NEW OPPORTUNITY! Need Opinions QUICKLY!

[Lindan n Jim]

Some of you may remember our journey to date. To recap: We found and acquired a 1992 Fleetwood Pace Arrow in exceptionally good condition as our first motorhome. It had just under 100K miles, most appliances had been barely used, it was very well maintained and stored inside for the last 8 years. The latest owner had it for 5 years and used it maybe once or twice a year to drive out to a local park with the kids. Bought it at a good price and made a few necessary repairs to make every system work at its' best. New tires, repair the propane leak (!) and thoroughly went through everything. We have been going out on a few trial runs and have had absolutely NO problems to date.

DW found an unbelievable opportunity to upgrade while looking for something else on the local CL site. Here we have a 1999 (or 2000, the owner is confused by the VIN) Pace Arrow (he says 33V, but may be confused). It has ~30K miles and in the estate of his parents. They were the original and only owner. According to the current owner, everything works, it needs an awning replacement on one of the smaller windows, the front AC is a little weak, Some tires may need replacing, but he can think of nothing else it would need.

We can upgrade for a VERY reasonable cost. If I have been paying attention, we would get:

* Updated F53 chassis (Easy upgrade, here we come!)
* Triton V10 vs 460 V8
* I think the transmission is upgraded as well
* 8 years newer
* 2 Slides (of which I can go either way. DW says she likes the extra room)
* Senior owned one owner
* Car towing hitch
* 4 tires needing replacement possibly (date code 2007)

We would be giving up:
* Larger genny
* Brand new tires
* Very comfortable layout even if it's a little cramped
* I know EVERYTHING WORKS as it should

We can upgrade to this rig for about ~$9,000 out of pocket, if we can sell our current unit for what we bought it for (shouldn't be a problem).

Would you?

[opbart1]

When I went from no slides to 2 really loved the extra space, that and the lower mileage, and newer version drive train would sway me to do the upgrade.

[Sandy Swede]

Quote "Some tires may need replacing, but he can think of nothing else it would need."

He (being the owner's son) would probably have no idea whether or not it needs anything. You say he is confused about details. Not being deceptive necessarily, but he is not in a position to know much of anything. If you buy this without an independent inspection and fairly complete maintenance records, you are buying a pig in a poke. Upgrading by 7 or 8 years is certainly desirable, but spend the due diligence $.

What would you do with you present coach? Are you in a position to own two? Best of luck whatever you decide.

[Lindan n Jim]

You make an excellent point about an inspection. I'm fairly confident about the maintenance records. He is one of a close farming family and the folks kept the MH in his outbuilding for the last few years. He used it on occasion while his folks were still around.

I didn't want to give the impression that he didn't know certain things. The confusion arises from the fact the VIN calls it a 1999, but the sales documents call it a 2000. He advertised it as a 1999. I could find nothing online for a 1999 33V, and finally found it as a 2000 33V.

We would be able to keep them both for a short period of time, at least until we can sell the first one. Want to make an offer? LOL.

[Mr_D]

MH is a 2000 if thats what the manufacturer says it is. It's called a "split model year". By Federal law it must be registered according to what the manufacturers paperwork says it is.

[Crasher]

If you are in a position to own both units for six months, and after seeing and driving the 2000, it feels right, go with your gut feeling. Add the cost of six new tires along with a complete service of changing all fluids. Then add 10-15% more to your total for possible unseen problems. If you are ok with that total dollar amount to upgrade, and your gut says do it, then write the check and take it home.

[opbart1]

Regarding the year, the chassis per the VIN is a 1999, the manufacturer then built a 2000 model motorhome on it. My current unit is a 2015 per Winnebago but the chassis is a 2014. My title says 2014 as goes by VIN at least in my state!

[pasdad1]

You say you would be giving up a very comfortable layout.... if the floor plan of the newer coach is awkward or uncomfortable from what you like......then it wouldn't seem like an upgrade .....something to think about....

[4x4van]

Originally Posted by opbart1

Regarding the year, the chassis per the VIN is a 1999, the manufacturer then built a 2000 model motorhome on it. My current unit is a 2015 per Winnebago but the chassis is a 2014. My title says 2014 as goes by VIN at least in my state!

Legally, all 50 states are supposed to use the RV manufacturer's model year for registration, not the chassis yr.

See here: http://www.rvia.org/?ESID=preleases&PRID=1690&SR=31

My last RV was a 1988 model, built on a 1987 Ford chassis, that was actually built (the chassis) in late 1986. Registration reflected a 1988, which is exactly how it's supposed to be done.

[TonyDi]

You mentioned that he had maintenance records, and that's good. However records may not show you things that might not be in good condition. As mentioned above, make to sure to have a certified RV tech go over the entire coach. Better to find the problems before you buy it then after.

Good luck!

[Lindan n Jim]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

You say you would be giving up a very comfortable layout.... if the floor plan of the newer coach is awkward or uncomfortable from what you like......then it wouldn't seem like an upgrade .....something to think about....

The layout is virtually identical to what we have, with a couple of exceptions. The toilet room is opposite of the shower/vanity area, instead of all in one room. The major difference is the slides. I ain't got none now, and therefore don't have any problems associated with them. I know DW would enjoy the extra room, however.

[airshot]

This is coming from a new comer to MH's so take it for what it is worth. We recently purchased a used MH and decided not to go for slide outs based on information from other MH owners and the problems they have had with them. If your going fulltime RVing then the extra space may be a must but for occasional travel like we are planning the slide outs seem to be extra expense and extra maintenance. I look for easy and simple and minimal expense but everyone does not look at things like I do.

[davebw31]

There is a big difference between the 460/tans and the newer ford chassis with the lock-up converter and higher overdrive gear ratio. Look to get way better fuel mileage. Also check the trans fluid for color (should be bright red) and smell it ( it should not have a burnt smell). Good idea to check the maintenance records to see if the trans fluid/filter have been serviced per the manufacturers recommendation. Even though it only has 30,000 miles I would change the trans fluid/filter plus engine oil/filter, fuel filter(s) and any other filter. That trans is expensive to repair!

[vsheetz]

If in good condition, and at the money stated, the upgrade would a good one. IMHO.