Looked at an older RV

[6ofus]

Hello all

We were thinking of buying our first Class A in the fall but we came across this RV last night.

https://www.rvt.com/Georgie-Boy-Landau-3502DS-2003-Carol-Stream-IL-ID8457309-UX81871


Things that we know:

500 hours on the Generator – ran it for about ½ hour

Was stored outside, but always covered.

Needs new back tires

New front tires installed 2017

New break lines

Minimal rust underneath

Even though the add says the roof was just sealed, it was not and needs to be done.

Front passenger side window did leak and we were able to see the caulk around the window with very few water marks inside. Nothing is soggy or smelly.

We could see at some point water was by the air conditioner (very faint mark) but we don’t know if it was the air conditioner itself or a leak. Roof does feel solid. The roof inside had some kind of felt top on the ceiling. Not sure I was a fan of that and don’t know if it can be removed.

I forgot to ask if this was a rubber roof. My research tells me that would be a negative thing.

Overall the RV looked like it was well cared for. DH is pretty handy and we were looking for an RV to play around with. My worry was the leak. The RV is on consignment and the dealer went over everything with us and seemed pretty knowledgeable but I wanted more thoughts on this one. We were told we could get a pressure test on the vehicle and have a the mechanic look over the important stuff under the hood if we were serious about it.

Camping fever has set in!

[doxiemom11]

Looks like a nice rv to me. I agree about checking the frig as they are very expensive to replace. Our slide does settle/pull in at the bottom last so you do need to hold the button down a second or two after you think it's in. I think someone just didn't hold the button long enough. AC units do occasionally have to have the screws finger tightened inside access to keep the seal compressed to avoid leaks - that could be what the water mark is from. I'd go for this , but try to negotiate a little better price.

[4x4van]

Water leaks, if caught & fixed are not the "horror" that many make them out to be. If you listen to some posters, ANY evidence of water means that the rig should immediately be totaled and dumped in a wrecking yard for parts. I disagree. EVERY rig will leak, somewhere, at some point. In fact, you will likely have a number of leaks, in various locations, over the life of the RV. As long as you catch them and seal them, it is no time to panic.

The rig looks very nice for it's age, and while it is priced high, it is not outlandishly high if everything checks out, IMO. Downside is if it is a consignment, there may not be much wiggle room on the price.

The slideout issue could easily be just that it wasn't fully brought in prior to the pic being taken (in other words, they could have stopped as soon as the top made contact); On my 2004, I must hold the slideout switch for 3-5 seconds after it is in/out to fully set the slide.

[6ofus]

way2roll wrote:
Countless numbers of RV's on the road with rubber, tpo, etc - soft material roofs, with absolutely no issues. Some folks will tell you it absolutely has to be fiberglass and I say BS. Fiberglass roofs have their share of issues as well. The roof material would not be a deal breaker unless there was a specific issue about that particular roof (like the winnies with fiberglass seams and the roofs pulling off from lack of maintenance)

So no, the type of roof would not be an issue for me. The condition of the roof is. And I don't care what kind of roof you have, failure points are very seldom the material itself and more about all the holes in them from various things, like AC, vents, cap seams etc. And all roofs, no matter the material, have that.

Thanks...that helps 🙂

[way2roll]

Countless numbers of RV's on the road with rubber, tpo, etc - soft material roofs, with absolutely no issues. Some folks will tell you it absolutely has to be fiberglass and I say BS. Fiberglass roofs have their share of issues as well. The roof material would not be a deal breaker unless there was a specific issue about that particular roof (like the winnies with fiberglass seams and the roofs pulling off from lack of maintenance)

So no, the type of roof would not be an issue for me. The condition of the roof is. And I don't care what kind of roof you have, failure points are very seldom the material itself and more about all the holes in them from various things, like AC, vents, cap seams etc. And all roofs, no matter the material, have that.

[6ofus]

Chum lee wrote:
The rear slide in the bedroom doesn't close flush at the bottom. Look at the exterior picture of the right rear quarter. (5th picture) The RV is well documented in the pics, a good sign. It's low miles, but IMO the price could be better due to age. Guessing that the dealer probably tacked about +-10g on to their acquisition price. Is this an "as is" purchase?

Chum lee

The slides were open when we looked at it but I did as about that picture. Dealer said it was his wife's error when closing the slide, but if we get serious about this we would definitely have that slide checked. Not sure about their excuse on this. RV is sold as is.

The price is another thing. NADA Guides put this at around $19k. Like I said, we are new at this and I'm not sure how well NADA guides are but if that's a good guide to follow, then I wouldn't offer more. We have all summer to look around.

As others have mentioned, the water damage is worrisome. I called today and asked that they speak with the owner about it so I can get some more details. The walls, floor, ceiling, etc. are all solid and there are no smells. What I worry about is the window being sealed and it being a rubber roof. I have read about not buying anything with a rubber roof. Can someone elaborate??? Again...we are green.

To answer other's questions, my DH is handy and we are prepared both mentally and financially to do some work. This is why we are looking at an older RV. We usually do all of our own work on our home, camper, and some on our vehicles.

If we were to decide to move forward, we certainly would have everything turned on, fridge, air and we would have a mechanic check it out. We are not in a hurry and would check over everything in great detail 🙂 I love hearing other people's opinions though, it certainly does help.


"Executive" yes, a little technically challenged and thank you, I'm learning that too. :B

[Chum_lee]

The rear slide in the bedroom doesn't close flush at the bottom. Look at the exterior picture of the right rear quarter. (5th picture) The RV is well documented in the pics, a good sign. It's low miles, but IMO the price could be better due to age. Guessing that the dealer probably tacked about +-10g on to their acquisition price. Is this an "as is" purchase?

Chum lee

[Rog___Nan]

We have a GB Cruise Master it is a1996. The add says GB mfg made excellent rigs and believe me they did. In the summer of 1996 it was sold to Coachmen’ mfg. and then sold again I think don’t know to who. Our unit was one of the last true GB to be made. The add says this Landau was mfg in the 2000’s so not a GB. We still have our rig it will be 23 years old this April. It is a nice looking unit. Just be sure to do your research and find some one who knows RV’s to check it out.

[toedtoes]

The stain by the AC wouldn't worry me. As others mentioned, check the wall and floor around the window that leaked for soft spots. If no soft spots, then I don't see a problem.

I agree to have them turn on the fridge before you arrive so you know it works on electric or propane - you can always fix it if one or the other doesn't work, but if both don't work you will need to replace more than likely.

If those check out, and either you or a mechanic check the engine, etc., then it's just a matter of floorplan and price. Is the floorplan really what you want and is the price acceptable. If either answer is no, then keep looking.

[way2roll]

.

[Executive45]

For the technically challenged: Clicky

[way2roll]

The roof wouldn't concern me especially if they are going to reseal it. Just check it for penetrations and make sure it's in decent shape.

Is it me or does that passenger side slide not sit flush? It looks racked coming out further in the bottom even when extended.

[ppine]

Has anyone ever lived in it?
What is the mileage?
Does the owner have maintenance records?
Do you have the budget to fix it if you have a few problems?

[midnightsadie]

signs of water,time to run ,even if the leak could have been fixed the damage is still there.

[JusBud]

Doesn't look too bad from the pictures.
I would look more into the rust even though you said it was minimal.
The brake lines were replaced so I bet there's more to check.
Have them turn on the fridge before you get there and spend some time making sure all systems work especially electrical both AC and DC
good luck