Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

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Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

July 20, 2020, 03:36:49 pm

Hello all

This is my first post. Looking at a 1996 RB. It has less than 50k miles. Original owner. Immaculately maintained. I have looked at the Used Pricing Sheet. Is 16K too much for this LD or under certain conditions can this price be reasonable?

Thanks so much.
Looking to be come a proud LD owner.

Julie

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #1 – July 20, 2020, 05:10:50 pm

If it truly is in excellent condition, the price could be justified. Hidden water damage is the biggest potential problem. How it's been stored would be good to know. Having a professional inspection is important. Factor in the cost of a new transmission at some point since that is a weak leak assuming the engine tests as being sound. Has it been used to tow?

If you have rv experience and can do minor repairs, that would help to make the purchase somewhat less risky.

Regardless, it should be considered a somewhat risky purchase and you should be prepared to put money into it to cover repairs that you didn't anticipate. Keep an extra $5000 handy. Frank

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #2 – July 20, 2020, 11:32:10 pm

Thanks Frank.

The unit has been garaged since purchase. The owner had a previous LD that leaked so has been meticulous about this one and keeping up with sealing. It towed some but not much. My DH is mechanically inclined and very good with engines etc. Appreciate your response

Julie

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #3 – July 21, 2020, 09:51:19 am

This is a 24-year-old motorhome with less than 50000 miles; that age and that few miles indicate that it has done a great deal of "sitting", and a sitting motorhome deteriorates much more quickly than one which is used and diligently serviced. The motorhome may be "immaculately maintained", but a thorough professional inspection of everything, i.e., the chassis, systems, engine, appliances, and body, should be done. This is a link to an inspection checklist:

RV Inspection Checklist

RVs offer their owners endless opportunities to spend money; the initial purchase price is just the beginning! Depending on what an inspection reveals, a buyer should be prepared to walk away or be able to pony up the necessary cash to repair and/or replace components.

YMMV, as always.

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #4 – July 21, 2020, 10:14:49 am

For a coach of that age, it all depends on the condition.

Be aware that the used RV market is as strong (meaning higher prices) as it has been in a very long time. Lots of people are realizing that having your own place to eat, sleep, and bathe is one of the few ways to travel safely these days.

Rich
'03 MB in NC

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #5 – July 21, 2020, 10:40:21 am

RVs offer their owners endless opportunities to spend money; the initial purchase price is just the beginning! Depending on what an inspection reveals, a buyer should be prepared to walk away or be able to pony up the necessary cash to repair and/or replace components.

In my humble opinion a good RV will cost in the range of $100,000 either up front or in repairs to get it in running condition.

I have a saying when looking at just about anything I'm about to buy "What can i sell they for?" By having that attitude I remove some of the 'falling in love' ......

glen

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #6 – July 21, 2020, 11:21:32 am

Quote from: colddog - July 21, 2020, 10:40:21 am

In my humble opinion a good RV will cost in the range of $100,000 either up front or in repairs to get it in running condition.

We can argue about the definition of 'good', but that's a pretty high number IMO.

We have a saying in our family - "the best thing about our RV is the places it takes us". Once we arrive, I see all kinds of different rigs from $200-$2,000,000.

The people in the Prevost, the people in the Lazy Daze, the people in the pop-up, and the people in the tent all get to enjoy the same sunset.

Rich (having camped in everything except the Prevost!)

'03 MB in NC

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #7 – July 21, 2020, 12:50:05 pm

Rich, the folks in the Prevost are more likely to be sitting inside by the fireplace watching their big screen TV rather than watching a sunset.

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #8 – July 21, 2020, 12:58:16 pm

It's the refrigerator, water heater, heater, converter, generator etc... that can really add up in time and money also.
Make sure these have been maintained and/or upgraded.

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #9 – July 21, 2020, 11:37:47 pm

Julie, I agree with tedeboy.
Water damage is a big concern, but so are old appliances etc. They add up.

If your DH is mechanically inclined, he likely can work on the appliances also (repair/replace) it will just take time. Even ones that work, you might want to upgrade to a better model (the converter especially).
What you want working in your RV depends on how you will use it - with hookups only, without hookups primarily, in very cold or hot weather or only in moderate climates, etc.

Re: Looking at a 1996 27 RB need advice

Reply #10 – July 24, 2020, 02:24:25 pm

Carefully check the corners of the overhead bunk and the window , most rigs of this vintage leak and rot, usually without the owner knowing it. The multi- piece front caps have many places to leak, a reason why I alway suggest a 1990 or newer, with the one piece front cap,
Also check the rear corners, end caps and all the window.
I have not seen a rig that old without issues.
Oh, the transmission were not very dependable.

Larry.

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