Would you buy a 200k miles Pusher?
Called about a 1995 American Tradition with 200k miles on stock motor and drive train but maintained with receipts.One owner. Newer tires. Interior ....fair. Would you buy and how cheap?
Forum Discussion
- OP says the owner has receipts for work done, and it's a 1-owner coach. It's likely that a lot of the engine peripherals have been replaced already. I would base your offer on what has or has not already been replaced or repaired, including both drivetrain and house.
DSDP Don wrote:
It would scare me away. This bit about diesels lasting forever is a little overrated and has always been repeated as fact, when it's really not. Yes, they'll run for a long time in a semi doing 100K a year because they run non stop, get serviced and aren't subject to 20 years of sitting around. That coach only averaged 10K a year.
The diesel engine may still be running fine, but brakes, shocks, airbags, bushings, hydraulics and all the other related parts won't do 200K. The interior has to be pretty worn by now too.
I pretty much agree with Don. There are so many other components to a DP and maybe the engine is in great shape, but what about the other items? I would pass on a 200k mile coach. It's been used a lot.nohurry wrote:
I agree. It's a low priced way to get into a diesel pusher. There is no right or wring price. If you had come on this thread and said the price was $20,000, the posts would be to "steal it" at $15,000. If you said it was $10,000, those same people would be crying "offer $6,000". Only you can see the condition and upkeep.
That is a very low priced RV. If that's your budget, and you don't have extra disposable come to fix/maintain it, I would pass. If you're shopping that price range to allow yourself the extra $ to repair as needed, and feel you can do it, then why not? But you will most assuredly be spending more on it. Also, think about what you're going to do with it when the repair costs exceed it's value. It will be hard to get rid of.- I would not be afraid of the mileage. I would do my do diligence and check out everything I would look at his records to see what has ben done. You might hire a inspector to check out the coach. Remember things brake on newer coaches to. The price may be low because of the mileage being a problem in the mind of the seller. As stated check the dates on the tiers.
Bill Blaster Man wrote:
The 200k on the diesel would not bother me as much as 200k on the coach. What is the condition of the "house" appliances after that many miles?
Well, it is a 5+ hour drive away. If weather gets better, maybe a ride and trailer the bike home.- The 200k on the diesel would not bother me as much as 200k on the coach. What is the condition of the "house" appliances after that many miles?
robatthelake wrote:
Ivylog wrote:
Hotwheelbill wrote:
300 Cummins and with it being a 1996, it does not have a computer controlled fuel system. Manual fuel pump to feed the manual injection pump. HP can be turned up in about 30mins for free.
I see my first Diesel Pusher as a step for me for moving up later.
Since it's the 8.3 and you know how to turn it up for free or regrind the fuel plate to a #10... you are way ahead of most on here and doing your own work will not be a problem. May take more than 30 minutes if you have to drill one of the four bolts that hold the end on.
That's a lot of MH for $15K or maybe less and for the amount of use you posted and if everything works, I'd go for it.
It is, and would help with mpg a little. But, more smoke unless you understand how to adjust the smoke screw. For a couple hundred I would also do gov. springs, rack plug, and adjustable boost elbow.
I have owned several 5.9 dodges and have one turned with 53lbs of boost now, but it has a $5000 trans. in it.
I can do most of the work myself on motor and house. I just do not want rust!!!
Is it really as simple as modifying the Fuel Plate to increase the HP? What will this do to Fuel consumption and reliability?- More HP requires more fuel... No free lunch and with no computer you cannot change the tire size to make it look like you are getting better MPG. Your right foot will be the biggest factor in you MPG and how much you use the extra HP.
If the 8.3 is stock at 250 HP or more then yes it's that easy. I re-shaped the stock fuel plate in a FL 70 truck which made a noticeable increase in power/acceleration. There is also an easy adjustment to put more fuel in at a lower turbo boost pressure. Does not take much or you will see too much black unburnt fuel. Plenty of videos on Utube.
A 8.9L 400 HP ISL is a stroked 8.3L ISC. A ISC is a computer controlled 8.3 for EPA reasons. A engine that started at less than 250 HP 20 years ago and now is successfuy putting out 400 had to be a very good design. Ivylog wrote:
Hotwheelbill wrote:
300 Cummins and with it being a 1996, it does not have a computer controlled fuel system. Manual fuel pump to feed the manual injection pump. HP can be turned up in about 30mins for free.
I see my first Diesel Pusher as a step for me for moving up later.
Since it's the 8.3 and you know how to turn it up for free or regrind the fuel plate to a #10... you are way ahead of most on here and doing your own work will not be a problem. May take more than 30 minutes if you have to drill one of the four bolts that hold the end on.
That's a lot of MH for $15K or maybe less and for the amount of use you posted and if everything works, I'd go for it.
Is it really as simple as modifying the Fuel Plate to increase the HP? What will this do to Fuel consumption and reliability?Hotwheelbill wrote:
300 Cummins and with it being a 1996, it does not have a computer controlled fuel system. Manual fuel pump to feed the manual injection pump. HP can be turned up in about 30mins for free.
I see my first Diesel Pusher as a step for me for moving up later.
Since it's the 8.3 and you know how to turn it up for free or regrind the fuel plate to a #10... you are way ahead of most on here and doing your own work will not be a problem. May take more than 30 minutes if you have to drill one of the four bolts that hold the end on.
That's a lot of MH for $15K or maybe less and for the amount of use you posted and if everything works, I'd go for it.
