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Old 03-10-2017, 02:48 PM   #1
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1st time buyer

I've never bought an RV before, so I don't even really know what to ask, what to look for etc.!

The RV I'm looking at is a 1987 Itasca Sunflyer 31RT. In the pics it looks clean and in good condition. I have been told that delamination may not be visible in a pic.

The dealer says that they don't do an in-depth inspection for RV's over 10 years old--is that normal?

They have taken "it out on test drives and it does seem to run just fine though, no puddles under it for signs of leaking oil etc.." To me, that seems to answer any questions about the engine, radiator, tranny and possibly the brakes.

How difficult would it be to retrofit it so that we could use the grey water tank to flush the toilet?

I can tell I haven't driven in awhile; a friend asked me about RV insurance--its real easy to play dumb when you don't know anything! Any recommendations? How much will that cost?

Anything I should be asking the dealer?
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Old 03-10-2017, 03:13 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by djconklin58 View Post
I've never bought an RV before, so I don't even really know what to ask, what to look for etc.!

The RV I'm looking at is a 1987 Itasca Sunflyer 31RT. In the pics it looks clean and in good condition. I have been told that delamination may not be visible in a pic.

The dealer says that they don't do an in-depth inspection for RV's over 10 years old--is that normal?

They have taken "it out on test drives and it does seem to run just fine though, no puddles under it for signs of leaking oil etc.." To me, that seems to answer any questions about the engine, radiator, tranny and possibly the brakes.

How difficult would it be to retrofit it so that we could use the grey water tank to flush the toilet?

I can tell I haven't driven in awhile; a friend asked me about RV insurance--its real easy to play dumb when you don't know anything! Any recommendations? How much will that cost?

Anything I should be asking the dealer?
You are looking at a motorhome that is 30 years old. With no experience you could just be asking for nothing but problems. Just because there are no puddles under it does not mean there are no serious issues and you could be looking at thousands of $$ to replace tires, fluids, belts, brake lines and many other things. Insurance for this old thing is the least of your concerns.
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Old 03-10-2017, 03:18 PM   #3
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I've got a new to me 1996 Itasca Suncruiser and keep dropping a thousand every six months for little mechanical issues so be prepared. Biggest issue is finding a good rv shop. If you don't have one close I would recommend a truck and trailer.
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Old 03-10-2017, 03:40 PM   #4
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I sold my old worn out 1985 Itasca Sunflyer back in 2008. Everything that hadn't already been replaced; needed to be replaced. The mechanicals are frail, non-roller motor, etc. Yet, we loved that beast.

Using the gray water for flushing the toilet is not an option because the gray water contains solids, turns septic and would cause odors.

You might find a diamond in the rough or you could get a money pit.

Let us know what you find out.
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Old 03-10-2017, 04:00 PM   #5
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Unless you just love repairing almost everything, my best advice is "run Forrest, RUN"
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Old 03-10-2017, 11:41 PM   #6
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They probably don't do in depth inspections because they are afraid the list of things that need to be fixed will cost more than the asking price of the motorhome. The simple truth is there are thousands of dollars worth of mostly rubber parts that are prone to failure after 10-15 years, after 30 years these parts are either completely shot or in need of replacement for the second or third time. These include things like, radiator hoses, belts, suspension bushings, shock absorbers, ball joints, propane hoses, brake hoses,... Then of course there is the issue of parts availability... In addition to rubber parts electrical wiring starts getting brittle with age which brings on its whole big set of issues.

Sure you may find a gem that someone did all the maintenance on over the years, but the older the motorhome the less likely that will be. So that leaves people with 25-30 year old motorhomes that are good as hunters specials, ones that will be driven 20-30 miles a few times per year, maybe up to the lake at the beginning and end of the season, if the roof does not leak and some basic maintenance is done they may serve several more years in such service, as this is a lot less demanding than taking off on a transcontinental adventure.
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Old 03-11-2017, 12:31 AM   #7
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Unless you just love repairing almost everything, my best advice is "run Forrest, RUN"
^^x2 !!!!^^
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Old 03-11-2017, 12:44 AM   #8
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Unless you just love repairing almost everything, my best advice is "run Forrest, RUN"
LOL!
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Old 03-11-2017, 07:55 PM   #9
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Unless you can get a complete set of maintenance records and talk to the prior owners to find out about them and how they used it and how well they cared for it, I would run away from it as fast as you can.
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Old 03-11-2017, 08:57 PM   #10
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While you may have found a reasonably nice MH, unless it has been overhauled you can be looking at quite a bit of unplanned maintenance and repairs.

If the dealer won't do the inspection hire and independent RV tech and have them go over it. It will be worth the couple hundred dollars to do so.
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Old 03-11-2017, 10:58 PM   #11
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I would recommend a truck and trailer.
Wouldn't I have the same problem with a trailer?
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Old 03-12-2017, 09:58 AM   #12
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Looking on RVT.com, it appears that you would be spending $7k - $10k for the MH. I predict that there is an 80 - 90% probability that you will spend at least that much for repairs/replacements and quite likely, much more. And that doesn't include insurance, taxes, & registration, or the necessary accessories. Are you going to tow a toad?

I think you would have just as much fun taking your $10k - $20k down to the local casino. One thing for sure, you buy a $10k MH and you will be the last owner. I know that I sound negative, but you appear to be someone who could benefit from a view of the reality into which you are about to step.

As an alternative, you could buy a very nice used TT for approx $15k.
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Old 03-13-2017, 12:16 AM   #13
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Based on the responses I have so far, I told my sister that I had "taken the cure"!

(No toad.)
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Old 03-13-2017, 12:27 AM   #14
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What ab't RV insurance for a travel trailer? Are there companies to avoid?
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