Buying a used diesel pusher

We have a 2003 Gulf Stream Yellowstone Country Club. We purchased it three years ago and it had a 40K. Over the coach is very solidly built. The best advise I have is the same as most of the other responders. Have it checked by a diesel technician and ask for maintenance records. Unfortunately we didn't have a tech look at it and the owner did his own maintenance. 6 weeks later we were the proud owner of a remanufactured Cat 330HP engine. Maintenance records are the biggest item for used RVs. All the Gulf Stream owners we have seen since we purchased ours all have had very little problems with them. All say they would buy them again.

I have PPI punch list with about 120 points that applies to automobile.
You probably can make 200 points list when it comes to checking house part of motorhome.
When I would definitely check the engine for blowby, leaks and performance, very often you have to go with your guts on lot of stuff that you are simply not able to check.
I remember Country Coach was giving new buyers 2 days at their RV park to walk via coach with factory technician.
Who is taking more than 2 hr checking used motorhome?
If you have family/friends familiar with RV, you can take them with you and when one person will test plumbing, the other electrical and the most knowledgeable the engine and rest of drivetrain.

JnJnKatiebug covered most of my list.


I would expand on the service records part by adding that if you dont have records, you need to do a major service so you have a starting point. A full service changing all fluids, eng, trans, power steering, coolant and filters including air system, intake, fuel, engine and trans.

Not to mention belts and hoses.

Your talking another $2500-$3500 but it would ready to go.

Owners Forum

You might want to look at the above forum too since you are asking questions about a specific model/brand.

On something that expensive, get a mechanic to look at it. They'll know where to look and what to check. Diesel problems can be very very $$$.

My coach is a 2003 three slide. I have been trying to sell it for around that same price and mine has been kept inside its entire life and looks like new inside. That is about the average asking price on those models. I would make an offer of about $40k if I were wanting to buy as the wholesale on that coach is probably less than $35K. Buyer will have to have cash or above average credit as loans on RV's over 10 years old are more difficult to obtain. As far as what to look for.

1. Tires, Look at the date code, 5 to 7 years is the life span. I just replaced mine, $2,800 for Hankooks, $3,600 for Michelins
2. Batteries, it should have at least 2 for the engine and 4 for the house. This is a $500 to $600 cost.
3. Check the service records to make sure it has been maintained. If they don't have them then it's a **** shoot.
4. If the fridge is original then it is about at the end of its life. $4000 for a new one or about $2000 to change to a residential.
5. Check for leaks, soft floor, carpet stains, ceiling stains, wall stains.
6. Check for leaks again.
7. Run the slides out and in several times. Do they go out and in strong or weak. Do they go out and in straight.
8. If transmission has not been serviced then it is time.
9. Check the jacks. Do they work and are there any leaks.
10. Roof, if it has not been serviced then it's time.
11. Shocks, if they are original, time for replacement.
12. Brakes, airbags. Check for wear and leaks.

The list goes on but this will get you started.