Considering purchase of 2004 Jayco Grewhawk

[sullivanclan]

We are looking at a 2004 Jayco Greyhawk 25 DS this weekend, our first class C. This is the ford 450 with about 43,000 miles. Any suggestions from those who have experience with this motorhome, or the purchase of a used one? Things to specifically look closely at with the RV and truck that stands out? It's in a very rural area, so taking it to a mechanic is probably unlikely. A bit nervous purchasing something that is 11 years old. Thanks!!

[tatest]

At 43,000 miles the chassis is barely broken in if properly maintained, but the house is 10+ years old and needs continuous attention even if not used. So you need a RV expert to look at it, mor than a mechanic.

Greyhawk was Jayco's mid range motorhome in 2004, fitting between an "essentials all included" Escapade and a Granite Ridge with "luxury" interior furnishings. No better, no orse than other manufacturers' mid-range lines, but recognize that many in that era used mid-range as their entry level,as did Jayco before and after the years they offered Escapade. All Jayco C lines were made on the same lines using the same production methods in 2004.

You want it to have no damage from long-term water leaks, and no leaks now. Other than structural damage from leaks, most other issues tend to be minor. If you plan to use the generator, make sure that is working, as they tend to become a problem when not regularly used. I have two friends in my RV club who have never run the generators in their C's, peroid of ownership three to five years, and have no confidence that the things will start. That is one component that tends to be expensive to repair, because the work usually has to be bench for access, and remove/reinstall labor can be high.

[sullivanclan]

Thanks for both suggestions and the comments on the 25DS. We currently have a TC, so we BOTH specifically said no more climbing for the Mrs. after she broke both her ankles, on different occasions over the past two years. So we specifically looked for a bed down model, and without a dinette booth, as they are so uncomfortable, we wanted a couch and easy chair! The bed down has a screen for privacy as well, so I can stay up later, hang out and use either the lower bed, or the one over the cab.

Love this forum. Always such great help.

[j-d]

Decent floor plan! We sold a smaller Class C without a "bed down" because we didn't want to climb into the cab-over bed anymore. If we'd had any bed down floor plan, like 25DS, we probably would have kept it and enjoyed the compactness. Our 31 has a walk-around "RV Queen" (meaning shortened) and that's nice. The offset is the overall size of the 31 over the 25...

BUT BUT BUT Do the Key Player(s) like the floor plan? Hubby tends to look at chassis and construction, Mrs. tends to look at function and convenience.

[bsinmich]

Put the money you would waste on the service an in the bank and if any is needed for repairs use that money. If not needed you can then spend it on more gas.

[sullivanclan]

Thanks for your responses. We test drove it and spent three hours with private owner. Appears he has taken good care of it. It was well winterized, he has purchases covers for it and the front of the cab. Introduced to all systems, new tires a year ago, new batteries, regular Spring maintenance and oil changes. His family out grew it and bought a class A. I'm planning on doing a extended maintenance care insurance for the first year just for piece of mind and until I can get my confidence up on any issues. *If anyone has suggestion on a extended care plan, I'm looking a few different companies, including Good Sam that appears to have mixed results.

[DouglasC]

Are you purchasing this motorhome from a private individual? If so, they should be able to tell you what kind of maintenance has been performed on the MH over the years- - if the tires & batteries have been replaced and if so, when. The Ford E450 chassis is good for many, many years of service and Jayco generally builds a pretty good product & stands behind it. It's too bad that there is no local mechanic available to check out the MH - - it could be a pretty good deal.

Our MH is 9 1/2 years old and has 57,000 miles on it. We have replaced the tires, batteries and brakes so far. Everything else is original and in good working condition.

[Bordercollie]

Read over recent Posts and Replies on this constantly repeated subject. Here's some of my ideas: if tires are over 4 years old by DOT date codes on tires, and there is sidewall cracking, all six 300 dollar tires need to be replaced for your safety. Brakes system needs to be checked and serviced as needed, brake fluid flushed and replaced. Roof AC and dash AC, furnace and fridge may need replacement/repair, (run fridge overnight to make sure it works) inspect roof and ceiling and walls for water leak damage (expensive to fix). Awning fabric may need replacement. Converter/Charger and house batteries may need replacement
need to be tested. Generally expensive stuff happens around 10 years and it's easy to buy money pot and invest more in it the first year than it's resale value if you don't have rig inspected by a pro truck mechanic and RV repair specialist before buying it.