Can hardly wait 16th-Professional Inspection Service Day

[Ocean_Mist]

If you haven't been following along, I'm in the Process of buying a

2006 Monaco Executive, 525 ISX, 4000 Allison, RR10S, at only 40'

The seller was pretty proud when a Prevost come up on him and he just floored it and passed him like he was standing still...

I think he said it was an elegant lady...

Hehe, just kidding Mike! If it were me I would have never floored it and let you pass me up... :Z

So I need to know what things I should upgrade or look out for.

Like the Can lights in the ceiling. Are they originally, Incandescent, and if they are should i upgrade to LED, and or which type of LED. Does anyone have LED, that can shed some light...?

Forgive the Pun

I can't wax the RV myself because of overworked arms, but what type of Wax should I have the guys use?

What type of stuff should i use for the cabinets? I had better clean them now or it will never get done... I think they are Cherry

[tropical36]

doc brown wrote:
Tires and batteries are a must. Anything else must be replaced if broken or not working. It's a used coach so expect issues. If it's the coach you want and he will not meet you half way, I'd go for it if "fix" costs are less than 5% of purchase price.

Yes, but more importantly, the purchase price itself and it is all about money. When buying well below low book for instance, you can better afford to take care of the usual surprises or what might show up immediately after the purchase.
As for the seller in this case, it's doubtful that he has a waiting list for this coach and most anything is hard to sell, by a private party. I know now or at least most sure, we could have done about $5K even better by holding out for a day or so.
When we sold our old one, I think I could have done a little better by holding out, as well, but at the same time would have taken about the same amount less, so.........

[doc_brown]

Tires and batteries are a must. Anything else must be replaced if broken or not working. It's a used coach so expect issues. If it's the coach you want and he will not meet you half way, I'd go for it if "fix" costs are less than 5% of purchase price.

[Mr_Mark1]

Doxiemom11, you do know that you are talking apples and oranges. You have a gas unit, Ocean is looking a Diesel unit.

All the items he listed are not emergency items, just maintenance. If your coach was taken in for an inspection, they might find an item or two to flag.

I can pretty much guarantee that you are not 100 percent trouble free with a 17 yr. old motorhome. Your brakes may need changing soon, your water pump might be near replacement, etc. Fan belts might have a few cracks, the maintenance list can go on and on..... that's why it's called a maintenance list, not a broke down list.

Safe travels,
MM.

[doxiemom11]

Must have been your year of Monaco or your particular unit, because we have a Monaco that's had very few problems and wouldn't trade it for many of the newer coaches even if it was even up. Ours is a 2000 and we plan to keep it for several more years. We'll just do upgrades and maybe new paint to change the appearance.

[Mile_High]

You are both in a hard spot - You have found some things wrong and the owner still wants his price and has taken offense to the inspection report (not too different than buying a house). He isn't obligated to lower the price for the inspection items, so if you really like the coach and you think you may lose it to another buyer, maybe $6K isn't worth haggling about. The next coach may be way worse.

In reality I kind of look at tires, batteries, shocks, engine maintenance, as all kind of hidden expectations you have to budget for buying a used RV, and if they don't need them it's a bonus! The worse that could happen is the seller offers to fix it up for you - his way - and you get the cheapest of everything.

[Mr_Mark1]

Ocean, if you decide to go with this coach and you are replacing the house batteries, go with AGM's.

Redland's replaced our 8 sulfating wet-cell batteries, cleaned everything, coated the battery trays and installed the new AGM's. They did a beautiful job. I believe that was a plus when selling our Dynasty back in 2014 as it had new batteries and new tires. (I got to use them for a year before selling). I know buying AGM's is a commitment, but you don't have to check anything, just make sure they stay clean.

If you wait a little, the seller will probably come around with an offer to help with some of the maintenance items. The pump leak, shocks and bushings would be paramount to me to have repaired. Caulking the roof is easy (I did ours), it just takes a little time and patience.

