Community Forums

longhaul767 · 09-10-2017, 05:11 PM

Hi Challenger Drivers!

New to board and RV'ing. Looking to buy a used 2008 Damon Challenger 376 Bunk House. Looking for feedback on that type/model and year groups surrounding that 2008 model.

1. How do you like your rig?
2. What major issues are you running into with a 10-year-old rig?
3. What kind of gas milage are you getting on your rig? (I realize that there are many variables, just an average).
4. Any buyer remorse/would you buy a used Damon again?
5. Any other brands/products I should consider that are comparable?
6. How have you solved the fake leather cracking issues experienced with this model? What kind of cost?
7. Any gotcha's I should look for when combing over this model?

Thank you in advance! I hope to join the Damon ranks very soon!

Lissaje · 09-11-2017, 05:57 PM

we have a 2008 challenger model # 355. We purchased ours 4 years ago and yes we would buy it again.
Major issues, we did have to replace one of the air conditions just this year, Carrier, the brand in our MH is no longer made or no replacement parts available. Other than that just minor issues so far, broken sewer valve, that is all I remember.
3. gas mileage haha, don't ask, 8-10 my husband says
4. no buyers remorse
6. The fake leather, a mess for sure, we put seat covers on the front chairs, same color, looks fine, couch we had reupholstered while in AZ and the chair we replaced with another chair from camping world. (same type of chair, different brand, sturder fake leather (haha) around 90.00) couch recover $400.00 not the best job done but satisfactory.
My husbands only real complain is the drive train, it downshifts a lot, he bought a computerized program to reprogram the thing, havent done it though.
other than that it's just about how the interior is set up, our has 2 slides in the living area and it really opens it up, we love that, Also love that there is a toilet room in the bathroom/shower, they can be used independently of each other. I personally would of configured out bedroom a bit differently to gain more storage.
Speaking of bed, we upgraded out mattress cause it sank in the middle, didn't fix the problem. Since the bed lifts up for storage then the mattress is on a too thin piece of plywood so it sags, (we are not big people), we really haven't come up with a solution for then because we don't want to give up the storage area under the bed.
That is all I can think of, honestly, the bed could be one of the "gotcha"

longhaul767 · 09-12-2017, 01:23 AM

I appreciate your insight! Thank you! My biggest issue is to sell my wife on the fact that it won't be a money pit. Many of the points you have brought up I have heard from others in the field. Those A/C units are no longer made, so that is 1200.00 a pop when they go! I want to put in wood floors, a better fridge, new furniture, etc. Plus, it needs tires, batteries, brakes, a sealing job and new hot water heater day one. This is getting expensive for a "fun, family activity"!

Charlie 5320 · 09-18-2017, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lissaje

we have a 2008 challenger model # 355. We purchased ours 4 years ago and yes we would buy it again.
Major issues, we did have to replace one of the air conditions just this year, Carrier, the brand in our MH is no longer made or no replacement parts available. Other than that just minor issues so far, broken sewer valve, that is all I remember.
3. gas mileage haha, don't ask, 8-10 my husband says
4. no buyers remorse
6. The fake leather, a mess for sure, we put seat covers on the front chairs, same color, looks fine, couch we had reupholstered while in AZ and the chair we replaced with another chair from camping world. (same type of chair, different brand, sturder fake leather (haha) around 90.00) couch recover $400.00 not the best job done but satisfactory.
My husbands only real complain is the drive train, it downshifts a lot, he bought a computerized program to reprogram the thing, havent done it though.
other than that it's just about how the interior is set up, our has 2 slides in the living area and it really opens it up, we love that, Also love that there is a toilet room in the bathroom/shower, they can be used independently of each other. I personally would of configured out bedroom a bit differently to gain more storage.
Speaking of bed, we upgraded out mattress cause it sank in the middle, didn't fix the problem. Since the bed lifts up for storage then the mattress is on a too thin piece of plywood so it sags, (we are not big people), we really haven't come up with a solution for then because we don't want to give up the storage area under the bed.
That is all I can think of, honestly, the bed could be one of the "gotcha"

Use a piece of 3/4 plywood, you should still have the storage under.

ElCajonee · 09-22-2017, 05:24 PM

I bought it from a dealer in 2010 (I think is was a repo)' It's given us many good years. Dealer replaced the covers on the couch and chairs at no cost to me. I've had to replace the windshield twice. Body flex. The automatic transfer switch blew out causing damage to the microwave oven and TV selector switch. Gen fuel pump was changed all covered under our extended warranty. I highly recommend buying a extended warranty for piece of mind.
Things to watch for would be age and condition or tires, and siding separation. I had front and rear sway bars added as well as a steer straight and Kona Shocks. Helped a lot.
Good luck