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Topic: Re: We are taking a trip to look at 2001 MB? $19,500.00 (Read 51 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from We are taking a trip ...
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Re: We are taking a trip to look at 2001 MB? $19,500.00
Quote from: sandralazydaze  - 
We have owned two LD, but purchased them when they were newer. My question is two fold; anything to be looking for on a 16 year old Rig? And if this is a good price for what it has on it? 2001, MB, Miles 54,000.
This is the original owner-Not Garaged, stored outside.
Items he added- Kwikee 4 pt Levelers, New Norcold Refrigerator 8/16, Tires new 6/14, 2 Solar Panels with HPV22B Solar Controller upgrade, New Ball Joints 2016, New Velvac upgraded side view mirrors, Roof resealed by LD Factory 7 years ago and reinspected 2013 and had minor patch repair, Memory Foam Mattress for overhead-LD sleep sack Queen size, Insulated Tanks, Back up Camera, Bottle Jack, New Brakes 8,000 miles ago, Steer Safe?,  Profil Battery refilling system, Perm.installed Surge Protector, Front Window bra-wheel covers, 2 extra 12v. Fans, leather Front Seats, New 2016 AM-FM Radio XM/Sirius Satellite Radio, and other misc. things-
They are leaving 100% everything hoses, dishes, etc. which is good because we sold our last LD due to health reasons and never thought we would be getting another and left 100%.
The only item is No Electric Step! He doesn't like them and didn't order from Factory when he purchased it new. Due to physical issues we are going to have it installed- has anyone had electric step installed? Costs?
We negotiated the price down to $19,500, and pictures look good. We were looking for a little newer LD but we think, (unseen so far) sounds like this owner took good care of it.
Sandra
From a post by Larry Wade:
COACH INSPECTION

An inspector best friends are an ice pick, a small flashlight and good nose.

If an area feels soft to the hand, gently push the ice pick into it.  If it easily  goes into the wood, there's likely rot.
Make sure the owner knows what you are doing and is OK with it.
In all models, check the front interior corners, down at the bottom of the mattress (or the back of the entertainment center), for softness, moisture or that funky mold smell.
Do the same under each window, especially the bottom corners. Defective window seals allow water into the frame.
Any area that seems soft, moist or smells should have the ice pick examination.

Find the LD's coach water pump and examine the area under it. Water pumps leaks can go undetected for months and years, if the owner is inattentive . 
The area under the toilet should be examined for softness, possible caused by a leaking water line or drain.
Usually there is a bad smell associated with drain leaks.
Look under the sinks for damage caused by leaking faucets or drains.
This is similar to maintaining a house.
 
Check the bottom the rear wall, from under the coach. The wood bottom of the wall (it's a 2X4) is exposed to the elements and has a coating of asphalt emulsion that often hides rot. Rot in the bottom of the wall can be caused by a leaky rear window, loose end caps, or in a few cases, where the spare tire bucket has pulled away from the rear wall, exposing a gap that channels rain water into the wall.  The bottom of the rear wall is a great place to practice with your ice pick. Good wood will not allow the ice pick to penetrate deeply.
While under the rig, check to see if the holding tanks are secure, Many have securing clips that can slip off, as the hardware loosens with age.  

End caps are another major cause of problems, primarily in older LDs. 
Under the caps there are drainage channels, built to safely drain any water that gets in.  In new models, the drain channels are coated with a sticky polyurethane sealant, which seems to hold up well. 
Older models (not sure when this changed) had the drain channels coated with an asphalt emulsion, which isn't as permanent, pealing off the inside of the channels, as it ages. 
If this happens, along with a leaking end cap, rot can develop.
Keeping the caps firmly attached and well sealed is very important.  It ranks right up there with roof and window seals.

Rot can also exist in the roof, where a vent, antenna  or the roof A/C is leaking.  Look at the ceiling of any LD you are interested in. The ceiling should be flat, with no noticeable sags. If an area looks like it is sagging, use your hands to push and examine the area for softness. 

Make sure the cab's running board are solid, there is wood in the mounts that can of break if hit hard enough.

Older floor plans had plywood exterior storage bins ( 24' T/Ks until 2014). The plywood bins were coated in asphalt emulsion which, once again peals off with age and exposure, allowing the wood to break down and/or sag.
Most newer models have plastic bins and do not have rot problems but can sag if overloaded for long periods.

If you are lucky enough to find a leak free LD, put sealing of the roof, end caps and windows on the top of your 'to do' list.
It's the best thing you can do to preserve the coach for years to come. End cap and window sealing are chores many of us can handle. 
Roof sealing is more involved but many here have done it themselves. 
I have posted multiple articles on how to do this. Search is your friend.

In addition to the above, before arriving for an inspection, have the owner turn the refrigerator on to prove it operates.
While onsite, operate the water heater, furnace, stove burners and the oven. Turn every light and fan on and off, run the water pump. Operate the roof vents and escape hatch. Look for broken plastic in the cover.
Run the generator under load for at least 15 minutes, with the roof A/C or a couple of electric heaters on to load it up.

For deeper inspection, by a qualifed person, look at the 120-volt side of the Power Center for burned terminal boards and other overheated items.

Hope this helps
Larry
    Additionally, take the LD manual and go to the index and check each item in the index. If you do this, you will have checked every appliance and mechanical function in the LD.

          Call the LD factory to find out how much an electric step installation is.


          Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB