We are about a week away from looking at a 31' 2000 Winnebago Minnie, with a large slide (same layout as the newer Outlook 31C has). The seller has agreed to let us camp in in the night we drive over to Tennessee to look at it. Now what?
What should we be looking for, trying, and doing?
I know we are to look for any water stains and leaks, as well as try everything, but I guess we just need to hear it again.
Thanks for any suggestions....I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed, and I've still got a week to go!
Bill, Claudia, and the Paps
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 The Pets
I think there are "professionals" that for a fee will check out a used RV. Have you considered that? Kind of like getting a home inspection when you purchase a home.
Good luck!
Rick & JoAnne Morgan and Sandy (9 year old Shepherd and Husky mix)
2007 Winnebago Aspect 26A Our RV Travels
As the owner of the 2001 version I can tell you that after 4 years I have not found anything to complain about.
Be sure to check the tires - all seven.
Also there was a recall on (Ford E450 V10) Cruise control harness and then another on the recall-fix. I just got my notice last week on the recall of the recall.
2001 Winnebago Minni - 31C
Ford E450 - V10 Triton
Tow - 2005 Jeep Liberty
RodT82721 wrote: Also there was a recall on (Ford E450 V10) Cruise control harness and then another on the recall-fix. I just got my notice last week on the recall of the recall.
Just what was the cruise control doing? Do I just take it to the local Ford Dealer and have them look a it to see if it's been taken care of? They guy I'm buying from is more of a middle man, and hasn't had the MH but for a couple of months. Not sure if I can get the name of the previous/original owner?
PapPappy wrote: Just what was the cruise control doing? Do I just take it to the local Ford Dealer and have them look a it to see if it's been taken care of?
Cruise controls are designed to disengage when you step on the brake. On a number of Ford vehicles of late 90's and early 2000's vintage, brake fluid could force its way down the wire of the brake sensor and create a short circuit -- brake fluid absorbs moisture and conducts electricity. Result could be a fire. Don't take it to a Ford dealer to inspect -- if he doesn't have the part he'll disconnect the cruise control. Take the VIN number to him and have him look it up. And yes, some of the fixes were themselves defective, resulting in the second recall he refers to.
RodT also reminded you to check the tires. That means looking for signs of aging -- take it to a truck tire shop if you can't judge it yourself. It's recommended to replace RV tires at 6 to maximum 10 years of age, regardless of tread depth. Blowouts on a Class C are not fun.
RodT also reminded you to check the tires. That means looking for signs of aging -- take it to a truck tire shop if you can't judge it yourself. It's recommended to replace RV tires at 6 to maximum 10 years of age, regardless of tread depth. Blowouts on a Class C are not fun.
Just to let you know, the tires less than a year old (DOT 2707), and look to be in great shape. The MH has about 27K miles, and while it does have some minor wear and tear, it's in excellent shape for 8 years. I did do a CARFAX check on the VIN, and it came back with no problems, no floods, damage, accidents, etc. The only problem that I've been told of, is that the ABS light is on, but a previous thread on this forum suggested that it is probably a minor problem, which shouldn't deter us from the purchase....but, one we will have repaired!
I'm taking all the advice you are giving me, and making up a checklist to use when we go to the MH for the first night. The plan is, that we check it out on Sunday night, and then do the paperwork on Monday, when DMV opens. If we find a problem, we'll deal with it then, not after the fact.
I own a 2000 Minnie. Mine is the 24 ft. I am second owner. It has 17,985 miles on the E350 V-10 when I bought it. The V-10 is smooooooth and strong.
Look for tires that say Firestone. They were OEM.
Look under the hood for wrinkled sheet metal.
Look for ABS light on after engine is started. If it is you might be able to get some $$ of the price then fix it easily for about 30 dollars with genuine Ford part (rear axle speed sensor located on center differential housing on top, plug and play with one mounting bolt and one electrical connector).
Check each appliance for proper function, starting with the generator. Then the A/C as the generator will be running.
Look on rooftop for broken vent covers, Refrigerator vent cover. Also take notice of the condition of the grey seam sealant used at the joints for cracking. The roof top is fiberglass.
Look underneath at the rubber couplers (3"X3") that join the holding tank outlets to the piping that goes to the waste valves. They may be dry and cracking. Mine were and then one started to leak (grey water tank) the first time I used it. No biggie as they were only 13 bucks each and I replaced both of them at the RV store right in the parking lot after I dumped and rinsed the tanks at their dump station. Might be a bargaining tool again $$.
As stated above the cruise control is a simple recall. If the Master cylinder is leaking ANY brake fluid it could be dangerous. I took mine to Ford and there was no fixit parts so the service guy disconnects it. That was 5 months ago and IO have still not received a call from Ford telling me the fixit part is in. I hooked mine right back up and use the cruise all the time. My M/C doesnt leak so I am not worried about it in the least.
I believe the 2000 Winnebago Minnie is a good unit and as good as any of the others of the period. It took me 6 months of looking every single day to find mine. That and about 7000 miles on my Ford Taurus looking at other junkers.
Did you by chance purchase the one on Ebay about a week ago?? just wondering as there was a 2000 Minnie 31ft that sold quick with a buy now of 24995 and if my memory is correct it was in Tennessee.
Hope you like it and good luck. Ron
Edit: after reading your last post it does sound like the one on Ebay. That is a hella nice MH the ABS light is a simple fix and the part is 30 bucks at the dealer. Be careful though as I went to the dealer to have it fixed and they TRIED to get me for over 900 dollars to fix it by telling me a lie about what the actual faulty part was. Do it yourself in about 15 minutes or less.
Like old travel decals? me too!
Two cannibals were eating a circus clown,
One cannibal says to the other-
"Does this taste funny?"
Prior to seeing next week get the VIN # and you may want to pay www.carfax.com to run a check on the vehicle, this may also give the name of the previous owners. Is the RV on consingment with the person you are dealing with? You may want to ask to see a clear tiltle before buying or puting down any money from anyone you are dealing with. Also if you have the vin number you can check with your local ford dealer to see if there are recalls on this RV. In 2003 Winnebago changed the roof on Minnies and Spirits, I heard it was to stop problems they were having with leaks. Good Luck, we enjoy our 2004 Minnie 29B. Dick
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