I would have the rock chip repaired depending on what it looks like. Just had one done on ours and the repair was excellent. Remember, the second you get a rock chip, pull over as soon as safe and put a piece of scotch tape over the crack so dirt won't get in. It makes the repair cleaner.

MM.

[HD8100A]

I have been using Redlands since 2009 when we got our first used Motor home we are now on our second used Motor home. In my opinion you are not going to find a better shop then Redlands they may not be the cheapest but they know what they are doing. I would trust Keith and Karen's team opinion before the seller any day. Good luck with the purchase and go with what Redlands is seeing.

Steve

[Ocean_Mist]

Hey Mike,

The Seller checked all the issues that were found on the Executive when he got home and he was pissed because he said they were ALL BS!

He said he saw the oil on the shock, and I told him if theres oil the shock is blown...

He says no it could be road grime, and that he takes very good care of his things.

He checked all over and even went so far as to make a video of the oil areas and they were all dry.

He said the other things were maintenance issues and that we are not buying a new MH

So, we asked if he would meet us half way on the $6k and he blew his stack saying that the Redlands people didn't know what they were talking about.

He said there's other people waiting and he knows he has the best rig in the DP 4' market.

so, we scoured the market and the DW still wants this one...

2006
MONACO
EXECUTIVE
ROADMASTER
1R

Redlands Truck & RV
510 Amigos Drive
Redlands, CA. 92373

fax
Hazardous Waste EPA# CAL 00003732
Phone Log:
free
www.RedlandsTruckService.com
test
Qty Price Labor Tech
Labor and Service Description
Ext
Job Id 1: PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION 540.00 JG

LABOR TO PERFORM A PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION
-NEW BUYERS SPECIFIC AREAS OF CONCERN
-OIL/FUEL LEAKS
-ROOF CONDITION
-STEERING GEAR BRAND TRW OR SHEPPARD
-TYPE OF EXHAUST, THIS COACH DOES NOT HAVE DPF
EXHAUST
-RADIATOR IMPACTION
Total for Sub Order: 540.00


NOTES FROM TECH INSPECTION
-TIRES DATED 17-2016
-TIRE PRESSURE
-ALL AXLES 105 PSI

2909.31
2901.65
Tax
141.13
233.31
Shop Fee
6185.40
Parts
Subtotal
5810.96
Balance Due $6185.40


-TIRE SIZE 295/80R22.5 YOKOHAMA
-STEERING GEAR IS A TRW TAS-85
-EXHAUST IS A TRADITIONAL NON DPF SYSTEM
-FUEL LEAK AT LIFT PUMP AREA
-REAR WHEELS HAVE STANDARD INFLATION
EXTENSIONS, RECOMMEND DUALLY VALVES
-ROCK CHIP IN WINDSHIELD
-ROOF SEALANT CRACKING AROUND SKYLIGHT. WHOLE
ROOF COULD USE A TOUCH UP ON SEALANT
-HOUSE BATTERIES ARE CORRODED, BARELY PASS A
HYDROMETER TEST
-ONE RIGHT FRONT SHOCK IS LEAKING, BUSHINGS ARE
CRACKING ON OTHER SHOCKS
-GENERATOR HAS AN OIL LEAK
Job Id 3: GENERATOR OIL LEAK 447.00
LABOR TO DIAGNOSE CAUSE FOR GENERATOR OIL LEAK
-DIAGNOSE TO DETERMINE REPAIR COST: 467.00


Job Id 4: LIFT PUMP 268.20
LABOR TO REPLACE LEAKING LIFT PUMP ASSEMBLY
-STEAM CLEAN AFFECTED AREA WHEN COMPLETED
430879
1.00 652.35 652.35
LIFT PUMP, TRANSFER Total for Sub Order: 950.97




Job Id 5: ROOF SEALANT 596.00
LABOR TO CLEAN, SCRAPE AND RESEAL ROOF WHERE
CRACKING SEALANT IS PRESENT
13-1315
4.00 17.88 71.52

