1992 Damon Challenger - class A - thoughts?

[Maelys]

http://www.marysvillemotorcars.com/...hallenger-used-motor-home-marysville-pa.shtml

Any thoughts on this class A? Things I should look for or ask about if we go there to check it out? It is around 2 hours drive from here. Do they usually let people test drive motorhomes like you test drive a car?

The couch isn't really to my taste but it could be replaced, right?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I certainly wouldn't buy unless I'd driven the dern thing.
Hope you've got some deep pockets to feed that fuel tank. Those big gassers are pretty thirsty machines.

 

[Maelys]

So in general, a diesel using RV would be a less expensive choice fuel wise?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

There are pros and cons to each fuel choice.

Diesel costs more to service. Fuel is more costly, but better MPGs, usually.
Diesels have a reputation for running the long miles before needing a rebuild.

A gasser, of course, costs less when it comes to oil changes and such. Gas is a little less than diesel, but lower MPGs too. Gas is better if you only use the RV occasionally on shorter trips.

If you're gonna be beating it up and down the highway continually, I think diesel would be the better choice.
But, it could make a big difference on price point too.

 

[Patrick46]

I'd say that this was a pretty nice rig for that kinda money!

Nice floorplan, decient mileage use, nice easy to clean Pergo flooring, and basement stowage.

Were it diesel powered, you'd need to tack on an additional $8 - $10K!!


it's probably gonna need new tires pretty quick I'd imagine, which'll set you back an additional $2K...so you can use this as a haggling point.

Oh....and DO test drive it!!!

Good Luck, and Keep us posted!!!

 

[PastTense]

Look at the tires. The vehicle is 22 years old with 64,000 miles. It wouldn't surprise me if the tires have only been changed once, so you have tires over 10 years old which should be replaced.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11

Motorhome tires cost serious money. Anyone want to hazard a guess? Is this $2,000 to $3,000 for 6 tires? Or what?

 

[light trip]

I think it's obvious what your getting into, it looks pretty clean. One thing I've seen that may not have occurred to you is, I've seen some RV Parks that won't allow rigs that old, just a thought if you ever go that way.

I would just pay someone to check it out. There's so much to look over, unless of course you work on these for a living. But really if it's in good shape I think just a pull vehicle for a fifth wheel could easily cost that much.

I agree about the tires, check for dry rot too. If you get new tires, don't forget dual wheels need to be re-torqued after a few hundred miles.

There's lots of options for saving fuel, like parking it and not driving that much, or get tow car or motorcycle. Still, looks clean.

 

[blars]

Definatly look at the roof -- go up and crawl or walk on it. If rubber, it needs replaced every 10-15 years. (There is an overcoating that will extend it a year or two at a time.) Fiberglass or aluminum are prefered, check the joints and everywhere something goes through. Check for mold. Expect to replace window seals and all the hoses and belts if it hasn't been done recently, as well as the tires if they are mor than 7 years old even if they look good. Check the batteries. Make sure everything works.

 

[joessun]

If it's a private sale try an spend a night in it run everything hot water frig/generator heater /ac start the motor in the morning when its cold check GF plug pull out the awning if it has one ( LOOK FOR MOUSE DROPPINGS ) Tires run around $350 each don't buy re caps they destroy everything when they break Good Luck.

 

[highdesertranger]

it looks real clean. chevy 454 engine so I wouldn't expect anymore than 5mpg. it says automatic trans with overdrive. I wonder what trans? is it just me or does it look like a low rider? why does everyone say diesel cost more for upkeep? it's true they hold more oil but after that they have gasser beat hands down. you don't have an ignition system, so no spark plugs, distributors, or spark plug wires to replace. you will get 2 to 3 times better fuel economy. it's also true a diesel engine cost more to rebuild, but will outlast a gasser 2 to 5 times. highdesertranger

 

[tpisi]

If it has ever or currently leaks anywhere, run away!