Community Forums

Rosey4123 · 03-23-2023, 07:23 AM

Hi
I’m new here I’m looking for advice I’m looking to purchase a 2002 Damon intruder Would this be a wise purchase?

**Camp CA** · 03-23-2023, 07:43 AM

Only yoiu can make the decision to buy, but suggest hiring an rv inspector to survey the rv before you purchase........just did that prior to the purchase of a new fifth wheel trailer.

**Petro** · 03-23-2023, 08:43 AM

We are glad you joined us. There is a wealth of RV info available to you here just by asking. Browse the forums that interest you and don't be afraid to ask questions as our members like to help when they can.

Keep us posted on your search for the right rig for you. Enjoy the forums.

Don

MSHappyCampers · 03-23-2023, 10:14 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We’re sure glad you joined the gang here!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Gary RVRoamer · 03-23-2023, 12:28 PM

Impossible to answer without tons more information about your travel plans, your wants & needs for space & amenities, the condition of the coach, and even your finances.
Some basics:

It's 21 years old, so some things are old & maybe a bit tired. Not just automotive things either, cause it's a furnished house. The condition is all-important. Since you appear to lack experience with RVs, obtaining a professional inspection would be a wise move.
The Intruder was a lower level unit in its day - the Daybreak was its higher end (and higher priced) sister. I'm not saying it's no good - just trying to set your expectation at the right level.
Like a house, any RV has to be chosen to have enough space and equipment to suit the needs of its occupants. You didn't tell us the size of your family (including pets) or where you expect to travel or for how long.
Details, like how long, how wide, does it have slides, etc. And the price.
How comfortably does the price fit in your budget? Motorhomes are expensive to operate and repair, especially if you have to pay an RV shop to do most everything. You really need to plan ahead for potentially large expenses. For example, a set of 6 tires could easily run to $3000.

This 2002 Intruder brochure should help you learn a bit more about this coach.
https://library.rvusa.com/brochure/2002_intruder.pdf

edgray · 03-23-2023, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Impossible to answer without tons more information about your travel plans, your wants & needs for space & amenities, the condition of the coach, and even your finances..........

This 2002 Intruder brochure should help you learn a bit more about this coach.
https://library.rvusa.com/brochure/2002_intruder.pdf

According to the info in the brochure Gary provided, all 5 floor plans are on a 22,000 pound GVWR gasoline powered front engine chassis made by either Ford or Workhorse. Given a choice, I would chose the Workhorse W-22 chassis because of the 8.1L GM motor and 5 speed Allison transmission, because that is a better drivetrain (IN MY OPINION) than the Ford V-10 and Ford tranny. Almost all the rest of the chassis components are comparable.

Mileage driven and condition of the coach and no evidence of any water damage should be at the top of your list.

rollinj · 03-23-2023, 03:41 PM

I've owned 2 Damon intruders. Depending on year, model, chassis and options they aren't bad. Some are lacking in useful amenities. Your question is too vague to give you a helpful answer.

Never under any circumstances buy an RV without a PROFESSIONAL evaluation. I do this for a living, and I see so many horror stories.

If it's the ford F53 chassis, there's some very important things to have PROFESSIONALLY evaluated.

First, it will need the roof resurfaced. It has a rolled EPDM roof that deteriorates.
Second, focus on how will you use it, and will it suit you?

Second third etc you need a full mechanical evaluation on the chassis, generator, ac units and electrical systems.

Go drive it! If you like it, and all the stuff works, then have it evaluated.

I'll look for your reply to see how I can contribute.

rollinj · 03-23-2023, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgray

Given a choice, I would chose the Workhorse W-22 chassis because of the 8.1L GM motor and 5 speed Allison transmission, because that is a better drivetrain (IN MY OPINION)t.

The workhorse is far superior to the f53 Ford chassis! I owned a 2001 Intruder on the F53 as well as a 2003 Winnebago adventurer with the w22 workhorse.

The w22 is better in every way I could think to evaluate it!

Rosey4123 · 03-24-2023, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollinj

The workhorse is far superior to the f53 Ford chassis! I owned a 2001 Intruder on the F53 as well as a 2003 Winnebago adventurer with the w22 workhorse.

The w22 is better in every way I could think to evaluate it!

Yes I intended on having inspections done. I will be spending time alone in this RV in Langley BC not too much travelling but I will spend a considerable amount of time in it parked on private property Any suggestions as to what kind of unit would suit me best. I would not have electrical or water it would be more like boon docking. Thanks everyone

edgray · 03-24-2023, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosey4123

Yes I intended on having inspections done. I will be spending time alone in this RV in Langley BC not too much travelling but I will spend a considerable amount of time in it parked on private property Any suggestions as to what kind of unit would suit me best. I would not have electrical or water it would be more like boon docking. Thanks everyone

Without easy access to water and electricity, not to mention a sewer connection for wastewater disposal, I'm not sure any type of RV is ideal, but I don't know your whole situation. Generally speaking, if it isn't going to be driven regularly, a MH isn't the best choice.

A trailer without all the "running gear" that any motorhome will have, may be a lower cost alternative. However, you will need a mode of transportation to bring all the basic necessities to a trailer, whereas you could drive a MH to empty the holding tanks and re-fill the fuel supply for the generator to produce the electricity you will need. The propane tank will also need frequent refills for keeping you warm and running your refrigerator.

All the above seems to favor a MH, but you definitely don't need a DP, because they are best suited to much longer travels, and not well suited for short trips to take care of the necessities mentioned above.
Good luck with your decision.

**NLOVNIT** · 03-24-2023, 04:08 PM

You need to give us much more info that you've supplied so far for us to provide advice,

I do agree w/Ed. If you are just parking it, then any motorized RV is not what you want. Those are meant to be driven, not sitting for years on end. For sitting, get a TT, 5-r or park model. The only reason I can see having a motorized RV is for the convenience of being able to move it quickly when you want to dump tanks/fill water & propane. Not having access to any type of hookups for lengthy periods while you are on your spot may be problematic. How are you planning on getting water, propane or electricity to charge the RV batteries?

153stars · 03-25-2023, 08:09 AM

While I agree with a trailer buying better if not traveling . The current market for a nice clean 3/4- 1ton truck is still crazy. Especially with buyers willing to pay 10-25k over MSRP just to get a new one. Some Ford Dealers are selling new as used certified to bypass Ford attempt control their prices.
Check all the websites for fair prices and PPL has a way to see what used were sold for. The older a MH the closer higher and lower level models sell for.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-26-2023, 01:18 PM

I wouldn't buy a big truck either if I wasn't towing the trailer regularly. Pay a delivery service to bring it where (and when) needed. It's not cheap, but neither is a big pickup or a motorhome chassis.

Forgive me (and others) for voicing alarm about your plans, but living in an RV in an isolated area without water/electric/sewer is challenging for anybody and newcomers to RVs rarely have any notion of what it takes, how much effort is involved, and how uncomfortable it can be in winter. Or even bad weather in the summer.

**NLOVNIT** · 03-26-2023, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

...Forgive me (and others) for voicing alarm about your plans, but living in an RV in an isolated area without water/electric/sewer is challenging for anybody and newcomers to RVs rarely have any notion of what it takes, how much effort is involved, and how uncomfortable it can be in winter. Or even bad weather in the summer.

I agree, Gary. On paper, it all seems easy & a cheap way to live. It's not.

Check out this member's blogs for just what can/does go wrong for someone new to RV's who didn't now what they were getting into:
https://www.irv2.com/forums/members/misjudg-306503.html