dad_of_7
escondido
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We found what seems to be a very good deal on a 2007 Four Winds 5000 Motorhome that has 12,000 miles. It is gas and has a 6.0 engine, Chevvy Chassis. It was lived in so the fridge and stove will need to be replaced. They've already put in new carpet and new upholstry on the dinette and sofa. It looks pretty good.
We plan to have it inspected by an RV specialist for $220 tomorrow and see what turns up before buying it.
What else should we do, look out for, etc. Any advice would be welcomed and much needed.
We are taking 7 children from Calif to Georgia and back so we don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere. We are not mechanically inclined.
Thank you in advance for your quick replies before we commit to the $220 tomorrow.
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WI Bowhunter
Shiocton, WI
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Being 5 years old with only 12000 miles...I would talk to an automotive mechanic as well. Just to make sure that there are not any issues with motors that sit so long. As far as taking to an RV specialist, sounds like a good idea!
Keep the Shiny Side Up!
2011 F150 Supercrew, 4X4 3.5 Ecoboost, 145" wheelbase, 3.73 gears, Max trailer Tow package
2014 Puma 30DBSS
Equali-I-Zer WD Hitch
3 kids and 1 DW
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Welcome to the forum.
Check for leaks, a small leak can cause a lot of damage in an RV.
Also, check the age of the tires. Most replace them when they are around 7-10 years old.
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relliott75
Kansas
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Joined: 04/12/2012
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In my opinion an inspection is a very good investment, and if they can often find things that you would have never known about. I have bought both with an inspection and without. The one time I bought without I ended up with a surprise bill for $6,000 shortly after the purchase.
2007 Jayco 29FBS / GVWR 8800
2010 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 CTD MEGACab 4x4 Laramie
Kansas City, Kansas
DW, 2 Kids & 100 pound GSD!
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Go Dogs
South of Pittsburgh, PA
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To be honest, I would keep looking or insist that the seller pay for the inspection. There are a lot of really good deals out there, right now. Your inexperience may have made you a target with the seller.
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dad_of_7
escondido
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Thank you for your replies so far.
I forgot to mention that he is asking $17,500. NADA starts it low at $29,000. It seems that even with replacing the fridge and stove, it is still way below asking. We found it at a pawn shop. He is clearing his inventory.
We think that the inspection includes the engine as well as the inside of the motorhome. Yes, we would not buy it without checking it out as it could become a nightmare.
We are praying for the best!
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Jim-Linda
Livingston, TX
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Why are you wanting to replace the fridge and stove?
Jim
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dad_of_7
escondido
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The stove is missing parts and pretty worn overall and the fridge had a puncture that they fixed with caulking. The owner lived it in probably a few years. My wife would like to replace it. The seller said it would cost about $800 + labor. It is not a huge side by side or anything. Just average fridge and freezer. We would really not want to have fridge trouble on the road. Even with replacing it, it still is an awesome price. My wife prefers home cooked meals and eating out with a family our size would cost too much.
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Prpl Lady
At my computer
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Before paying for an inspection, check to see if there are enough seat belts for that many kids & adults. If there are not enough seat belts, that would pretty much kill a deal for me. My Four Winds only has belts for 4 in the house plus the two cab seats - 3 seat belts short of your requirements.
2009 31F Four Winds Dutchmen E-450
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dad_of_7
escondido
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We were told and have researched it that motorhomes are like buses and limos. Only the cab area needs to have a seat belt. This motorhome has 3 on the sofa and 2 on the dinette. We could add 2 more to the back facing seat of the dinette then that would equal 9.
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