Forum Discussion

AGC's avatar
AGC
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015

Buying first MH, what should I change right away

Currently finalizing a deal on a Class A MH, this will be my first MH. Since I’m buying from a private party seller we decided to get a pre-purchase inspection as I’m new to RVs and prefer to have a professional look the unit over. I know the unit definitely needs tires (original tires from 2007 has cracks on the sidewall). What else should I consider changing due to age (mileage is pretty low), I was thinking of changing oil/fluids (engine oil, gen oil, brake fluid, trans fluid, etc.) and the batteries. I was also thinking of doing the CHF and adding a SafeTPlus steering shock.

Anything else I should consider changing, we’re planning a couple of short trips over the next couple of months before we head out west this summer.
  • If you have a Norcold refrigerator, you should probably add several fire extinguishers.
  • AGC wrote:
    Currently finalizing a deal on a Class A MH, this will be my first MH. Since I’m buying from a private party seller we decided to get a pre-purchase inspection as I’m new to RVs and prefer to have a professional look the unit over. I know the unit definitely needs tires (original tires from 2007 has cracks on the sidewall). What else should I consider changing due to age (mileage is pretty low), I was thinking of changing oil/fluids (engine oil, gen oil, brake fluid, trans fluid, etc.) and the batteries. I was also thinking of doing the CHF and adding a SafeTPlus steering shock.

    Anything else I should consider changing, we’re planning a couple of short trips over the next couple of months before we head out west this summer.

    well if mileage is low? no need to overdo it here.Did the owner do regular servicing or not? what model and engine/trans? how many hours on gen set and when was it serviced last etc. NONE of the stuff mentioned may need doing at all.Have your inspector look through things first and double check with owner on whats been done and what not. don't spend money u don't need to.Most MH people over service their units and its a waste of money
  • Warn your co workers that silly smile on your face may be permanent....:B....Dennis

    Other than what's been suggested already, I went through my entire coach with a package of zip ties and bundled all the wiring up every 12-18". This keeps the wires from vibrating while driving and prevents pesky shorts later. Also, make sure you give the generator the same love you're giving the coach with oil changes etc. SpeedCo provide oil change, lube, filters etc for about $300/diesel. They will let you go in the pit to observe also so you'll be able to get up close and personal with the underbelly of the beast....good luck and congratulations....Dennis
  • Maybe keep one of the tires (unmounted) as a spare.
    Need to know what coach you're buying, for the best advice.
  • If you look at my sigfile, you will see that I know "Old". Tires are a given, the 7 year thing is real. All the other rubber should still be OK. Even without miles/hours on the main engine, the corrosion inhibitors in the coolant may be depleted. Definitely get the brakes flushed. If the transmission fluid is still red and clear, leave it alone. Few AT have a drain plug and they will probably do more damage than good by draining it. This is not true of the main engine and generator lube oil.

    I'm not sure why you want to add a steering damper. You should drive it some first - Unless you Know that model has a problem.

    Please spend the first night in your own drive way. You will quickly learn a lot that you need to know.

    Matt
  • The TV may need to be upgraded. Check fluid in the differential. Shocks? Sway bar bushings? Coolant change? Complete brake fluid flush.
    Before you change the tires look over the original tires to see if they are wearing evenly. If not, spring for a four wheel alignment.
  • I would check the smoke detectors, CO detector, fire extinguisher- - yes on the fluids- check the belts and hoses.

    congrats and welcome to the forum