Advice on a Class C for sale.

One example: Our 2004 rig has not been driven much since 2005 due to health, family, aging problems and other issues. We also lived in it during an extensive home remodel.Has around 10K miles on it. I had to replace the roof AC unit, fridge, converter charger, house batteries and fresh water pump at about the 10 year point. Roof has been maintained, no leaks. It starts and runs fine and has new Michelin tires from the last recall. We don't plan to sell it, but if we ever do, somebody will get a nice sun-faded rig with very low miles. I expect there are a number of owners that have had unexpected setbacks in RV usage. You might look for parked RV's in driveways and ask owners if they would consider selling. Just sayin, not all low mileage rigs are junk.

tmaxx wrote:

ksg5000 wrote:
My 02.

New roof probable sign that there was a water leak ... make sure any interior water damage has been fixed ... special attention to cab over area. Consider spending a $100 and have the rig pressure tested which will expose any leaks.

It has low miles and I think the price is fine maybe low .. products like zep wet look can often restore a faded finish.

According to the owner the roof was replaced due to storm damage.
It may be though to get it inspected since it is quite a distance from the nearest rv service center.

At least they are honest....Storm damage to an RV is like buying a car that was involved in an accident...you don't know if it was just bent sheet metal or frame damage...I wouldn't think it's a steal because of low mileage. Low mileage can also be bad... That's an average of only 1800 miles a year..

I spoke to the owner. He said he bought it two years ago. The previous owner had replaced the roof just prior to selling. There had been water leaking in the cabover area, so they had that repaired along with the roof. Also, the owner mentioned that they bought it to live in while they built their house, so it's gotten a couple hundred miles over the past two years. Not driven too extensively during that time period.
It's located in the sticks, not near any facilities where I could have a repair shop do a thorough inspection. I'll just have to take my flashlight and look closely at everything. It's winter here, so I am guessing it's been winterized, so no way to check the plumbing.

That is a real good price compared to used in my area. Make sure you look every where for water damage, discoloring and swelling. If you find some you may want to pass on it. Many have loose wallpaper by the windows, this is common from condensation off the glass (not nice but "normal") Otherwise drive it and try out everything. It's a big plus knowing the roof is new, but go up and look at it. I think it sound like it's worth pursuing. Jayco is a good unit.

Enjoy, Brian

Low mileage might be a negative if a rig has been allowed to sit undriven for long periods, without service. If it really looks good inside and out and EVERYTHING works properly,and the tires are less than 6 years old by date codes, and the engine cooling system, brakes, and suspension are in good shape as determiined by a pro truck mechanic, it may be a good deal. Expect fridge and dash and roof A/C etc to need repairs and replacement they are all limited life items. Take your time, do your homework and don't buy on impulse.

Check all appliances and the generator carefully and make sure they work. 27K miles is not a lot for the age of the RV, and RVs really don't like to sit around. Ditto the advice about water leaks and age of the tires.

the two major things ROOF and tires ,tires have a date if there over five years old they gotta go no matter how good the tread ,they rot.

tmaxx wrote:
I am looking at a 2000 Jayco Designer 31' with 27k miles, new rubber roof and newer tires. Triton V10 engine. The unit is selling for $10,900 through private party. I have only looked at it from the outside. It's faded, but looks in average shape for that year. I plan to look at it in the next few days and take it for a drive. Does this seem like a decent deal on a decent RV? This is our first Class C, so it's new territory for me. I wouldn't have looked at one this old, but our budget likes the cost. We are looking at making a long trip this summer from Indiana to Utah, so I want to make sure it's up for the trip.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

Low mileage is nice to own if the unit drives okay. However, many of the longer units are overloaded on the rear axle and under loaded on the front axle. Often times the ratio between wheelbase and overall length makes the unit hard to steer and stay in your lane. It would be nice to know why the low miles.

ksg5000 wrote:
My 02.

New roof probable sign that there was a water leak ... make sure any interior water damage has been fixed ... special attention to cab over area. Consider spending a $100 and have the rig pressure tested which will expose any leaks.

It has low miles and I think the price is fine maybe low .. products like zep wet look can often restore a faded finish.

According to the owner the roof was replaced due to storm damage.
It may be though to get it inspected since it is quite a distance from the nearest rv service center.

My 02.

New roof probable sign that there was a water leak ... make sure any interior water damage has been fixed ... special attention to cab over area. Consider spending a $100 and have the rig pressure tested which will expose any leaks.

It has low miles and I think the price is fine maybe low .. products like zep wet look can often restore a faded finish.