Been looking at purchasing a local class A. It is a Thor (Industries West) Residency 35 footer. 61k on the Ford 460 engine, no water damage. Rear tires are out of the date range so they need replacing.
1) what other things would you guys replace going into this? Rubber brake hoses? etc.
2) how is the performance on this, being 14000k lbs empty and 17k lbs max when it comes to hills?
3) how is the performance on the braking system for such a long vehicle?
All the appliances seem to work, including the generator.
He is a senior citizen and is asking $8,000.
Is going from a 25 foot class C to this puppy a big deal driving wise? Will it ride better or worse than my class C with dual air bags in the back?
You didn't say, but I am guessing it is a 1990's vintage with the Ford 460 V-8. That, unfortunately, is the least efficient of the Ford engines. I had a 1998 32' on the 460 and after adding the full Banks Powerpack System, i had much better power, torque and cooler running. Ford 460's have a reputation for breaking exhaust bolts. Banks solves that problem.
It is necessary that you supply this forum with as many details as possible to get the best possible advice.
Good luck.
Happy Trails!
Darryl
Darryl, Carole & Buddy the Wonder Dog
2005 Sea Breeze LX 8375 37' w/3 slides
"The Grand Hotel West"
2008 Saturn VUE, Towed
GS-25512187 FMCA-355241 Dolphin-1901
I own a 1996 Thor residency 3650 with a tag axel and a 460 with Banks power,i weigh in at 19,400 and pull a 3000 lb toad with no problems.There are many things that i have changed out over the past few years just due to the age of the beast.Feel free to ask any questions,as i have turned about every bolt on this unit,and love every minute of it.
Belts, radiator flush, tranny service, might also need a tune up. Also have someone check the brakes. As for going up steep hills you won't break any speed records, but it should pull fine. I have an 87 Allegro 33' with an old 454 and I can go up the Cascades Mts at 45 (going east) with no problem. It pulls along just fine.
So Desobelman, are you saying that it is the least effecient of the engines UNLESS you have the Banks power pack on it and that takes care of that? He indicated that it does have Banks headers but I'll have to find out if it has the intake or programmer/transmission/part of that kit.
And Timster, what were some of the things over the years you had to replace, and were they readily available? Is the manufacturer around still?
Is the price tag of $8k (he bought a 2nd home elsewhere so he is motivated to sell) decent given that it seems as though most everything on the coach works? Oh, and it is a 1995.
Had to replace old style in tank fuel pump($400)did it myself,you would probably double that at a shop.Basicly evrything that i list is replaced by me.New rear sway bar bushings,new coach batterys(2 6volt Trojans)New front and rear brake calipers,brake pads and brake hoses,new converter/charger,new furnace control board,new fridge control board,new tires(8 Michelens)ouch!new porcelen high profile toilet,2 flat screen tv's,new hot water heater switch and thermostat,new step motor and gear kit,the rest of the stuff is just regular maintenance items.As you can see the list can grow on an older rv,but at least you know what you have after making repairs,i feel fortunate to be able to do most of the labor myself.
Forgot to say that most of the parts were Ford parts ,and yes they were readily avail.Most of the coach parts are pretty generic and can be found anywhere,as far as Thor parts go, i have never needed anything specific to Thor itself.Thor is still in buisness,but they dont offer much if any for the 90's era
nehuge wrote: So Desobelman, are you saying that it is the least effecient of the engines UNLESS you have the Banks power pack on it and that takes care of that? He indicated that it does have Banks headers but I'll have to find out if it has the intake or programmer/transmission/part of that kit.
And Timster, what were some of the things over the years you had to replace, and were they readily available? Is the manufacturer around still?
Is the price tag of $8k (he bought a 2nd home elsewhere so he is motivated to sell) decent given that it seems as though most everything on the coach works? Oh, and it is a 1995.
Dave
Price isnt bad for a class A. Keep in mind its 17+ yrs old. If you were handy you could budget a few thousand for various sundry repairs.
Biggest concern would be the roof, suspension (think fatigue), brakes, and fluids.
My first coach was only 10yrs old and I put my purchase price ($6k) into it to modernize/update/repair some major & minor things. Outside of the alignment... did it myself in my driveway.
We found out that if you are told that there is a part on that 460 that is no longer available even if your told that by a Ford dealer contact Ford parts direct not the dealer. They might have the number for your part and it might still be available. That is what happened to us.
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