need advise on water damage in 1993 Class C Coachman Santara -

If the seller wouldn't let you have your own technician do a basic PPI I would run as rapidly as possible.  Your average automotive mechanic can certainly check out the chassis and drivetrain, but they are not likely to be as savvy about things like the generator, furnace, fridge, rooftop ac, propane system, roof, leveling system, and so on.  If you can find a mobile rv tech or an RV service business nearby the seller who has decent ratings, that $200-$300 you spend will be worth every penny.  One of three things will happen: you'll get confirmation that everything is good, you'll get warned away from a purchase that could wind up costing you several thousand additional dollars after the sale, or you might get a report that there are a few minor things that need to be repaired that you can utilize as a bargaining point.  I certainly wouldn't do an inspection of every unit you come across, but if you've decided that you're ready to write a check, I'd make a PPI a prerequisite.

Run away as fast as you can! If you can't make the repairs yourself, you WILL have thousands of $$$$ in repairs...sorry.

I like Winnebagos. Owned 2 of them..second being my current Class A. Looking at the pictures the Coachman looks like it is in better shape and has not been abused. And the Coachman has the genset?? That is a huge bonus. Onans are pretty reliable but like was mentioned earlier..if you don't run them for a few months you will have problems..mostly fuel delivery. That is an easy fix. Good Luck and have a blast RVing!!!

Think of the inspection as a type of insurance. Although not foolproof, it can save you a ton of money and heartache.

$200-$300 is a good chunk of change and NO you don't do it to every RV you look at, just the one/s you settle on. If it passes, you are done, if it fails that $200-$300 just saved you thousands.

In you position, it truly is a bargain. Think of it as buy knowledge instead of learning the hard way.

Look on bulletin boards at RV dealers for business cards of Mobile RV repair guys, Check Craigslist, Google it. You need to have someone with vast RV experience not just a mechanic.

Thanks everyone.Your input was priceless! I'm over the moon so have put a deposit on my very first ever RV!!! The Dutchman is definitely "the one"!!!!! ????????. It was absolutely immaculate inside and out ..was just recently extensive serviced, thoroughly tuned up , including new brakes, drums and 7 new tires (spare too) , serpentine belts, plugs, filters... the works. All service records neatly packed in a folder with original binder with all manuals for coach and appliances . It runs like a top and has a quiet smooth ride. The 46K miles were travel back and forth to Wisconsin  a few times a year. Always stored inside (owners had  purchased stursbge coverage) They pointed out the small cosmetic dings, which were negligible. No Leaks, roof recently re- sealed (and has been regularly)
  They explained every inch and alteration without hesitation. They welcomed me to bring a service specialist to inspect the RV before finalizing purchase. It was listed for $10500 but were willing to take the $8500 I offered. I put down a $250 deposit and will finalize deal pending mechanic inspection. They don't mind keeping it there and did not rush me.  I told them about using this forum as a great source of information an support. I read through the replies with her . I'm convinced that's what helped me with this whole loooong selection process!
  So thanks agin everyone for being here to advise me. I will definitely have follow up questions as I dive in and get busy learning the ropes.
    I hope to see you on the road sometime!
Pam 
   

Pam,

Congrats on your decision. That is the hard part!! Now for the inspection and very soon if all goes as I think it will, ADVENTURE!!!!!

Plan your first night of camping in your driveway, you will make many trips in the house to get things you would never have thought of otherwise!

Congratulations for taking the process though to this conclusion with care and for negotiating a prices that was appropriate for this vehicle.  You are off to a great start with RV'ing.

Thanks so much Joel P and CapSteve! And yessss!! Great idea to camp in the driveway first night. I was going to ask for a list of standard camping supplies that (beyond the obvious food, clothes, etc) that are a must have for RV travel, but a practice camp run will. We more fun! . Of course being musicians our stand by tools are duck tape,  bunji cords and head lamps.. what more could one possibly need?? ??.
   

Pamelagaudreau said:

Of course being musicians our stand by tools are duck tape,  bunji cords and head lamps.. what more could one possibly need?? ??.
 

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Zip ties of course!

That sounds like a job well done on your search.  I know how tempting it can be to overlook potentially big problems and the discipline that's required to keep searching but your patience is rewarded!  Spending the first night in your own driveway is a great idea.  Keep a notebook handy and jot down everything you have to go back inside for and then you'll know most of what you need.

The first night you camp away from home, walmart parking lot is great, for the same reasons...

Now see if you can find a fellow that works on lawn mowers, and see if you can get him to remove and clean the carb on the generator. That may be all it needs, won't hurt to have him install new plugs and air filter too. It could also have a non working fuel pump, they also fail from NOT being used. They are pretty cheap on ebay, just be sure to get one for 2 to 4 psi. I bought one a while back for less than $20.00.

Thanks Charlie! You must've read my mind, I was just going to ask about how to trouble shoot and/or remedie the generator not staying on issue. I know how to do that for my cars (the old school cars that actually had accessible parts,lol). Google is a wonderful thing and there are video tutorials for just about everything. I am comfortable changing out parts on my cars, household appliances, etc., but the lawnmower carburetor isn't one I'm familiar with, but I will take your advise and check out those options. ??
 

you can also run a mixture of Seafoam and gas through the carb and it may fix it . It could also be several things , fuel filter, fuel pump , porous fuel line from tank to pump  among other things none of which are horribly expensive .....

Hope it works out well for you, we are also in NH  and bought and older  MH , 2000  Tiffin which we are very happy with
Norm

Your second, maybe even your first, trip should be to a local campground that has full hookups. Even some state parks have these, but pick someplace about an hour from home.  Full hookups will enable you check all of your systems, while a parking lot will limit you.  And if you need help with something, ask a camping neighbor.  I had a lady with kids yell over to me that her husband could help if i needed anything on my first camping trip when she saw me taking the sewer hose and water hoses out of the packages. 

I had a great three days because it got cold so I could test my furnace, hot so I could test my AC, and it rained one night so I could look for leaks!  And I learned how to drain the antifreeze and get my hot water heater up and running.  Neighbors noticed water running out of it, so helped me find and put in the plug that had been left out.