Input please

[michele0203]

Just saw this Class b listed  on Craigslist and curious as to your thoughts on what problems I should be looking for?   Thank you! 


https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/rvs/6012763687.html

 

[OutdoorFT]

Not sure of specific problems to that year/model, but just make sure it runs good, can pass inspection (if applicable in your state) and make sure the systems work. No leaks, water damage etc.

 

[CautionToTheWind]

Nice looking rig! If serious, have the RV thoroughly inspected. Generator can be one of the first things to go wrong.

http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/1998/Coachmen/M-19-RD-Ford/3004962

 

[hepcat]

I have the 1995 version of that b-van (check the link in my signature) and it is THE best layout ever made IMHO. That van looks to be in awesome condition. Just remember that you'll have mechanicals and maintenance issues on a 19 year old van. Its probably due for ball joints, belts, a tune-up, fluid changes, shocks, and tires. Generator work at Cummins/Onan is $135/hr (don't ask me how I know.)

All that said, if the drive train checks out, and there's not significant rust in the undercarriage, you can't go wrong.

 

[Queen]

Looks like a nice van, given it's a Chicago area one, definitely have a mechanic check it out, the potholes up there do a number on the running gear of any vehicle (not much better downstate these days). I'm wondering why he uses this wording: "last time i used the generator was six months ago" anyone who owns an RV knows you should run the generator under load once a month. Be aware he may be using that as his out for a non running generator.

 

[michele0203]

I have the 1995 version of that b-van  (check the link in my signature) and it is THE best layout ever made IMHO.  That van looks to be in awesome condition.  Just remember that you'll have mechanicals and maintenance issues on a 19 year old van.  Its probably due for ball joints, belts, a tune-up, fluid changes, shocks, and tires.   Generator work at Cummins/Onan is $135/hr (don't ask me how I know.)

All that said, if the drive train checks out, and there's not significant rust in the undercarriage, you can't go wrong.

Thanks, Hepcat!

Is this the type of vehicle that your average Joe mechanic can work on or do I need to find a specialty mechanic to do the inspection and work?

 

[michele0203]

Looks like a nice van, given it's a Chicago area one, definitely have a mechanic check it out, the potholes up there do a number on the running gear of any vehicle (not much better downstate these days).  I'm wondering why he uses this wording: "last time i used the generator was six months ago"  anyone who owns an RV knows you should run the generator under load once a month.  Be aware he may be using that as his out for a non running generator.

Yes the potholes can be ridiculous around here!  Also, good point about his wording of not using the generator in 6 months...a bit suspicious.

 

[Gunny]

Motor, suspension and most things a regular mechanic can handle, it's when you get into the RV specific areas that the average mechanic will say"Pass".

Nice Vans, sure worth a look.


Rob

 

[hepcat]

Thanks, Hepcat!

Is this the type of vehicle that your average Joe mechanic can work on or do I need to find a specialty mechanic to do the inspection and work?

As Gunny said, anyone who's willing to work on a Ford van should be able to work on this one.  As a '98 I'm not sure whether it has the 351W or the Triton 5.4 V8.  You'll have to check.  I think the Tritons started in '99, but that's a best guess. I bought mine specifically because it had the 351W. I wouldn't turn this one down if it had the Triton though. Just do your homework on the issues they've had so you know what the potential issues are.  It's just a standard e-250 chassis so parts are easily obtained.

The limiting factor for most mechanics is the not-quite-10' height as they may not be able to get it on their lifts because of shop ceiling clearance.  Fortunately, the independent mechanics I take mine to have high enough ceilings and it's not a problem for them.

Any RV shop can work on the RV bits.  They're all 'off the shelf' parts, appliances, and pieces.  Frankly, I replaced the kitchen faucet, water heater, and water pump in mine myself.  The RV part is pretty straight-forward if you've got basic hand tools and are so inclined.

The only problem part is the Onan 2800.  Parts are only available from Cummins-Onan and they're not inexpensive.  And shop rates are $135/hr at Cummins. Generators are expensive to buy, and not inexpensive to maintain... but they're a GREAT asset.  That said, there are very few independent mechanics who will take on generator work so you're kind of stuck there.  Six months may not be a big deal... but if it sits much longer, that generator may have a new carburetor and/or fuel pump in its future. I put Seafoam in the gas in my 32' moho and store it for six months out of the year, and the old Onan 7.5kw genset fires up easily every Spring after its oil change.

The 2800 in my Coachmen sat for twenty years unused.  It had 16 hours on the clock when I bought it two years ago...  and had a squirrel's nest in it.  I've got about $2k in the generator and generator fuel system now... including removing the squirrel's next, repairing the damage from that, a new carburetor, fuel pump, and new fuel lines from the gas tank...  but it purrs and is reliable with about 110 hours on it now.

The only other thing you'll want to make sure the van either has, or you have installed are the heaviest anti-sway bars available; either Helwig or Roadmaster. Ford has a 1" installed on the front axle stock... if you install a rear anti-sway bar as well, it's adequate. That's what I have. I've seriously considered replacing the front with a heavier bar than the stock Ford bar though. They make a world of difference in handling. And I'd also recommend replacing the shocks immediately if they're still Ford standard-issue.