we should be aware of before we sign the final agreement? Any tips on what we can expect down the road? The coach currently has about 16,000 miles on it.

Thanks!

rex · 01-08-2011, 04:30 PM

A good place to start reading is here:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f24/trail...ter-54838.html

Rowan · 01-08-2011, 04:57 PM

Thanks, Rex, this is very helpful and something we'll definitely look at and ask about.

rex · 01-08-2011, 05:47 PM

Also ask if the first and second Norcold recalls have been done if the fridge is a Norcold.

If you make the purchase, be SURE and put the FRONT jack down FIRST before raising the rear. Helps prevent windshield cracking.

Steve Ownby · 01-08-2011, 06:05 PM

Be aware that the Trailing Arm issue that Rex mentioned is a very serious one. The coach you are looking at was not a part of the original recall but general informed opinion is that yours should be replaced. There are 2 kits available to address the problem. The new Monaco RV developed one and Source Manufacturing has one . The Source kit appears to be more robust and they have a ride enhancement kit also.

The trailing arm kit is in the $3-5,000 dollar range and the ride enhancement kit is a little more. I would build at least the former into the purchase and the latter if the seller is motivated.

Safe travels,

Nonno · 01-08-2011, 06:58 PM

Rowan,

Welcome to iRV2 and this forum.

As you can see from my signature, I have what you're looking at. IMO, it's a very good choice. Rex has pointed out 2 very important safety items to address. However, keep in mind these are not unique to this specific model.

If the coach still has the original trailing arms deal with this as part of your purchase negotiation. This is an approx $2500 issue.

The Norcold refrig in this unit is part of the recall. Have it done as part of the purchase. If you don't, according to the recall instructions, you will not be able to use the refrig until it is done.

Like any coach, new or old, there are items that may need attention, Some are big some are just a PIA.

Here are a few items we've had problems with.
(1) Fuel guage - Doesn't work properly. There is an adjustment, sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. May need to be replaced.
(2) Remote thermostat sensors for AC / Heat - Get false readings due method of installation, but can usually be corrected easily.
(3) Shower door - Will most likely fall off track while driving. Some have had the glass shatter, we haven't. It can be adjusted however we still remove it when we travel.
(4) Electrical gremlins - Occassionally my dash gauges have stopped working. Haven't found out why, but can get them working again if I do a reset by hoiiting the battery disconnect for a few minutes.

My intent is not to discourage you from buying it. As I said, these problems could happen on any coach.

Rowan · 01-09-2011, 06:10 AM

Thank you all so much for sharing this wealth of information. We're buying from Lazydays outside of Tampa, so we'll contact them about the recalls before we go back down there and check the other concerns when we do the inspection. It's tremendously helpful to know what to look for and ask about!

Rowan · 01-09-2011, 07:35 AM

Regarding the trailing arm issue, does the problem typically occur after the coach has a certain number of miles on it, or is it more random than that? The one we're looking at has about 16,000 miles, so we're wondering if this would have been an issue the previous owner is likely to have dealt with.

Nonno · 01-09-2011, 07:51 AM

Rowan,

I looked at the pictures on the Lazydays site of the coach you're looking at. It appears you have a different shower than I do. Mine has a rounded door that slides on rollers. This appears to have a door that opens. If that is correct, disregard my comment about the shower door falling off.

Hope all goes well with your negotiation. If you do buy it, this group will be a great source of info.

Nonno · 01-09-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rowan

Regarding the trailing arm issue, does the problem typically occur after the coach has a certain number of miles on it, or is it more random than that? The one we're looking at has about 16,000 miles, so we're wondering if this would have been an issue the previous owner is likely to have dealt with.

Mine had approx 11k.

Previous owner may have "dealt" with it by trading rather than waiting for an inevitable failure and paying to have them replaced at his expense.

Rowan · 01-10-2011, 05:56 PM

We had some great news on this today. Lazy Days had already checked on the trailing arms issue, and the previous owner upgraded to the sturdier replacement and did the ride upgrade, as well. He also handled both of the refrigerator recalls, and they're checking on two other recalls I learned about, one with the back-up camera and another with the electrical system. All of your advice was invaluable in terms of helping us know the right questions to ask. Even though Lazy Days seems to be on top of things, our confidence in this purchase was really boosted by your willingness to share your insights and experience. Thank you!

womps · 01-10-2011, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rowan

We had some great news on this today. Lazy Days had already checked on the trailing arms issue, and the previous owner upgraded to the sturdier replacement and did the ride upgrade, as well. He also handled both of the refrigerator recalls, and they're checking on two other recalls I learned about, one with the back-up camera and another with the electrical system. All of your advice was invaluable in terms of helping us know the right questions to ask. Even though Lazy Days seems to be on top of things, our confidence in this purchase was really boosted by your willingness to share your insights and experience. Thank you!

That is good news. I am surprised Lazy Days didn't advertise the coach with both upgrades because that is huge!!