17 year old coach with 11,000 miles.

[GEMCART]

Should I be leery about buying a 17 year old coach with 11,000 miles. on it. It was kept indoors. His original tires. What should I look for during the inspection? TIA

[Duster73]

First thing, expect to replace all the tires. Even if they look fine. They are time bombs at this point.

Does it have a generator? If so I'd look at the hour meter on it to determine the usage. But it sounds very minimal.

I bought a 22 year old MH with around 25k. But it's all in the condition and how they took care of it. Mine was well worn with low miles lol

[grldst]

Make and model please…..makes a difference if it’s a Yugo or a Cadillac.

[jacwjames]

What year/make/model is it?

[Flyer15015]

So, tell us what you are looking at.
Mine is old enough to vote, and she runs like a dream.
Took a bit of work to bring her back, but she checked all the boxes for us.

Mike in Colorado

[glwinger]

Expect to replace all the batteries along with tires. Make sure things like the refrigerator, furnace, AC etc all work. If it has been sitting for a while, the fuel will be questionable and will probably need all fluids replaced.

The BIG thing is how long it has been sitting.
Tires can be negotiated in the price.

[Arch Hoagland]

Due to me having a heart attack four years ago my coach has been sitting for four years with the same gas.

I just had my California smog inspection and it passed with flying colors on four year old gas. Surprised me but I'm a happy camper.

[followingsea]

Originally Posted by GEMCART

....What should I look for during the inspection? TIA

The biggest surprise was leaking seals on the brakes.

What is the price? Our first MH was $9k for a 95 Holiday Rambler with 40k mi. The idea was to travel while we were looking for a retirement home. We liked the lifestyle and became full time.

Things like RVs, boats, and old cars I buy with cash that I can afford to lose. Also have money set aside for a repair cost.

Another factor is do you like doing your own work.

There are insurance and storage costs too.

Of course 17 years is not really old. Please provide contact info for the seller.

[deckape]

Gas or diesel ? Might have to clean fuel . Expect to replace tires , belts , hoses , batteries and fuel filters . Ask for service records and find a motor guy that might work with you . Depending on what model , parts for coach itself my not be avaliable . Are you handy and have the time and money to invest in it ? Good luck and keep us updated as you get it finish.

[dons2346]

What kind of critters have made it their home? Rodents could have had a field day inside and mouse P really stinks and is hard to get rid of.

[GEMCART]

Tiffin Allegro. Phaethon

[jaydee325]

In addition to above, check all hoses and air bags on the suspension for condition.

I'd also want to go through the coach and service everything, engine/transmission filters and fluids along with inspect and replace filters/air drier (desicant) on the air system.

[Urbanhermit]

Expect to put as much as you pay for it into it within two years to make it fully serviceable. May not be that much but 2x is a safe rule of thumb. Tires and batteries for a certainty; possibles are air bags, air compressor, generator, refrigerator, water heater(s), furnace, ACs, water pump, belts and hoses, water leaks from seals drying out, awning motor, brittle/failing covers for slides, slide mechanisms, electrical ghosts, dashboard AC/heat, inoperative instruments . . . and of course "nesting" expenses -- pots, pans, placemats, sheets (and mattress?), towels, stuff in bottles, cans, and aerosol sprays, yadda yadda.

We bought a 2006 Monaco Cayman 36 in "very good condition" in 2000 and now have 2x its cost invested not counting fuel, insurance, and storage. But -- we don't regret it.

[David 70]

Originally Posted by Urbanhermit

Expect to put as much as you pay for it into it within two years to make it fully serviceable. May not be that much but 2x is a safe rule of thumb. Tires and batteries for a certainty; possibles are air bags, air compressor, generator, refrigerator, water heater(s), furnace, ACs, water pump, belts and hoses, water leaks from seals drying out, awning motor, brittle/failing covers for slides, slide mechanisms, electrical ghosts, dashboard AC/heat, inoperative instruments . . . and of course "nesting" expenses -- pots, pans, placemats, sheets (and mattress?), towels, stuff in bottles, cans, and aerosol sprays, yadda yadda.

We bought a 2006 Monaco Cayman 36 in "very good condition" in 2000 and now have 2x its cost invested not counting fuel, insurance, and storage. But -- we don't regret it.

That must have been a trick to get done. HaHa