I am looking at a 2001 Beaver patriot with low miles that has been sitting for 5-6 years. It was owned by a friend of mine that got sick and recently died. His widow wants to sell it. I have very little knowledge of this motorhome other than it is of very high quality and big (40ft) The interior is immaculate. The outside has faded and bubbled paint from years of sitting in the sun in palm springs. Any help on estimating it's value and/or what I need to look for when inspecting it will be a great help. Also, can someone tell me what engine is in it, what chassis?... air suspension? etc. I am a neophyte!

OK, I'll jump in. I sold my Country Coach a couple of years ago, but it was about the same vintage. The reason I sold it was the cost of maintaining it properly was too expensive for me since I'm not a mechanic. If you're so inclined, you might consider the rig, but there are many things to check first.If its been sitting for an extended period you will have some possible issues with leaking seals on the engine, transmission, wheel bearings, etc. If you are serious, consider finding an independent person with knowlege to inspect the mechanicals, especially the fluids in the engine, transmission, and generator. All fluids and tires will need to be replaced unless recently serviced.Regarding "bubbling" paint. Is the paint bubbling or is the the side delaminating? Big difference. If you have delam, I would walk away or only offer a bargain basement price. That's an expensive fix.Be cautious and don't let your heart over rule your head.

Thanks for the reply. The paint job is a 3 color affair. dark blue, light blue and white. It looks as if the clear coat over the dark blue section is bad. My guess is the darker color got the hottest as this has been in the desert out in the sun. The rest of the paint looks good.

amarder wrote:Thanks for the reply. The paint job is a 3 color affair. dark blue, light blue and white. It looks as if the clear coat over the dark blue section is bad. My guess is the darker color got the hottest as this has been in the desert out in the sun. The rest of the paint looks good.You might pop over to the Beaver website and see if more info is available...lot's of folks with that same or similar models.http://forum.bacrallies.com/The darker paint crazing is pretty common on all coaches with full body paint and may or may not be an issue depending on the severity. You might also want to visit the Beaver Coach Sales web site and compare prices with what they have in stock.The Patriot is a great coach and right now that era is selling like crazy. Last report is that BCS turns them as fast as they come in.

That was one of the high end coaches, setting will cause you to suffer thru the wake up syndrome, most of the exposed rubber parts will need to be replaced, our Newmar sat for 9 years in covered dry storage, first thing to be replaced "TIRES" then the service hoses, and a few other plastic stuff.If the price is right, buy it as a project in progress. Drive, enjoy, work, drive, enjoy, work :)

First call should be to Monaco with the last six digits of the VIN number. They can email you the build sheet on the coach with all it's serial numbers including the engine number and specs. A call to Cummins, (assuming here) will provide you with more info on the engine. If it's a Cummins, a quick trip to a Cummins shop will tell you what service has been done to it. (They plug it into their computer and everything pops up) Assuming the price is right, NADA puts it a $300,000 new, low $65,000 avg. $78,000 you might get a bargain. Check the tire date codes as it no doubt will need new tires. Figure about $4,000 for tires, ( don't go cheap on tires ) and have it inspected by an independent inspector for anything you might miss. The Beaver Patriot is one of the nicest coaches, from that period. You should get tons of mileage out of it.I think you will enjoy this rig for many years to come....go for it!!!....Dennis

Trying to purchase 2001 Beaver Patriot | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

BigRabbitMan
Explorer
Sep 27, 2013
amarder wrote:
Thanks for the response... I am wondering if the tires are okay to go from Palm springs to Colton?
should not be a problem for that relatively short distance.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Sep 26, 2013
Another choice is Redlands Truck and RV Performance center on Amigo Dr. in Redlands.

I had much better luck with Redlands RV than Colton when it came to 'house' items. Colton Truck is just that a 'Truck' center. They certainly know about diesel engines. They could not fix my dash air after three tries. Redlands fixed it the first time and it has been going strong for over 1.5 yrs.

Colton really knows very little about how slides work. They told me if I needed a hose, they would have to call another company to come look at it. I took it to Redlands RV (saw them several times at Quartzsite near the Big Tent show).... they tightened a leaking hydraulic hose where Colton didn't even try.

Again I had 'some' good service from Colton, I've had 'ALL' good service from Redlands so far.

MM.
amarder
Explorer
Sep 26, 2013
Thanks for the response... I am wondering if the tires are okay to go from Palm springs to Colton?
Executive45
Explorer III
Sep 26, 2013
If you get satisfactory answers from the mechanic and the price is right..go for it!.

If you're worried about the running gear, ask if you can take it to Colton truck center and they will give you way more info about the running gear than you'll need. I don't know of any CAT service center in Palm Springs, but there must be one. I do know and trust CTC. They are about an hour away but it may be worth it unless the asking price is a steal. If that's the case, I'd simply buy it and put an extended warranty on the drive train and be done with it. CTC info is below....good luck...Dennis

Colton Truck Center
amarder
Explorer
Sep 26, 2013
Okay, I have more info... It does have the Cat diesel, it has been started once a month, but not for almost a year. The tires are 2-3 years old, no miles to speak of, but the 2 tires that gets the sun are starting to crack. They are Michelins. I am going down to the desert this Saturday to meet with the mechanic that has been maintaining it. He also stated that he has replaced some of the hoses. But was a bit vague as to everything else.
I want to start it, drive it and check all systems, the only problem is I don't know my butt from a hot rock around a diesel engine, so I don't know what to look for. Furthermore, my last motorhome was a 1980 c class and that was in 1983. So I guess I need some advice as to what to look for.
mdanielson55
Explorer
Sep 18, 2013
I HAVE A BEAVER PATRIOT 37FT 2001 AND HAVE A not yelling 330 hp cat motor. I also have 130,000 miles no major problems and you are going to buy one of the best coaches. change the tires hoses and let a beaver dealer check it out.it is paint not plastic stickers. hydro hot hearer. there a dream on the road with the bag ride
Pogoil
Explorer
Sep 18, 2013
This is a great coach. That being said you must replace all fluids, hydraulic, oil, antifreeze, trans fluid and all filters.

Next replace all the tires.
Next replace all hoses, belts. Shocks are likely shot too.
Next batteries are shot too at least 2 starting and 4-6 house batteries.
If you can do the work it will be about $5000 dollars.
If not it could approach $10,000 to bring it up to par.
Clear coat is another story.

After that you should be good to go.

Good luck and enjoy. I find maintaining mine is fun.

Pogoil.
Snowman9000
Explorer
Sep 18, 2013
Since it sat for 5-6 years, you have to assume the tires are toast.
amarder
Explorer
Sep 18, 2013
Thanks to all... Now my questions are... Who can inspect it. It is in Palm Springs, CA. Does anyone know a good inspector in that area? and How old of a tire can I safely run?
Executive45
Explorer III
Sep 18, 2013
First call should be to Monaco with the last six digits of the VIN number. They can email you the build sheet on the coach with all it's serial numbers including the engine number and specs. A call to Cummins, (assuming here) will provide you with more info on the engine. If it's a Cummins, a quick trip to a Cummins shop will tell you what service has been done to it. (They plug it into their computer and everything pops up)

Assuming the price is right, NADA puts it a $300,000 new, low $65,000 avg. $78,000 you might get a bargain. Check the tire date codes as it no doubt will need new tires. Figure about $4,000 for tires, ( don't go cheap on tires ) and have it inspected by an independent inspector for anything you might miss.

The Beaver Patriot is one of the nicest coaches, from that period. You should get tons of mileage out of it.

I think you will enjoy this rig for many years to come....go for it!!!....Dennis