Good morning everyone! I am possibly looking into this RV and wanted to get everyone's opinion! I am still back and forth. I have an inspection company lined up that performs the 3-6 hour inspection, testing all systems.Any opinions on this diesel motor? Should I stick with a gas RV? Anything else I should consider?1994 Holiday Rambler Imperial 36' diesel pusherAsking price is $15k OBOPICTURES LINK!https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ajvct5d9of9igg0/AAATb1d2_oRg6zC9dRQkVtf-a?dl=0Thanks again!From Seller:"36' diesel pusher with 140,000 miles (just getting broken in). Great starter coach with strong Cummins 8.3L 250 hp Mountain Master Spartan chassis, legendary six speed Allison World transmission. Recently returned from long trip (9-10 mpg even in mountains), 8500 kw diesel generator, durable fiberglass roof, aircraft aluminum sidewalls (no delamination worries), separate ice maker, 50 amp service. Large walk-through bath with washer/dryer and plenty of storage space. Everything works. Coach has new Sumitomo tires (P235/80 x22.5) and batteries (both installed within last six months), air ride and brakes are great.Coach has a 10 gallon water heater, ducted or direct cold air (flip a lever), tile floor in bath, corian counter tops, hardwood flooring in kitchen/dinette area in very good condition (no flooring soft spots throughout coach). The coach is ready for cross country or wherever your heart may lead you. "

The bit about it just being broken in is nothing but a sales line trying to convince any buyer that diesel motors last forever. If you read this forum you will find that diesel engines, just like gas engines can and do have problems, regardless of the mileage. Did the owner have complete service and maintenance records indicating that all required service has been performed. If he did the work himself, you now have to trust a total stranger that he had the mechanical ability to perform the service according to the manufacturers specs. The 9-10 MPG even in the mountains is stretching the truth, especially if he was towing. I would expect closer to 8 mpg. Aluminum sidewalls can delaminate. What causes delamination is not the material but a failure of the glue used to bond the outer skin to the foam core. This will appear as a waviness on the aluminum skin rather than a perfectly flat surface. Personally I like the mileage since it does show that the coach was used a little more than average, rather than spending most of it's life sitting in one location. The inspection that you are having done will probably uncover any issues with the HOUSE but you probably need to take it to a truck service facility to inspect the engine, transmission, and chassis suspension components.I would be concerned about any rubber hoses and belts in the engine bay that may have deteriorated in the last 20 years, as well as shocks.

looks like a pretty good old RV for cheap money. It isn't new and it isn't $200,000+ which is what that quality would cost you today.......A new Kia would cost you more!

Before or as a condition of purchase, I would have a Cummins facility check out the engine and drive train. Try to find one that has the equipment to load test the engine. A major problem with a diesel can cost near the purchase price of the unit in question. Even if it costs you several hundred, it is better to be safe than sorry.

RoysRV wrote:Good morning everyone! I am possibly looking into this RV and wanted to get everyone's opinion! I am still back and forth. I have an inspection company lined up that performs the 3-6 hour inspection, testing all systems.Any opinions on this diesel motor? Should I stick with a gas RV? Anything else I should consider?1994 Holiday Rambler Imperial 36' diesel pusherAsking price is $15k OBOPICTURES LINK!https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ajvct5d9of9igg0/AAATb1d2_oRg6zC9dRQkVtf-a?dl=0Thanks again!From Seller:"36' diesel pusher with 140,000 miles (just getting broken in). Great starter coach with strong Cummins 8.3L 250 hp Mountain Master Spartan chassis, legendary six speed Allison World transmission. Recently returned from long trip (9-10 mpg even in mountains), 8500 kw diesel generator, durable fiberglass roof, aircraft aluminum sidewalls (no delamination worries), separate ice maker, 50 amp service. Large walk-through bath with washer/dryer and plenty of storage space. Everything works. Coach has new Sumitomo tires (P235/80 x22.5) and batteries (both installed within last six months), air ride and brakes are great.Coach has a 10 gallon water heater, ducted or direct cold air (flip a lever), tile floor in bath, corian counter tops, hardwood flooring in kitchen/dinette area in very good condition (no flooring soft spots throughout coach). The coach is ready for cross country or wherever your heart may lead you. "Nothing wrong with the 250 HP version....its just a lower power version that they started out with is all. Sumitomo tires are close to horse manure IMHO and too small in most. Get a larger size.As noted aluminum sidewall skins CAM EASILY delaminate because the glue goes badId offer 10K because I know what I was offered by a dealer for mine and its a 2000 Country Coach with 51XXX miles on it.

