Add us to the list! This thread helped tremendously, so thanks to everyone who has participated. Like many before me, I initially dismissed a rental, but after doing a lot of reading and searching I realized that buying a rental is a much safer bet than many private party transactions.
We just purchased a well-loved and well-used 2007 28A from the second owners, who were Swiss. They purchased it in 2014 with 110k miles and owned it for 5 years, putting ~70k miles on it driving all over the US and Canada. They were very meticulous about upkeep and I have a 2" stack of service history. Before we took delivery, they sewed new curtains and even embroidered a pillow for us. They are amazing people and loved their time in the US.
I spent 2+ months searching for "the one" and cross shopped new Thors (50k on "sale"), 20-30K private party and dealer rigs, and way, way, way too many private seller Craigslist deals. I looked at over 25 RV's and drove 11. Suffice to say I did my homework. Ultimately I narrowed my search to an inexpensive first RV to be able to customize to our tastes (my wife would like to do new flooring, upholstery, staining the cabinets, etc.) while being able to buy outright. I wanted a rear walk around queen, e450 platform and service records.
Included are a new roof ($5k, paid for by insurance in 2017!), coach water pump/heater, services on all water systems, propane, fridge, generator, etc and all new tires within 15k miles. They even installed a bidet! They flew back and forth from Switzerland and stored it in socal at a relative's home when they weren't using it, and utilized a local shop to ensure every trip was without issue. Before each trip he took it to the shop and told them to fix anything it needed, so I'm sure they loved when he showed up. :)
The inside and outside are in excellent condition overall. There isn't even any weeping oil on the block, pan or transmission. Mechanically I have receipts for a new fuel pump and filter, plugs and coils, radiator, ball joints, and lots of miscellaneous fixes commensurate with a rig with 179k(!) on it. I went through the underside front to back and made a list of items it needed to use for negotiation, but it wasn't much. It has a reman transmission, but otherwise it's all original.
I have no fear of the high mileage since the V10/5 speed combo is tried and true and all the research that I've done points to this being one of the best drivetrains Ford has ever put out...at least after they got the sparkplug issues resolved. I have a Land Cruiser with 245k and a Sequoia with 170k...neither has had anything beyond preventative servicing done and I would hop in either to drive to NY right now if necessary.
My primary focus so far has been suspension. We've installed Bilstein HD shocks and steering stabilizer and have Hellwig front and rear sways coming. My wife and girls don't like the rocking motion so I'm doing my best to eliminate it. Bushings on the sways are perished, so looking forward to an immediate improvement. Just the Bilsteins made a huge difference, and if you haven't replaced your steering damper, you should. When we took the stock one off it clearly had no damping left in either direction. I drove the same bumpy road before and after and 80% of the deflection and bump steer are gone. The rest I attribute to a front sway bar that isn't even connected with the I beam at this point.
Future plans, in no particular order:
Solar
LVP flooring and wife's touches throughout
New mattress (anyone tried a ZINUS? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BW7H5ZW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1)
Fantastic fans (or a knockoff)
Maybe an awning, although I have an EZ-UP
TPMS/New stems/tires for peace of mind
Possibly a tune once I drive it fully loaded up a few mountain passes
Trying to find a solution for being 6'5" in a shower made for someone under 5'. I literally cannot stand up straight
New window glazing (have the sample kit, just need to order and install new stuff)
Tint all windows
Thanks for reading. I'll be spending all my free time lurking. :)
Here's a link to my google drive if you'd like to see photos. https://photos.app.goo.gl/TavENQhCMqFqmKHC8
EDIT: Guess I'm too noob to post links. You'll need to copy and paste.
