Hello.
I'm brand new to this forum but wanted to ask some questions here... It seems that literally everything I googled about online ended up eventually bringing me to forum posts from here so it seems like probably the right place to just ask outright.
I do not yet own an RV. Have wanted for years but financial focus has had to remain on necessities.
Now, I'm a little better able to afford a little extra on the side but still wish to remain as frugal as possible. Kind of dip my toes in the water so to speak..
Anyway, I've run across an opportunity to possibly get a 1994 American Eagle 38A at a price I can afford. Here is what I know about it so far, according to the owner:
-The RV was bought roughly 4 years ago in 2014. At the time, it was in full working order. Lady says "she ran like a dream".
-From there, the RV as I understand it mostly sat unused. The seller says she never learned how to drive it, but also made reference to having fallen upon hard times.
- Seller used to start it periodically just to keep batteries up, etc. She stopped that, estimates about 1 year ago if I recall correctly. ...
- Now, seller is in tight financial bind and needs to sell the RV. She went to start it and found that even after replacing batteries, the engine won't start. Suspect it is the Allison transmission shifter or TCU connection(s) somewhere given that it had no prior fault...
- So, I'm seriously considering this RV, but would prefer to not end up having to sink many thousands more into it right away just to keep it from falling into any more extended state of disrepair.
Herein lies the questions I have.... Being new to RVs I am in unfamiliar territory. I'm very mechanically inclined and do all my own work on autos, but never delved into diesels and especially not big ones like on what amounts to a BUS chassis under this RV. The costs of even basic maintenance are unknown to me. I assume at a minimum, I will have to do the following as soon as humanly possible if I decide to purchase:
1) change oil and filters in engine, generator, and transmission. I'm a full synthetic guy usually but have no idea what diesel compatible synthetics run. Heck, I don't even know how much oil the Cummins takes or the Allison transmission OR the Onan generator for that matter!
2) Service braking system - I have no idea the condition of the brakes on this yet. Heck until I can get it started to pump up the pressure, I cant even release the brakes right? This concerns me because I am doubtful I have equipment sufficiently stout to handle lifting/holding an axle to facilitate removing a wheel, AND even if I did manage that I haven't ever played with "big boy" air brakes before so anticipate a learning curve. Thus, I feel like I will need to have a RV service shop do that first look at it... But there, too I have NO CLUE what kind of cost to expect for what could range from a simple inspection all the way to "whoa! you need to replace these!"... On that note, anyone know of a reputable shop in the Tampa bay area who does good work at reasonable prices, and maybe would be willing to let me watch them work so I can learn as they go?
3) Check and re-seal the Roof, windows, etc. --Given time constraints I may have to let someone else do that kind of job. Any estimate of what the cost (assuming the roof is only in need of basic maintenance and not peeling/bubbling/etc -- I won't buy the thing if I find that. Cant afford new rubber roof! I know that is *expensive*.
4) Tires? Heck, maybe this should have been #1... I haven't found out the age of the tires yet. This is something I intend to look at immediately. Thing is, even if the tires were close to new when the thing was parked, it sounds like it has mostly sat for 4 years now. From photos it looks like they were not covered/protected form the FL sun. I've got to assume that at bare minimum I would want to put new tires up front. I haven't a clue what size or load rating is required for this RV yet (anyone know this information??) - I've tried searching online but 1994 is so old no one goes back that far from what I can tell.
5) Safe at any speed until above are complete? ....This thing is 110 miles form where it will be parked if I get it. I believe I can get it to start and drive by troubleshooting the transmission electronics. I hope to just START it while inspecting it tomorrow, so I can verify air brakes, leveling system, and suspension in working order still. *Assuming* I manage starting it and determine is in working order, if I were to go ahead and buy this RV.... and making yet another ASSumption that I can get the transmission to work again with a little electrical debug sleuthing, HERE IS THE BIIIIIG QUESTION-- is there any "safe speed" at which I can travel the 100+ mile trip back with this RV without putting self or others on the road at risk? Any things I should do to improve safety chances?? (More assumptions --Tires looked at and determined to give appearance of good condition although anticipate them to have some age (at least 4 years old), and of course, belts, oils, fluids checked/inspected and topped off before heading away on such a trip home. Given all the above assumptions, am I being foolish to think I could get into this RV and drive cautiously back home in it? If not, does anyone know if AAA would cover towing of an RV I just bought but am unable to drive home to facilitate repairs? (I have premium membership and will add RV coverage if I decide to buy.)
I'm very much on the fence about this as a whole but as I mentioned it is a VERY good price and the condition appears in photos to be nearly immaculate inside, clean white leather, Corian counters, etc etc. Sooooo I am drooling at the prospect of getting this and then setting about making it roadworthy for a much longer trip later. The things I'm asking about above are, I think, the make-or-breaker items, particularly any large costs that would need to be immediately incurred to simply get the RV safely home...
ANY help or advice you all have is greatly appreciated! (Even if only to tell me "don't do it you fool! it's crazy!!")
Thanks in advance!
