Looking at a 1998 Rexhall Aerbus 29XL

[Teleman]

It's low mileage, 14k, looks to be in nice shape with a Ford drivetrain with Banks Power Pack. I've heard of the Banks system but really don't know anything about it. The dealer is asking 20k. Any opinions on this coach? I've heard good things about Rexhall.

[2bzy2c]

It looks like it was sold. I hope the OP bought it.

[Gjac]

The Nada pricing for that MH is between $12 and $15k depending on condition. If it is the 460 eng with the Banks complete system headers,FF muffler and CAI you will have over 300 HP. If it is in very good condition no fluid or roof leaks I would offer between high and low Nada price and would pay the high Nada value if you really liked the MH.

[Teleman]

I bought an 88 Coachmen Class A in 2004 with 12k miles and had excellent service from it. Still runs great with 60k on it but I think I'd like to move into another coach before it starts needing more $$$ than it's worth. I'm taking all the great comments under advisement.

[msmith1199]

Low mileage isn’t always bad as long as it’s been started and run on a regular basis. But generally low miles like that means it has probably sat for years at a time without being run. That is very bad for a motorhome. I once bought a 10 year old pickup that had 12,000 miles on it. The owner used it to tow his fifth wheel a few times each summer but would let it sit all winter without being run. That was the worst vehicle I ever owned. Had to fix all kinds of things on it. The repairs all cost more than the original purchase price.

[2bzy2c]

I found the RV you are talking about online. It looks pretty good. The owner put in a wooden / wood look laminate flooring. The flooring in there now is not factory. The cover for the stove was also added by the owner. The factory cover is made from the same material as the counter top. Those covers broke really easily. That may be the reason for the replacement. The fridge is a upgrade from what comes standard. Nice upgrade. Aside from a needed good cleaning, that is a really nice RV.

If you buy it, you will probably need to replace the tires if they are older than 7 years old. Replace all the under hood rubber. Hoses, belts, filters etc. All is cheap and easy to replace. (except the tires).

[RLS7201]

Ford did not make a 1998 model year chassis. That 98 coach is either on a 97 chassis with 460/E4OD or a 99 V10/4R100. Make sure you know what you are getting into.
The 460 (240 HP stock) chassis with Banks is a great grunt engine.
The V10 (275 HP stock) chassis with Banks runs OK but operates at a higher RPM.

Richard

[eastfizz]

We have a 1997 Rexhall 3250, single slide. When we purchased it in 2006 it had 18,000 miles on it. We changed all of the tires, fluids, filters, fuel pump, shocks, and spark plugs. On the pre-V10 F53 chassis, the fuel pump was a potential problem if the chassis was manufactured before a certain date (don't recall what the date was, but ours fell into the problematic category). Installed a Banks system on it.

Since then, we have driven it an additional 40,000 miles, including a 7,000 plus mile trip to Alaska and back in 2007. Never had a problem getting parts for it. We did replace the refrigerator with a residential unit 5 years ago as the Dometic failed and incorporated a slide-out pantry next to it. Also upgraded the TVs to flat screens. Overall, the Rexhall has been a very dependable motorhome for us and we plan to keep it for many more years.

The price does seem a little high. Somewhere around $15K seems like a more realistic figure.

Best regards,

Lowell

[F-TROUP]

MountainAir05 wrote:
Parts for the frame, engine system. We got rid of a 99 ford system due to parts not available.

I'm sure that the Ford V10 and F53 are still in production and many aftermarket upgrades are available for the F53.

[MountainAir05]

Parts for the frame, engine system. We got rid of a 99 ford system due to parts not available.

[enblethen]

Corrosion on frame, close look at wiring in battery control center for signs of insulation melting, battery(ies) for heavy corrosion, undercarriage for leaks.
Look at body near roof line for signs of de-lamination, Roof for signs of sealant cracks.
Interior look for signs of water damage on ceiling.
Test all appliances, check refer on different functions.
Check tires for DOT date stamp, quite often on back side of tire. Any date code more then five years could need all new tires(about $2000 for the six)
Look for any signs of leaks from engine, transmission, shocks, differential.
Rig been sitting should have brake fluid flushed and brake linings inspected

[Jim_n_Steph]

Like said enblethen said tires if older than 5 years will need replaced

Engine seals , wheel seals check for leaks. Theyh tend to dry out

all fluids , brake, transmission, axle power steering generator will need changed if there has been no records.

Brakes I am sure I am missing some things

[Teleman]

enblethen wrote:
Low mileage is not always a good thing!
Banks package is a good better mileage and fuel economy.
How are tires? That could be big hit due to age of them.
Price is little high. I would looking closer to $15,000

Thanks for the response. What would be specific things to look for with a low mileage motorhome?

[2bzy2c]

I had one of that same age. Bought it new, drove the **** out of it. Never let me down. Never went back to the dealer for anything. Very solid. I wish I still had it.

[Lwiddis]

You carefully inspected the roof for evidence of maintenance? Crawled underneath with a strong flashlight? Tested every system?