Newbie looking at used coach

DW and I bought a 2002 Itasca Sunrise 32V with only 9000 miles on it, had been sitting outside under a cover most of its life. We changed the fluids, put new tires on (the Goodyears looked awesome, but were the original tires, folks on this forum are real good about helping us out with our questions about tires and such). We replaced the decals, replaced the toppers on the two slideouts, replaced the headlights (those kits that purport to work at refurbishing the lenses didn't work for me) and have since gone on 2 long trips (over 4000 miles) and numerous close trips. We love the MH and look forward to a long relationship. I enjoy tinkering with mechanical things, so the little maintenance items I can do along the way, I do. (re-sealed the roof with dicor). Anyway, lots of use still and the rig looks and feels good. Happy camping and ask your questions, there's a whole bunch of good folks with lots of experience on this forum.

Sounds like you found a really great deal. Enjoy the adventures.

Update! I bought it! The guy that sold it was the original owner. He is around 70 yr old and seems like one of the most honest person I ever met. A real old school type. He said he thought of retiring and bought this camper, drove to Florida and back, never used anything except for the motor to get down and back. He decided retirement wasn't for him and went back into his machine shop stored the rig in one of his heated warehouses and went back to work. He is bringing it back to the dealer where he bought it and is having all the fluids changed and having anything, anything thats wrong fixed. He was that type of guy, whatever the cost! He just wanted to do what was right. I felt very humbled, it not often you still meet someone like him. Thanks for all the advice! Now since I've never even been in a camper until now or even camped before, the adventure begins!! Hang ON

Inside heated storage does a lot of good to preserve a unit. Mine is 23 years old and looks like new. Life happens and there have been years where it has had little to no use. There has been no deterioration from non use that I am aware of. I am not hesitant to use it to do a cross country at any time.

Sounds like a potential keeper but plan on replacing the tires very soon. You can use that as a negotiation point to get a few $$$ off the price. Regardless of storage and low use the power train is still going to need servicing if it hasn't been done based on time. Engine and transmission oil, brake fluid change, there are 13 or so grease fittings on a Ford front end (if that is the chassis). Are the chassis and house recalls up to date if applicable? Does the owner have maintenance records. Big bonus for you if they do.

You want to run everything on the house side. Roof ACs, furnace, fridge, water heater, TV's, dash radio, everything. Coach and engine batteries might need replacement due to age so negotiate on those items also. How was the movement of the slides? Same with the jacks, awning, steps, microwave and generator under a full load. How is the view the rear camera provides. Is the camera foggy? Any possible problem you find use to your advantage getting a fair price.

Pull a CarFax just to be sure it wasn't in a flood or other such disaster. The report will probably show nothing more than yearly registration but doesn't hurt to check. Saw a couple of very nice rigs for sale post Hurricane Sandy that were in water up to their floor. Insurance write offs but clean up well. Potential electrical problems down the road will make your life very difficult.

if the low miles are as described in the original post, wouldn't scare me a bit. every time I see complaints about low mileage I always wonder if this is by somebody who bought/owns a half way worn out high mileage unit and is trying to convince themselves otherwise.
bumpy

Thanks for the replies, it is a 2006 38' gas Holiday Rambler Admiral. I was thinking about the fluids and getting them changed. He did offer to bring it back to the dealer to have them go over it, I will have to see what exactly that means. The tires seemed brand new, Michelins, no dry rot or checking. It was inside most of its life. The generator did start and run but not under load, I will have to do this. My wife really likes the newness of it but I am a bit scared of the lack of run time.

What is the size and model, gas or diesel. Seals dry out and tires will probably need replaced. You would probably want to figure those costs in and more. If you should get it, have all fluids replaced as soon as you can, including brake fluid. It could be a great buy but check everything as best you can and expect a few surprises along the way. If gas, specifically check that the generator runs well under light to medium load for a while. If gas, it should probably be replaced or diluted right away and carry some extra fuel filters whether it is gas or diesel. Look into a good extended warranty for at least the first 2 years to help you out. Best of luck with your decision. It could be the purchase of a lifetime. Happy Trails Bert

In my opinion it is better to buy a coach that was used regularly otherwise things rot, rust, and harden. Be sure you get a good policy of extended coverage and offer a low amount. I have several friends that have Holiday Ramblers and IMHO they are good coaches.

If it were me doing the buying I would far prefer a coach that was used regularly. Me personally I would pass on this one. Find a previous owner who took care of the coach and maintained it properly.