After buying a used "C" (no final candidates yet as I'm still keeping my eye out), likely on an E-350/E-450 chassis, around 1-5 years old, assuming it was inspected and proven to be in sound mechanical condition and no leaks (especially the cabover area), what would be a good list of items to go over before heading off? Here is what I have. If any of these are not needed, let me know.1: Change the oil on the Onan generator, replace the carb, since most gensets likely have varnish issues for sitting around too long. It may not hurt to run voltage and other tests on the genset as well.2: Change the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, brake fluid, brake pads, tires, auto transmission fluid, radiator fluid, and fuel filter.3: Sanitize the FW tank and plumbing.4: Replace the anode rod if the water heater is a Suburban, flush it thoroughly if the WH is an Atwood.5: Pull and replace the fridge if it is a recalled model or year. $1300 for a new DM2652 is a lot cheaper than a burned up rig.6: Replace the converter with a decent multistage model.7: Have the mattress and upholstery thoroughly steam cleaned and sterilized.8: Replace all batteries, both coach and chassis.9: Rekey all locks.10: Go over the roof with a fine tooth comb and a roll or two of Eternabond.Did I miss anything, that might be an issue down the road, assuming a solid chassis/house inspection with no major problems.

I am with you on1 oil change and fuel filter change only then seafoam then test. a one or two year old model should not need a carb rebuild. If that was the case some rigs sit 18 months before selling new 2 oil and oil filter and transmission fluid but brake pads and tires on a rig a few years old inspect them3 absolutely4 good5 have the fix done for free if recalled put in a halon extinguisher or go residential if not boondocking6 will you be boondocking a lot?7 equals replace mattress as I do not think they can be successfully steam cleaned. you could douse with lysol spray but a nice quality mattress will always be a good investment or a cover that completely encases the mattress8 Test the batteries before replacing10 amen

That is a great list. Also make sure you know where every fuse/relay is and have some critical spares in your tool kit.Jose

mlts22 wrote:After buying a used "C" (no final candidates yet as I'm still keeping my eye out), likely on an E-350/E-450 chassis, around 1-5 years old, assuming it was inspected and proven to be in sound mechanical condition and no leaks (especially the cabover area), what would be a good list of items to go over before heading off? Here is what I have. If any of these are not needed, let me know.1: Change the oil on the Onan generator, replace the carb, since most gensets likely have varnish issues for sitting around too long.\I would run Sea Foam threw the carb. It may not hurt to run voltage and other tests on the genset as well.2: Change the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, brake fluid, brake pads, tires, auto transmission fluid, radiator fluid, and fuel filter.Changing brake pads and tires would depend on their current status. I follow manufactures recommendations.3: Sanitize the FW tank and plumbing.4: Replace the anode rod if the water heater is a Suburban, flush it thoroughly if the WH is an Atwood.5: Pull and replace the fridge if it is a recalled model or year. $1300 for a new DM2652 is a lot cheaper than a burned up rig.Install a ARP. Even a new fridge should have one installed. A 1-5 year old MH should have latest fridge.6: Replace the converter with a decent multistage model.Many MH's have a multi stage converter. But not the controller.7: Have the mattress and upholstery thoroughly steam cleaned and sterilized.Mattress is a personal thing. You may want to replace it. All the furniture in our RV was still rapped in OEM plastic.8: Replace all batteries, both coach and chassis.Most batteries will last many years if well maintained. Make sure what is in MH will suit your use.9: Rekey all locks.Most compartment locks are the same on every RV. Access doors to living quarters are usually different. Cab doors are always different. Rekeying would not be on my list. 10: Go over the roof with a fine tooth comb and a roll or two of Eternabond.Yes, Yes. But make sure it did not leak before you bought the MH.Did I miss anything, that might be an issue down the road, assuming a solid chassis/house inspection with no major problems.Under carriage rust proofing if you are planning on driving during the winter.

Check output of converter/charger and voltage level of house batteries and electrolyte levels, engine running and engine off. Check health of cells with hydrometer. Clean battery connectors and wire ring terminals, house and starting batteries. Check operation of house battery disconnect switch/relay.Check operation of fridge in propane, 120vac and auto modes. Our fridge and roof AC lasted 10 years. Clean RV generator starting cable connections and check operation with roof AC and microwave oven running simultaneously. Check operation of roof AC and furnace. Check dash AC. Check condition of spare tire/wheel. Get good emergency road service. Check all vehicle stop, signal, running and clearance lights, heater and vents. Open awning and inspect fabric. replace cracked roof vents and install Max Aire covers. Check bathroom fan. Try shower and toilet and all faucets, inspect for any plumbing leaks. Try fresh water pump and city water. Try shore power hookup. Try TV antennain amplifier and cable TV modes. If you buy a 1 or 2 year old rig, house and starting batteries should be in good shape if they have been kept charged and electrolytes maintained. Some replacement items on your list may be unnecessary/overkill on a near-new rig.

