I have been talking to an owner of a camper van on Craigslist. The van belonged to this person's father. The person I am talking to seems to be very nice, but doesn't seem to know much about the van. I'm not sure, but think his dad (the owner) may no longer be with us. He only posted pictures of the outside of the van. I requested inside pictures and he said he didn't know how to do that, that his son-in-law had posted the outside pictures for him and he lives in another state. He later called me back and said his daughter-in-law would try to post inside pictures. This was yesterday, and he did tell me she might not be able to do it right away, so hopefully I will get some soon. I talked to the dealer that sold the van to this family a couple of years ago and he told me it is a 1998 Phoenix Cruiser and that it was in like new condition then. From what I can gather, it's has had about 5,000 miles put on it (total now is 38,000 miles) and has been stored in a barn. If I decide to go further with this I will, of course, go look at it myself and also have it inspected by an RV tech. My concern is, if it has been sitting for the last 2 years, what problems might have been created? I don't want to get myself into a mess. Thanks in advance for any information you can help me with. I am a complete noobie!!!
The owner just called me and said pictures will be sent tonight. He also said it has not been sitting in the barn for 2 years, has been on a lot (consignment?) and that the lot owner was moving so they are trying to sell it. He also said they just put in a fuel pump and a new battery. Thanks so much for the quick response. I really, really appreciate it.
Are you close enough to go look at it?
Craig's list is notorious for scams....that was my first thought, when you told us of all the excused this guy was giving you. Still not convinced, just make sure that you have all the documentation for the RV....and that they aren't selling someone elses rig. It's happened!!
At some point, you'll hear from Ron aka "Mr. Phoenix Cruiser"...though he's usually in the "C" forum., and he'll let you know what to look for in the rig.
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie & Beau RIP: Cookie (Sheltie) & Gidget (Lab-mix) over the Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
The Phoenix Cruiser class C is a decent unit, but they made a very poor class B which they discontinued a few years ago. It was tall but not quite tall enough to easily get into the overhead bunk. Be sure to check it out thoroughly.
Salianron --Sally and Ron
2003 Roadtrek 200 Popular
I don't have any experience with Phoenix RV's but in general I'd be cautious of an RV that has been out on a lot for a year or two. Being unheated there may be condensation issues and possibly a leak. Definitely look for these two issues. If the RV has not been run there is "Lot Rot" to contend with so a good thorough check up from an RV Tech would be in order, but it sounds as though you are aware of that.
Best of luck and I hope all works out for you.
Rich
If I'm going to work the rest of my life, I'd better start to retire on the weekends.
- '98 190 Roadtrek Popular -
There's the possibility of freeze damage to the plumbing and waste systems if it was put away un-winterized. That can get pricey if you're not able to make DIY repairs. Hopefully the dealer's lot took care of that if it was there last fall or the one before. Tires may well be shot despite looking OK. If they're over 5 years old, they're certainly suspect.
I would suggest extreme caution if there's some reason why you can't drive on the road, but visually inspect the tires as best you can, and check their inflation. There should be a sticker on the door post listing pressures. It'll probably take 80 psi in the rear, so take a tire gauge that reads to 100 or more. Then take a test drive that includes some fast 4-lane among big trucks.
Finally, before you go to look, read & study the FAQ's about buying here in the B forum.
Jim, "Always remember that you're unique. Just like everybody else."
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison ('Loafer's Glory'); '07 Forester 2.5 ( the 'HANDBSKT'); '95 Toyota SR5 V-6 4x4 pickup, ARB locker, Bilsteins, Warn hubs & M8000, etc;
'94 968, M030 swaybars ('DOPPLER')
I am particulary interested Sallianron about your comment about the old class B Phoenix Cruiser, as that is what I am considering, and that is partly because of the reputation the current Phoenix Cruisers seem to enjoy. I will definitely look at the upper bunk, but it will mostly be just DH and me. What other things can you mention about their being poorly built?
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FMCA# F407293
