Forum Discussion
jmtandem
Apr 25, 2016Explorer II
So peeling decals is not a sign of neglect?
The issue is bigger than simply peeling decals. They can peel from the sun without any damage beneath them. Or and this is a big OR, they can be peeling because there is delamination behind them. That is expensive to fix, indicates water damage, and the extent is usually much larger than what is seen from the outside. If you find delamination keep looking for another coach. Climb on the roof, if the seams around the vents, etc have not been re-caulked recently (like in the last year or so) move on to another coach. Water damage is huge and can cost thousands if it has had time to rot the wood beneath it. Roofs are expensive also. If the roof has any soft spots it is not for you. Check it over very carefully. A 2002 unit is now about 14-15 years old. You have to expect some wear, scratches, fading of paint, etc. But, you don't have to expect delamination or a rotting roof. There is a huge difference. Press behind the peeling decals and see if it is soft or still a very hard surface. Soft is bad, very bad.
Another way to tell if a coach has had proper attention is to check the detectors to see if they have been replaced per the manufacturers schedule. Most have an expiration date. Are the tires less than five or six years old regardless of tread left? There are clues as to how well somebody has taken care of a coach. Or if they just let it sit. If the owner won't let you look it over carefully, that is a huge clue to it's condition. Do they still have the manuals? Is it one owner? How many times did they use it? Did they keep repair and maintenance records? Lots of clues as to how important the coach was to them.
Check for delamination beneath the clearance lights, around vents, near the slides, and if you see any anywhere move on to another coach or get an estimate to fix it by a qualified shop and deduct that from the price.
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