Coach is getting older

[shadow65]

I have a 2007 Winnebago Journey diesel pusher with 60000 mi. I really like the RV and would like to keep it for several more years. Would it be a good idea to take it somewhere for extensive inspection of all systems, furnace, refrigeration, water heater, fresh water system, propane system, generator, electrical, etc? I have had estimates from $300-600 for just the coach and not the chassis. Or should I just keep it maintained and deal with problems as they occur? I am leery of paying a lot of money to have boxes checked on a checklist. Are there items that should be checked with a 7 year old motorhome? Would appreciate thoughts and advice.

[Pogoil]

Chassis inspection could be worthwhile. But a 2007 is new compared to our 1995. I would take ours anywhere. I do my own inspections and maintenance. Yes it broke down once. No guarantees even with a brand new coach. Tow service is a must have as towing these can cost thousands.

Coolant,hoses, belts, brakes, fluids, tires, hydraulic filter and fluids, and grease often will go a long way in keeping you on top of things.

Pogoil.

[Ivylog]

I'm at 10 years and see no reason to not go another 10 or more. How do you check a RV roof AC? There are no test ports to check pressures like on a home unit. They'll check the box as OK when it works... pretty sure I can do the same for a lot less. I'd probably spend some money on spare parts like start capacitors, a spare thermistor and ignitor for the refer, and other items that are critical.
I'd do oil sampling on the engine and tranny to establish a base line. I'd replace the serpentine belt and keep the old one as a spare. At 7 years most will say you need new tires although I went 10 on my rear tires.

[garry1p]

I had to make that decision several years ago, buy another or keep.
I decided to go a few more years and see how it would shake out and I'm still going with the same coach.

Have had several small issues such as alternator, steps and brakes but no show stoppers and I was able to do the repairs myself.

So far NO problems within the coach except batteries and I have no regrets.

Oh yeah mice but that's another story.

[wildtoad]

An annual inspection of the drive train/chassis is a good idea by a trusted service center. As far as the RV parts, a visual inspection by yourself should be able to spot potential trouble spots such as corrosion, rust, signs of leakage. Check for loose fittings especially around windows, doors, roof vents, plumbing connections. Open all the outside appliance covers and check for and remove debris, bugs, spiders and the like.

[DutchmenSport]

If this is your motor home and you've owned it for 7 years, YOU know more about it than anyone else in the world! If all your appliances, and equipment is working well right now, they why try to fix something that's not broken. An inspection (in my opinion) would be a waste of money.

On the other hand, if you are wanting to sell it and you want some kind of documentation that the RV is in sound condition to leverage a stronger selling point, then go ahead. But selling RV's, just like cars, an inspection on the part of the seller as some kind as proof the vehicle is sound, is not any better than the paper the report is written on. I would be even more cautious if the seller produced a paper that stated the condition of everything. I would think the paper was bogus and the seller was giving me a snow-job.

If you are planning on keeping the RV for as long as possible, then deal with issues on the RV as they occur. If you already have multiple issues and you find it next to impossible to put the money into the RV to fix everything, then sell it as is and let the buyer beware.

Not knowing what you want the inspection for, it's hard to say if it's really worth it. But if you want peace of mind ... you own mind is he best judge! You don't need an inspection if everything is working OK.

[rgatijnet1]

If you went through this check-list, and took care of anything that is broken/deficient, the coach should be good to go. It should also alert you to any current or up coming problems. RV Checklist