retired-tech
flint mi
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Joined: 11/28/2011
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i think you are on the right track with use it for the summer and then see what the new plan is. you will decide that there are things you do not like and either decide that owning a unit is either for you or not for you. keep on top of the maintanence so that there is something left when you are done and enjoy.
2000 K3500 CCLB DRW 6.5 TURBO
2009 Cougar 320 SRX
2007 atlas 24 auto hauler
1987 GMC origional low miles
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LadyRVer
Florida
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Joined: 09/04/2007
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Keep it, put your own touches in it and fix what is absolutely necessary. Enjoy using it and your parents will be delighted to see you are taking an interest in it.
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BMP01550
Mass
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Joined: 04/30/2012
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I wouldnt say the roof is destroyed, It just has been coated with something not made for an RV, My father previously redid the entire interior, so there is no water damage beneath the roof. I appreciate everyones input, I look forward to many years of RV'ing, with this and eventually a newer Rig.
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Matt_Colie
Southeast Michigan
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Joined: 10/09/2011
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I am pretty sure that we have one of the older coaches in the group. Let me tell you, the maintenance will be continues, but if you stay ahead of it you can have a completely reliable coach. Just be sure that you stay ahead of it. If something seems to be off, deal with it before it gets to be a real problem. You should be able to get many more happy years and miles.
OK, So the NADA value is squat. That just means don't do upgrades you can't do with pocket change. You will find that there are plenty of these.
The only thing you mentioned that I would pursue (in you place) would be the roof. If you do not have complete confidence in it, rip it off and replace it now. Typical RVs are small sticks of wood with aluminum stapled on. It doesn't take much water to rot the wood and cause major structural damage that is both difficult and expensive to repair.
As far as chassis issues, the 454 is real close to needing a valve job. If you can pull the heads and take them to a shop, then it will merely be a Major PITA but still vary affordable. Be suspect of all the rubber parts, they age out without regard for mileage - Just like tires. The brake system should be flushed as the DOT3 brake fluid really only has a life of about five years (some say three). Flushing the system is a lot cheaper than replace part that were attacked by the aged out fluid or corroded by the water that collects in the system.
It sounds like a lot, but think of all those people with loans on new coaches. Think of the monthly payment they make. Think of all the fun that money you aren't giving to a loan office can buy.
As far as the ten year old rule. I have only run into that at "RV Resorts" and we don't much care for them anyway.
In a few months, our coach will officially be a forty year old model. We just got home from a two thousand mile excursion.
What happened?
A seat belt buckle came apart. (Got a replacement when we passed an RV salvage year.) The dump hose cracked during one dump and a black tank vent became disconnected. We go on another excursion in two weeks. This one is shorter.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie
A sailor, his bride and their black dog going to see some dry places that have Geocaches in a coach made the year we married.
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Jonny B
Sacramento
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Joined: 07/06/2009
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My thoughts are these. forget the pergo. mannington floors makes a vinyl flooring that looks and feels like real wood. put it in my old TT and it was awesome. change the valances and curtains maybe paint the interior and its a whole new rig.
As for the exterior. its up to you it was given to you so you are out no money you are already ahead of the game. If you paint it and fix the roof you are sure to get your money back in resale especially if you make the interior nice. do this and then sell it and buy the rig you want or keep this one. just my opinion
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BMP01550
Mass
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Joined: 04/30/2012
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Thanks again everyone, I am gonna use it and maintain it. Matt thanks for the heads up on tha valve job, I am pretty mechanically incined (went to school for automotive) So I could tear it down myself. My question is, why would it need a valve job? Common problem with the 454's? What are the signs that it needs one? Mechanically it seems pretty good. Fuel pump and carb are new but the carb needs some adjusting as well as the timing checked. I removed the air system because the tubes were rotted and I replaced all the exhaust. It has a banks kit on it. It runs and drives great!
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Tothill
BC
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Joined: 06/15/2007
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Have you taken a look under the carpeting? Mobi was fully carpeted when we looked, (and the carpet was in ok shape), but looking in the cupboards we could see that the floors had lino underneath.
We had the carpet pulled before we bought. The floors underneath looked great and continue to serve us well.
We had the carpet out of the cab area too, most the camping we do is in forested areas and we it is easier to sweep the solid floor than keep carpets clean.
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karmasasha
st paul minnesota , usa
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Joined: 02/22/2004
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My 1989 27 ft with 454 now has 119000 miles and runs great. It certainly does not need a valve job.
I love her. Solid built and handles easy.
Andrea and Uri, a large male Rottweiler travel now......Rommel, Karma, and Kuno plus others at the Gate.
Inga, my 1989 Winnebago Class A 27 ft (454 P30) with 100,000+ miles and going strong!MinnesotaGal and UriDog go Boondocking
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BMP01550
Mass
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took it out for its first trip, had a great weekend of camping but ran into a couple of issues, found after 2 nights the inlet hose at the bottom of the toilet had been leaking and all bathroom carpeting is now soaked, im gonna pull the toilet and carpet, guess its time to lay the new floors in since im ripping part of it out. I had to go buy a new house battery (only has 1) the old one wouldnt run the fridge burner for more than 4-5 hours. works mint now. and I need to get the 454 to a shop to tune the carb and timing, something it off. the carb was new when I got it, but somethings not right. water temp is normal but exhausr runs wicked hot, the headers put off so much heat the starter gets heat soaked and wont crank until it cools down, guess its back to working instead of enjoying, for the moment anyways!
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westend
all over
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Joined: 11/17/2011
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I don't have a whole lot of wrench time on 454 but the advice to at least look at the valve train and maybe adjust the lash is pretty good advice. I'm guessing the cover gaskets are leaking a bit by now, also.
Valve lash adustment for older GM V8's
'03 F-250 4x4 CC
'71 Starcraft Wanderstar -- The Cowboy/Hilton
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