Here I go again, looking at another diesel. My first deal on a 2000 Kountry Star fell through (dealer and I stayed a couple of $K apart).
I'm now going to look at a 1999 Dutch Star (3865 I think) 300 HP Cummins on a Spartan chassis about a days drive away. It is priced low and I have talked to the dealer and with some exceptions, it seems in good shape although the dealer did not strike me as knowledgable about MHs. No service records or manuals though
I know everyone says stay away from anything with water stains, but they don't look too bad based on the pictures he sent ( I will check closely for soft spots and de-lamination etc) and the roof has been resealed.
Based on the asking price (and I get enough on trade) I may risk it if everything else checks out. I suspect I know where the water came from based on the locations (by the vents) - possibly from the AC.
Anyone have any experiences, warnings, recalls etc on this year/model?
What should I look for externally on the motor and chassis?
Ps - anyone know any Cummins/allison shops in the Ottawa area?
Thanks
Chris
2003 Dutch Star 4005
1999 Dutch Star DP 3865
2001 Honda CRV - Ready Brute Elite Tow Bar/Blue Ox Base plate
Retired Canadian Army WO (1971-2000)
You shouldn't find delamination on a Newmar since the wall is hung from the roof and not a laminated piece. The Brite-Tek roof should be in great shape unless it was damaged. An AC water leak would be very rare because of the Newmar ducted AC system. I can't even see my ACs from the inside so a leak would be a real problem.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
Allison Automatic Transmissions - 2450 Stevenage Dr, Ottawa, ON
How Low is Low? Ours is a 3883 !
Thanks for the info.
I'll let you know how low after I come back - but its well below NADA. That's part of the problem, when it's really low what's wrong with it? The biggest thing I can't really check is the motor and transmission.
If I make the deal I will be going back another time with my MH for trade. Not taking the MH this time in case its not worth it. (7.5 hour drive).
Check the roof solar trickle panel, the wires that come down from that through the roof are a possible source of the leak. How do I know that? Well, let's just say I learned it the hard way.
I have '02 Kountry Star with 300hp cummins - 5.9 ISB. Not a big engine, but does ok most of the time, struggles in high temp and long pulls to stay out of the red. I get pretty good mpg - average out a little over 9.
'02 KOUNTRY STAR DP
2012 HONDA FIT "PUMPKINMOBILE"
GILLIGAN- 1ST MATE CAT - 3 HR TOUR
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