Plumber101010 wrote:
Thanks very much for an in-depth response in an attempt to save me :) being a plumber that system sounds extremely complex and you are right, it should be checked out thoroughly .........
I guess my question is, isn’t that the same problem that could exist with every used motorhome you buy?
I guess what I am saying in a very long winded manner is, that the process sounds just as complicated and involved and complex as the heating system itself!!!
Thinking about just going back to a good ole travel trailer...
You are correct. Buying a Class A motorhome is a complex issue that requires a lot of thought and some level of knowledge. High end diesel pushers are in general well designed and built well so if you get one that has been well looked after, it can be a good buy.
In my case, I bought my Monaco from a friend who I trusted. Even though I knew it had been maintained and was able to inspect the receipts to see what had been done, I still had it inspected by a certified inspector. You can find one at
https://nrvia.org/inspector-locator-step-one/.
They are generally focused on house systems and the guy I had did a good job. He did miss a few issues, but I was generally happy with the result. I had him take samples of the engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid and generator fluids (oil & coolant). Having this done is invaluable because the results will tell you if
- The fluids are still suitable for the service.
- How long you can continue using them before needing to change them out.
- The general condition will tell you if they have been changed regularly.
- The dissolved metals will tell you if there is unusual wear in bearings and gears.
- etc. etc.
All in all, it cost about $1000.00 but in my opinion, I got my moneys worth.
In my case, I was not too worried about the chassis systems because I am a "gear head" / "Backyard Mechanic" and could do my own inspection. However, there is a lot of value in taking the rig to a shop and having the mechanical systems gone through such as
- Air system.
- Brakes and slack adjusters.
- Air bags and suspension.
- Steering
- Exhaust
- Cooling system and hoses
- Belts and engine accessories
- etc. etc.
That all said, I hope you find the coach you want for a fair price. You will enjoy a diesel pusher and even a 2009 can give you a lot of years of great service.
If you do buy it, you should join the Yahoo Monaco Owners group. There is a lot of very knowledgeable people there who can help you with any problems you may encounter. They have a file system with lots of information on the various coach systems.
Good Luck and happy travels!!
