Dear RV Doctor,
We saw the RV Roadtrips show on DIY and wondered if you’d share some buying tips. I am interested in buying an older motorhome; a 1985 model. I am a novice working on mechanical projects, but want to learn. What are the most important things I need to be looking for before buying?– Gordon Griffin, (Blooming Grove, TX)
Answer:
Wow, there are so many things to look for in buying a used RV, Gordon, especially one of that vintage. I always recommend that you take the RV to a local dealer and have a PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) performed. It is well worth the expense to be sure all is in working order.
During a PDI, literally every component in every system is checked. It is paramount that any discrepancies be detected before settling on a selling price. There are too many items to list here, but I would look closely at the LP system and the LP-burning appliances as well as the integrity of the battery and alternating current electrical systems. Appliances well over 20-years old most certainly will have issues unless serviced annually. A PDI will reveal these issues.
If the seller is not willing to have a PDI performed, stay away. A well-performed PDI will reveal discrepancies that can become a bargaining chip during your negotiation of the selling price. I would also recommend a book called The Idiot’s Guide to RVing, written by Brent Peterson. Chapter 8 details a long list of items to check out before buying.
(Please feel free to comment, however, please also note that due to the volume of communications I receive from multiple channels I cannot guarantee a personal response in every instance. However, questions of an overall general interest may be considered and published in an upcoming RV Doctor column.)
JOHN& TERI BENWELL
HELP- I have a 2006 GEORGETOWN- With ALCOA – 22.5 x 7.5 wheels -cant find proper TOOL to remove wheel covers, ALCOA sent me a plastic TOOL but it is one size too big, They say thats all they have! Has anybody had this problem or have any suggestions- HELP- JOHN B.
Darthvagrant
Uhhh….yeah……
Fred Brandeberry, SR
Some features I want on my next Motorhome :
1. Engine, chassis and coach googled for recent comments, recalls.
2. Dome roof, not rubber.
3. Accessibility to electrical and plumbing.
4. Live in that particular rig for at least a week.
5. Get a agreement from the dealer to rent, then buy.
Happy Camping,
Fred b.
Thomas Becher
I gave my daughter my 1985 F350 “C” for local camping and her husband did some engine work on it.Because it was more than 20 years old it doesn’t need to meet air standards I guess so off came everything anti pollution. That engine looks and run s like a ford out of the late 60’s. It never ran or started as well when I had it. Turn the key and it starts NOW. the mileage has increased from 8 to 12 mpg and it idles like a fine watch runs, and it doesn’t stink anymore. As for air conditioning run the roof air and generator. it’s more efficent and cheaper.
Darthvagrant
A couple issues to remember about anything 25 or so years old: [1] Carbureted? Expect VERY low MPG. With the chokes of that day, “turn ket to start” and walk or drive away immediately impossible. [2] Dash air? Originally required R-12 referigerant. Now $35. to $50. per 12 to 14 oz. can. Converted to R134a? If (dash) A/C works (not likely), will perform VERY poorly and compressor will soon fail. [3] All accessories (refer., furnace, water heater, etc.] unless recently replaced are FAR beyond their service life.
.
IMHO 25 years is wildly beyond the expected PRACTICAL service life of most (self-powered) RVs. It will revert to an ever increasing”work in progress” to maintain continunity of use. My 1992 Coachmen is fast approaching its terminal age. At least it’s fuel injected. It is also eating its way through my hoarded R-12 at the rate of one can per year. Last year I was obliged to change the receiver-drier and with a complete evacuate and recharge of the R-12 I think I might have exceeded the value of the unit in the cost of the R-12. (could have sold the R-12 on E Bay @ $35. or so per can)
Liz Bard
We bought a 2002 Winnebago Brave in March of 2009. The did a PDI and said all was ok in the coach & a few things were wrong with stuff on the chassis, but did not need to get repaired right away. It supposedly passed a State of Texas inspection. However the lights were focused up, so it was like drivin at night without lights & the brakes had problems that I made Workhorse repair. They had 28 complaints about the brakes but had not issued a technical safety bulletin or a recall. I pitched enough noise about going to the Texas Attorney General that they fixed them.
I would say to check for recalls with NHTSA for the brand and any special parts like the chassis manufacturere, generator, appliances, etc. &see if repairs or replacements have been made.
When we get the money, I would love to purchase a Foretravel since they are made here in East Texas.
RV LAD
TO GARY, I ALWAYS BUY OLDER RV’S KNOWING THEY HAVE ISSUES MUCH MORE THAN NEWER UNITS. MY INTENSION IS NOT ONLY TO SAVE MONEY, BUT I ALSO ENJOY REPAIRING AND RESTORING THEM. MY MAJOR CONCERN WITH A VINTAGE COACH IS SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVING ESPECIALLY BRAKING SYSTEMS, SUSPENSION AND STEERING CONTROLS. THESE SYSTEMS ALL HAVE PARTS THAT WEAR AND DETERIORATE AND MUST BE MAINTAINED FIRSTLY FOR YOUR SAFETY. I GUARANTEE THERE WILL BE OTHER ISSUES THAT WILL BE MUCH LESS PAINFUL, BUT POSSIBLY EXPENSIVE. ALSO SOMETIMES YOU DON’T SAVE MONEY DEPENDING ON THE STATE OF CONDITION WHEN PURCHASED, BUT YOU WILL SUREDLY LEARN IF YOU DO SELF REPAIRS. GOOD LUCK & HAPPY REPAIRS