Motorhome - pre purchase qustions

[HaywardBound]

Mods, I know this should go in the camping section, but for this time of year I think I'll get more input here...

It is a class C, and so far looks good.

I've checked the major things, and some things I'm wondering about.

The furnace may not fire up. (thermocoupler maybe)? Big deal?

I don't know about the holding tanks or the H2O heater. Do they have problems like leaks...should I fill it up to see? The seller told me he does not use water, or the heater so I want to know what to look for, and I need to check it out.

The major stuff looks good, and I'll check it again on my second visit. (Major stuff that pass is leaks, engine, tranny, fridge, and other general stuff I have checked out).

The price is fair, and all around good condition. I walked away with a good feeling about everything so far.

Did I miss anything?

Thanks!

[upnorth]

If he doesn't use the heater, water heater, water etc there be some issues as to why he/she doesn't. I would put water in and check to be sure that the pump and water heater works, even if that means a trip to the propane station to get some propane. Same for the heater. If those items don't work, it is gonna cost you to fix them and you should adjust the price accordingly. I would also ask about the built in charger and if there is a generator run that too. Check the air conditioner if there is one. Check around the ceiling for signs of leaking.

[Valv]

Remember to check VERY WELL for propane leaks before starting furnace or water heater unless owner states there is no problem at all and guaranties it. Anything you fill up with water you will have to empty and winterize, don't leave water lines full of water this time of the year unless you store it in a heated shop.

[Surface Tension]

Check EVERYTHING.

What year it it and how many miles?

Any leaks in the roof or walls. Those things get wet and rot away. If you walk in and smell mold or an air freshener BEWARE. Check every sq inch of the floor for soft spots.

Did you take it for a ride, city streets and hwy? Aim for the potholes.

Hows the front end feel? Loose and clunks aren't a good thing. Does she whistle from air leaks and are there rattles? Kick her down on the hwy and she how she does. Look for misses, bucking, and a slushy tranny.

How are the springs and shocks? A sagging monster thats pitching and rolling down the hwy isn't fun.

Tires? If they need replacing its going to cost you lots of cash.

Look for fluids coming from the engine and tranny. Look to see if they've been wiped clean. Check the oil filler cap for frothing. Radiator cap of signs of oil or radiator seal.

Tranny fluid should be red.

Any clunks when you put it in drive and reverse and dose it go into gear right away or is there hesitation?

Got a trailer hitch, whats he been towing?

Any service history?

Any cracks in the exhaust manifolds? Hows the exhaust,

NASCAR fan with a straight pipe out the side?

[HaywardBound]

Thanks for the tips, gives me some stuff to look for.

Motor is a Ford 460. No sign of leaks anywhere inside and out, but I'll check again.

I'll take it for a drive and test all the systems out.

[cold one sd]

The 460 is a great engine that will pass everything on the road besides a gas station. I had one and it was thirsty.

[HaywardBound]

Thanks for all the posts! I read them all and re-read them before I took a test drive. Everything checked out good. I've been looking and wanting for 3 years, but.....

I'm now an RV owner!

I think I did good on my purchase. It's not new...1987 26' Ford Coachman class C. Rear bedroom, separate bathroom and shower, large bed over the cab. Good for a family of 4.

It does have a generator, but does not start, I knew that going into it, but is not a big deal to me. I didn't think the furnace worked, but its working fine right now. I forgot to check the H2O heater, and it needs a few light bulbs. The major things are good.

Hayward, WI...I'll be back soon. (haven't been camping much since I got my boat).

[Scott K]

Congrats on the camper, you will have fun personalising it, then have many years of use, have fun enjoy camping

!