Forum Discussion

TripleClamp's avatar
TripleClamp
Explorer
Oct 19, 2016

Buy Class C with Delamination if price is right?

Looking at various Class Cs lately ranging from 2000 to 2006. The latest 2000 we came across has delamination in all 4 top corners. Owner said they did have a leak in the top cabin which they fixed immediately. Nothing seems soft on the inside. It's a 2000 Coachmen Leprechaun 313qb with 38K miles listed at 15900. Originally looking for 1 slide but this layout is ok with no slideout (only the 2 of us plus maybe one more sometimes). Rode nice. Everything is good but the delamination and the back 25 percent of the roof looks like it needs some work. Ball Joints never replaced (~$800-$1000) but it passed inspection in 8/2016. This would be our first Class C but not first camper. Listed at $15900, the online Nada Guides says average retail is $9000 (???). Some of our thoughts seeing most research says run when you see delamination.

* Treat as a starter Class C. Keep for 3-4 years then trade in (knowing if delamination is not fixed may not get much). Will the delamination grow if the leaks have been fixed?
* Would save $$$ versus buying a $25K-32K used class C even if we did some roof work maybe letting the delamination go or trying a DIY delamination repair kit.

We were thinking maybe going low, but how low for an offer seeing the delamination is one of the big issues?

Some picts of the delamination:
Pict 1
Pict 2
Pict 3
Pict 4
Class C
  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Oct 19, 2016
    I'm of the opinion that it is a real gamble and your being asked to pay a very high entry fee to the game. I think the repair bill will be $5000 dollars and several months in the shop. So from average NADA deduct the repair cost(get a couple shop estimates) and if acceptable(I can't see it being) go for it. But Running Shoes are cheaper and better that damages and repairs.

    I'd keep looking.
  • klutchdust's avatar
    klutchdust
    Explorer II
    Oct 19, 2016
    I see no logical reason to even consider this unit. For that much delamination the leak was not repaired right away. Take your time and avoid regrets.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Oct 19, 2016
    I would pass on this one because the owner wants way more than the nada price but if you can find one that is discounted from nada and the areas are small and right next to a seam or window I would buy it and rebond the outer skin. Delamination on around widows are easier to fix once the window is out ,you have to remove it anyways to reseal it. C clamps and caul plates can be used it apply pressure for the adhesive bond. I would walk away from large side wall delaminations. That would likely have a lot of rot underneath and would require removing the rotted section. Some members on here have done that and I give them a lot of credit for tackling the project. You can search their post to see it that is something that you want to do.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Oct 19, 2016
    Keep looking for a unit in better condition. Plenty out there.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 19, 2016
    No!!!!!!!!
    Unless it's free, your an experienced DIY'r and want a big winter project.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 19, 2016
    Walk away. There are too many potential problems and expenses with that unit.

    If they were asking half the NADA retail price, maybe.
    They want way too much to even consider. Walk away.
  • mgirardo's avatar
    mgirardo
    Explorer
    Oct 19, 2016
    With delam in all 4 corners and 25% of the roof in need of work on a 16+ year old camper, it sure sounds like the owner is really proud of his MH considering he wants almost double the average retail NADA Guide price. That means the trade-in value is even less than $9,000. If you were to trade it in a few years from now, you wouldn't get much at all.

    I would surely run from this motorhome. You should be able to find better. That's a really big leak or a lot of smaller leaks for there to be delam in every corner. We just had the ball joints done on our E450 and it was almost $950. It might also need new tires, that's another $1,200+.

    I would keep looking.

    -Michael
  • Valkyriebush's avatar
    Valkyriebush
    Explorer II
    Oct 19, 2016
    Run, to many RV's for sale with the right price and no delamination! Water leaks big cause of delamination.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Oct 19, 2016
    Pass unless you are a big risk taker.

    It's very likely that the owner and you don't understand the extent of the delam and what could be involved in repairs.

    "Will the delamination grow if the leaks have been fixed?"

    The correct answer is yes, no and maybe. If the area is dry there will be no further dry rot. But the seams etc are compromised no amount of calking etc will last. If the area was small which this one is not then maybe...

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