Older Diesel Pusher Motor Home Refurbishment for Full-Time

[RUSSELL5000]

I am educating myself in preparation for full-timing sometime in the next four to eight years (primarily contingent upon how long the kids will be in school).

A review of online ads shows that one can obtain used diesel pushers with model years from the late 1990s to the early 2000s from what I gather are better quality manufacturers such as Newmar, Tiffin, etc., with 60K to 80K miles in the 35 ft to 40 ft range for somewhere around $30K.
Is it realistic to think that one could purchase such a motorhome and have refurbishment done in a cost effective manner?
I have been toying with the following example ($ in thousands):

Coach 30.0

Roof e.g., RV Armor 6.0
Tires 4.0
Batteries 1.0
Brakes 2.0
Fluids, Filters, Belts 1.0
Flooring 3.0
Furniture 5.0
A/C 2.0
Furnace 2.0
Washer/Dryer 2.0
Range/Oven/Micro 2.0

Generator? 5.0
Air Suspension? 2.0
Shades, Blinds, etc.? 3.0


It seems to me that one should be able to wind up with a refurbished coach at $60K to $70K; this is costly, but a small fraction of the price new.

I would think this is realistic from the perspective of the mechanical aspect of the coach: if properly cared for, the diesel drive-train, chassis, and suspension should last longer than I will.
I wonder if the rest is realistic?

Are there places that specialize in older motorhome refurbishment? I know of at least one place that does so for fifth-wheel trailers; I assume comparable businesses exist.

Thanks!

[J-Rooster]

Ductape, make sure you have all your bases covered if something should go wrong. I would have your State DOT inspect your unit, they do this for free.

[JumboJet]

I purchased a 2003 DP last year in "good" condition for a very good price.

Upgrades and required maintenance parts:
Flat Screen TVs - $360
4 Aluminum wheels and 2 new Yokohama tires - $ 2,270 (tires were 8 years old, stored inside and only 4,000 miles)
2 Relay boards for slideouts - $250
Batwing TV antenna - $130
Portable Satellite dish - $450
Radiator surge tank - $225 (installed)
Miscellaneous replacement items - $300
New inverter - $1,200
New batteries & cables - $ 800

That's a little over $6,000 and does not include the complete fluid change, filters, air dryer, nylon sway bar bushings, serpentine belt, etc.

Just completed a 4,700 mile trip and worth every penny of the upgrades.

[RUSSELL5000]

Thanks for input.

[Kayteg1]

"there is not much more expensive than cheap diesel pusher"
I restored vintage Prevost over 10 years ago and took me 1/2 year full time. I am really qualify for such jobs, but it is true labor of love.
Would I charge my low rates myself, that coach would be $400k

[Mr_Mark1]

time_to_go_now wrote:

352 wrote:
THIS is what you should look at before you do all the restorations on an older unit

That is what I have been pondering. Start with that $59k Prevost and add one or two slide outs. For less than $100k, you would have something that could not be touched for $100k!

Keep in mind that finding mechanics for that engine has been harder and harder to come by. And, a five speed transmission will not allow for the best gas mileage.

But, $59K is chump change if the coach has been well maintained. If it needs any major repairs to the brakes, suspension or air system, you could spend almost that much again.

MM.

[time_to_go_now]

352 wrote:
THIS is what you should look at before you do all the restorations on an older unit

That is what I have been pondering. Start with that $59k Prevost and add one or two slide outs. For less than $100k, you would have something that could not be touched for $100k!

[2gypsies1]

OP: Your idea would definitely work especially if you planned to keep the motorhome for a good period of time. If you do a lot of cosmetic upgrades you might not get it back when it's time to sell but it will sure make your new lifestyle that much more pleasant.

There are plenty of places to have renovations done when it's time. We have seen some absolutely beautiful ones.

When buying a used motorhome definitely have a good pre-inspection done. That could save you big bucks!

[Bill_Satellite]

Absolutely! That's why I just laid new carpet in my 1988 Country Coach Prevost. Why would I get rid of something like this. Replacing it with a "fiberglass" coach (even many years newer) would be a step down. Now, if you "must have" slide-outs the older Prevost's don't have them (except for those who added them).

[352]

THIS is what you should look at before you do all the restorations on an older unit

[Teacher_s_Pet]

Quoted last month for 1000 hour service for a Onan 8KW generator @ about $1600 by Onan Factory Service in Elkhart IN. These generators are often still running well at 6-8000 hours. So $5000 for the generator might not needed, but a new one would cost about $8000 plus install.

[RUSSELL5000]

Thanks much for all of the responses. I conclude that my idea is practical.

To the point about looking at more recent years requiring less refurbishment or even an older unit requiring less refurbishment - amen. Certainly, I will be looking for the most overall cost effective initial purchase.

I anticipate doing much of the ongoing maintenance and upkeep myself. I need to have something pretty much ready to go to start out in - the DW has made it clear that after decades of home maintenance, home remodeling, and children maintenance that she does not want a "project".

Thanks!

[jplante4]

My rule of thumb is to expect to spend 10% of the purchase price the first year to get things right.

Your estimate for tires (assuming 6 not 😎 is high. I think $2500 would cover it, unless you insist on Michelins.

You should be able to get 4 Trojan 105 6 volt batteries for less than a thousand, and these are probably the most expensive batteries in the bunch.

Most of us that own older coaches are able and willing to do the work ourselves. If you can and are, you'll spend about half your estimate for things like roof repair and flooring.

[Gjac]

I think your estimate is high. I bought a used MH 12 years ago for 30k. I spent $12k for repairs, mods and maintenance over the 12 years that I owned it. Roughly 1/2 was for repairs and mods. Look for a well maintained MH where the owner has records of what he has fixed as well as maintenance records.

[Cloud_Dancer]

Mine would not require refurbishing, but not ready to sell it.