I'm brand new to this forum but wanted to ask some questions here... It seems that literally everything I googled about online ended up eventually bringing me to forum posts from here so it seems like probably the right place to just ask outright.
I do not yet own an RV. Have wanted for years but financial focus has had to remain on necessities.
Now, I'm a little better able to afford a little extra on the side but still wish to remain as frugal as possible. Kind of dip my toes in the water so to speak..
Anyway, I've run across an opportunity to possibly get a 1994 American Eagle 38A at a price I can afford. Here is what I know about it so far, according to the owner:
-The RV was bought roughly 4 years ago in 2014. At the time, it was in full working order. Lady says "she ran like a dream".
-From there, the RV as I understand it mostly sat unused. The seller says she never learned how to drive it, but also made reference to having fallen upon hard times.
- Seller used to start it periodically just to keep batteries up, etc. She stopped that, estimates about 1 year ago if I recall correctly. ...
- Now, seller is in tight financial bind and needs to sell the RV. She went to start it and found that even after replacing batteries, the engine won't start. Suspect it is the Allison transmission shifter or TCU connection(s) somewhere given that it had no prior fault...
- So, I'm seriously considering this RV, but would prefer to not end up having to sink many thousands more into it right away just to keep it from falling into any more extended state of disrepair.
Herein lies the questions I have.... Being new to RVs I am in unfamiliar territory. I'm very mechanically inclined and do all my own work on autos, but never delved into diesels and especially not big ones like on what amounts to a BUS chassis under this RV. The costs of even basic maintenance are unknown to me. I assume at a minimum, I will have to do the following as soon as humanly possible if I decide to purchase:
1) change oil and filters in engine, generator, and transmission. I'm a full synthetic guy usually but have no idea what diesel compatible synthetics run. Heck, I don't even know how much oil the Cummins takes or the Allison transmission OR the Onan generator for that matter!
2) Service braking system - I have no idea the condition of the brakes on this yet. Heck until I can get it started to pump up the pressure, I cant even release the brakes right? This concerns me because I am doubtful I have equipment sufficiently stout to handle lifting/holding an axle to facilitate removing a wheel, AND even if I did manage that I haven't ever played with "big boy" air brakes before so anticipate a learning curve. Thus, I feel like I will need to have a RV service shop do that first look at it... But there, too I have NO CLUE what kind of cost to expect for what could range from a simple inspection all the way to "whoa! you need to replace these!"... On that note, anyone know of a reputable shop in the Tampa bay area who does good work at reasonable prices, and maybe would be willing to let me watch them work so I can learn as they go?
3) Check and re-seal the Roof, windows, etc. --Given time constraints I may have to let someone else do that kind of job. Any estimate of what the cost (assuming the roof is only in need of basic maintenance and not peeling/bubbling/etc -- I won't buy the thing if I find that. Cant afford new rubber roof! I know that is *expensive*.
4) Tires? Heck, maybe this should have been #1... I haven't found out the age of the tires yet. This is something I intend to look at immediately. Thing is, even if the tires were close to new when the thing was parked, it sounds like it has mostly sat for 4 years now. From photos it looks like they were not covered/protected form the FL sun. I've got to assume that at bare minimum I would want to put new tires up front. I haven't a clue what size or load rating is required for this RV yet (anyone know this information??) - I've tried searching online but 1994 is so old no one goes back that far from what I can tell.
5) Safe at any speed until above are complete? ....This thing is 110 miles form where it will be parked if I get it. I believe I can get it to start and drive by troubleshooting the transmission electronics. I hope to just START it while inspecting it tomorrow, so I can verify air brakes, leveling system, and suspension in working order still. *Assuming* I manage starting it and determine is in working order, if I were to go ahead and buy this RV.... and making yet another ASSumption that I can get the transmission to work again with a little electrical debug sleuthing, HERE IS THE BIIIIIG QUESTION-- is there any "safe speed" at which I can travel the 100+ mile trip back with this RV without putting self or others on the road at risk? Any things I should do to improve safety chances?? (More assumptions --Tires looked at and determined to give appearance of good condition although anticipate them to have some age (at least 4 years old), and of course, belts, oils, fluids checked/inspected and topped off before heading away on such a trip home. Given all the above assumptions, am I being foolish to think I could get into this RV and drive cautiously back home in it? If not, does anyone know if AAA would cover towing of an RV I just bought but am unable to drive home to facilitate repairs? (I have premium membership and will add RV coverage if I decide to buy.)
I'm very much on the fence about this as a whole but as I mentioned it is a VERY good price and the condition appears in photos to be nearly immaculate inside, clean white leather, Corian counters, etc etc. Sooooo I am drooling at the prospect of getting this and then setting about making it roadworthy for a much longer trip later. The things I'm asking about above are, I think, the make-or-breaker items, particularly any large costs that would need to be immediately incurred to simply get the RV safely home...
ANY help or advice you all have is greatly appreciated! (Even if only to tell me "don't do it you fool! it's crazy!!")
Thanks in advance!