Community Forums

Contral · 07-30-2005, 03:28 AM

We are thinkig of purchasing a !998 Brave Se 29' with a Ford 460. It has 55k and looks to be in great shape.

Can anyone tell me if the handling characteristics and reliability of the 460 engine? Is it a good coach?

Iur friends all have class c mh's and want us to join then on the fun.

This coach wiil be our entry into the rv world!

Thanks

Dan&Donna
The two D's

Two puppies Kyrie&Sierra

Toyota 4Runner
Lexus RX300
Porsche 911 Turbo

Contral · 07-30-2005, 03:28 AM

We are thinkig of purchasing a !998 Brave Se 29' with a Ford 460. It has 55k and looks to be in great shape.

Can anyone tell me if the handling characteristics and reliability of the 460 engine? Is it a good coach?

Iur friends all have class c mh's and want us to join then on the fun.

This coach wiil be our entry into the rv world!

Thanks

Dan&Donna
The two D's

Two puppies Kyrie&Sierra

Toyota 4Runner
Lexus RX300
Porsche 911 Turbo

Contral · 07-30-2005, 03:33 AM

Sorry for the typo's.

Our friends all have Class C's and want us to join the fun.

Teach · 07-30-2005, 05:42 AM

Hey Dan,

The "rv world" is great, especially when you have friends to share it with.

The 460 is a strong engine and if maintained properly good for 100,000+ miles. The last one I had was on a 36' 1989 Class A and the only problem I had with it in 70,000 miles was with the exhaust manifolds cracking and leaking. Banks solved that.

The things to look for are the obvious; tires, brakes, roof/leaks, appliances and general appearance. One crucial piece would be the maintenance records to see if it has been properly maintained.

Good luck and I hope things work out for you.

Stan Birch · 07-30-2005, 03:41 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Contral:
We are thinkig of purchasing a !998 Brave Se 29' with a Ford 460. It has 55k and looks to be in great shape. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
When you are SO close to the vastly upgraded '99, with it's V-10, 4R100 tranny, wide-stance tracking, et al; unless you are considering an offer you can't possibly refuse . . .

DickNJo · 07-30-2005, 07:28 PM

The 98 Brave could be a good entry level MH. Because it just preceeds a major upgrade in both the Ford Chassis ('99) and Chevy/Workhorse Chassis, ('00), it should be bargain priced.
Refer to the NADA used vehicle guide for fair market prices in your area. It is available on line,or at your local library, or at your bank or credit union. Now 7 model years old it could require new tires all around, and replacement batteries. If, at this point in your evaluation you are still interested, invest some money in a full mechanical inspection of the engine and all chassis and coach components by Ford and Winnebago Techs. If well taken care of, at 50K it's just well broken in. If abused or service neglected, it could be approaching junk, even if it looks good on the surface.
Be skeptical and suspicious. We've all learned the hard way. You don't need to as well. Good luck.

Contral · 07-30-2005, 08:22 PM

The p/p said he is firm on $30K.

TXiceman · 07-30-2005, 08:49 PM

Welcome aboard Contral. Hope to see you back.

You need to go to Nada Guides and check te pricing on the unit. It sounds a bit high. I looked at the cost based on normal options and accessories, and a chevy chassis. NADA pricesit at $23,500 for low retail and $28,300 for high retail. If gets a deduct for high mileage.

Think the seller is asking a bit much.

Ken

Contral · 08-03-2005, 11:44 PM

Thanks everybody. I checked the NADA guide. With these extras;
Hyd Leveling Jacks (manual)
Solar battery charger
Electric Stairs
Awning
15,000 btu A/C
Skylight
Tow bar and a couple more minor items, they are about mid book. I may be looking at the wrong model to start with, but I think I am not.

Hopefully this will add more info for your responses.

Once again thanks. Looking forward to a longer thread.

troth · 08-04-2005, 02:36 AM

Winnie makes a good coach and the 460 is a solid performer. Of the "options" you list above, the only one I'd consider a value add on to the NADA price would be the tow bar (hope it will adapt to your toad). All the other 'options' pretty much come on every coach. Sounds like you've made up your mind already, but I hope you've investigated at least a half dozen other models of class Cs, both new and used. The key is to find the inside layout you like with the features/options you want on a coach that's got a proven track history (eg- 'name brand'). Good luck.

Gary RVRoamer · 08-04-2005, 08:12 AM

While those items were indeed options when new (except for the tow bar, which is an aftermarket add-on), they really don't add much monetary value despite the extra values noted in NADA. A dealer wouldn't give you a penny for them on trade-in. I would still shoot for the low book price. Don't be afraid to walk away - there are many fine used rigs available.

Contral · 08-04-2005, 12:37 PM

No, we have not made up our minds yet. We are really leaning torwards a Class C 28'to 30' Jamboree,Tioga, or Minnie Winnie. We do like the floor plans on the Jamboree and Tioga. I also want at least a 1997 to take advantage of the Ford chassis and Triton V10. My friends have Jamboree's and love them.

I was considering the Brave as a viable alternative. It is in good shape.

Although some Class A's have a driver door, we like the convienence and saftey factor of having two front doors. The coach will be for me and my wife and our two small watch dogs.

I know from trying different coach's that I need a full to a preferably Queen size bed to be confortable, hence 28'to 30'.

Any suggestions other than the Class C's I have mentioned?