Class A in storage 5 years

[parkmanaa]

Thinking of buying a 1996 Winnebago Itasca Sunrise that has been in storage 5 years. Engine started weekly, but coach not moved.
I know the older gentleman selling it, who purchased it new, and know he maintained it extremely well until due to age/health situation he had to put it in storage.
Question is, does anyone have thoughts on what could be the hazards of buying the MH due to it's sitting in 1 place 5 years? I plan to replace the 11-year old tires immediately, change all fluids, etc., and also plan to have it inspected by a mobile RV maintenance technician.
Any other thoughts on it?
Thanks for your help.

[Tom_Barb]

Our Newmar sat 9 years, all the rubber parts have now been replaced, nothing tragic happened while we were waking it up. we put 500+ miles on it prior to seeing any sidewall cracks then buying new tires.

[msmith1199]

wolfe10 wrote:
Starting an engine weekly and not driving it for 5 years suggest a LOT of moisture in the crankcase/engine.

Certainly pull off the oil cap and verify that this is not an issue. Would not want an engine with a lot of rust inside!

^ What he said. Starting weekly may have been worse for it than letting it sit. Assuming he really did start it weekly. Who leaves a vehicle in storage for five years but goes and visits it every week? Anyway I'm no mechanic, but starting it and not taking it out and driving it and getting the engine up to operating temp can mean a lot of condensation like wolfe said and it could cause a lot of wear and tear because all that running was done on oil that wasn't circulating at it's best and old oil.

[parkmanaa]

Thanks much for all your input.

[Kayteg1]

30 minutes is good, but most of diesels never get to operational temperatures while idling.
I would take all the seller stories with big grain of salt.
When I was buying mentioned DP, the widow said it was park for 5 years.
But stickers expired 7 years before.
If the seller really run the engine for 30 minutes every week, he had to refill the tank several times.
Ask him how did he bring the fuel and that will give a hint how truthful the story is.
As you can see from replies, there is no firm rule what might go bad in the storage.
On quality coach you will need nothing, on cheaper one a lot.
Take 2-3 hr for walking and checking the systems.

[ArchHoagland]

Does the toilet hold water?

Have you hooked up external water to the system to test for leaks..

[parkmanaa]

lanerd wrote:
Stored outside...inside? On blocks...on tires? Starting weekly may have been more detrimental than not. Many items need to be lubricated that can only been done by driving it. Any gas additive like Stabil used?

Check interior (ceiling..around windows) for any sign of water stains indicating a leak of some sort. Step on every inch of the floor to check for softness. Be sure to sanitize the fresh water system.

Good luck..

Ron

I forgot to mention this unit has the 6.5L GM diesel engine.
66,000 miles
Stored outside, tires on the ground.
The old gentleman is a fanatic about starting it weekly and letting it run approx. 30 minutes. No diesel additive used.
Have thoroughly checked inside and outside; everything is in good shape. Only concern really is the mechanical side.

[wolfe10]

Starting an engine weekly and not driving it for 5 years suggest a LOT of moisture in the crankcase/engine.

Certainly pull off the oil cap and verify that this is not an issue. Would not want an engine with a lot of rust inside!

[Freightguy]

not exactly the same but I bought a motorcycle that was in a guys basement for 5 years. After 6 moths all the seals needed replacing from cracking, the tire too. then 1 year in head gaskets. I wont do it again.

[lanerd]

Stored outside...inside? On blocks...on tires? Starting weekly may have been more detrimental than not. Many items need to be lubricated that can only been done by driving it. Any gas additive like Stabil used?

Check interior (ceiling..around windows) for any sign of water stains indicating a leak of some sort. Step on every inch of the floor to check for softness. Be sure to sanitize the fresh water system.

Good luck..

Ron

[Kayteg1]

I bought DP that was park under a tree without starting for 7 years.
New batteries, pumping the tires and drove away.
Need nothing more than regular inspection.

[oldmattb]

I bought a 40-foot DP with a diesel generator in similar circumstances. After wiggles, tightening, lubricating, etc., everything worked. It took a while to unstick the brakes. I paid $5000 for it.

Biggest problem was driving it to the tire place - very scary!

Matt B