Mileage vs age equations?

I think that people tend to exaggerate pitfalls in buying extremely low milage used rigs. Our 2004 Tioga 26Q is in great shape mechanically with new roof AC, fridge, converter, batteries, awning, etc but only has some 9K miles on the odomoter. Exterior is sun faded. Unanticipated health and other matters have curtailed using our rig as much as we had planned. You might find a low milage rig like ours. Ours is 27 feet long, fits our driveway, not too long for days at the park, etc and big enough for touring and camping with two dogs. Rear bedroom with RV Queen bed and huge cargo bay, no slides. Take your time learning what you need/want. Buying 3-5 years old is usually a good bet. Our fridges, etc., lasted about 10 years, expect some expenses for insurance, DMV, etc. and repairs/replacements and save money in a bank account for them.

Hi,

Try to find something five or less years old. Mileage, unless it is very low, or extremely high is not a reliable indicator.

If there is a HINT of water damage, run don't walk away.

I fear a rig that has 500 miles with 8 hours on the genset and is four years old far more than one that has been driven 50,000 miles and has 700 hours on the generator. At the minimum, it means the low-milage rig has been sitting around, and likely will need the generator dropped and the carb replaced. It also means a good chance that all the fluids (oil, brake fluid, ATF, generator oil, gasoline) have broken down and separated.

Bought low mileage V-10 1998 Four Winds 22rk last September with 36K miles on it. It was very clean, the outside fiber glass shined, new oil, and everything in the house worked. Took it on a 250 mile trip right away. The only thing I could find that bothered me is the steering feels very lite, as if there is not weight on the front wheels.

Have and appointment next month to have the V-10 flushed, water hoses replaced, serpentine belt replaced, new thermostat, fuel filter, and shocks replaced. I bought new Bilstine heavy duty shocks on line. If the steering is still lite I'll have the caster set to the +5 range. If that does not work I'll install a steering stabilizer. The steering bothers me the most because of the 18 wheelers sucking on me as they past.

I know that the V10's of this age spit spark plugs. In the mountains of Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, the V-10 did not even notice them. So the engine is strong. My wife and I looked at it this way: For the price we paid, 14K, if the V-10 needs replacement, we are still way ahead of the 50k to 75K for a new motor home.

suprz wrote:
Phgbob, thx for the info. The unit will be mostly for me, the wife and the dog (or my little princess, as I like to call her) maybe the occasional friend or in law. But thats it. Alot of people say we shouldn't get such a big unit (31 ft) but I'd rather have more room than not enough!

who sez that and why? unless you want to squeeze into inadequate campgrounds, 31 ft is not "big".
of course a lot depends on what your wife, the little princess thinks.
bumpy

Phgbob, thx for the info. The unit will be mostly for me, the wife and the dog (or my little princess, as I like to call her) maybe the occasional friend or in law. But thats it. Alot of people say we shouldn't get such a big unit (31 ft) but I'd rather have more room than not enough! I worked as a mechanic for a few.years in my youth, but that was when you could.open the hood on a car and actually see the engine! So engine stuff isnt too confusing for me. We own a pop up right now, but want a easier camping experience if you know what I mean ;) we are getting closer to hopefully retiring, and think the class c is the best for our needs.... Now its just a matter of finding the right jayco greyhawk 31FK or granite ridge in our price range

A couple of things come to mind that don't necessarily correlate with age or mileage. Go inside your preferred unit and examine the areas around the windows, vents, AC etc. and look for evidence of water penetration. Take some deep breaths and try to determine if there is any odor of mildew. (Be cautious if the owner has liberally spritzed the unit with air freshener prior to your arrival). Ask for maintenance records for the truck, and seek evidence that the generator was run periodically (bi-monthly or monthly). Check tire dates and the sidewalls for cracking. Get on the roof and check the seams and the areas around vents, AC, TV, etc. Are there obvious cracks that need to be repaired? What condition are the truck and house batteries? What is the OCCC of the unit and is it large enough to meet the needs of you and your family?

Best wishes for finding your unit!

Bob

My little blonde and I were very lucky when we bought our motor home, a Jayco Granite ridge, 2004 with 16000 miles on it. I had some idea on the ford E450 V-10,but as far as the coach we were newbies. We purchased it from a local couple that wanted to go back to a trailer. I new the coach needed tires so we put six firestone tires on right away. After we put the new tires on we took it out for a long drive.(about 60 miles) I did not like the way it drove. It seemed like it was all over the road. After two trips to the truck center and a lot of good info from the fine people on this forum we got the caster set right and away we went. We wish you luck and good travels.

Thx for the replies, and for the code for the michelin tires! we are trying to take our time and make a smart purchase and not be influenced by looks alone

I would consider a low mileage unit to have between 2,000 - 3,000 miles a year. So for a 2004 you are looking at 30,000 miles.

Be careful. Mileage is not always a good indicator though. If an RV has sat for a long period of time unused there could be more major mechanical problems than with a higher mileage unit that has been used regularly.

Tires may last five or six years. Most RV tires rot before they are worn out. If the units tires are five years old or older figure in a new set of tires. If they are younger, look for cracks in the sidewall.
If they are Michelin tires made between 2010 and 2012 look for this code: B3JH AKEX (0210 to 2512) They will replace them at no cost and you will have a brand new set of tires.