Purchasing a low mileage, low use gas MH

[Soon2BDP]

Considering the purchase of an 2007 National 33' Surf Side V-10 MH with only 5,700 miles on it. (I realize this is both good and bad news.) Short test driving has been great with engine, transmission and suspension handling well.

Other than two trips, this RV has rarely been used in 7 years. Water system hasn't been used ever, other than black tank. Not the shower, sinks and stove as well. Even the awning hasn't been moved. Currently generator and Ford AC isn't working, probably due to lack of use. Once these two are fixed, what should be checked before I sign on the dotted line? Note: Stored outside. We live in a 4 season, arid climate with only 8" of precip annually.

Thanks for your any and all suggestions!

[2bzy2c]

Here is another one with only 4,000 miles

HERE

[2bzy2c]

In my opinion, yes the rubber should be replaced. All of it is pretty easy and cheap, except the tires. Belts, hoses, etc no big deal. Like it was mentioned, the roof should be looked over very carefully. Not certain, but I would bet the roof is rubber. If left outside, its life may only be another 5-7 years. If you take care of it, you might extend its life. Check the caulking up there too.

Other than that, it sounds like a real gem!!!

[Mr_Mark1]

If any of us had found a 2007 car with 5,700 miles on it would probably would all jump on it. But, this is a motorhome. As others have stated, look at everything closely and if it checks out OK, I would ZERO everything out (oil, filter, belts , tires, etc.) Most likely I would think you have found a gem but you have to be careful. Good Luck!

MM.

[Dale_Traveling]

You have either found an uncut diamond or a lump of coal. Check EVERYTHING as listed by other posts. As long as the roof is still water tight and there's no delamination the house side of the coach should be sound. With the chassis the concern is the fuel system and the tires. Considering the power train performed on the test drive that helps. Generator probably needs a new carburetor which would cost less than a rebuild. Good bet the tires were installed by Ford seven years ago so plan on changing them on the way home if you buy the coach.

You should be in an excellent negotiation position for reducing the sale price. The coach might need as much of $5K in service (tires, generator service, brake check and such). Also the chassis model year is also a good choice. Three valve engine and five speed transmission. Got any pics?

[Born_To_Travel]

Look at the underside well... If it has been setting over damp earth, as in someone's backyard, It could be quite rusty under there....

[davidgebo]

If the coach has been stored outside in the elements, make sure the roof and all roof caulking around vents, antenna, fridge venting, rear ladder mount points, and any antenna, is in good shape. Telltale signs of a leak, are musty smell inside the coach. In addition, make sure the antenna booster works, all plumbing fixtures operate as designed, and check all waste lines and sewer gate valves for proper open and closing and no leaks. Ensure all gas appliances work properly, and propane, heat, CO, and smoke detectors are working. Run the generator, and exercise the transfer switch. Even check the windshield wipers, and sprayers. The windshield wipers on a coach can be up to 75.00 bucks each side. The engine and tranny should be fine, just give the coach a good run, up to highway speeds, and give the brakes a good hard stop, too. Most importantly, check the tires. With as few miles as this coach has, the rubber is probably original, and way too old for safe traveling. Any cracks would indicate deterioration. Also, all tires have a date of manufacture stamped in code on the sidewall. Good luck

[timmac]

5700 miles after 7 years can be a good thing or a bad thing, do you know if they at least started the motor often, how old is the gas in tank, any oil changes, even though its low mileage still good to change oil at least 1 x per year, check the nada price and than offer lower because you will need to bring it up to par as to oil, rubber, seals, a/c repair, generator might have bad carb if unused, etc, etc, low ball or walk, that's what I would do..

[msmith1199]

Not a motorhome, but I once bought a Chev P-up that was about 9 years old and had around 12,000 miles on it. The guy used it to tow his 5th wheel and only drive it in the summer. It sat unused and un-started every winter for nine years. I never had more problems with any vehicle in my life and all the problems were caused by the lack of use. I can't even remember them all. Had to rebuild the tranny, replaced head gaskets, brake drums got out of round and had to be replaced, rebuilt the carb, and those are just the things I remember. There were other things. I ended up putting way more money into it than it was worth.

[Heisenberg]

Sounds like a find. Do the work and have fun when you use it.

[George_Beggs]

Replace all the break fluid and lube the brake caliper slide pins. Replace the coolant.

[grandpaswagon]

Is the registration and license up to date? In this state, if unpaid, it get turns into big $$$.

[olfarmer]

Sounds like you have found a jewel! If stored outside in a hot arid climate, check all of the roof caulking to make sure it isn't dried out and cracking. Tires and rubber parts may be needing replacement.

[Teacher_s_Pet]

Look at changing all filters and belts, tires including spare, service the transmission, fuel pump could be weak and fail shortly due to non-treated fuel. Fuel lines to generator and it's fuel pump could be bad if it sat with untreated 10% ethanol fuel. These are all things we had to address on our 2004 R-Vision B+ that had sat for 4 years, when we purchased it in 2002 with 8,000 miles. Also check the refrigerator for any recalls and if they were performed.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Seven years is a long time for rubber to go unused. I'd be concerned about belts/hoses etc being dried out in addition to the tires.