Looking to purchase used 1992 WB40

[Pete Masterson]

On Mar 7, 2007, at 12:34 PM, mbrund wrote:

> Pete,
>
> Thanks for the feedback. The batteries and tires where one of the
> items on my list of concern knowing that they will require replacing
> at some point in the near future and than tab would be around $5K (was
> told it has GEL know, but plan to go AGM if I purchased and had to
> replace them). The tires are 5 years old, but the coach has spent its
> life inside when not being used. Depending on if they have ever been
> curbed or run low on air, they can be extended to 9 years if not dry
> rotted or thread wear, I will have to look at them close.

I'd suggest having (at least) one tire dismounted and inspected on
the inside. Sometimes the "rot" isn't visible from the outside. If
the coach has been stored more than driven (lately), the tires
sometimes lose their chemical protection -- flexing brings protective
chemicals to the surface -- lack of movement leaves the tires in
worse shape than those that get a regular workout.


>
> The fridge was replaced in the last 12 months or so, so should be no
> concern there. The cooktop and washer per the current owner have not
> been used since they owned it. So they need to be checked out well,
> especially the washer to make sure the seals are good.

You may end up not using the washer (much) either. We did a couple
'trial' loads in ours and were not impressed. Seems like using 4-5
machines at one time at a Laundromat would be both quicker and easier
to deal with. The dryer (120v) didn't do a very good job... but I now
hear that the dryer vent uses chassis air pressure to open, and I may
not have had enough air available for it to open. Another trial is
planned.

Assuming an LP gas cooktop, a careful check of the gas lines is in
order. (I have an electric cooktop -- and the previous owner lived in
it full time for about 2 years, so everything had been being used.)

> I would prefer a newer model, say '94 or so, but I have a budget and
> most are asking more than I want to spend at this time. Seems many
> people are trying to get retail prices for private sales, which means
> they will be sitting on their units for sometime to come with the turn
> down in the RV market as it is.

It's a common problem. There's '93 that I found attractive listed on
Vintage 'birds, but the asking was $159,000 back when I was first
looking. It's been subsequently reduced to $133,000 and again to
$123,000 --- a much more reasonable price. But I paid less than that
for my '95 (purchased last May) from a dealer. I can understand that
"pride of ownership" can become involved ... but many owners are
unwilling to accept the realities of the market. Admittedly, it is
very difficult getting reliable pricing in a market that is as thinly
traded as used BBs...

For the record, I purchased from Mr. Olivers via an eBay auction.
<http://www.mrolivers.com/Web_03_Diesel.htm>
I note that his inventory has drifted down lately -- he usually has 9
or 10 RVs in stock ... he may get something in shortly. I think he
represented the condition of my unit quite fairly -- and the price
was reasonable.

>
> The paint is not new, the coach was sent from BB in primer state when
> the coach was new to be custom painted. So the paint shows it age (14
> years: cracked around the wheel wells, some rivets, door panels, some
> rock dings, etc.).

Well, then that's pretty typical. It's still a nice job and from a
slight distance (or in a photo) doesn't look its age.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA