Thoughts on purchasing a used DP that’s stored outside for winter?

[RonHart]

Hi all! It’s been a while since I’ve visited the forums.  We are looking to purchase a used late model DP.  This Fleetwood Excursion 35E is the unit we’re considering.  https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2016-Fleetwood-EXCURSION+35E-5007078431

We have learned that the coach has been stored outside in Michigan during the winters.  It has been winterized properly, as far as we can tell.  We have had a fifth wheel in the past but never had to winterize, etc. so we are lacking in first-hand experience.  Would the fact that the coach has been stored outside give you pause before purchasing?  It does have two years of transferrable warranty left, so would that mitigate any of your concerns? 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[sandsys]

I live in Minnesota and stored my conversion van outside in the winter with no problems. I'd buy that rig quickly if I was currently in the market. It's lovely.

Linda Sand

[Kirk W]

13 hours ago, RonHart said:

Would the fact that the coach has been stored outside give you pause before purchasing?  It does have two years of transferrable warranty left, so would that mitigate any of your concerns? 

Very few RVs for part-time users get stored inside and even fewer in a place that is heated so eliminates the need for winterizing. With any used RV the key is to make sure that everything works and is in good condition. I would pay for a professional inspection and especially for the chassis as those are the parts that would cost most if they should fail. If by two years of transferable warranty, you mean that it has an extended warranty, that would make a difference but only after I read it completely to be sure that all major items are covered and that they method of payment for needed repairs is uncomplicated for the service shop. 

[NDBirdman]

If everything checks out and I was in the market, I'd jump on it.  Good price!

https://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/2016/Excursion/M-35E-340hp/6550633/Values

[RonHart]

Thanks all for your input.  Your collective thoughts generally line up with ours.  The extended warranty does cover the chassis, so that’s a positive.  Another question: for an RV that has lived its life in the northern states, would you expect to see rust on the undercarriage? If so, at what point would you become concerned?

[Kirk W]

1 hour ago, RonHart said:

Another question: for an RV that has lived its life in the northern states, would you expect to see rust on the undercarriage? If so, at what point would you become concerned?

Some rust would be pretty normal on any chassis but if driving in winter with salt treated roads it might be more problem than normal. If in storage all winter, then being in the north shouldn't be any worse than if in the south. Another reason to get a professional inspection before purchase. 

[sandsys]

2 hours ago, Kirk W said:

Some rust would be pretty normal on any chassis but if driving in winter with salt treated roads it might be more problem than normal. If in storage all winter, then being in the north shouldn't be any worse than if in the south. Another reason to get a professional inspection before purchase. 

x2

[Ray,IN]

On 4/18/2019 at 8:59 PM, RonHart said:

Thanks all for your input.  Your collective thoughts generally line up with ours.  The extended warranty does cover the chassis, so that’s a positive.  Another question: for an RV that has lived its life in the northern states, would you expect to see rust on the undercarriage? If so, at what point would you become concerned?

I would closely inspect for water intrusion, when water gets into a tiny crack then freezes, it widens the crack. This continues until there is nothing to hold the water in the crack.

 

Check to see if the ESP has a gaskets and seals rider. If it doesn't, that means if -say the oil filter gasket fails which results in loss of motor oil, which in turn causes the engine to seize; nothing is covered, it's called consequential damage from the failed (not covered) gasket/seal.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Ray,IN