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mtofell1's avatar
mtofell1
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015

Maint./Repair $$ 10yr old DP

If/when I actually take the leap into a DP the price point I seem to be looking at about a 10 year old coach of moderate quality. I know a question like this is kind of open ended but am just wondering if any of you folks who have been there/done that can take an educated guess.

Assuming a 10 year old DP or reasonable quality (maybe Monaco, Beaver, Newmar) with 75K miles that has been well cared for and stored inside. Should I just plan on throwing parts/repairs at it to put on 10K miles/year? Or, would it be out of the ordinary for things like suspension parts to start going out?

Of course, I'm planning for all of the belts, hoses, tires, brakes, fluids and whatnot (but am still curious if anyone wants to throw out some #s).

Thanks for sharing any experiences.

fwiw - I've worked on cars/trucks a fair amount over my life and generally understand things but am probably not in a position to actually carry out much of the work myself on a big rig like this.
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  • RFCN2's avatar
    RFCN2
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    mtofell1 -

    1. Make sure you get a well built model and not one with known design problems. Keep in mind Beaver, Monaco, and Newmar have big lines with lots and lots of models. The quality of design and component quality with differ significantly between models and size within those model range. Meaning some coach lengths will have good chassis length and enough CCCs and some will not. There is a huge difference between the bottom end of the Beaver or Monaco or Newmar line and the top.

    2. Buy a coach that the owner has taken care of. If everything is working well and in good condition when you buy it you only have to fix the new things that go wrong.

    3. I would suggest adding Country Coach to your list.
  • glamisorbust's avatar
    glamisorbust
    Explorer II
    Jun 29, 2015
    I bought a '99 Holiday Rambler Endeavor last august for $33k. Came with a TOAD(tow car) and complete towing setup for that price. The car is a 2006 honda CRV that is in great shape.

    I love the ride, handling, air brakes and all the goodies that come with owning a DP. The engine is a 5.9 cummins 275HP and is enough power that I don't need more. It's silent in the front end when climbing even the steepest grade. The diesel generator is awesome and quiet, and will power everything onboard all at once.

    I have had a few issues with the refrigerator(recall problem), a fuel line on the engine, and just recently having problems starting the engine. But I will sort that out shortly. My coach is 16 years old and i'd buy it again in a second. HR and monaco are solid coaches.
  • gemert's avatar
    gemert
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    I bought an 11 year old Beaver last year. 34k miles at the time. Looks new on outside, everything works. After first year (last April) I put about 1800 in it replacing all fluids in engine, tranny and generator. All filters replaced including hydraulic, oil and fuel, chassis lube, oil hubs, basically everything I could think of. Then the exhaust pipe, alternator and a metal cooling line.
    From now on I'm hoping to spend a lot less.
    Would I do it again, oh hell yeah! The beaver is a great coach, everything top of the line, tag axle, HydroHot heating. I could not afford a coach like this new. It handles well and rides well. Goof luck.
  • hershey's avatar
    hershey
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    I have a Fleetwood Expedition. Its a 2001 Model. DP with Cummin's engine and Allison Tranny.
    We have fulltimed in that same MH for over 11 years and have to say, for about the first 10 years it was really maintenance free except for PM. Trouble free miles could be expected every time I pulled the jacks up.
    For the last couple years, things are starting to show wear. Yeah, the diesel will last perhaps 300,000 miles. But all those extra pieces that are attached to the engine are wearing out. The fan fell off. Replacement for it and belts and hoses $2,930.00. Plus a wrecker tow for 7 miles. Thank goodness for Coachnet. The fuel pump failed, this time 90 miles on a lowboy, again, thanks Coachnet, but the simple replacement of a fuel pump? $560.00.
    But...I wouldn't trade the ride and quietness of travel for anything else. I have no plans to trade, its still a very reliable MH.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Jun 29, 2015
    I still own 1972 Prevost conversion even with family "shrinking" we moved to cabover camper.
    Did not drive "the bus" for 3 years, but when the potential buyer wanted to take it for test drive, some tire pumping and new batteries were all I needed.
    The only problem was some cleaning of electrical connectors here and there.
    Old Detroit after sitting for 3 years took 2 seconds to fire up.
    I think it is not the age that matter in this choice, but quality of coach you are considering.
    I am asking 20 grands for fully usable Prevost ;)
  • Crespro's avatar
    Crespro
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    The engine and Allison 3000 should be fine if there is normal maintenance.

    At ten years, you may have flat screen upgrades, residential refer or Amish CU if Norcold 1200LRIM, water pump, water heater, slide toppers, solar panels, roof seal, tires and batteries. I did all of this plus a Travler HD dish for DirecTV the past two years.

    If you buy a well-maintained coach, you should have reasonable maintenance after the first year.

    Good luck. This is a good plan -- the 2005 coaches with ISL 400 would be my first choice.

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