Buying a used winnebego what to expect

Where ever you who ever you buy from including a dealer, make them hook up water and elect to make sure EVERYTHING works, or you will have big repair bills before you get started. Lay on the bed, stand in the shower, check for room, and drive it more then around the block. Sit around inside for awhile to make sure it is laid out for your use. Miles really do not mean much, many people seasonal camp in a MH. Lots of use few miles.

How many miles are high? Can be a bit subjective. Normally you would like to see use, say 4K for each year but getting into 20+ years at that rate will put you into overhaul time for the power train from that time period.

How many miles until you get into major engine and trany issues? Can also be subjective. Prior ownership routine and preventative maintenance will play a major factor in addition to usage. Look for a coach that the owners have maintenance records. Also you're either looking at a carburetor or throttle body single injector. Might be difficult to find someone with the knowledge to service if a problem is beyond your capabilities.

Anything else to look for? Lots, in particular are water leaks which will destroy a coach. Soft spots on the roof. floor, interior/exterior walls. Just about everything made of rubber will be suspect for potential failure. Learn how to determine tire age by the codes on the side walls. Get the engine and tranny oil tested.

Older coaches can be a diamond in the ruff or a money pit so do A LOT of looking before taking a coach home. Test EVERYTHING including the water system. Consider spending a few $$ to have the coach checked out by both a power train and coach (house side of the rig) specialist. Good luck.

Four major expense areas.

Engine
Transmission
Water Leaks in roof and walls
Cosmetics of interior and exterior

Each of the above will be unique to the rig and its previous owners' level of care. You can reduce your exposure by having the drive train inspected by a mechanic and an inspection of the shell by a competent rv person.

Expect that tires older than 5 years and batteries older than three years will be a current replacement item in your first two years of ownership.

If looking at Class C's make sure you look VERY carefully for leaks in the cab over area pull the mattress back and check all corners and window areas for soft spots. If soft spots found RUN.

We had a 94 Winn Vectra, some of the issues that had were delamination on the side panels,also the basement doors rusted out,look for roof leaks in the tops of the cabinets and closets also if the headliner is sagging, it is hard to repair. jg

Before shopping even, have you tried out camping, rving? Have you rented a coach for an extended weekend with the family to see how it goes and if it works for all of you? After you have done that here are some other thoughts.

2 years ago I traded in a 2004 36 foot gas coach with 110,000 miles. It was worth about $20,000 to the dealer! The engine and drivetrain had received every recommended service at the appropriate service interval and there was at least another 50k miles before a likely overhaul might come due. The interior was worn but serviceable. All the seals were in good order.

I have seen coaches with far fewer miles that looked better, but there were dried seals and no good maintenance records. I would look for a coach that has been used regularly and well maintained, not sure I would consider a '80s model as early 2000's would not cost much more.

Oh yes, generator hours over 80 per year would be worth considering, higher is better! A generator that has not been run may not run well when you need/want it.

Try driving uphill. Then estimate how much power is available for the expected full load you will have. Take a hard look at the floor plan and see if it will really work for you. Check out all the storage and try to visualize whether it is adequate.

Happy Trails!

If your buying a Winnebago your buying a very good coach. And to answer your miles question you will wear out the inside of that coach before the engine goes, if it has been properly maintained over the years.

For around $8-10k you can often find a '99 or so with no slides powered by the V10. It may take some waiting for the right one but I would go that route any day over an 80's or even early 90's model even if I had to save up for another year.