Too low miles?

[TLuss88]

I’m looking into getting a class A and came across an 04 pace arrow 37c on the workhorse chassis. It’s very clean and appeared to have been well cared for. However, it’s only got 5000 miles and its still on the original tires. Besides the tires, are there any other things I should be looking at on a rig that was not really used on the road? When it was used it was stationary at a park so it was likely always connected to power and sewer. I know the fluids and rubber hoses on the engine should at the very least be inspected

[Skip426]

Welcome to iRV2.

Are there any records of ANY oil changes ?

If the original ( factory install ) oil was never changed , you may have a sludge build up, internal in the motor that has to be carefully dealt with to prevent engine damage when you start traveling .

[TLuss88]

Originally Posted by Skip426

Welcome to iRV2.

Are there any records of ANY oil changes ?

If the original ( factory install ) oil was never changed , you may have a sludge build up, internal in the motor that has to be carefully dealt with to prevent engine damage when you start traveling .

I doubt it’s the original 2004 oil but I guess you never know. I’ll definitely be checking the dipstick. On the coach side of things are there any things to look out for on such a stationary vehicle?

[Isaac-1]

You need to check ALL of the rubber components, this includes hoses, belts, bushings, etc. Don't forget suspension and steering bushings, the rubber flex brake hoses, generator fuel line, etc. just go ahead and replace the propane regulator which should be replaced every 10 years or so as the rubber diaphragm tends to degrade.

[turbine52]

I bought a low mileage (not that low) and within the first 18 months ended up changing all wheel bearing seals. Check condition of generator as it may have issues with low usage.

[Old-Biscuit]

18 yr old with 5000 miles means it has been stationary for almost 18 yrs
Fuel is probably 18 yrs old
Oil is probably 18 yrs old
Seals/hoses/belts etc are brittle
Generator rebuild

Even if it was a 'gift' it will turn into a money pit due to lack of usage

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

18 yr old with 5000 miles means it has been stationary for almost 18 yrs
Fuel is probably 18 yrs old
Oil is probably 18 yrs old
Seals/hoses/belts etc are brittle
Generator rebuild

Even if it was a 'gift' it will turn into a money pit due to lack of usage

That would be my assessment too!

[B52Rnav]

On 2014, we purchased an '04 Tiffin Allegro Bay, that only had 19000 miles. Interior was like new, but chassis suffered from sitting. We put about 15k miles on it before we sold it. Had to replace radiator prior to selling it. Also, that model Workhorse chassis had a brake recall. Another thing for you to check.

[RealNiceTent]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

You need to check ALL of the rubber components, this includes hoses, belts, bushings, etc. Don't forget suspension and steering bushings, the rubber flex brake hoses, generator fuel line, etc. just go ahead and replace the propane regulator which should be replaced every 10 years or so as the rubber diaphragm tends to degrade.

As someone whom has spent some time working on the power & chassis side of coaches, all the above advice is good, but I would not bother just "checking the belts, hoses, and seals". Any vehicle with that low of mileage at that age your best approach is just flat out replace the rubber parts. Every heater, fuel, and radiator hose, the flexible brake hoses, all 4 (6) wheel seals, front and rear engine crankshaft seals, input and output seals on the transmission, both seals in the parking brake assembly. At bare minimum the carb on the jenny will need a rebuild, and replace the water pump on the engine (seal failure eminent), and I personally would not trust the brake calipers replacing or rebuilding those as well. the fuel system will need flushed and all fluids (engine, differential, and transmission oils, brake fluid and power steering) changed, the additive packages will be depleted and the brake fluid is most probably full of water. Fuel pump will need to have the pressure and volume checked and hopefully all the injectors work, if one does not, then replace all 8 (10). Put in a new air filter and evict the 17 year old rodent warren in the air filter housing. About all that is left is suspension to check and make sure none of the rubber bushings are totally rotted. once that is done, you will have a nearly new 18 year old coach that should be reliable and trustworthy.

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by TLuss88

I’m looking into getting a class A and came across an 04 pace arrow 37c on the workhorse chassis. It’s very clean and appeared to have been well cared for. However, it’s only got 5000 miles and its still on the original tires. Besides the tires, are there any other things I should be looking at on a rig that was not really used on the road? When it was used it was stationary at a park so it was likely always connected to power and sewer. I know the fluids and rubber hoses on the engine should at the very least be inspected

Hopefully nobody has tried to start it with oil that is many years old, there is likely water in the pan under the oil from daily condensation over the years, runs down the inside of the block and gets trapped beneath the oil where it can't evaporate .I've seen as much as 2 quarts in a crankcase of a car that was stored outside in Arizona for years. Luckily I though to check the oil before trying to crank and it showed 2 quarts high so I crawled underneath to let some out and plain, clear water came out. This also goes for the transmission, differential and brake fluids.

[Isaac-1]

One thing to note here is we are making assumptions that this coach has sat for prolonged periods of time, this may not be true, for example the owners might take it to a nearby lake 50-100 miles away twice per year every year since new and never taken it on a long trip, which could explain the low mileage, yet still have fairly regular operation, which would help with bearing seals, etc. but still not help much with the rubber components.

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

One thing to note here is we are making assumptions that this coach has sat for prolonged periods of time, this may not be true, for example the owners might take it to a nearby lake 50-100 miles away twice per year every year since new and never taken it on a long trip, which could explain the low mileage, yet still have fairly regular operation, which would help with bearing seals, etc. but still not help much with the rubber components.

I agree,,, we don't know. Myself, I would not hesitate to buy a rig in a similar situation,,, as long as I liked the price. I've bought too many junkers that had sat up over the years and never had one that I had any trouble getting road worthy.

Checking/changing the rubberish items (serpentine belt, vacuum and coolant hoses), changing fluids/filters, checking and flushing brake system, and installing new tires will most likely get the rig ready for action.

Same with the genset, change oil, filter if it has one, and see how she does. May need a carburetor, or pump/filter but those are easy.

I'd be more leary about the coach itself. No water leaks, appliances working, nothing falling off it, etc,,,.

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

One thing to note here is we are making assumptions that this coach has sat for prolonged periods of time, this may not be true, for example the owners might take it to a nearby lake 50-100 miles away twice per year every year since new and never taken it on a long trip, which could explain the low mileage, yet still have fairly regular operation, which would help with bearing seals, etc. but still not help much with the rubber components.

Yes that is a consideration although the OP statements "original tires" and "stationary at a park" tend to suggest otherwise.

[Alpine36]

There's a good chance it had 1,000 or more miles on it when delivered new. That said, 4Kmi in 18 or more years equals a little over 200 miles a year. I'd probably be way more comfortable buying one that age with 60kmi and complete service records, but that's me. Personally I'd pass on something that was primarily parked and lived in. Again, just my opinion.