Looked at a used 2006 Itasca last night. Everything looked good on the initial check. Going back again tonight. It has 20 k miles, original tires, & 25 hours on the generator.
I know it needs tires. I also think it would be good to change all fluids (oil, transmission, & coolant). And then get a generator service.
Is there anything I'm leaving out that should also be done?
Also, what would all of that cost?
I've always heard tires for a C cost around $1500 - $2000. The owner said less than $1000.
I know how much it costs to change fluids in a car but just don't have a real good handle on what it would cost in an RV let alone a generator service.
Any guidance would be appreciated.
'13 Forest River Sunseeker 3100
'04 Fleetwood Sedona / Reese Mini 350 / Prodigy / BAL
'94 Coleman Cedar
I would also flush the brake fluid to get all of the old fluid out. The reason the owner thinks tires are only $1000. is because he either doesn't know or he is a liar. Call a tire dealer with the size and find o ut exactly for yourself. Water leaks are the real killers of MHs. Double check for any sign of previous leaks. A stain on the roof or wall near the roof is a bad si9gn to find.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
When I purchased Winnie in December 2011, I factored in new tires. Bought them at Tire Discount in Phoenix before even beginning the drive home: $1600 for set of six. The hours on the generator is very low. If it's run one hour per month (as suggested)to maintain, there should be about 75 hours on it. Low miles and hours is not always a good thing. When I arrived in Phoenix the owner had everything running: air, fridge, etc.
I didn't, but would next time, get a blower (not the right name) test to check for leaks. Mechanics are nice, but a lot of little details, driving and talking with the owner will give you an idea of how the unit has been maintained.
It's scary to think that there is so much to check. Without question, you will miss something. Try to make sure it's something small. Good luck. Buy and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!!
Mike LeBlanc, "The Digital Guy"
Professional Photographer, Retired Art Educator
Sour Lake, Texas
paullac wrote: Looked at a used 2006 Itasca last night. Everything looked good on the initial check. Going back again tonight. It has 20 k miles, original tires, & 25 hours on the generator.
I know it needs tires. I also think it would be good to change all fluids (oil, transmission, & coolant). And then get a generator service.
Is there anything I'm leaving out that should also be done?
Also, what would all of that cost?
I've always heard tires for a C cost around $1500 - $2000. The owner said less than $1000.
I know how much it costs to change fluids in a car but just don't have a real good handle on what it would cost in an RV let alone a generator service.
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Hi paullac,
At the start of the season I had the Ford dealer do a full service, engine oil, and transmission service. It was just about $300. Hope this helps you out.
Todd
Todd, Shirley, and the "Maddawgs" min-pins Precious and Buster Brown
2011 Itasca Cambria 30C
2011 Demco KarKaddy 460SS
TST 507 RV TPMS
"if there is anything left when we are gone, then we miscalculated"
Tire costs will depend mostly on what you buy. We bought Michelin Mud and Snow and only 4 because the fronts had been replaced--about $1200. We replaced those fluids, and the air filter. The service on the generator included a new carb and it cost about $325. We waited a bit doing some of the generator service ourselves at first but could not clear out the carb with chemicals so we had it replaced. We found rot after going over the inside meticulously--no signs of former water leaks--EXCEPT then the bottom rear panel was rotted! Take a creeper and roll underneath--and look at the underside wall covering. Any rust or peeling under there might mean rotted panels. Poke around a bit and satisfy yourself that you have a solid unit. I'd also recommend buying eternabond and covering the seams on the roof and every light fixture mounting on the sides with the stuff if you can. Good insurance against future leaks. Be reassured that even if you have to fix things, you will probably have a wonderful time with it!
All of the above advice is good. Think "safety first" and "avoidance of trip disruption due to breakdowns". Check operation of all alarms. Have brake fluid flushed and replaced and brake system checked/serviced. Haave fuel filter replaced.Have all belts and hoses checked and replaced if needed. Have the engine cooling system checked/serviced to make sure the engine won't overheat while pulling grades in 100 degree + heat. RV tires are nothing to mess with. Buy same brand and type/load range of tires that rig came with, usually Michelin. Goodyear tires are considered good also. If not already installed, have long solid metal custom-formed tire valve stems (Tire Man, Borg, etc)installed on front and rear tires for easy checking and topping off with beauty discs in place. Non-Safety:Verify that the generator will start readily and operate the roof A/C and microwave at the same time. Test fridge on propane and 110vac for proper cooling. Test water heater for proper operation.Test fresh water pump and all plumbing including toilet.Run Roof AC and dash AC to make sure they work and cool properly. Have starting and housebox batteries tested and verify that voltage is good and that all interior lights and 12 volt battery operated devices operate properly including TV antenna amplifier, etc.Make sure awning will deploy and stow securely. Have a complete kit of hand tools and a multimeter aboard, some bailing wire,duct tape, tire guage, battery filler. Make sure dump valves work properly and sewer hose and fresh water hoses etc. are aboard. Have enough folding chairs, mat for under awning use and lanterns and fuel, etc. Have propane tanks filled as needed. Sanitize the fresh water tanks.
I think all of the others have covered most of all you will need to check.
As Bordercollie stated one thing that is upmost is safety,you should check all of your smoke detectors and you CO alarm and make sure it works. Most smoke alarms are only good for 5 years, take them off and check the MFG date.If it is 5 years old or more they should be changed.It is a small price to pay for safety. The very best ones only cost about $35.00 they are combo CO and smoke.
The Michelin Tires in your area cost about $220.00 each plus tax and all other fees.
Good luck and happy camping.
2006 TIOGA 26Q CHEVY 6.0 VORTEC Recycled El Monte RV Rental
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