Forum Discussion

Caygins_mom's avatar
Caygins_mom
Explorer
Jun 09, 2017

2003 Fleetwood discovery 38t

My husband and I are new to RVing, in fact we don't even have one yet. We are looking at a 2003 Fleetwood Discovery 38t. We know it is diesel-powered but we're wondering if anyone has any negatives from their experience about this model. Thanks in advance.
Caygins Mom
  • 14 year coach and new to RVing? Hire a pro to inspect it.
  • Welcome to the forum. I can't answer questions about the Discovery, I'm not familiar with the unit

    However, when buying a used RV, condition is the important factor.
    All RV's have pros, cons and quirks.
    If you are new to RVing, hire a RV tech to inspect the house. Take it to a qualified shop to have the engine and chasis inspected.
    It will be money well spent.

    Don't be in a hurry to buy. And do not give the seller (dealer or private) any money until you are satisfied with the condition. Do not believe a dealer who tells you repairs will be made after the purchase.

    Check the age of the tires. RV tires usually age out before they wear out. Even if they look good and have plenty of tread, check the age.
    Most replace their tires between 6-10 years.

    Ask lots of questions before you sign any agreements. Someone on the forum will have an answer.
  • Thanks for the info. We have bought several books and are trying to do our due diligence but I was wondering about this particular unit and the drive ability. I hear some units are borderline dangerous to drive because of their handling issues. Any ideas about RV techs? I am in the Tampa Bay area.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Welcome and a Moderator will move your question to the Class A forum for more answers.
  • Guess no-one has any experience with the 03 04 Fleetwood discovery 38t.
    How about a good tech to check out anything in myTampa bay area that I might be interested in? Should I take it to a dealers shop?
  • Caygins mom wrote:
    Guess no-one has any experience with the 03 04 Fleetwood discovery 38t.
    How about a good tech to check out anything in myTampa bay area that I might be interested in? Should I take it to a dealers shop?


    Yes have it checked out but you say you are new to RVing, so you want to start with a 14 year old diesel, how bout getting a near new gas motorhome for about the same money.

    I am not putting down diesel motorhomes but they sometimes can be real expensive to repair when its needed and at 14 years old it might need a lot of new stuff.

    On your 2nd post you said about handling issues on other motorhomes, I suspect your talking about gas motorhomes and someone told you this, well in the past they had issues but the newer gas motorhomes do much better today, I suggest looking at 2006 and newer gas motorhomes on the Ford F-53 chassis, easy and cheaper to repair.

    Good Luck.