Need advice for brand new RVers

I've had my Lexington 270GTS since new. I'm the only owner and have to say, it's been the best RV I've had to date. I haven't had any engine issues with the E-450. The slide has never leaked to this day. I did have to replace the awning once because of sun damage, but that is typical of any RV and not expensive. I've had no electrical or plumbing issues. In fact, everyting in the Lexi is still original except for the upgraded LED lights that I installed earlier this year. Oh, and I replaced the TV for a newer model this year as well. I think the only issue that I have really had would be the electric step, but Camping World fixed that quickly and at little cost. We live in Houston and recently had a huge storm, but checked on the Lexi and still no leaks after raining for a week. With any RV no matter age or make, always check the walls for water damage.

I'd like to thank everyone for their positive posts but especially olygene for going in to such detail - this was very helpful.

I'm not sure why some negative posters bothered to say anything as their posts were certainly not helpful and would in fact be a deterrent to newbies wanting to ask noob questions. Quit your bullying and get a life - obviously you need to go RVing more and get out of your armchair.

We purchased a 2005 Forest River Lexington 5 years ago while living in Washington which makes it about the same age as the one you are looking at. There are a lot of positives about the Lex. However, there are some negatives; they included water leakage at the rubber seals around the slides. Be careful and check at the bottom of the slides for signs of water damage. There was also leakage at the joint where the cabover joined the chassis. I found water in the fiberglass canopy only after removing the entertainment system and looking into the cabover. Since you probably don't have a overhead bed in the Lex, any leaks will be difficult to spot. One way to check is to inspect the cabover from the outside and look to see if the cabover has pulled away from the chassis and exposed a crack in the seal. I sealed the crack and used a sponge to remove the pool of water. I also drilled a small hole in the cabover so any future water leaks will be drained out.

Also, inspect the awnings very carefully. Being in western Canada, there is a chance that the awning may have become mildewed and rotten in the past 9 years. If so, negotiate that in your offer. For some reason the Lex seems to use the cheapest awnings made. I replaced mine with awnings made by a manufacturer in Vancouver WA...not Vancouver BC.

Like any other RV made, you will encounter mechanical issues along the way. I had the fuel pump replaced; a slide motor replaced, grey water valve replaced, etc. This can happen to ANY motorhome so don't blame Forest River. You might want to log onto the Forest River Lexington website for more information pertinent to this particular RV before you buy. Whatever you decide, good luck.

CarnationSailor wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
"overwhelmed by the information."

IMO no one should buy an RV when overwhelmed.

Isn't it obvious that the OP is attempting to remedy her overwhelmed situation by seeking advice!

Give her (and the rest of us) a break!

Lwiddis always has a negative comment

3 years ago we bought a 2003 30 ft. Itasca motor home from a private party for very reasonable price. 21,000 miles with the V-10 motor. It's been good and bad. The bad news is that it had been outside and not used for 2 years. Yes, we've spent a ton of money both on replacing stuff(all awnings for example, plus major brake work)and adding improvements. So add all that (guessing $8000+) to the purchase price of $23000 and we may have well over $30000 in it. Probably worth around $15000 today. The good news; it's a very nice, comfortable unit that really meets our needs and you can't touch a new one like it for under $80-100K. Just plan on spending $$$ on any used unit and make sure you get it for a good price.

I would ask if you can talk tot the previous owners to see if they have maintenance records. Also, talking to the previous owner will give you some idea of the type of person they were. Did they know how to maintain the vehicle and did they do so? If there are no records at all, I would have a fluid analysis done and have it inspected by another shop.

Yes, there is a lot to know but do not let it overwhelm you. Do your best to make a good decision and then go an enjoy whatever RV you end up with.

I agree with Carnation sailor and have noticed on several threads here of who really needs to take a break.
All information of having a private party acting on your behalf to check out the vehicle is good advice.

Carnation-

The OP is a lady, not a man. If you want to make a major purchase when admittedly "overwhelmed" be my guest. She asked for any input. Sound decisions are not made when drowning in information. And take a break anytime you wish.

I retired from a Freightliner dealer and we also worked on Freightliner chassis motorhomes, which isn't revelant but is in a way.

What I noticed most was the low mileage motor homes had issues related to cooling systems and consumable components like fan belts, seals, exhaust systems, tires and brakes.

Whether the unit is being used or not, the components are aging, seals are drying out and leaking and a parked unit, especially one parked on dirt, the ground moisture is always rising up to corrode chassis components and exhaust systems.

Never saw any with a blown motor but I saw plenty of fan clutches, fan belts, siezed alternators and a whole raft of rotted out exhaust systems, some brake issues (hung calipers and leaking wheel cylinders, all attributable to age and not to mileage driven.

If it's older with low mileage, it did a lot of sitting and components age, sitting or being used.

The other thing you need to do is inspect the unit for water intrusion. If it sat mostly, did the original owner keep after the seals and caulk? Water between the inner and outer walls can cause rot and mold and if it's a FR coach, most of the above the chassis framing is wood. Wood rots when it gets wet and where you are at (in BC) you get weather and moisture.

At the very least, I'd do a positive pressure test on the unit to determine the condition of the seals and if there are any intrusion issues. Camping World dealers can all do a positive pressure test and you'll know if the unit is sound or if it's growing mold and rotting under the walls. You can also practice due diligence and nose around inside the unit, paying close attention to the front of the unit along the floor line, looking for evidence of water stains. Look at the curtains and blinds for staining as well. Open the cupboards close to the floor and inspect the transition between the walls and floor (behind the cabinets).

Look at the ceiling and look for any stains in the corners and feel the ceiling in various spots, especially along the edges where thew ceiling and walls meet. if it feels spongy, it's been leaking.

All RV's with the exception of very high end motorhomes like Newell and Prevost employ a synthetic material for the roof, underlaid with sheet luan and luan is wood and it rots.

In reality, it's not so much the rot thats bad (it's bad enough), it's the mold that comes with the rot. Some of that mold is toxic to breathe.

Be apprised, if it does show signs of water intrusion and a positive pressure test shows compromised seals and caulk, it can be a very expensive fix

You need to approach any older, used unit with open eyes and due diligence. Don't 'love' it until you know it's sound.

Well the price should reflect that it is almost 10 yrs old even if lo miles. Typical rv concerns water damage etc. if it's clean I wouldn't worry. If it's been stored inside even better.
Ideally it was used a couple times every year vs sitting for the last however many years.
If it's only sat a year or 2 I wouldn't worry much. If it's been mothballed for 5 years I would expect more potential issues due to lack of use.