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Opinions on a 1999 45′ I will be looking at this w
https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1999-Prevost-Prevost+45-5003683597
Any help with any issues to watch for with this year and model would be appreciated. It is a Prevost Featherlight Vantare model. It has a DDEC III 60 series Detroit with 167000 miles. The ad doesnt mention the tranny but I assume its an Allison 4000. I dont think I have to worry about delam issues do I? Its only an hour or so from me and I have never been inside a class a before. My online research tells me my choice should be either a Prevost or Bluebird. My wife are both retired and plan on going full time for a while after we sell our mountain cabin this fall if it all works out.
Its on RV Trader in Oakdale CA
Thanks
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31 Replies
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Prevost all the way. Run away from any Bluebird.
Getting any maintenance records? If not be careful. How long has current owner owned it?
Look for date codes on the tires and try to determine the dates of the batteries. At about five years, you need to start to think about replacing tires and batteries … I spent $10,000 on new Michelin’s, chassis batteries, generator battery, and four (4) 8D Lifelines.
Look for dates and mileage on the various engine filters. Look for dates and hours on generator filters.
Is the refrigerator original?
Besides that there are lots and lots of things to look at, run, and test. There should be a prepurchase/predelivery (PPI/PDI) inspection form on this website. Find it, print it out, and use it.
We have a 1999 XLV Liberty. A Featherlite owner would be more helpful than me, but if one doesn’t surface, email me and we can talk in the phone.
Good luck! We’re all excited for you.
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TB, that is what we often refer to as a “rivet” coach. In my view it is almost bullet proof. The chassis was nearing the end of a very long production run and Prevost had refined it to the point that there are virtually no issues. It is the most economical Prevost to drive because of the 12.7L Series 60 that often got 8 mpg.
The miles you state are a tiny part of what you can expect as its lifespan.
But as Dick points out make sure you know what you are purchasing. Every coach has a value and the value is greatly influenced by the age and condition of some of the more expensive components.
A complete set of service records is a starting point and in the absence of such documentation consider that 100% of routine maintenance is due and required. At its age you can be sure if they have not been replaced you might need air bags, brake chambers, suspension valves, etc. Items that age out such as tires and batteries need to be checked to determine if they need replacement.
There is so much more you need to be aware of, with the main point being certain things need to be carefully checked such as timely service of coolant, the air system and transmission service. Failure for those items to be maintained as required can have serious, expensive consequences.
Keep your focus on the Prevost. Bluebird made a high quality coach, but a Prevost has incredible factory support and that is worth its weight in gold.
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TB – Suggest you go to profile (blue box) and check the box to allow emails so other members can contact you off the forum.
To post a link, you type the description and highlight it, then click on the chain link at the menu on top and enter the url.
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Good morning TB,
I would add a hearty second to what’s already been said and add my two cents worth.
l Had set a goal way back to buy a new Bluebird when I retired and did exactly that. It was an excellent coach but I soon realized that I wasn’t at the top of the ladder yet. After coming to that conclusion I made up my mind what I wanted and went on the prowl. I found it in Arizona and after the usual process, closed the deal. I then sold my Bluebird and have never looked back. It’s one of the best moves that I have ever made as supported by all of the aforementioned facts. Also, I might add, that you are hooked up with a wealth of knowledge and expertise and willingness to share that I have never seen the likes of in any other organization. If we could do something about getting the dues lowered, it would be beyond perfect.
I have a 1999 XLV Country Coach and wouldn’t trade it for anything out there. Not at all to put anything down, but it perfectly serves my needs and desires. It’s as near bulletproof as any complex machine in existence excepting maybe an anvil.
I’ll close this dissertation by suggesting that you read my post concerning my involvement in an accident on December 4th on I-75 on the South side of Atlanta.
When you find the coach that meets your specifications, I’m sure you’ll be in for lots of fun and enjoyment down the road. It’s really a great lifestyle.
One more thing. That picture looks like that’s a mighty handsome example.
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Done
Thanks all
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After reading your post, I think you are on the right track. I have a 1998 Prevost Country Coach XLV. I live in Tracy, CA which is not too far from you. I have just completed a two year search for the coach that we have now. I you would like chat about my journey to find the perfect coach, you are welcome to call.
(925) 998-6527
Norm
P.S. We will be in Jackson, CA next weekend
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TB,
I had never heard of Twain Harte, CA, so I looked it up and I see it’s not too far from Sacramento.
