Community Forums

michelb · 07-28-2008, 05:29 AM

Hi, we're buying an older motorhome (1998 Pace Arrow) in Arizona City, AZ and driving it back across the country so we'd like to have it checked out before we take our trip. Can anyone recommend any garages in that area (or possibly around Phoenix or Tucson) (particularly some where we can make an appointment on short notice ...). The price is cheap but I suspect it might need a bit of work (seller mentioned there might be a front end / alignment issues).

Let me know. Thanks,
Mike

p.s. mods, if this isn't the right place (or an appropriate discussion for the forum) please feel free to move and /or remove (I really wasn't sure where to put this message).

michelb · 07-28-2008, 05:29 AM

Hi, we're buying an older motorhome (1998 Pace Arrow) in Arizona City, AZ and driving it back across the country so we'd like to have it checked out before we take our trip. Can anyone recommend any garages in that area (or possibly around Phoenix or Tucson) (particularly some where we can make an appointment on short notice ...). The price is cheap but I suspect it might need a bit of work (seller mentioned there might be a front end / alignment issues).

Let me know. Thanks,
Mike

p.s. mods, if this isn't the right place (or an appropriate discussion for the forum) please feel free to move and /or remove (I really wasn't sure where to put this message).

quikduk · 07-28-2008, 06:33 AM

I do not know of any shops out there but...

Check this link out and see if there is something near you with a recent good report.

http://www.rvservicereviews.com/StateList.asp?state=AZ

If it isn't too late and you have not purchased it yet...

My FIL is selling his restored 1976 Vogue MH and it is physically and mechanically extremely clean and very reliable. If you are interested, PM me an email address and I'll get with you for further contact info.

Ken

michelb · 07-28-2008, 07:13 AM

Thanks for the link - that's perfect.

Thanks for the info on the Vogue but I think I might already be spending a few days living in the RV when I get back with it. No matter how good of condition the Vogue is in, I'm sure if I bought something that old, my wife would simply tell me not to bother driving it home !!!

quikduk · 07-28-2008, 07:33 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by michelb:
Thanks for the link - that's perfect. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Great! Hope it helps.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I'm sure if I bought something that old, my wife would simply tell me not to bother driving it home !!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That is funny.

We (my FIL and I) have always had used older 440 powered MH's. He is a big Mopar guy, esp. with the 440's and has over 40 years experience working, building and racing them in a variety of vehicles (NOT MH's though...). We have always made the coaches nicer than the day they left the factory (actually we always make them nicer for the next owners

). Despite it's vintage, this is an extremely clean, sound and reliable coach.

DOH!!!

I just realized you were purchasing a 1998 and NOT a 1988...so my posts are a bit irrelevant aren't they.

I am presently cleaning my keyboard from the coffee I just spit at it when I realized this faux pas.

I hope your new purchase goes well and that you get a nice coach. Our 1998 GD-DP is a fairly decent coach and I am presently tackling all of the upgrades, replacements etc. that goes along with a used coach.

With yours being a gasser, replace (or have done for you) all flexible fuel lines with fuel injection quality hoses and solid band clamps, replace the fuel filter(s), inspect the brake hoses, linings, pads (change if nec.), change the engine and generator oil, oil filters, air filters and spark plugs, change the engine coolant (the generator is probably air/oil cooled), change the engine serpentine and "V" belts, lube the u-joints and all chassis zerk fittings, check all chassis fasteners for proper torque/tightness, clean and inspect all appliances, check for propane leaks with soapy water etc. It might take a few days but once you have gone from the front to rear and top to bottom, you should be in pretty good shape. A lot of these can be handled visually while others you may want to wait till you get home. Oh yeah, check the condition and presure of your tires prior to your trip home.

Good luck and post often about your experiences etc.

Ken

michelb · 07-28-2008, 07:49 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by quikduk:
...

DOH!!!

I just realized you were purchasing a 1998 and NOT a 1988...so my posts are a bit irrelevant aren't they.

I am presently cleaning my keyboard from the coffee I just spit at it when I realized this faux pas.

I hope your new purchase goes well and that you get a nice coach. Our 1998 GD-DP is a fairly decent coach and I am presently tackling all of the upgrades, replacements etc. that goes along with a used coach.

With yours being a gasser, replace (or have done for you) all flexible fuel lines with fuel injection quality hoses and solid band clamps, replace the fuel filter(s), inspect the brake hoses, linings, pads (change if nec.), change the engine and generator oil, oil filters, air filters and spark plugs, change the engine coolant (the generator is probably air/oil cooled), change the engine serpentine and "V" belts, lube the u-joints and all chassis zerk fittings, check all chassis fasteners for proper torque/tightness, clean and inspect all appliances, check for propane leaks with soapy water etc. It might take a few days but once you have gone from the front to rear and top to bottom, you should be in pretty good shape. A lot of these can be handled visually while others you may want to wait till you get home. Oh yeah, check the condition and presure of your tires prior to your trip home.

Good luck and post often about your experiences etc.

Ken </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't worry about it at all and thanks again for all the suggestions. That's my biggest problem - I just have no clue; I would have gone there and just told them to do what they think it needs to get me home!!!

Max Hubrich · 07-28-2008, 11:23 AM

Hi Mike,

Two and half years ago I went through the same thing your doing.

I called Camping World in Mission Texas and asked if they had an independent RV repairman in their area and they did. I contacted him, sent him a check for $150. He did a through check, reported back to me with his concerns, suggestions and the owner and I reached an adjusted buying price.

It worked out well.

Good luck to you and your prospective purchase,