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Topic: What to look for when buying a 18 year old MH? (Read 1287 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: What to look for when buying a 18 year old MH?

Reply #20 –
   When we bought our coach it was 24 yrs old/new that was in 2012 the gen-pac had 53 hrs and the odometer had 72k on it. Now we are at 110k and 438 hrs so I'm not sure about the age/mileage rational, like Mike says Records Records Records and oil sample. Look at the state from where you are buying ......on the coasts humidity/rust,above 4500' we have virtually NO Humidity. IMHO.

Re: What to look for when buying a 18 year old MH?

Reply #21 –
Quote from: CountryB –
Maybe I'd be better off with a newer (i.e. 2012 or 13) Tiffin
It  may not be a consideration if you're a DIYer,  but I don't think Tiffin in Red Bay, Alabama is working on any of their motorhomes that are older than 4 years.  They have so much warranty work to do that they can't provide any services for their older rigs.

Re: What to look for when buying a 18 year old MH?

Reply #22 –
We are slowly restoring a '95 coach and looked at hundreds of rigs. I sure agree with Tim (#7) and others, about value, build and safety. When we are done driving, some lucky folks will get a coach that got the treatment: FBP, RanceLites, MCD's and a bunch of loving care.

Consider this for a second: Will we want a taller/wider/faster/etc. than this house on wheels?

We are planning to keep ours. When we get done, she should run as designed, or better...and still a relative bargain compared to the rest of the coaches in this very special market.

Re: What to look for when buying a 18 year old MH?

Reply #23 –
My rig was kept outside, and of the hidden regions of this 20 year old rig have no signs of rodents or bugs. Foretravel professionally sealed ALL entrances to the coach, not only for varmint protection, but also for insulation.

This was not the case in my old Southwind, which was home to chip monks and mice.

Re: What to look for when buying a 18 year old MH?

Reply #24 –
I think the reason, if a private seller, for selling their coach might have a little bit of bearing/interest for a buyer to consider a particular coach.
Health, financial, or changed marital status (loss of the loved one that was only driver), decision to buy newer, etc.

Re: What to look for when buying a 18 year old MH?

Reply #25 –
Quote from: CountryB –
Thanks for the advice and help.
This is an example of one that I like, but have not actually seen it yet.  2000 Foretravel U320 36' Priced at $ 82500 This one has one slide. I also found a couple of others under $100K that would be good contenders.
When a MH goes to a dealer, I think the "history" and "care of owner" gets lost, so I won't have much to go on there. I think I would mostly be relying on a good inspection.

So I'll look at bulkhead posts/problems to see what you mean.

I was just over at iRV2.com forum reading about a guy's renovation of a 2000 Holiday Rambler 2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor Remodel - iRV2 Forums - and that thread really has me thinking about whether buying an "almost 20 year old" RV is wise. That poor guy found so much water and rodent damage that he had to gut the entire thing. It seems that a lot of water damage can easily remain hidden for years until it becomes obvious - at which time the damage is very extensive.
Maybe I'd be better off with a newer (i.e. 2012 or 13) Tiffin or such, where any hidden damages would most likely be lower.
But I really like Foretravel.
Randy - your comment provides some comfort,
Thanks.
[/quote

I would feel better having a 2000 Foretravel than a 2013 Tiffen or Holliday Rambler AFTER the inspection by someone who knows what to look for.. For the last 7 years I have driven a 1989 Foretravel U280 and will probably one day trade up to a 2000 or so model. AFTER the inspection I will feel good about the trade.

Re: What to look for when buying a 18 year old MH?

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Dub –
I would feel better having a 2000 Foretravel than a 2013 Tiffen or Holliday Rambler AFTER the inspection by someone who knows what to look for.. For the last 7 years I have driven a 1989 Foretravel U280 and will probably one day trade up to a 2000 or so model. AFTER the inspection I will feel good about the trade.
Amen

Re: What to look for when buying a 18 year old MH?

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Old Knucklehead –
We are slowly restoring a '95 coach and looked at hundreds of rigs. I sure agree with Tim (#7) and others, about value, build and safety. When we are done driving, some lucky folks will get a coach that got the treatment: FBP, RanceLites, MCD's and a bunch of loving care.

Consider this for a second: Will we want a taller/wider/faster/etc. than this house on wheels?

We are planning to keep ours. When we get done, she should run as designed, or better...and still a relative bargain compared to the rest of the coaches in this very special market.

...and it has the nicest paint job I've seen!