Help/advice

[Ajc2]

I am going to check out a 1995 Winnebago Class C this Saturday.  I would appreciate any advice on the things to check with my goal being to avoid major expenses. (>5K for a single repair) Any information is greatly appreciated no matter how basic it may seem.  Thanks

 

[Cammalu]

Plug in and try every single little thing. Plug in the water also and insure there are no leaks in the lines and that the hot water heater is working.


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[mr_elijah_gardner]

Look for any signs of water damage. Musty smells, or discolored spots on top of the walls and ceilings, warped panels, etc.

 

[VanKitten]

Check the transmission fluid. If it is new..beware. I know of cases where seller will drain and replace fluid to hide major problems. It should be blackish and free of any smells. If it is like mud, has what feels like slivers in it, or smells burnt...beware...that tranny isn't long for the world.

Check the hoses...especially the once from and to the radiator. You do no need the hassle of an overheated engine.

 

[ChetLazar]

Look for any signs of water damage.

Soft spots in the floors can be hard to fix.

 

[Almost There]

If it's the smooth fiberglass side style, look at the outside from an oblique angle. You're looking for raised areas that are signs of delamination. You'll find them mostly below windows and other opening (lights/access panels etc). It's indicative of water entry and could very well mean wood rot inside.

Do an extremely careful check of the front overhang of the Class C. A lot of manufacturers put windows up there to allow lighting in to a bunk area. Driving in rain at 60 mph in a rain storm pushes water in through the window seals. Almost all of the Cs with windows have water leakage there. Same goes for the running lights up top on the front.

Also, check the roof over very carefully. I'd use a ladder along side of it rather than getting on the roof itself. It should have been resealed at least every five years. If it hasn't you can almost guarantee that the roof has been leaking.

The average life expectancy built in to RVs from the manufacturer is less than 10 years. After that the mfrs expect them to fall apart so that people buy new ones. The appliances inside aren't meant to last any longer either.

That's not to say that you can't get more life out of one that's older, just that you have to be extremely careful or you'll be buying in to a money pit. Or you buy it at a bottom price and expect to put a good  deal of time and money in to it.

And it's not to say that buying newer is any better. The quality control has gone way downhill IMO over the past few years as they crank them out faster and faster to meet to sales needs.

 

[jimindenver]

Get it checked out by a mechanic.

 

[mpruet]

I am going to check out a 1995 Winnebago Class C this Saturday.  I would appreciate any advice on the things to check with my goal being to avoid major expenses. (>5K for a single repair) Any information is greatly appreciated no matter how basic it may seem.  Thanks

You really need to do two inspections. 

1) chassis - which would include the engine and frame.  You would probably need to have a mechanic for that.  I would also use a pressure washer to see if there are any leaks at any of the seams and/or windows.

2) interior - This would include all of the appliances - Does the water system work ok?  What about hot water heater?  Is the water pump working ok.  What about the fridge?  Many older fridges will need to be replaced, especially if it runs on propane.  What about the heating system?  You need to test everything.  A class-C that is 20 years old will probably not run all of the interior appliances very well and you might need to replace some of them.

 

[Ms Daisy]

You really need to do two inspections. 

1) chassis - which would include the engine and frame.  You would probably need to have a mechanic for that.  I would also use a pressure washer to see if there are any leaks at any of the seams and/or windows.

2) interior - This would include all of the appliances - Does the water system work ok?  What about hot water heater?  Is the water pump working ok.  What about the fridge?  Many older fridges will need to be replaced, especially if it runs on propane.  What about the heating system?  You need to test everything.  A class-C that is 20 years old will probably not run all of the interior appliances very well and you might need to replace some of them.

Agree with #1 ... also check the entire front brakes and if you're having a mechanic look at it, make sure the front end components are ok.

Also, check the date on the tires.  There may be lots of tread but cracks or crumbling rubber due to age/UV exposure.  6 new tires will cost ~$1200.  Ck the chassis and coach batteries with a multimeter and if the batteries are the ones you need to add water to, check the cells with one of those turkey baster looking things.  There's a good youtube video on that.  3 new batteries will run you about $500.

Agree with #2 as well ... check the water pressure in the kitchen and bathroom sinks to see if the water pressure is good.   

See if the genie starts right up.  Ck for propane leak with a spray bottle that has water/dish soap.  Ck the condition of the awning.  Ck the condition of the "glazing bead" that goes around the windows from the outside (a fairly easy and inexpensive repair but could show possible water damage areas if not properly maintained).

See if the owner will allow you to take the rig for a ride up a hill and see how the engine performs.

These are in addition to everything else in the other posts.  If you really want this RV, negotiate price based on what you find.

I bought my Class C (Forest River Sunseeker) about 3 years ago.  I looked for an entire year for the make, model, mileage, condition, approx. year and at the price I wanted to pay.  I got very lucky and am still happy with my choice.

Good luck OP! Let us know how it works out.

 

[VanKitten]

I believe that VanKitten meant it should NOT be blackish. Color should be a clearish red.

If you are not mechanically inclined and do much of your own maintenance you should find a mechanic to do this inspection.

Guy

No...if it is clear red, that means it was changed recently....
My own experience is that an owner knew the transmission was starting to fail..changed the transmission fluid and added stop slip to it to hide that fact.

On a vehicle that old...expect that the transmission fluid hasn't been flushed out...so it should be blackish..but not muddy, no feel of slivers in it, and no burnt smell.    Beware of a seller that changed that fluid just before the sale!

 

[Ms Daisy]

Also, make sure it has passed a state "emissions" test and it is current...if you live in a state/county that requires emissions testing. My RV is a 2005 and the emissions is often required for older vehicles.

In Maricopa County, AZ, where I live, I have to pass an annual emissions test BEFORE I can renew my registration and get plates renewed.  The test is $16 here but can be an expensive repair if you don't pass.  Always a pins and needles few moments until they tell me I passed another year!

 

[VanKitten]

MS Daisy

This is why I have to keep the registration in a state that doesn't require it. I learned just a few months ago that the Catalytic converter was removed...probably some time back in Florida before I bought it At a cost of more than $1,000 (not including labor) I am not going to put it back. My budget is already stretched beyond breaking!

 

[highdesertranger]

in Arizona only 2 counties require emission testing. highdesertranger

 

[Ajc2]

I want to thank everyone for your input.  I found all of it useful and most helpful.  Since the Winnie is not the only "older" Class C in consideration, I applied your input to my viewing.  I think my search is now narrowed to two choices 1) 1995 Callista with recent work done on trans, new tires with rebuilt water heater or 2) 1994 Hornet.  comparable miles, engines etc. (the winnie fell through)  Any further advice always appreciated, I'll be on the road by December.   Thanks again