Older low mileage motorhome?

Opps, I forgot tires. The tires that were on the coach were the originals and over 15 years old!

We had the dealre replace them as part of the deal.

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Low mileage can mean a lot of interior and system use from a full timer owner that did not move much.
It could also mean it belong to an owner that really didn't use it very much and if he kept up with the necessary preventive maintenance, it could be a gem. The thing is for the owner to show you records of exactly what has been done on the coach for maintenance. Do not take his word that he performed everything according to the manufacturers recommendations. No documentation means that you have to take the word of a stranger with everything to gain, and nothing to lose at this point.
Low generator hours might mean that the owner didn't park very often without shore power. High generator hours mean the opposite.
Basically you want to look for interior and exterior wear that matches the mileage, in addition to the documentation that the owner provides.
Approach every sale with an open mind and do not let your emotions guide you. Let the facts speak for themselves.
Be sure to check the tire date codes.

I agree with this. Good advise. I like to find the low mileage rigs that just didn't get used much. I don't worry about the seals drying out, they are rubber seals and wear out more than age out. JMOP
Good luck and best wishes!

Got it. Thanks.

I'm also planning to look at a DP. A 36' '98 Aerbus with a Cummins 8.3 that looks very clean with 50k miles. I've never owned a diesel. Anything in particular I should be aware of?

Bought a 2004 B+ in 2012 on a 6.0 3500 Express chassis, been sitting for several years w/o fuel stabilizer added. Had around 8,000 miles and 30 hours on generator. Spent $700 on generator service/repairs, $1200 for 7 tires, $800 for in-tank fuel pump, refrigerator recall, $500 for belts, hoses, fluids, and $800 on 2 6V AGM house batteries since battery location was terrible to water. The little stuff adds up quick if not stored properly for a period of time.

Teleman wrote:

Good advice. Thank you. What about seals drying out etc. from the engine not being run enough? I guess check for leaks? It's a dealer sale. Hopefully he has the records.

I'm of the opinion that seals (etc.) don't wear out from non-use, generally, but rather just from age. It's no different than any other motorhome of the same age. By all means do check for leaks etc. and see if the hoses and belts and whatnot are in good condition and verify that the brake pads are sound and so on.

For some reason, when (say) a seal or something gives out after fifteen years and 200,000 miles, people tend to think that it's only to be expected and was probably about due; but if it goes out after fifteen years and 20,000 miles, it's obviously because the engine was not run enough and so it dried out or whatever.

Teleman wrote:

So what was the problem with the generator and low hours? This coach has a Generac Primepact 55G with 143 hrs.

I can't speak for the other poster, obviously, but most often the difficulties with generators that sit have to do with gummed up carburetors (due to gas sitting in them getting old, or evaporating and leaving residue). Sometimes the brushes and slip rings also get dirty/corroded and give trouble.

The carburetor had to be rebuilt because the previous owner never used the generator. I like to run mine for at least an hour every month under load.

HackerAce wrote:
We purchased a 1999 National Tropical a couple of years ago which had 18,000 original miles. Besides a couple of generator issues (low hours) and adding air bags to beef up the suspension and help with handling and ride it has been a fantastic RV.

She was a proud lady in her day and while dated the fit and finish is excellent and the drive train has not given us any problems.

So what was the problem with the generator and low hours? This coach has a Generac Primepact 55G with 143 hrs.

We purchased a 1999 National Tropical a couple of years ago which had 18,000 original miles. Besides a couple of generator issues (low hours) and adding air bags to beef up the suspension and help with handling and ride it has been a fantastic RV.

She was a proud lady in her day and while dated the fit and finish is excellent and the drive train has not given us any problems.

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Low mileage can mean a lot of interior and system use from a full timer owner that did not move much.
It could also mean it belong to an owner that really didn't use it very much and if he kept up with the necessary preventive maintenance, it could be a gem. The thing is for the owner to show you records of exactly what has been done on the coach for maintenance. Do not take his word that he performed everything according to the manufacturers recommendations. No documentation means that you have to take the word of a stranger with everything to gain, and nothing to lose at this point.
Low generator hours might mean that the owner didn't park very often without shore power. High generator hours mean the opposite.
Basically you want to look for interior and exterior wear that matches the mileage, in addition to the documentation that the owner provides.
Approach every sale with an open mind and do not let your emotions guide you. Let the facts speak for themselves.
Be sure to check the tire date codes.

Good advice. Thank you. What about seals drying out etc. from the engine not being run enough? I guess check for leaks? It's a dealer sale. Hopefully he has the records.

Low mileage can mean a lot of interior and system use from a full timer owner that did not move much.
It could also mean it belong to an owner that really didn't use it very much and if he kept up with the necessary preventive maintenance, it could be a gem. The thing is for the owner to show you records of exactly what has been done on the coach for maintenance. Do not take his word that he performed everything according to the manufacturers recommendations. No documentation means that you have to take the word of a stranger with everything to gain, and nothing to lose at this point.
Low generator hours might mean that the owner didn't park very often without shore power. High generator hours mean the opposite.
Basically you want to look for interior and exterior wear that matches the mileage, in addition to the documentation that the owner provides.
Approach every sale with an open mind and do not let your emotions guide you. Let the facts speak for themselves.
Be sure to check the tire date codes.