My thoughts:#1 -- change the oil, and if the generator is working fine, don't bother diddling with it unnecessarily.#2 -- oil and filters. If the brake fluid is a few years old flush and replace it. Brake pads and tires based on wear and (for tires) age. The tires on a 1-5 year old unit probably won't need replacement immediately, so why needlessly spend $1K there?#3 -- yes. Standard start of the season activity. (Wear old clothes.)#4 -- Inspect anode rod and replace if needed.#5 -- If recalled, just have the recall work done. Replacing a nearly new fridge makes no sense to me. Fire extinguisher and/or ARP would not be a bad idea regardless. The recall work should prevent your coach from burning down in the event of a fridge failure.#6 -- not a bad idea, depending on your use it may not be an immediate priority.#7 -- Personally, I'd skip this if it was reasonably clean already. Depending on what so-called mattress you get, you may want to replace it to actually sleep decently, or put a foam topper on it.#8 -- Check the batteries and replace if needed or if you need more battery capacity than the RV comes with. A one year old chassis battery should not need replacement. A five year old one very well might.#9 -- IMHO not necessary. Any criminal who would keep keys to the RV they sold around so as to rob the new owner at some future point would presumably be equally willing to just break in through a skylight or something. RVs are not highly secure. #10 -- Examining the roof should be a part of your periodic maintenance (a couple times a year). Dicor and/or Eternabond, depending the situation, would be the preferred products to use. No need to do anything so long as what's there is in good condition.I would take the money not spent on tires, the generator carb, replacements for good batteries, etc. and spend it on vent covers (if there are none), miscellaneous furnishings and supplies, and especially camping trips.You may want to make sure you have all the equipment and such needed to change a flat. My RV came with a spare and a lug wrench, but no jack (or at least none that I've been able to locate thus far).

Used "C" checklist after purchase? | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

ronfisherman
Moderator
Jul 21, 2015
mlts22 wrote:
After buying a used "C" (no final candidates yet as I'm still keeping my eye out), likely on an E-350/E-450 chassis, around 1-5 years old, assuming it was inspected and proven to be in sound mechanical condition and no leaks (especially the cabover area), what would be a good list of items to go over before heading off? Here is what I have. If any of these are not needed, let me know.

1: Change the oil on the Onan generator, replace the carb, since most gensets likely have varnish issues for sitting around too long.\I would run Sea Foam threw the carb.
It may not hurt to run voltage and other tests on the genset as well.
2: Change the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, brake fluid, brake pads, tires, auto transmission fluid, radiator fluid, and fuel filter.
Changing brake pads and tires would depend on their current status. I follow manufactures recommendations.
3: Sanitize the FW tank and plumbing.
4: Replace the anode rod if the water heater is a Suburban, flush it thoroughly if the WH is an Atwood.
5: Pull and replace the fridge if it is a recalled model or year. $1300 for a new DM2652 is a lot cheaper than a burned up rig.
Install a ARP. Even a new fridge should have one installed. A 1-5 year old MH should have latest fridge.
6: Replace the converter with a decent multistage model.
Many MH's have a multi stage converter. But not the controller.
7: Have the mattress and upholstery thoroughly steam cleaned and sterilized.
Mattress is a personal thing. You may want to replace it. All the furniture in our RV was still rapped in OEM plastic.
8: Replace all batteries, both coach and chassis.
Most batteries will last many years if well maintained. Make sure what is in MH will suit your use.
9: Rekey all locks.
Most compartment locks are the same on every RV. Access doors to living quarters are usually different. Cab doors are always different. Rekeying would not be on my list.
10: Go over the roof with a fine tooth comb and a roll or two of Eternabond.
Yes, Yes. But make sure it did not leak before you bought the MH.

Did I miss anything, that might be an issue down the road, assuming a solid chassis/house inspection with no major problems.
Under carriage rust proofing if you are planning on driving during the winter.
DaHose
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
That is a great list.

Also make sure you know where every fuse/relay is and have some critical spares in your tool kit.

Jose
darsben
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2015
I am with you on
1 oil change and fuel filter change only then seafoam then test. a one or two year old model should not need a carb rebuild. If that was the case some rigs sit 18 months before selling new
2 oil and oil filter and transmission fluid but brake pads and tires on a rig a few years old inspect them
3 absolutely
4 good
5 have the fix done for free if recalled put in a halon extinguisher or go residential if not boondocking
6 will you be boondocking a lot?
7 equals replace mattress as I do not think they can be successfully steam cleaned. you could douse with lysol spray but a nice quality mattress will always be a good investment or a cover that completely encases the mattress
8 Test the batteries before replacing
10 amen

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Used "C" checklist after purchase?

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