Forum Discussion

Campncouple's avatar
Campncouple
Explorer
Aug 01, 2015

Please give Advice on a big decision! Long Post!

We own a 2007 Class C. With 3slides. No problem with the unit just a bit small.
We now do more near home camping rather than long stretches and stay for a wk. or two.
I found a 2002 Damon Intruder at a 2/3 hour drive to RV Sales lot. This unit on inside is just right! Roomy, clean and comfortable . A Class A, Gas Unit with 10,000 mi. Outside looks good too. This unit had not been checked by Techs yet and upon inspection we found what appeared to be debris caused by rodents all over the part of engine in cab plus all wires to outside generator were chewed into.
The Sales Mgr. And also Co. Owner Assured us this was not an uncommon find not to worry. Unit has been sitting for a time.
Should we decide to purchase unit every thing will be gone over from top to bottom and Co. Will issue a short term warranty on everything but tires, tv' sand dash air. I have done a Vin. No. Check and it came back clean. We also plan to carry unit to our own RV workshop for a 98 Pt. Going over. And purchase a 3 yr warranty. But have to purchase before the RV Co. Will release it to us for that long a drive and they are giving their own warranty for short time.

I am concerned selling our known unit ( we bought new ) for the unknown.unit that showed the rodent debris .we will get the 3 year warranty however which covers top to bottom. We do want a large RV to become more live in comfortable.
Again 10,00 miles and very clean. Answers all our interior needs.
PLEASE GIVE YOUR EXPERIENCED WISDOM AND ADVICE. WE ARE IN EARLY 70's and in good health and just want to have extended camping.
APPRECIATE ANY OPINIONS! THANK YOU SO MUCH

35 Replies

  • I would tell them you are going to pay for an independent inspection and assessment at their site. There are many RV inspectors and or RVIA certified technicians that would be happy to go do an on site inspection. It may be a good deal especially if the price is right. It is common for RVS to just sit unused. You should negotiate exactly what will be replaced by the dealer after the inspection. The things that I would be conc about are, tires, batteries, fluids in the engine, generator and transmission. Be sure that the freshwater lines have been blown out and system sanitized. It is common for RVS that sit to have nasty gunk in the freshwater system if it hasn't been cared for.
  • I would want more information on the 3 year warranty that covers everything top to bottom. I have never been able to find anything like that on a used 13 year old coach.
  • siting long time things rot ,tires for sure and other rubber things ,,brake lines rust ,etc , 10k sounds great BUT ,its just been siting and most things that sit develop roof leaks. not me. sounds like you like your old rv .
  • It might be common if kept were it is accessible to rodents. Many of us store for years without rodent issue. IMHO it might be possible to find some of the electrical problems to get it operational enough to sell it to you. Then later down the line other things creep up. You mentioned a short warranty period. It's easy to tell you they'll stand behind you before your purchase it. Good luck after they take your money.

    You know what they say when a salesmanship lips are moving. If your the type that can roll with the punches, then it could be good for you. If your the type who gets frustrated with things going wrong at the most inconvenient times, maybe not for you.

    Only you know what your willing to put up with. I'd keep my newer RV vs something very questionable,
  • As long as you check it out thoroughly - all the wires and hoses, it should be o.k. Yes, rodents in RVs are common, depending where it's parked. That's no big deal.

    What size is your Class C with three slides and the Class A? To me it doesn't seem like you're gaining a lot of space especially if you're not going to be traveling but rather sitting for a long period in campgrounds.

    Your Class C was bought new and it's a newer unit. There must be something other than room that you're willing to give it up.

    Only you can judge if it's a good deal for you.