We are new buyers and new to the RV world and have a couple of questions I hope someone might help us with. We are looking at buying a 1997 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 35 with only about 30,000 miles, with a Ford engine and chassis. I have a couple or concerns that the more experienced owners can offer some insight. The coach has belonged to the current owner for about 12 years and for that time it has been kept in a garage. He keeps it set up on the hydraulic levelors at all times. I have been over all of the systems and everything except the heater and one of the overhead vent fans works fine. One thing that worries me are the tires. The owners have used the coach MAYBE 10 times since they owned it. The tires look like brand new except they are 8 years old. So might this be a problem? Also, during the test drive yesterday, once the coach reaches about 40 to 50 miles an hour, there is a very loud high pitched sound that appears to be coming from the outside on the passenger side. It comes and goes so it isn't constant. But it's loud enough to be annoying inside. When stopped or at slow speeds it is not heard. Thanks for any feedback you can give me. Chuck

I would add new tires. The tires on the used MH I purchased only had 12,000 miles on them. They were originals - 15 years old.The heater may have a dirt dauber's nest on the fan and in the heating tube. Mine did and would blow a fuse as soon as I turned it on. Once I cleaned the dauber's nest and the fan was able to turn, replaced a fuse and all was good.No idea on the high pitched sound unless it could be an air leak

I would replace all tires. You will run into that problem on many used RVs. Noise: 1. I would have someone open and close different windows on that side at highway speeds to see if noise changes. 2. Check awning to make sure it is fully closed.

Thanks for the replies. I suspect it is some kind of wind noise, but it appears to be from the outside. I checked the windows and the door. When I open a window, the sound is much louder on the outside. It goes away at lower speeds and even at 40 to 50 MPH it will stop for a while and then start up again. I do suspect the awning although it appears to be closed. I will have to look at the cost of tire replacement, since my feeling were also that the tires should be replaced.

Is it tied to the rate of acceleration? Driveline noise perhaps? Bearing? X-2 on the tires.

Valkyriebush wrote:Is it tied to the rate of acceleration? Driveline noise perhaps? Bearing? X-2 on the tires.Doesn't seem to be. Other than nothing at slower speeds when no noise, 25 to 35 MPH, it's pretty random at various higher steady speeds. Chuck

New Owner With A Couple Of Questions | Good Sam Community

rondeb
Explorer
Jun 10, 2015
window weep hole covers

The little drain slits in the bottom of your windows will whistle and make a wind noise if they aren't covered.

We have these on all our weep holes and keep spares as they seem to disappear quite often.

There are right and left sides for them.

Might check your RV and see if they are on there if not, might be a good idea to try them.
JimFromJersey
Explorer
Jun 10, 2015
chuckbear wrote:
...He keeps it set up on the hydraulic levelors at all times...
You might have a qualified person check out the levelers here - I understand it can be stressful to have a coach perched on them for long periods of time - leaks can develop. If the current owners used it as few times as you mention, it may have been up on them a LOT. Just a thought.
chuckbear
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Make sure chassis parts are still available.

My class C whistles as well on the passenger's door.

Checked all the windows and the door. It's definately on the exterior. Chuck
punomatic
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
chuckbear wrote:
Tire size is 235/85/16 but don't know manufacturer. I am getting prices now in my area. Since we're buying a used coach, is it unreasonable for us to want an adjustment to replace the tires? We're at an agreement at $12K now if no adjustment are factored in. The interior is like new and exterior only shows minor wear and tear except where they put their name on both sides and messed up the paint trying to get it off. Chuck

I got the seller to take of $1,000 for old tires when I bought my $12K MH. Net price $11K.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 09, 2015
Hi,

Make sure chassis parts are still available.

My class C whistles as well on the passenger's door.
chuckbear
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
I appreciate all the info. It has been very helpful. Chuck
JumboJet
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
chuckbear wrote:
Since we're buying a used coach, is it unreasonable for us to want an adjustment to replace the tires? We're at an agreement at $12K now if no adjustment are factored in. Chuck

When I bought my used motor home, the owner started out asking $21,000, dropped to $19,000 first time I looked at it and when we discussed $3,000 for 19.5" Michelin tires and cash (no check) he dropped to $16,000.

I had all the fluids replaced also - Power steering, brake, transmission, radiator, differential.

Replaced filters.

Did some other things too, but these were the important ones.
phillyg
Explorer II
Jun 09, 2015
Yes, new tires and it should be taken into consideration in pricing. The furnace could end up costing big bucks especially if it's shoe - horned into the chassis..
chuckbear
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
djgarcia wrote:
X1 on buying new tires. I would also have the bearings repacked.

I would have that done at the same times as replacing the tires. Chuck
MarkTwain
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
WyoTraveler wrote:
I would replace all tires. You will run into that problem on many used RVs.

Noise: 1. I would have someone open and close different windows on that side at highway speeds to see if noise changes. 2. Check awning to make sure it is fully closed.

X1 on buying new tires. I would also have the bearings repacked.

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