What to look for in a used motorhome

We bought a used 04 Winnie Ultimate Freedom 3 years ago, which was their luxury model in 04. I think the Journey was also near the top of their brands.

Absolutely love the unit. Emotion DID influence our decision. DW fell in love at first sight.

But, if you have any MH you will have problems.
You mentioned the fridge recall. Check the suspension for leaks. Same for the hydraulics. We had to replace a slide motor. Unit was wintered up north (PA) and there was some rusty sheet metal underneath, including the muffler and transition pipe.

Deano56 wrote:

yrusoslo wrote:
you get what you paid for

hey, this is real informative to someone who ask for help. Is this what you expect when someone ask for help??

X2 the OP asks for legitimate information not sarcasm.

Have you read the sticky posted at the top of class a forum by JohnnyT, you will find a lot of good info in it.

My selection process would be as follows
1. body color
2. check for microchecking in the fiberglass
3. floorplan
4. interior quality
If good so far then continue, if not look elsewhere
5. service history for engine (oil change frequency, flush history)
6. check exhaust manifold
7. check turbo's
8. service history for transmission (fluid and filter change)
9. check air filter
10. check for % brakes remaining
11. check hubs (oil or grease)
12. shocks -original? should be changed if so
13. tire age (dates listed on each)
14. fridge - many recalls on Norcold, consider residential
15. battery age, check fluid quality
16. inverter/converter function
17. surge protector?
Now drive it to a truck shop (previously made appointment) and have them check it out. Then drive it for about 2 hours up and down grades and run the generator with AC on. Gen should have been serviced every 150 hrs and opened up with hoses/thermostat/fluids changed at 1,000 hrs. If very few hours on gen you will definitely need major service.

Now negotiate.

One thing worth checking if it matters to you...
Many fleetwoods do not have passthrough storage. If the storage compartment doors come out with the slides, then it does not.
These models have about 1/3 the basement storage of a model with a raised rail chassis and full pass throughs

thanks for the responses and suggestions. We have researched motorhomes and Journey is one that was at the top of the list. We like the floor plan, features and finish, so those questions have been answered. We do need to check on the Norcold refrigerator model (recall?), and also check the age of the batteries. The rig appears to be meticulously maintained, and service records are available.

yrusoslo wrote:
you get what you paid for

Well...I don't even get how this response makes sense.

Good value for the dollar is one thing, but be sure the size and floor plan suits your needs and desires. Too much money to spend on something that you will be wanting to sell again in a year. And don't let emotions dictate your decision.

yrusoslo wrote:
you get what you paid for

hey, this is real informative to someone who ask for help. Is this what you expect when someone ask for help??

you get what you paid for