ely-wp
minnesota
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We are in the process of buying a winnebago 2001 journey GD 57,000 miles. The rig is in perfect shape inside and out and is selling for $70,000. I had it sent to freightliner for a 120 point inspection [$90.00] and they reported only three problems. Bad a rear right shock, a "damp" oil spot on the transmission output house and the same "damp oil spot on the engine rear main seal. In both cases there is no leak or drip just what seems to be a "weep" The selling dealer will replace both rear shocks.
My questions:
1. Is this oil "weep" serious enough to not buy the rig?
2. Is an oil "weep" common on a 330 cat and 3000mh allison 6 speed.
3. The dealer and others have told me fixing the "weep" could cause other maybe more serious problems by some "dude" wrenching on the rig. Is this true and factual?
4. Some have told me the "weep" is caused by the rig sitting for prolonged periods [when stored] and will not leak once underway. Is this so?
5. The former owner tells me the rig used no oil in the engine or tranny in the 7 years he drove it. He put 50,000 miles. This sounds like a good sign.
Need some help here for a couple of 75 year olds thinking about a rather expensive toy. Would sure like your thoughts. Thanks.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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What did Feightline say about actions needed on the three points?
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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Number 3 has to be a salesmen talking !
Number 4 never heard of a leaking seal repairing itself.
I had a damp area on my first MH, and the seal let go costing us $900.
I am sure they did not "weep" when it was new, I would insist on having them replaced !
DeWayne & Judy
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This is not the "GOLDEN-YEARS", it is the "RUSTY-YEARS" !
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obgraham
WA
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I'd go with what Freightliner guys suggest.
That said: 9 year old rig, not a bad price (maybe they'll take less), a bit of grub sitting on the bottom of the engine but no drip. Doesn't seem like a bad deal. If you want it shiny spotless, buy new.
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ely-wp
minnesota
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Thanks guys. You make a lot of sense. This is a real nice coach. I think the price is right. Seems to me most cars and trucks that are a few years old drip a bit. Just look in any parking lot or on any highway bump/dip and you see evidence of oil having been dropped. Lots of it. This Journey is not dripping. I guess we can afford a few grand for repair long before $200,000.00+ for a new unit. How about a second opinion? We have looked at a bunch of 'junk' Journeys and this is by far the best. Maybe I have stars in my eyes. Help me here.
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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Not sure how many a bunch is in numbers? But how many have you test drove?? If you haven't read JohnnyT's posting under Class A about buying, take the time to do it. Best of luck shopping.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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You have stars in your eyes. 
Many machines actually have weep holes on the bottom side. Just look where any Freightliner OTR truck was parked overnight on pavement/concrete and see what you see. All seals start to seep or weep with time. It is nice to have dry machine on the bottom side but few are. That is why we check fluid levels often.
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ely-wp
minnesota
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Eonomical handyman,
Now I'm getting cold feet to go with my stars in the eyes. A "bunch" is six Jouneys to date. Kind of weak I guess. I did read Johnny T on buying a motorhome. It was excellent and we have done all he suggested. We just can't justify the new Journey cost. I think I better slow down a bit here. Anyway, tomorrow I'm going to send the unit out for a second mechanical opinion.
Thank you for the help Gale,---------ely-wp
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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ely-wp wrote:Eonomical handyman,
Now I'm getting cold feet to go with my stars in the eyes. A "bunch" is six Jouneys to date. Kind of weak I guess. I did read Johnny T on buying a motorhome. It was excellent and we have done all he suggested. We just can't justify the new Journey cost. I think I better slow down a bit here. Anyway, tomorrow I'm going to send the unit out for a second mechanical opinion.
Thank you for the help Gale,---------ely-wp
At the cost of these units, a second opinion is a smart idea!
Ask him what it would cost to replace the two "weeping-seals"?
Being a buyers market and large inventory of used MHs, you have the best of both worlds.
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TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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I have a Itasca Horizon, and bought it with an inspection from a FL truck dealer. The particular dealer I brought it to did the "full" inspection, but I wasn't that impressed. There have been several small things that I have been fixing all along.
You just need to budget for a annual budget to keep things up on them. I recently spent almost $3000 for updates and maintenance on mine.
- Valve adjustment
- rear differential oil change to synthetic
- Dash A/C repair - the cooling fan on the condensor was not working, so the AC performance was sub par
- front wheel bearing seepage - new seals and oil for the wheel bearing.
- CAT ECU update to fix the hard starting problem at cool temps in high altitudes.
- Fuel filter change (very important!!)
- Oil change to synthetic in the engine
I could keep going, but no matter what new or used there will be things to do on them. I bought mine for a good price and am very happy with the floorplan. If it's in good condition and has the floorplan you like, then buy and enjoy it!
I would suggest that you negotiate a bit on the price, as the market for used MH's is still not that great IMO.
Good luck!
SSSStefan
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