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BoxinTheCompass's avatar
BoxinTheCompass
Explorer
Jun 28, 2014

Approx Maint Costs For Used 28' Class C After Purchase?

Been thinking about buying used rental class C unit, possibly Four Winds Majestic 28A (thanks to input from gotsmart, Iamichabod and a few others on this forum) but am wondering what to expect for how much approximate costs would run for the following work to be done after the sale, I have no experience with this, but am I looking at $$$ or $ or what? (Now I know it can vary quite a bit but just trying to get ballpark idea). I guess its more piece of mind

Here's the list (stolen from another suggestion elsewhere but I cant find the link now):

1: Having the black/grey/fresh tanks professionally cleaned.

2: Drop the generator, have it checked out the right way by the Onan people, and to prevent headaches, slap a new carb onto it just to be safe. Plus, during this stage, I can get an EnergyCommand system installed which gives the ability for the genset to auto-start if the batteries get low.

3: Change the spark plugs and coils. Ford V-10s are reliable, and this is a relatively small thing, but good to have done.

4: New tires. (I thought they sold these units with new or fairly fresh rubber?)

5: Furnace and ducts cleaned out if possible.

6: Fluids flushed and changed (oil, ATF, etc.)

7: Change out batteries, perhaps add another in parallel if there is room to the house set. Some class Cs have a drawer that can fit two... but just have a single present.

8: Change out cooling hoses and clamps

Does the above sound reasonable and any idea on about how much this may run for 28` class C?

As always any input is appreciated...
Class C
  • tpi's avatar
    tpi
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    You have a lot of money in your proposed to do list. Personally I'd skip most of it and apply the $ to the newest unit you could afford.

    Even then you still may need tires and fluids changed. Tires check date code and tread wear.

    But on you list I'd skip the tank cleaning, the generator work (do an oil change), the furnace maintenance (unless problems), the spark plugs (unless due by the book), and the rest of it only as needed or called for by Ford maintenance schedule. You'll have issues pop up that you don't anticipate. Hoses last much longer than they used to. I'd inspect them but not start thinking of replacement till 8 or 10 years unless obviously failing.
  • Hank85713's avatar
    Hank85713
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    Havent seen many rentals out there, guess it depends on where you are at. Many are rented by foreign tourists and they are not real good at taking any care of what they have. When I was out in the country a lot I saw rental unitsw where it was hard to take pickups and in places I would not take my pickup with a camper on it. So yes you could get a good one but you are also looking at a pig in a poke. As to rentals doing better maintenance that is somewhat debatable. Remember maintenance as precaution takes away from profit and profit is what they are after. How many miles on the unit you are looking at and what year model vehicle? If all else fails take it to an independent agency for a complete checkout. Good sam supposedly will give it a once over for free at camp world so see if that would be a possibility prior to purchase. Just a thought.
  • mockturtle's avatar
    mockturtle
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2014
    FWIW, rental RVs are often better maintained than privately owned motorhomes. The main issue is wear and tear. Appliances, tires, etc. making sure all are in good working order.
  • tworootless's avatar
    tworootless
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    Transmission service for peace of mind and tire replacement if sidewalls checked or over 6 years old. If you set on stalling a second battery, they should be purchased at the same time. Change oil on Generator. If it's operating smoothly; leave it alone!
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jun 28, 2014
    I go along with Tenbear.
    If you were to do most of the items it would be around(guess only) $3000.
    1)Holding tanks don't need professional cleaned. They need to have some liquid dish soap and used.
    2)0 I would not do anything except run the genset under a good load at least 75% of rating.
    3)See if rig has maintenance records. Some V-10s had issues with getting plugs out. If they have not been changed, get it done.
    4) Tires check them out.
    5) Clean the furnace and vacuum out ducts.
    6) Fluids change them all, don't forget to have brake fluid flushed and changed.
    7) Good answer from Tenbear
    8) Change them out. Don't forget the belts!
    If you haven't bought the rig, try to get the seller to do some of it as a negotiated price.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    You don't say what year the 28A is. That makes it a little hard to estimate.
    1. Unless you have a reason, waste of money.
    2. Age? How many hours on Genny? How does it run now? Probably wouldn't do anything.
    3. Age? How does it run?
    4. Check the DOT date. Replace if over 6 years. Some may say fewer years.
    5. Age? How does it run?
    6. Age? Not a bad idea anyway.
    7. Have the battery load tested. If you plan on off grid camping add batteries or switch to GC2 batteries.
    8. Age? Mileage? How do they look? How nervous are you?

    Seems to me most of these are a waste of money unless you have a reason for spending all that $$$.

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