RV

[ahh-cool]

My wife and I have been looking at used Rv's. What we noticed is if we buy a 1 or 2 year old RV they have less than 10,000 miles on it. if we look at 10 year old RV's they have about 10,000 miles on it.
We're looking at a 10 year old diesel pusher 42'.
I noticed that most have around or less than 10,000 miles which meant it sat a lot or, 30,000 to 50,000 which meant it was used.
I'm thinking about the engine and since I don't know a lot about diesels I'm asking for some advice.
so the question is 7,000 or 40,000? High mileage doesn't mean the same on a diesel as it does on a gasser.
The other thing is the generator will have 100 hours or less or over 1,000
Stefan

 

[Spyder_Cowgirl]

Use vs. Non-Use

I wouldn't be too concerned about the engine miles but rather the manner in which the remaining systems were cared for. An RV is much more than an engine and letting the unit sit unused for long periods is probably one of the worst things you can do ... unless you properly put it "in storage" (don't ask me how I know). So, regardless of the engine miles, I would take a close look at ALL the other systems that make up the RV -- such as:

• Tires
• Suspension (air bag shocks, standard shocks, steering damper, etc).
• Overall condition, both inside and out
• Water systems (both potable and the "other")
• Make sure the shower and sinks work and don't leak
• Refrigeration systems (make sure both types work, electric and gas)
• Furnace and Air Conditioning
• Electrical -- as in the pig tail plug in (note the rated amperage and load of appliances as well; looking for sufficient capacity)
• Generator -- including fuel supply lines to it (again note the rated output and load of appliances, make sure the capacity is sufficient)
• Cooking appliances (stove, microwave, oven, etc.)
• If it has slide outs, closely inspect their mechanisms looking for wear or signs of abuse (such as not keeping lubed)
• Condition of awnings, and other fabrics, both inside and out.

If you can, bring along an experienced RV mechanic / maintenance person to help you with the inspection -- unless you, on your own, have the experience.

Be sure to test drive anything you want to buy ... you may notice something about the way it drives that will give you a clue to something that visual inspection didn't catch.

Best of luck ..... Ann

 

[bmccaffrey]

That kinda mileage on a diesel it not even broke in.
I have a 30ft with a 454 with 48000 runs good but if I was to do more travel I would get the pusher.
We are thinking of upgrading.

When u buy send pictures:yes:

Good luckhyea:

 

[jcthorne]

Unless you are looking for something over 40 feet and plan to do a LOT of miles in the next few years, you would be far better off financially looking at the larger gas engine coaches. A 10 year old diesel will hardly be well used at 40k miles but its all the other systems that are 10 yrs old and will need attention. And on a commercial diesel pusher chassis, its far more expensive to do. And far fewer choices where to take it. More as in move the decimal place over more expensive.

Just a thought.

 

[r1100rider]

My wife and I have been looking at used Rv's. What we noticed is if we buy a 1 or 2 year old RV they have less than 10,000 miles on it. if we look at 10 year old RV's they have about 10,000 miles on it.
We're looking at a 10 year old diesel pusher 42'.
I noticed that most have around or less than 10,000 miles which meant it sat a lot or, 30,000 to 50,000 which meant it was used.
I'm thinking about the engine and since I don't know a lot about diesels I'm asking for some advice.
so the question is 7,000 or 40,000? High mileage doesn't mean the same on a diesel as it does on a gasser.
The other thing is the generator will have 100 hours or less or over 1,000
Stefan

I would look for one that has been stored inside if water penetrates anywhere the damage is very hard to repair the wood is thin and usally laminated also the sun destroys the decals and vinyl -plastic trim and doors a water heater or other appliances can be replaced or repaired good luck opening up a roof or dry rotted wall

 

[ahh-cool]

Thanks for the responses.
I have worked on every type of engine from lawnmowers to jet engines, except diesels.
I probably don't even have tools big enough to work on diesels.
I'm assuming that if the person is not using it they are probably not taking care of it either.
We're not buying now unless the right deal comes along, we're looking in about a year or 2 when we retire and go fulltime

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: who?

I thought that Stefan was warning us that his thread would be "Really Vile"...

My folks had lots of Motorhomes over the years; never a Diesel...
I think that Ann hit on all of the issues that you should look at closely.
How much experience do you have living, as I used to tell Dad: "In Your Car"?

If you're not sure about checking out a unit; there are lots of places that (for a fee), can check it over from top to bottom for you.
Hapy Hunting!! :thumbup:

 

[bmccaffrey]

I would still think diesel. There is a lot of newer stuff (within the last couple of years) without going to the pusher that are averaging 20 plus miles per. gal .Lot to consider. How much time your going to spend it. Are you going to tow and what. Do your homework. From experience a lot of the big block gases ARE DOGS:gaah:. If your looking for gas and big block will sell u mine. Whoops sorry wrong thread:lecturef_smilie:


Good luck:yes:

 

[ahh-cool]

It will definitely be a diesel. The size we are looking at does not come in gas.
We will be selling our house and everything else we can think of and live in it full time.
I will tow the bike on a swivel wheel trailer like this
first trip will be from South Florida to Alaska
Stefan

 

[progt]

rv research

My wife and I have been looking at used Rv's. What we noticed is if we buy a 1 or 2 year old RV they have less than 10,000 miles on it. if we look at 10 year old RV's they have about 10,000 miles on it.
We're looking at a 10 year old diesel pusher 42'.
I noticed that most have around or less than 10,000 miles which meant it sat a lot or, 30,000 to 50,000 which meant it was used.
I'm thinking about the engine and since I don't know a lot about diesels I'm asking for some advice.
so the question is 7,000 or 40,000? High mileage doesn't mean the same on a diesel as it does on a gasser.
The other thing is the generator will have 100 hours or less or over 1,000
Stefan

Do as much research as you can ,counter top space 10 cube ft fridge with ice maker,and remember diesels need more maintenance, (air brakes) try to get a workhorse chassis 8.1 gm motor( gas) Alison trans with overdrive try not to get a tag axle,remember you pay tolls on every axle and storage space is prime!!!!!

 

[ahh-cool]

Do as much research as you can ,counter top space 10 cube ft fridge with ice maker,and remember diesels need more maintenance, (air brakes) try to get a workhorse chassis 8.1 gm motor( gas) Alison trans with overdrive try not to get a tag axle,remember you pay tolls on every axle and storage space is prime!!!!!

The ones that we're looking at is a gulf stream tourmaster, either a T40F which is 42' long or a T45 which is 45' long and has a tag axle.
http://www.gulfstreamcoach.com/products/tourmaster-tag/t45g.htm
http://www.gulfstreamcoach.com/products/tourmaster/t40f.htm

 

[Jester]

Regardless of what RV you wind up with, you, and all other RV/Spyder Ryders are especially welcome at River View RV Park in Vidalia, La. across the river from the oldest city on the Mississippi. (Also the Natchez Trace Parkway is a very nice trip, motorcycle or motorhomes.
tell em the Jester sent you!:joke:

 

[ahh-cool]

Regardless of what RV you wind up with, you, and all other RV/Spyder Ryders are especially welcome at River View RV Park in Vidalia, La. across the river from the oldest city on the Mississippi. (Also the Natchez Trace Parkway is a very nice trip, motorcycle or motorhomes.
tell em the Jester sent you!:joke:

Thanks Jester,
I've actually seen this park mentioned on RV.net