Hello,My uncle purchased a class A motor home (1997 beaver) from a friend. My uncle then basically was taken to the hospital from there and didnt come out. So now I have inherited the RV that he had planned on us using. I have no idea how to drive, run, or turn on a RV.My biggest issue is right now that it is in Florida and I am in Kansas. I know the unit has been sitting with a full tank of diesel and new batteries when needed for the past 4 years but hasnt been driven. i realize i need to get it somewhere to have all the oil and filters changed and an inspection, as well as tires most likely. it also has a leak in the sky light above the shower so i need that area repaired. So the issue I am running into is that no place locally seems to be able to do all of these issues. some do the engine work, some only the cabin. I think there is a place about 45 miles away that could do it all in one stop. so my question is, what is the likely hood of a bunch of algae in the fuel and causing problems if i try to drive 45 miles away? Or is it better to take it to a local place that is 10 miles away and get the oil and hopefully fuel taken care of and then go somewhere for the other issues. Since i live so far away i was hoping to fly in and take it somewhere and give them a few weeks and then go back. Any advise on what i should do?thank you.

A 30 year old Beaver? Wow. With four year old batteries in an MH that hasn't been driven. Inspect carefully. You may conclude to walk away. Add to my profile...1978 Beaver truck camper. Long gone but fondly remembered.

I'm sure that there are RV repair shops that do house calls in Florida. Hopefully you can find one close. This site a lot of knowledge RVs. Hopefully someone will come by that has local info for you. Good luck. The RV location might be helpful.

Where was the RV stored? If it's not stored indoors or at least under a roof, I would rather strongly consider either having a consignment place sell it or else sell it yourself locally as-is, where-is. Four years of minimal or no maintenance could very well mean a good bit of water damage to the house structure and a whole lot of work and time and money to get it back into reasonably useful condition.If the fuel tank is actually full or very nearly so, the diesel fuel should be okay. It's hard for water to condense in the tank when there's no space for moist air to enter. If it's not full, there could be some water in it and possibly some growth (not technically algae since such plants need light to grow). A mobile RV tech or truck tech might be the easiest way to get things sufficiently well running to safely drive to a repair place; there could be difficulties with the air system, sticking brakes, etc. as well.

My advice would be to think about whether you actually want this money pit.

Yes, I'm sorry that you may not want to hear this, but I too think you should really think hard about whether you want to take this on.We've got a 2016 motorhome and it is one chore to keep it in shape. Have you owned an RV before?If yes and you know what you're getting into, then I too would call some local KOAs and ask them to recommend a mobile RV tech.

New to RV world...am stressing out. | Good Sam Community

D_E_Bishop
Explorer
May 20, 2017
I don't know, maybe I'm old and remember when things were built well and worth fixing most of the time. A 18 year old Beaver if it is sound other than non-use for four years could and probably is a real find. Beaver and Foremost were absolutely top of the line rigs and I would look at it before it was declared DOA.

As the OP mentioned, tires, fluids, brakes all need checking especially the area of the leak over the shower. I'd spend a few hundred having things checked out and then make a decision. Then again, if the owner isn't really interested in RVing, there are bound to be a lot of folks that would love a shot at it.

I would at least hire a mobile diesel shop to look at the rig and see if it can be started. If it was in So Cal, I'd be there today to look at it.

So good luck and if you join the lifestyle, have fun.
Tvov
Explorer II
May 20, 2017
If you had really old gas from years ago, it is entirely possible it was the "good" gas that we used to get.

How much old gas are you talking about? I have mixed old gas with new gas and run it in lawn mowers. Maybe 1 gallon old fuel with 5 or 6 gallons new fuel. Don't want to run it in modern vehicle engines in case the fuel causes issues... lawn mower engines are a lot easier (and cheaper) to cleanout / fix.

Gasoline evaporates so quickly that usually all the fire department does at a small gas spill is put some cat litter / speedy dry on it. Most fire departments don't really do any "cleanup" of stuff like that - they make sure it is contained and as safe as possible, then their job is done. A large spill may require calling a hazmat cleanup company, but that's not for a few gallons.

Also, try contacting your local garbage dump / recycling center - they may have an "old fuel" tank/container you can pour it into, or should know what to do with it.

Then, of course, there is the old school way - just pour out the old gasoline in a gravel area and let it evaporate. But of course no one would suggest doing that...
Sam_Spade
Explorer
May 19, 2017
BillW44 wrote:

I really question the whole "old fuel" thing.

You have been lucky.

Basing conclusions ONLY on your personal experience often leads to totally incorrect assumptions.

Others have experienced trouble with stale fuel; a REALLY LOT of them.
The fuel makers even warn against it.
Why do you feel that it is wise to ignore ALL of that evidence ???

Hint: It isn't wise.
BillW44
Explorer
May 19, 2017
stvdman wrote:
I know OP seems "gone", but thought I would throw this out there in case someone else finds themselves in a similar situation wrt the fuel issue.

I have seen "FUEL POLISHING SERVICES" being used quite a bit in the Marine Industry. A quick search and its also used in construction as well. For someone with upwards of 100 gallons of old/stale/dirty fuel in an RV, it could worthwhile to get this done. Just a thought.

I really question the whole "old fuel" thing. I had really old gas in an RV (years old) although I treated it once or twice. Didn't cause any issues for me. And it's not easy to dispose of either. I talked to the fire dept and they just shrugged.
BillW44
Explorer
May 19, 2017
And keep in mind there is a lot of age discrimination on rigs out there in a lot of parks. So if you plan on staying in parks keep in mind the rig's year. If you're just going to park it on some land longterm to use as an extra home then no problem.
BillW44
Explorer
May 19, 2017
Beavers are actually really well built RVs. A little love and care and you may just have a gem. Won't take you long to get a feel for it. Just be sure to spend $100 on road assistance.
stvdman
Explorer
May 10, 2017
I know OP seems "gone", but thought I would throw this out there in case someone else finds themselves in a similar situation wrt the fuel issue.

I have seen "FUEL POLISHING SERVICES" being used quite a bit in the Marine Industry. A quick search and its also used in construction as well. For someone with upwards of 100 gallons of old/stale/dirty fuel in an RV, it could worthwhile to get this done. Just a thought.
Jebby14
Explorer
May 10, 2017
he gone....
pianotuna
Nomad III
May 09, 2017
Hi Original Poster. Who may have run away by now.

Allworth wrote:
OP??

OP??
jplante4
Explorer II
May 09, 2017
1997 Beaver is a nice coach. If it's had any normal maintenance, it's probably worth at least fixing it up enough to sell it. Not many around and there is a demand. Probably a Magnum chassis and CAT engine with an Allison. This is a great combination.

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