ROOF SEALANT, DICOR, SELF LEVELING, WHITE
Total for Sub Order: 676.15
667.52
Job Id 6: SHOCKS
268.20
LABOR TO REPLACE 4 FRONT SHOCKS WITH KONI FSD'S
1)

8805-1004
4.00 189.00 756.00
SHOCK, FRT FSD MONACO Total for Sub Order: 1115.37
1024.20
Job Id 7: BATTERIES
596.00
LABOR TO REPLACE HOUSE BATTERIES.
-STEAM CLEAN CAMPARTMENTS DUE TO HEAVY
CORROSION
-REMOVE OLD BATTERIES
-CLEAN & TREAT BATTERY COMPARTMENT
-CLEAN & COAT CABLES
-UNDERCOAT TRAY
-INSTALL NEW BATTERIES
186.25
LABOR TO REPLACE CHASSIS BATTERIES.
-REMOVE OLD BATTERIES
-CLEAN & TREAT BATTERY COMPARTMENT
-CLEAN & COAT CABLES
-INSTALL NEW BATTERIES
T-105LPT-M
4.00 199.95 799.80
BATTERY - 6 VOLT DEEP CYCLE
13-0602
1.00 17.95 17.95
BATTERY CORROSION PREVENT SPRAY
13-0605
1.00 6.89 6.89
BATTERY CORROSION CLEANER
HAZ
1.00 20.00 20.00
HAZARDOUS WASTE FEE
264
1.00 24.95 24.95
UNDERCOATING, BLACK
1131MF
3.00 179.95 539.85
BATTERY, 950CCA,STUD POST 30M GROUP 31
Total for Sub Order: 2359.26

TOTAL $6185

[mike_brez]

So it's the 18th how did the inspection go?

[Ocean_Mist]

crasster wrote:

Bill.Satellite wrote:
It's really pretty easy to fly by a Corvette in a VW if the guy in the Corvette is not in a hurry. Pretty sure the same applies to the guy in the Prevost. An Elegant Lady is a Liberty Coach. Being around to watch 2 45 footers drag race has to be a magic moment and this was not one of those moments.

This. I'm not impressed by anything "flying by" something on a road open to the public. There are too many variables. I have a 4 Cylinder Toyota Yaris that can go 145mph. The reason why (even though it's a 4 cylinder) is because it is light car with good aerodynamics. No muscle, but yes it will get there eventually.

The problem is when I hit the man on the motorcycle obeying the law. So it's probably not a good idea to "fly by".

Yes i totally agree! There's no real reason that anyone should be going faster than the speed limit, and I think everyone new to the RV scene, should take a Driver's Class on Driving a RV. You know, to learn how to handle your Rig during an emergency maneuver, backing, turning to the right, and which lanes you can legally drive in on the freeway...

[crasster]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
It's really pretty easy to fly by a Corvette in a VW if the guy in the Corvette is not in a hurry. Pretty sure the same applies to the guy in the Prevost. An Elegant Lady is a Liberty Coach. Being around to watch 2 45 footers drag race has to be a magic moment and this was not one of those moments.

This. I'm not impressed by anything "flying by" something on a road open to the public. There are too many variables. I have a 4 Cylinder Toyota Yaris that can go 145mph. The reason why (even though it's a 4 cylinder) is because it is light car with good aerodynamics. No muscle, but yes it will get there eventually.

The problem is when I hit the man on the motorcycle obeying the law. So it's probably not a good idea to "fly by".

[Ocean_Mist]

Mr.Mark wrote:
Ocean Mist, I know that you are excited about your new purchase.

Keep in mind, newer Prevosts have a Volvo 500 hp with 1850 lb. ft. of torque and 45 ft.. You probably weight about 40,000-41,000 lbs. I'm thinking you might have 1,650 lb. ft. of torque (somebody with that engine might chime in). We weigh 55,500 lbs. so we will move quickly but you probably would move faster.

