Looking to buy used (1998-2003) Class MH

A follow-up to my earlier post - watch out for fridge problems. The Dometic unit in ours died in April, just as we were 2 days from leaving on a 3-week trip down the Oregon coast. It got cut to 2 weeks and we got a new fridge after we got back. The average lifespan of those things is 10 years and we were out about $1800 to replace it.

We had a couple of other problems. The first was the slide topper on the living room slide. The original owners had always parked it at their house with the slides deployed. The LR side of the rig faced south. When we looked at the MH, the leading edge of the topper for that slide was frayed. We didn't think it was a problem, but in fact, the entire topper fabric was rotted away, leaving just the netting-like substrate. We got rain water into the dinette cabinets. Fortunately, there was no other damage and I was able to build a replacement.

Our second, still unresolved issue is the generator. I was out of action for about 3 months after a cardiac op and din't get out to the RV to run the generator. When I finally did try, it wouldn't start. Since we don't use it (being FHU campers!), I haven't chased it down, but I'll have to get it fixed before we try to sell.

I tried to send you a private message. Make me a friend. Or send me your email by private message.

craziresi wrote:
Hi,
We are looking to buy a used Class A MH (1998-2003). Has anyone had experience with that and can tell us what to look out for with an older MH? How long do transmissions usually last in these vehicles? We are first time RVers.
Thanks!
Teresa

craziresi,

I tried to PM you but not on your list.

Contact me at rb.clay@earthlik.net as I have a MH you might
be intrested in. Its a 2002 and in your price range.

Thank you

Ron

it depended on the chassis whether or not it had 19.5" or 22.5" wheels, not the year.

T, I have a 03 Winnebago Adventurer with a one piece fiberglass roof way easier to keep clean than the rubber roof I own previously when I owned a Fleetwood. And I don't know when Winnebago changed tire sizes on there Adventurer? Like I said I own a 03 and the tire size is 22.5 and, I have seen Adventurer go down the road with 19.5 tires, but I don't know what year?

We've heard both pros and cons for Fiberglass vs rubber roofs. Anyone have a compelling reason to get one over the other? A 2002 Damon Challenger 3275 has the rubber roof and Winnebago Adventurer the fiberglass roof. Sounds like the rubber roof is harder to take care of.

Wife and I bought a 2002 Itasca 32V Sunrise with 9500 miles on it in April. Had the dealer fix several minor items (electrical element in the water heater, broken drawer, broken guide on bedroom door). Bought it knowing we needed to replace the tires (original) but we went into the deal knowing this so were able to get the dealer to price the coach accordingly. We had a class C (29' Jayco Greyhawk) prior so kinda knew what to look for. With the money we saved over buying a new/newer coach we were able to pay for the tires and put some money away for the inevitable repairs. I do love to tinker so have been able to do the small things (change the oil, winterize, wash/wax, etc.)that need to be done on any rig new or old. Since we also are on a budget, we didn't consider the DP's although we did look at used ones, we found that the price for used DP's is significantly (IMHO)higher than the used gassers. I am in the process of changing out belts and hoses (did all the fluids right after I purchased the coach) found that they are all in fairly good shape, as is the rig. We put 6000 miles on it this summer without any issues, so I'm feeling like we made the right decision. Anyway, welcome to the forum and happy trails.

T, if you get a chance go to the net, DemartiniRV then the dot com they have a dealership in California and Indiana they get some older really nice coaches at times.

I agree, rent a couple of times before you buy. Really showed me what I liked and what I didn't.

crazieresi - I can tell from your posts that you are not even close to being ready to buy a complex older vehicle like a motorhome. You should consider renting for a few weekend trips and get some experience before you spend a bunch of hard earned money.

Here is something to remember. It is easy to buy an older motorhome if you do not know what to look for and have many thousands of dollars of repairs come up shortly after buying it. Rent first. Several times.

If you have to buy something now get a gas powered class A or C. The newer the better.