Community Forums

AFChap · 03-03-2010, 06:00 PM

Quote:

I'm having the chassis on my 1st MH inspected by a mech tomorrow & the consignment dealer told me he would check everything inside the coach

You are taking a very important step here for the buyer of a used RV. HOWEVER, you need to be paying a knowledgeable tech to inspect NOT ONLY the chassis, but ALSO ALL aspects of the coach, both inside and out. If you don't feel capable to make a very thorough inspection yourself, you need to have someone working for you who can find any and all potential problems. The consignment dealer isn't working for you and is not looking out for your insterests ...he is working for himself and for the seller.

Hocky · 03-04-2010, 07:29 AM

Hi Joe,
Thanks for the info. How do I find any other recalls on that unit. The unit has a Workhorse Chassis & I have heard brakes have been a problem. Would a recall of brakes show up in another location? Thanks again, great info. Hope I can help out on this forum after some experience under my belt.
Regards, Hocky (Florida)

azloafer · 03-04-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hocky

Hi Joe,
Thanks for the info. How do I find any other recalls on that unit. The unit has a Workhorse Chassis & I have heard brakes have been a problem. Would a recall of brakes show up in another location? Thanks again, great info. Hope I can help out on this forum after some experience under my belt.
Regards, Hocky (Florida)

The best place is www.recalls.gov It is easy to use and that is where I got that information. Just follow the search steps for "vehicle" to start and then it will ask for the year...make...model. Then you can click on a button that says "print version" and that will make the information display in a neater version for printing out a hard copy or doing a copy and paste to MS Word.

I had forgotten to do the "print version" when I did the info for you. That's why it was not neat looking.

Then when you have that info you can start all over at www.recalls.gov and this time click on "Technical Service Bulletins". (it is over on the left hand side) and start there. That will bring up things that should be looked at by authorized repair places or known problem items. Not quite a recall, but problems to consider.

I didn't know about this site when I bought my former coach and I ended up with a TSB and about four recalls! The company had gone bankrupt so I couldn't get the things fixed unless I wanted to pay myself. The dealers will say that they didn't know of any problems.

One of the posts said that you should have an expert check out the unit before you make a decision to buy it. That is REALLY GOOD ADVICE because there is so much that can be wrong with a MH that you might only find out about after you own it. You could also ask the dealer to write on the contract that he will take care of repairs, at his expense, for anything that is found to be defective in the first thirty days OR something like that. If he says no then it might be best to pass that one up.

The coach I have now had two recall items and the dealer took care of them before we exchanged any cash! That is only because I had knowledge of recalls.gov this time around.

Many years ago we bought a used MH from a private person and really got ripped off. We had even hired someone to check it out and take it for a test ride, etc. To make a long story short, the expert had never done a MH before, he had only done cars. So make sure the person checking that MH has a proven track record.

I hope this all goes well for you. I don't want to see anybody ripped off. It happened to me. Joe

Hocky · 03-05-2010, 07:18 AM

Thanks again Joe. I like to investigate as much as possible. I took the recall reports to the mechanic with the MH. At least he knew what to look for in addition to regular stuff. He is knowledgeable on MH, being an owner himself. We took it for a ride & he said OK. Took the papers to the consignment lot & they were surprised & taken aback. Since they are not a dealer, just a consignment lot, I used the reports to explain the offer. I gave them a bottom line offer w/no trade. I'm already having buyers remorse. But, the MH travel is on my wife's Bucket List, so what the Hell!
Thanks again for the help. Regards, Hocky (Florida)

azloafer · 03-05-2010, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hocky

Thanks again Joe. I like to investigate as much as possible. I took the recall reports to the mechanic with the MH. At least he knew what to look for in addition to regular stuff. He is knowledgeable on MH, being an owner himself. We took it for a ride & he said OK. Took the papers to the consignment lot & they were surprised & taken aback. Since they are not a dealer, just a consignment lot, I used the reports to explain the offer. I gave them a bottom line offer w/no trade. I'm already having buyers remorse. But, the MH travel is on my wife's Bucket List, so what the Hell!
Thanks again for the help. Regards, Hocky (Florida)

Thanks, I'm glad that I could help. You will find this forum very helpful. There are some very knowledgeable people here. (not me) I can't do any work on my rig myself (disabled) but when I have a question, I ask it here and then get answers so that I know what/how things should be done. People here are friendly and really want to help. Joe

Hocky · 03-05-2010, 05:13 PM

To all who replied to Hocky:
Was looking to buy a class A 28 foot with workhorse chassis but after checking costs of maintenance & new tires plus the check engine light came on during a test ride, I decided to look at a class c 26 foot in better condition for about the same price. Plus the maintenance, tires, and only 12,000 miles on the speedo said BUY ME! Both are about 6-7 years old. Glad the 1st offer on the "A" was turned down! Whew..... Any suggestions to check on the Class C Forest River w/1-slide?
Thanks in advance, Ron (Florida)

steelheadbluesman · 03-09-2010, 09:40 AM

Looking for water damage is worth the effort. I went through major roof problems with two MHs. Besides looking at outside caulking and seals, my advice is this: Look for stains or discoloration, drip lines, and swelling on all interior walls, especially at the floor and ceiling. Look at the back walls INSIDE cabinets both uppers and lowers, and inspect the flooring or bottom shelving in lower cabinets for stains or water rings. Check walls and ceiling INSIDE closets. Also inspect the INTERIOR walls of all outside storage areas/compartments for drip lines or stains. And I would open all the appliance covers, like water heater, furnace, and any others, because they all rely on caulking, gaskets or seals. Check the floor around driver doors and under dash areas for discoloration or mold. Well, it may sound like a lot, but it will only take about 15 minutes to do it all. Hope this helps... Best of luck with your new rig!