Hi There!I'm looking at an older Class A RV to renovate for a 1-2 year adventure with my family.Right now I'm looking at a 1998 Fleetwood Southwind (30' with a Ford engine and 35K miles.) I could get this for just over 10K.I've researched these Southwind's and have mostly found people saying they loved them and that they ran great for them. Now I realize that I will need to budget some funds for repairs/renovations but I would love some input on what I may be looking at for tuning a vehicle like this up. Any advice on what I should consider when purchasing a vehicle would be appreciated. Thanks!James

Almost every part that has a piece of rubber in it.? anything that is exposed to water ?

brightond wrote:Hi There!I'm looking at an older Class A RV to renovate for a 1-2 year adventure with my family.Right now I'm looking at a 1998 Fleetwood Southwind (30' with a Ford engine and 35K miles.) I could get this for just over 10K.I've researched these Southwind's and have mostly found people saying they loved them and that they ran great for them. Now I realize that I will need to budget some funds for repairs/renovations but I would love some input on what I may be looking at for tuning a vehicle like this up. Any advice on what I should consider when purchasing a vehicle would be appreciated. Thanks!Jamesfirst off, anything made of rubber should be thoroughly examined...tires, gaskets, hoses, belts, etc. next, change ALL the fluids and i might have the drained oil analyzed. next, the battery(ies) should all be load tested and if older than, say, 48-60 months replace them. but unless you're a really good mechanic i'd have the unit professionally examined and vetted before purchase.

Unless recently replaced expect to put on new tires, good idea to change all fluids, check the brake system including rubber lines, check the roof and caulking, if anyplace is badly delaminated walk away, check the appliances and plumbing, otherwise it is mostly interior and exterior condition and what you are willing to do. Oh, check the engine and heater hoses and fan belt along with any other belts.

In addition to what is above, I would have the reefer and all A/C checked thoroughly, and replace the batteries NOW. Have the generator checked out, look at all the circuit breakers, verify function. The awnings are probably worn out, and the slides may have motor/circuit/mechanical problems. Have the suspension(s) checked and the shocks. Get a real professional to evaluate the engine and transmission. All the best of luck to you and HAVE FUN!.

When you are going to restore---- restores a classic.

Buying a used Class A Repairs to Expect? | Good Sam Community

32 Replies

rk911
Explorer
Feb 01, 2017
brightond wrote:
Hi There!

I'm looking at an older Class A RV to renovate for a 1-2 year adventure with my family.

Right now I'm looking at a 1998 Fleetwood Southwind (30' with a Ford engine and 35K miles.) I could get this for just over 10K.

I've researched these Southwind's and have mostly found people saying they loved them and that they ran great for them.

Now I realize that I will need to budget some funds for repairs/renovations but I would love some input on what I may be looking at for tuning a vehicle like this up.

Any advice on what I should consider when purchasing a vehicle would be appreciated.

Thanks!

James

first off, anything made of rubber should be thoroughly examined...tires, gaskets, hoses, belts, etc. next, change ALL the fluids and i might have the drained oil analyzed. next, the battery(ies) should all be load tested and if older than, say, 48-60 months replace them. but unless you're a really good mechanic i'd have the unit professionally examined and vetted before purchase.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Feb 01, 2017
Almost every part that has a piece of rubber in it.? anything that is exposed to water ?

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Buying a used Class A Repairs to Expect?

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