We are down south in the California Desert.
I assume ‘Done’ means that you bought it, congrats!
Safe travels,
Mark -
No coach yet. Done was meant to answer Truk4u when he explained how to post a url of the coach I will be looking at. I replied to a different post by accident.
Twain Harte is just west of Yosemite in the Sierras.
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This coach was for sale a number of years ago. At that time, I think I remember (although my memory is questionable at best) it being owned by either Richard Childress or Rick Hendricks (NASCAR). Then again, I hide my own Easter eggs so who knows.
Every time I have purchased a pre-owned Prevost (a 92, an 02 and an 08) I have counted on replacing the tires, house and chassis batteries and then set aside an additional $5K to handle the inevitable issues (air bags, bushings, air leaks, complete fluid changes including coolant, etc.). You can minimize the cost if you find a well cared for coach (with maintenance records that match the condition of the coach).
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Also take into consideration on a coach of that era that the Refrigerator will need changed out if its original. Then you need new inverters , Microwave and all the A/V components. If it has a combo W&D it is most likely worthless , upgrade to a stack that is usable. The generator bay insulation will need replaced , roof sealed and the drivers and entrance door fixed windows that are double pane will fog up if they have not already. Replace them with a one piece 3/8” safety glass. Take your time and check out all the heat and AC systems. They can be costly to repair or replace. Any issues found can be used for negotiations. Read the articles here and search the archives and learn all you can about these conversions. Due diligence is called for as a potential owner. They are a wonderful platform with the best ride and drive available in a class A RV. Also the safest one on the road.
Good luck and safe travels
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Then again, I hide my own Easter eggs so who knows.
LOL Classic
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TB,
I have owned a 1999 chassis, 2000 Featherlite Vantare for 2 1/2 years and 24,000 miles. I can say without hesitation that the conversions were very well done. I am still learning many things about the coach systems and this forum is the best place to look for help. You have already received some very good basic knowledge of what to expect from earlier replies. Prevost in general is the best you can get. If I can be of help on the Vantare systems side during your inspection please don’t hesitate to email or call me.
Maintenance records are the most critical so see what the owner has available. Items being replaced like air bags, shocks, engine coolant, and the more obvious oil and filters, chassis lube, fuel filters, tires and batteries (both house and start). I have replaced start batteries and this summer I will be replacing house batteries (I have 8 4D Lifelines). I replaced the original Amana refrigerator this last summer. If this one has an Amana expect to be replacing it.
Please post more pics as they are available.
Doug 206-817-2343 doug@teroestates.com
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If I remember correctly it had a sticker on the motor stating the tranny was serviced in 2003….. Sounds like it wasn’t maintained unless he has records.
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TB, All buyers need to be cynical. Most sellers are very nice honest people, but not all. As a potential buyer every seller will represent the coach for sale as “well maintained”. Not all sellers understand the depth of maintenance required, nor do they understand that their service provider may not be doing a good or complete job. You will be responsible for determining the quality of the maintenance and once money changes hands you have to live with the coach you bought, good or bad.
Our coaches are very reliable, but they do require maintenance. The number of maintenance tasks are numerous, and they cover the engine, chassis, transmission, various systems like the cooling system and the A/C system. The maintenance also has to include the generator as well as items relating to the house or conversion.
What makes it difficult to track is unlike the average car or truck, maintenance involves a variety of different triggers, ranging from mileage, to hours, to calendar time and without some record keeping or methods of tracking maintenance it is a difficult task. Saying a coach is well maintained is an empty claim unless there are log books, or receipts or some proof of completion of required tasks.
I am not suggesting you walk away from any coach if there aren’t high quality maintenance log books or receipts showing a history of timely maintenance. What I am suggesting is you agree on price based on what you find, a price adjusted to reflect what you need to spend to make the coach reliable, safe and up to date on maintenance.
Some things are easy. Tires and batteries have date codes and you can easily get prices for new tires and batteries. An engine that has not had coolant changes, or a 20 year old coach with the original air dryer cartridge is likely to require some extensive and expensive repairs and you have to set aside money to cover those potential costs.
If you are not comfortable doing an evaluation try to enlist the aid of our members who may know a coach and its history, or who may be able to assist in offering advice on a specific conversion, or who may even be able to look at a coach with you. Also do not rule out having a professional do an inspection, just make certain that person is qualified to inspect either the chassis or the conversion or both.
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