pre sale questions
Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2023 6:25 pm
Hey, I am looking at a 1999 BFT RB version with a diesel engine. I have a few questions/concerns regarding the cost of fixing items or what might break.
Currently has 150k miles. What have others replaced after 20 years of service?
Looking to make this purchase this week
1. Engine performance, The vehicle seemed extremely slow. Took a while to get up to 60. My basis of comparison is a 2005 Sprinter and 2008 Winnebago view on the Sprinter chassis. Can't imagine going up hills. It seemed very underpowered, especially for a diesel.
2. Transmission, This vehicle didn't really move in Drive at first. I floored it and it hardly moved as if it was in 2 or 3rd gear. Guessing some sort of transmission issue? Unsure if it was ever serviced. Is this normal for the ecocline with that much weight to be so slow?
3. Furnace, didn't blow hot but the fan worked, does it cost much to replace these? Are they known to go out after 25 years of service?
4. Water pipes, Most of the copper piping is severely corroded and needs to be replaced, Some of the connections were spewing water as well so I couldn't really test the water system. How much does something like this cost to replace all the piping underneath the sink? I guess the water heater would have to be replaced with a new tankless one.
5. Suspension and airbags, Do the rear airbags ever need replacing? This thing was bouncing like a bounce house from side to side. Is that a suspension-related issue or just normal RV ownership?
6. Cabinet hinge rust, Many of the cabinet hinges are all rusted up, Can I still buy new hinges to replace these or are they specifically made and no longer able to source them?
thanks in advance.
Currently has 150k miles. What have others replaced after 20 years of service?
Looking to make this purchase this week
1. Engine performance, The vehicle seemed extremely slow. Took a while to get up to 60. My basis of comparison is a 2005 Sprinter and 2008 Winnebago view on the Sprinter chassis. Can't imagine going up hills. It seemed very underpowered, especially for a diesel.
2. Transmission, This vehicle didn't really move in Drive at first. I floored it and it hardly moved as if it was in 2 or 3rd gear. Guessing some sort of transmission issue? Unsure if it was ever serviced. Is this normal for the ecocline with that much weight to be so slow?
3. Furnace, didn't blow hot but the fan worked, does it cost much to replace these? Are they known to go out after 25 years of service?
4. Water pipes, Most of the copper piping is severely corroded and needs to be replaced, Some of the connections were spewing water as well so I couldn't really test the water system. How much does something like this cost to replace all the piping underneath the sink? I guess the water heater would have to be replaced with a new tankless one.
5. Suspension and airbags, Do the rear airbags ever need replacing? This thing was bouncing like a bounce house from side to side. Is that a suspension-related issue or just normal RV ownership?
6. Cabinet hinge rust, Many of the cabinet hinges are all rusted up, Can I still buy new hinges to replace these or are they specifically made and no longer able to source them?
thanks in advance.