I worked as an RV tech for quite a while, but I STILL had the coaches I was interested in checked out by a good truck shop. I felt I didn't know near enough about them as well. I made it a point NOT to use the one the owner used as I wanted a completely independent survey.
The coach's condition and documentation should tell you an awful lot when you get to see it. I would plan on spending an entire day checking that and what you can on your list? Being forced to hurry through that is something to avoid. Have the owner fire up the 'fridge so it's all settled down prior to your arrival. That's one place I wouldn't want to find a surprise.
Inspector spent the better part of the entire day with the coach (Affordable RV Inspection Service, Wayne Delisse, Fort Mill, SC 704-975-4034). He's going to e-mail the entire report and photos when he gets back in the office tomorrow morning, but he uncovered a few areas of concern:
1) Slide sticking. This didn't happen when I saw the coach, but he had problems with the slide extending. Said it would start, move a few inches, then stop. Press the switch again, then same thing. After a couple of times, it would then extend all the way. Said it was probably the switch, the control board, or the motor, none of which was too much $$$.
2) Hydraulic fluid leaking from a rear jack line. Jack operation not affected.
3) Transmission cooler line leaking.
4) Fridge not operating on LP.
Overall, the inspector was very impressed with the coach, and felt it had been well-maintained. There were a few small signs of past water incursion, but nothing major and nothing current, and not out of the ordinary for a 13-year-old coach.
The seller said he will take the coach to shop and take care of the above items, and he still needs to get the new tires installed. So once that's done, I should be driving to SC to pick up my new (to me) coach.
Yep, right there in line with what I've read about the service. The feeling of confidence you get from having a professional check it out for you is definitely worth $400.
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Jim@HiTek
