May be buying a '96 Tioga Montara 24D Saturday.I have owned several other brands..this is from a dealer(as is)..69,000 mi. Have any of you owned this model? I know it had the usual front cab window leak issue..was resealed..left inside minimal staining on the overhead carpet type area. Any advice about this model? On how to remove the staining? I am now disabled (elderly woman) and my cousins husband is going with me to inspect mechanics.We are traveling over 100 mi.so it will be a once&done trip. Will use it locally..Snowbirding days are over now..:<{ Janalee

Very likely window leak is going to mean rot in the overhead.

Are you meaning the wood part the bunk cushions are on? The salesman I am working with said that part seems solid and unaffected..of course we will be checking that thoroughly..taking step stool..he says the only sign is the staining. Of course,the outside around window and corner moulding has been heavily solicited so an attempt has been made. He inspected it after a heavy rainfall and reported no new OBVIOUS leaking. Thank you for your input! I welcome all responses. Janalee

I guess I should have added that rebuilding the overhead on class C's seems to be pretty common due to poor design.

********My computer decided to put the word"solicited" instead of silicone !! Sorry about that! Janalee P.S. sounds like you don't like class c' s..?

I'm not as fearful of leaks as others are on this board. I don't think signs of prior leakage has to mean "disaster waiting to happen - run away". BUT, I do think you have inspect those signs carefully to determine what the potential impact has been/will be.My used TT had signs of leakage around the windows. I saw the attempt at sealing to counter it, and it was very sloppy. The owner didn't remove old sealant and just gobbed the new stuff on top. Needless to say, the leak was NOT fixed. I spent a day removing old sealant around all the windows, added trim over the screws, and re-sealed. No more leaking. The prior damage was minimal and didn't affect the stability, etc. and it didn't turn the TT into a disaster.With my clipper, there is staining around the A/C, but again, there was no structural damage, etc. I re-sealed all the overhead vents, etc. and there has been no problem.So a stain doesn't mean disaster. Look at the "repair" work done. Was the old sealant removed first or was new sealant just gobbed on over and over? The wood base could have been replaced, so look close around the joints to see if there are signs of the leaking spreading down below.As for the layout, I took a look and it's a nice layout. The only hesitation (which is minor) is if there is more than one person, it would be difficult for one to work at the sink and one at the stove - that's only an issue if you routinely have 2 people fixing the same meal. Other than that, the layout is nice. The dinette up front allows passengers to interact with the driver. The bed in back separates the sleeping areas with the kitchen if someone sleep in the cabover bunk or dinette. The dinette is close to the kitchen so you can use the table for more counter space if needed.

Soon to be owner..maybe! | Good Sam Community

xxjanaleexx
Explorer
Dec 04, 2014
Looking into another..older..one. Stayed tuned..lol!! 1989 jamboree searcher,25',hoping it checks out good next week! It will be a nice winter project for me getting the inside the way I want it. With our conditions getting worse I am now getting more price conscious..Jan
lfcjasp
Explorer
Nov 15, 2014
Xxjanaleexx, been following your saga; I'm sorry it didn't work out, but you are right to follow your gut instinct! I hope you find an honest seller with the rig you're searching for:-)
oughtsix
Explorer
Nov 15, 2014
xxjanaleexx wrote:
Well another deal gone sour...was not happy about some of the details..won't go into it here..but let's just let it go..Something didn't seem legit to me and my gut feeling was forget this one...

Gut feelings are worth listening to! Even if you can't put your finger on it feeling that the seller isn't being completely honest and forth coming with you usually means they are not.
Travelcrafter
Explorer
Nov 15, 2014
Don't get too discouraged, One will come along that fits your budget and your needs.
xxjanaleexx
Explorer
Nov 14, 2014
Well another deal gone sour...was not happy about some of the details..won't go into it here..but let's just let it go..Something didn't seem legit to me and my gut feeling was forget this one...
Travelcrafter
Explorer
Nov 14, 2014
I believe the lap sealant is self leveling it kind of flows out as it cures and is used on flat surfaces; the caulk is like most other caulks, it comes out in a bead and more or less stays that way unless you smooth it out with a tool or your finger as the case may be and is used on windows walls and sides.
snowdance
Explorer
Nov 14, 2014
Glad you have found some thing you like. Best of luck and enjoy fixing it up. Working on it is lots more fun than watching TV in the winter.
xxjanaleexx
Explorer
Nov 13, 2014
Thank you to all...I am aware of most of these things but a reminder is always appreciated! Keep tuned in...lol!
oughtsix
Explorer
Nov 13, 2014
xxjanaleexx wrote:
Okay my friends and advisors!--looks like I have bought my rv...the 1998 Coachmen Catalina Sport250MB. They are having it cleaned,picking up Mon.if it doesn't snow. My cousin is going with me to get it..he will drive it and generally check it out. My nephew will caulk the roof on the first decent day---I don't like tarps and want freedom to work in it this winter. I am at once excited and then apprehensive..haven't had a C in about 6-7 years..and I am that much older! I think this floorplan will work for us,kitchen workspace and storage are not great,but sleep areas (and some privacy with the back bedroom)are what is necessary..(DH on dinette.) Think good thoughts for me Please! Thanks! Janalee
PS what is the difference between Dicor Lap Sealant and regular Dicor caulking?

My GF bought a 91 during the summer. So far we have had to replace the sewer hose. Next year we will have to put in a new house battery and will probably upgrade the converter to a better quality one at the same time. Not bad considering its age! 25 foot is not huge but we manage 2 adults and 2 kids in a 24'. We like to prepare the food in advance then cook outside when we get there.

Dicor comes in 2 variants that I am aware of. A self leveling variant and a non-self leveling variant. The self leveling variant is for the roof because it smooths itself out. The non-self leveling variant is for windows or anywhere you don't want it to run down the side of your RV.

I have never used it but a very popular roof sealing product is EternaBond. http://www.eternabond.com/ It is a tape and is supposed to last a lot longer (forever?) than Dicor or other sealant for sealing your roof. You may want to read up on it.

I wish you the best of luck with your new rig! I hope you and your husband have many happy times in it!
toedtoes
Explorer III
Nov 13, 2014
Congratulations!!

When I bought mine, I took it to my mechanic and had him do a full check of things. One thing he found is that even though the rear brakes had just been done, the person had failed to put fluid in them... Worth it just for that. He was able to prioritize things for me - safety issues first, then the rest. There were some things I could do myself (clearance lights, etc.).

Tires - check and expect to replace.

For that age, have them do a check of the fuel system including hoses. My hoses had thousands of pinholes throughout - replaced 15 feet. Safer to get fuel issues worked out BEFORE you start taking it out.

House-wise, have the propane lines checked. It's another easy check that can save lives.

Caulking first thing is a good idea. Not that difficult to do but will save a lot of headache in the end.

Make sure the battery and charger/converter are working properly. May have to replace the battery in the near future.

The rest of the house can be dealt with as needed later on. Deal with safety issues first, then amenities. The aplliances are nice, but you can work around them until you can afford to fix/replace them. Get a soft-sided cooler and stick it in a cupboard - if the fridge goes out, you can always pick up ice. Stove goes out, you can cook on the fire. And so on.

Safety first. Chassis second. House third. Inexpensive repairs fit in as possible (like caulking).

Enjoy!