Hi All,Wondering what your feedback would be about this Newmar that was struck by lightning. Would you consider buying it or what reservations would you have?2014 Ventana Lightning Strike

Did I read the price correctly, $219,000.00? That's a lot of money for "as is". Basically you're buying repaired salvage. Is the title branded showing the history of the unit?Here's a question -- Can you even insure the coach against physical damage perils, like for instance, fire damage? I suspect if you tell your broker that the unit is a 2013 "refurbished" they will have a hard time finding an insurer for it!With that kind of budget I suspect you could find something less questionable

If you read many of the posts on this forum, electrical problems are the toughest to deal with which equates to a lot of labor dollars if you have to pay someone to do it. IF, and this is a big IF, you got a list of items replaced when it was "refurbished", then it might be a good deal. I would be interested in the electronic engine module and the electronic transmission module being replaced, as well as the control boards for the generator, WH, Refrigerator, AC systems, thermostats, and the electronic slide control. The inverter and the EMS would be suspect also. If the people who did the "refurbish" did not replace ALL of the electronic items and controls, I would say that they did a band-aid repair and are trying to unload it quickly. Remember, the insurance company wrote this off as not being economically repairable. That was a big check they wrote. Perhaps their expert knew exactly what he was doing. Do you feel lucky?

Not a chance at that price. As was said to many potential problems and some may not show up for months once you start using it. Lightening, voltage spikes, and etc will stress anything electrical even if it doesn't cause immediate failure.I had a voltage spike awhile back that caused 10K in damage and for 6 months after that electronic stuff continued to fail....including the generator inverter.To me it's a big pass.

Lightning and/or electrical surges can stress components which can work OK for awhile and then mysteriously fail weeks or months later. Components like resistors and capacitors on control boards; windings in electric motors; relays; solid state switches, etc. have failed much later after a lightning strike at my workplace....even with surge protections and grounding in place. I think I would pass on the "as is" Newmar.

Was this a million dollar coach ?Can you afford another $50,000 or more cash outlay repairing and replacing items ?If the answer is no to either question, walk away

Would you buy an as is Newmar? | Good Sam Community

Two_Jayhawks
Explorer
Jan 14, 2015
Beautiful coach but I would want to know more about what happened. Assuming someone owned it when it took the strike did the insurance company total it? Did they trade it back to the dealer and what repairs were required?
TomB_
Explorer
Jan 13, 2015
Call me a pessimist if you will, but I would have a very hard time buying anything listed as "AS IS".... :E
jwmII
Explorer
Jan 07, 2015
Good idea to walk away. It is a shame that something that nice could be a problem. It looks so nice tho that someone will take the bait. If it could be bought at 50-60K It might be worth taking a chance on it. Best wishes to the people who end up with it.
Miramichi_cruis
Explorer
Jan 07, 2015
Yes thanks all...was just looking at it but it is more than likely irreparable. Have moved on!
Oilman
Explorer
Jan 07, 2015
Around 2009 I owned a brand new GMC pickup. With only 500 miles it was struck by lightning. The truck had absolutely no cosmetic damage, it still looked like it rolled out of the showroom.

The electrical system was another story. The radio played, the wipers wiped and the just about every thing in the car worked. Only problem was there was no key in the car and everything was in the off position.

The only way to stop it was to disconnect the battery. The insurance company did not hesitate to total the car. They were fairly certain based on past experience that even if repaired electrical gremlins would haunt this vehicle forever.

IMO it would be foolish to take a chance on that Motorhome.
There are so many others to choose from.
Wrong_Lane
Explorer
Jan 07, 2015
In my defense the price was $219,900.00 when the OP posted the link.

I am an insurance adjuster and have extensive experience with lightning strikes. They are extremely destructive to electrical and electronic components. Todays power trains have complicated electronic and computer systems. The electronics are robust for normal use and exposure however are surprisingly delicate when exposed to potentially millions of volts from a lightning strike.

The ad makes it clear it was damaged from a strike so rubber tires did not protect it.

I doubt any after market warrantee supplier would touch this with a ten foot pole or the dealer would have included a warrantee in order to make this unit attractive.

To quote the dealer "However, due to the strike there are NO warranties expressed or implied" Seems pretty clear!

If you have $199,900 you want to gamble with well ---

Again with a budget like that you can buy a pretty nice coach, with a warrantee.

Note the original poster has moved on and judging by his most current posts he has found some potentially nice used units for less money.

The sale of this coach is hinging on the famous saying attributed to PT Barnum being as true today as it was decades ago.
-Gramps-
Explorer
Jan 07, 2015
It is down to 199,000. Nice coach but I don't know how much the lightning hit knocked off the price if any.
BobR
Explorer
Jan 07, 2015
Salvage Title? If it is, it may be difficult to insure or sell in the future.
bigred1cav
Explorer
Jan 07, 2015
Same location new Newmar: http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2015-Newmar-Ventana-4037-113114219
Tell dealer he is high offer 150 and demand a warranty his boss may say warranty not available , it is all he has to do is buy one for you,

Miramichi cruiser wrote:
Hi All,

Wondering what your feedback would be about this Newmar that was struck by lightning. Would you consider buying it or what reservations would you have?

2014 Ventana Lightning Strike
prstlk
Explorer
Jan 07, 2015
One word applies RUN

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