Used DP Reliability

JCGibson wrote:
In our quest for a Class A our options are a used DP that is about 6 years old or older or a newer gasser. What I would like to know if how the used DP reliability would be. I know it would depend on how maintenance was performed and how often, but even with that systems can and will fail. These items I am most concerned about since I don't have experience with them:

1. How long will the air suspension last before it starts to have problems and what maintenance is necessary? AIR DRYER SERVICE/REPLACEMENT IS ABOUT THE ONLY MAINTENANCE ON AN AIR SYSTEM. MOST USE THE ENGINE MAIN AIR FILTER RATHER THAN A SEPARATE FILTER.

2. Air brake system. How long do the shoes typically last and are they like the old days when cars had drum brakes and they have to be adjusted periodically, unlike disc brakes? SOLD OUR FORETRAVEL WITH 170,000 MILES AND STILL 50% OF SHOES LEFT. SURE, IF ONE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE A DIESEL AND DOES NOT USE THE EXHAUST/ENGINE BRAKE, YOU COULD WEAR OUT BRAKES.

3. Does the air suspension and brakes use the same compressor system? YES.

4. I am familiar with Cummins since we have one in our Dodge pickup, but what things are there to look for with a Cat engine? NO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE. BOTH CATERPILLAR AND CUMMINS MAKE EXCELLENT ENGINES.

5. Does anyone know if the Cummins in a Class A has the same or similar maintenance requirements as the pickup version? I DON'T KNOW PU MAINTENANCE, BUT CUMMINS HAS RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES IN THEIR OWNERS MANUALS AND PROBABLY ON-LINE.

6. What required maintenance is necessary for the transmission and is there anything to look out for? ALLISON HAS RECOMMENDED FLUID/FILTER CHANGE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THEIR WEBSITE. BIGGEST VARIABLE IS SYNTHETIC FLUID VS DEXRON.

7. I usually do most of my maintenance work, is the engine area easily accessible within reason? MORE SO ON SIDE RADIATORS, BUT EVEN REAR RADIATORS PROBABLY NO WORSE THAN MOST GASOLINE C'S AND A'S.

8. Is there a chassis/owners manual that has recommended maintenance schedule? YES, GENERALLY EACH MAJOR COMPONENT COMES WITH A MANUAL AS WELL AS A GENERAL ONE FOR THE COACH.

9. Are parts readily available if something needs to be repaired? YES, MOST COMPONENTS ARE COMMON TO TRUCKS AS WELL AS DP'S. SURE, IF OVER 20 YEARS OLD, MAY FIND PARTS SOURCE ISSUES.

10. Anything else I should be concerned with or need to watch for?

I know this is a quite lengthy list, but just want to be prepared.

Thanks everyone. You have been very helpful so far.

John