Thanks everyone! I contacted the cummins in the city near the seller and asked them if they offer inspections and if they can conduct a load test. The RV inspection would be $300, and then we'll find out what cummins charges for their inspection.They said they do have previous records...They are the 3rd or 4th owner. More replies from the seller:"We are the 3rd or 4th owners. No current leaks. Roof was resealed in June when we purchased the coach. It is a fiberglass roof. Had a minor leak around the area where the antenna came through roof and that was repaired. This is our first coach and have decided we want a slide. We also bought at a low price to make sure whether or not we would enjoy RVing. We enjoyed the coach and are confident that it remains road ready for cross-country. Yes, we have all of the service records that were passed on to us and ones we have accumulated for service we have had performed.We have put somewhere between 3,500 to 4,000 miles on the coach since we bought it. One of the first things we did was put new tires on it and took on a trip to PA on a trouble free trip. We purchased the coach at a low price since we weren't sure whether or not we'd enjoy RV'ing and have decided we like it. "

Considering this used Class A....... | Good Sam Community

southwindphoto
Explorer
Feb 05, 2015
Really enjoyed reading this thread.. Lots of information. Glad you found a good rig for the money
hotjag1
Explorer II
Feb 04, 2015
Deano56 wrote:
I sure dont think you did bad on the deal. Those things needing repair can be done one at a time, doing most important first. I am curious to know why the engine on put out 150hp instead of 250? That a big problem or did that get fixed?

I am also curious as to why the engine only put out 150 hp. Did the shop say what the reason for that was? If so, has it been fixed?
DiskDoctr
Explorer
Feb 03, 2015
RoysRV wrote:
Just wanted to give everyone an update....

I ended up purchasing this RV for $9k. We already took it out for a 1 week vacation, and it was fantastic! What a great RV. Drives like a dream!!! Thanks to everyone for your help through this long process!

You guys happy? Sure sound like it. SCORE!!! :D

And you had a weeks vacation in it already? Pure Awesomeness!

Doing great things is good. Enjoying them with your family...priceless.
Deano56
Explorer
Feb 02, 2015
I sure dont think you did bad on the deal. Those things needing repair can be done one at a time, doing most important first. I am curious to know why the engine on put out 150hp instead of 250? That a big problem or did that get fixed?
John_Wayne
Explorer II
Feb 02, 2015
Glad it worked out for you. Hope you have many happy trips with it.
RoysRV
Explorer
Feb 02, 2015
Just wanted to give everyone an update....

I ended up purchasing this RV for $9k. We already took it out for a 1 week vacation, and it was fantastic! What a great RV. Drives like a dream!!! Thanks to everyone for your help through this long process!
RoysRV
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014
DiskDoctr wrote:
Congrats! Have you driven or walked through it yet?

If it feels right, go for it. Pictures don't always do justice, your experience in it will either make you ecstatic or change your mind.

It sounds like it will be the former, thanks to the inspection and lots of pics.

Best wishes!

NOT YET! My offer to the sellers was:
"I offer $10,000 cash, contingent on a test drive, and an in person inspection as well."

Hoping to meet up by January 2nd to either make the purchase or walk away.
RoysRV
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014
Original asking price was $15k.

Do you not think this is a good deal? The coach is 20 years old, and definitely needs work.

mike brez wrote:
IDK I see dirty carpet and drivers seat. Dash looks like a cat got to it. That leak on the night stand was leaking for awhile by the looks of it. Wonder whst happened were the plug is burnt. Personally don't like the toilet in the open prefer it by itself. Like you said it needs all new head liner now was that due to water or old age and the glue that is holding it breaking down. In one picture I can't tell but passenger side outside wall there looks like a bunch of holes drilled in or snaps not shure what that is for. One of the sets of batteries looks a little dirty.
mike_brez
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014
IDK I see dirty carpet and drivers seat. Dash looks like a cat got to it. That leak on the night stand was leaking for awhile by the looks of it. Wonder whst happened were the plug is burnt. Personally don't like the toilet in the open prefer it by itself. Like you said it needs all new head liner now was that due to water or old age and the glue that is holding it breaking down. In one picture I can't tell but passenger side outside wall there looks like a bunch of holes drilled in or snaps not shure what that is for. One of the sets of batteries looks a little dirty.
DiskDoctr
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014
Congrats! Have you driven or walked through it yet?

If it feels right, go for it. Pictures don't always do justice, your experience in it will either make you ecstatic or change your mind.

It sounds like it will be the former, thanks to the inspection and lots of pics.

Best wishes!