Our 425 hp Cummins had 1,200 lb. ft. torque.

It's all about weight to torque ratio.

Safe travels,
Mark

Hey Mark, I am sure the seller was just having fun. I mean no disrespect to the Elegant Lady... and I do understand the power to weight ratio. You're really the only person I know who owns a Prevost.

The Lady, regardless if it was being passed, is a coach beyond dreams. The Best of the Best. with quality and construction that supersedes all others. It will be an honor one day to cross paths and see the beauty that beholds her...

smlranger wrote:
Ocean Mist, the Executive is a nice coach. I hope the inspection goes well and you get a good report.
Well, if it isn't a great report, and the seller doesn't want to re-negotiate, I may be walking back to the Airport on Stand-by...lol

Wax/polish....there are so many good options available. I've used NuFinish in the past and been pleased with the results. I now get the coach polished annually when we visit Myrtle Beach and the guy uses a commercial grade stuff called Tri Shield. More recently I used Mequairs No 21 poly sealant on the coach. It is easy on, easy off and seems to work well. It is designed to seal paint that is already in good condition. It won't shine up dull paint.
That sounds so nice! To actually have someone do the waxing for you. I used to do all that kind of stuff and take great pride upon completion, but I think I just want to supervise...

I've replaced all my incandescent bulbs in the coach with LED. I got mine from a company called M4Led. They have LED bulbs for just about any RV light fixture. Other folks recommend Super Bright LED's as a source.
How do you like the LED's color? I have heard that there are some that shine bright and other LED's that shine with a more warm brightness..? I haven't seen the incandescent ones but I know I usually like incandescant color more than LED. However, in a coach the brighter LED may be better since it's usually darker in there. What was your rationale for changing to LED?

Our coach has cherry cabinets. We use the Orange Glo spray stuff. It does a nice job making the cabinets look spiffy. Have also used Guardsman spray cleaner/polish.
I have heard of that stuff. I will look into it. I don't want the cabinets greasy, like some sprays, and i don't want it to attract dust.

I would suspect that 40' coach with a 525 ISX will stroke along pretty well.

That it will...My main goal is keeping her between the lines.

jamesroadking wrote:
I'd stay from anything built by Monaco Corporation. We had a less expensive 2007 Monaco 40 foot, with a Cummins diesel coach. We bought it new, owned it for 5 years. All we ever did is take it back and forth to the dealership in Oregon, to the service centers in Oregon and then to the one in Wildwood Florida, twice back to the factory on Indiana. I was on a first name bases with the management in Oregon trying to resolve all the issues we had. The Service Centers and at the Factory Service Centers in Oregon and Wildwood and the Indiana factory repair facility were jammed full of the more expense coach's like the one your looking at. A lot more to go wrong.

I am sorry about your experience with the Monaco you bought in 2007. Did you ever get it all sorted out? and are you still driving the Coach?

I don't mean to pry, but could you tell me the exact issues you were having, so I can check those out with the Service Center?

Thanks Sam

[jamesroadking]

I'd stay from anything built by Monaco Corporation. We had a less expensive 2007 Monaco 40 foot, with a Cummins diesel coach. We bought it new, owned it for 5 years. All we ever did is take it back and forth to the dealership in Oregon, to the service centers in Oregon and then to the one in Wildwood Florida, twice back to the factory on Indiana. I was on a first name bases with the management in Oregon trying to resolve all the issues we had. The Service Centers and at the Factory Service Centers in Oregon and Wildwood and the Indiana factory repair facility were jammed full of the more expense coach's like the one your looking at. A lot more to go wrong.

[ChuckV1]

Ye-haw

I can see the fuel companies putting out the red carpet when they both pull up to the fuel island to spend that $500 or $600 that went out their exhaust pipe while their foot was on the floor 🙂

Keep her up fellows, I have oil stock and your making me happy 🙂