Forum Discussion

DaButcher's avatar
DaButcher
Explorer
Jan 30, 2019

Near perfect 2001 Jayco Eagle

I just bought a 2001 Jayco Eagle with just under 13,000 miles and generator with less than 60hrs. It was owned by a now retired engineer who in his words "if something went wrong I repaired better than it was". Motorhome was shop kept, has 7 new Micheline tires with less than 50 miles. White carpet in bedroom and living area that may or may not have ever had a foot on it because it was covered with rugs. Generator fires up and runs first time every time. He told me he always used non-ethanol gas. No rot or any signs it ever leaked. I keep trying to find flaws with this unit and so for the list is very short. Main thing that needs done is reseal the roof. I've driven it about 100 miles and it drives and runs like new. When I picked it up he had all the manuals organized for me and when getting in the drivers seat the radio manual and a departure and arrival check list were on the console. I am aware of the shortcomings of the early V10. Wish me luck as I have read over and over on this forum and others that low mileage seldom used units can be a nightmare.

picture sharing


closest woodforest bank
Class C
  • DaButcher's avatar
    DaButcher
    Explorer
    Jan 30, 2019
    ron.dittmer wrote:
    DaButcher,

    You found a gem. A rig stored indoors all it's life and well cared for will be a gem. I am happy for you.

    You do what you think is right. But as for me, I would not be quick to replace things due to age. Some things like cooling hoses and such, the one you buy might be just as old as the one installed by Ford back in 2001. Even your anti-freeze is still good because the rust inhibitors breaks down with heat, not age. And ethylene glycol never breaks down. I would change the motor oil & filter, the air filter, flush out the old brake fluid, inspect the belts for cracks, and leave the rest of the chassis alone. 13,000 miles is so little heat degradation.

    What a wonderful find.


    To be clear previous owner got the motorhome in 2006 with 1950 miles so not sure if it was stored covered before that but may have been because there is no cracking in the vinyl stripes. Anti-freeze was changed at some point (sharpie written note under hood). There is also sharpie notes under hood as to quantity and viscosity of engine oil but not when it was changed. He couldn't remember when he changed oil but the oil filter looks brand new and oil is perfectly clear. I do plan to change the oil soon, Mobil 1 with Motorcraft filter is what he used and I will continue with that. Good advice on the brake fluid and I need to get under the hood and give it a good inspection. I've been on the creeper to have a look underneath and it looks great with only some surface rust on things Ford did not paint like the driveline.
  • ron_dittmer's avatar
    ron_dittmer
    Explorer II
    Jan 30, 2019
    DaButcher,

    You found a gem. A rig stored indoors all it's life and well cared for will be a gem. I am happy for you.

    You do what you think is right. But as for me, I would not be quick to replace things due to age. Some things like cooling hoses and such, the one you buy might be just as old as the one installed by Ford back in 2001. Even your anti-freeze is still good because the rust inhibitors breaks down with heat, not age. And ethylene glycol never breaks down. I would change the motor oil & filter, the air filter, flush out the old brake fluid, inspect the belts for cracks, and leave the rest of the chassis alone. 13,000 miles is so little heat degradation.

    What a wonderful find.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jan 30, 2019
    Low mileage in itself is not a nightmare by any stretch. The lack of care and maintenance that often accompanies low mileage certainly can be, and of course time can take its toll on some things regardless of use or non-use. By all indications, your new motorhome was not the least bit neglected; I think it's a great find.

    Happy camping!
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jan 30, 2019
    Age, not just miles, are in play with your C. I suggest changing all fluids and filters. New tires as in very few miles or lots of tread, when again age is also a factor?

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