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Best XLII to zero out ?
Would you zero out an early XLII with a spending budget of 300-400k or would you get the newest unit you could find and zero out less?
My thought is a 12yr. old bus (2006) will have few upgrades done even though many components need to be replaced based on average life span. Older XLII’s (2002-03) may actually have less to do because the zero process may already be underway. My 98 for example has new or newer frig, water pump, bags and valves, a arms, in motion and other tv upgrades,batteries and tires.
Maybe there are some difference in the new ones that I cannot appreciate since I have never had one.
Your thoughts?
Wave
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10 Replies
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What are you looking for moving to a slide out coach or non slide….If you are looking at a non-slide, why not just update what you have?
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Jeff beat me to it. Unless you need something an XLII has such as a slide there is no way an XLII can be justified as a replacement for a late model XL.
I’m not suggesting and XLII doesn’t have some improvements. It does. There is less wind noise when driving. The interior is easier to heat and cool because of thermopane windows. The dash has more information and is definitely easier to see at night.
But with a 98 Liberty you may not be happy to give up some of what you now have. You may have long range fuel which is not likely on an XLII. You are never going to have to worry about delamination. Your engine is the most economical there is.
If you get slides which to me is the only justification to move to an XLII you are going to be shocked at how much useable space you lose to get a wider salon and bed room When we went from our 97 to a 2 slide 06 I had a lot of items I used to carry that I could not put back in the newer coach.
Depending on model year you may also experience a significant drop in mileage.
My suggestion is to make sure the XLII gives you something you really want before trading for one, and if it does not just spend a fraction of what you would have spent to refresh your 98.
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This 98 was my first Prevost and I (we) convinced ourselves its the way we want to travel. We had a slide coach two units ago and have not missed the benefits of a slide so that is not a big factor. Due to age realities we have about 5-7 years in this endeavor and want to have the best experience possible. What I didn’t say was that I zeroed as thing failed in some cases and time and trips were missed in the process. I learned from experience and from all of you on this forum. Now I am going in with some understanding that I did not have before.
The items you mentioned , wind noise , insulation of double pane windows , easier to heat and cool all come to mind. This particular Liberty does not have OTR ac. I just thought an early XLII with some or most zeroing done might be a place to consider. The problem I often see is that very few will spend the time or $$$ – just like me before I heard the gospel 🙂
wish list:
otr ac or x4 roof airs, collision avoidance system, tran retarder, an interior that is mostly right for us or can be easily altered,
and last a near perfect paint and exterior – this “ zero” alone can cost 40 k or more – that’s about it.
Wave
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Wave, I can tell you without fear of contradiction your wish list is almost impossible to fill. While there may be some conversions with OTR other than Liberty they are as rare as the chance Tom is buying slides.
The reason I mention that is Liberty conversions will not come with roof airs unless you are getting a very late model and those with roof airs are unlikely to have OTR. Take your pick, OTR or roof airs because the combination is very rare.
With early XLII coaches they are in the age where air bags, brake chambers, Norgrens may not have been done yet, but they are at the point where they are close to needing to be done.
The components alone such as air bags or brake chambers are very expensive unlike the counterparts used on an XL. Make sure you know what needs to be done and budget accordingly. But of all the things that cause concern the single most important is the delamination issue. I am pretty sure if there is a problem the “good will” offered by Prevost to offset most of the cost of repairs is no longer available and the cost to deal with delamination is potentially huge.
If we did not want slides we would still be driving our 1997 and loving it for all the hidden advantages over the XLII along with the economy of operation.
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Yes, I realize its OTR or 4 roof airs . I was saying either or not both.
Your point is well taken Jon. There is one coach for sale now with most of my list but it is a conversion that would be considered a minor player in the business but it may be just fine.
I always enjoy your post and articles.
wave
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Wave, if you are looking at a 5 – 7 year window, by all means do what ever you want. Don’t let our influence mess that up.
I obviously subscribe to the same bias as Jon – simple, reliable, and economical (relatively). Since you have already experienced slides, I would stay with your current rig and get it Z-Rowed (JEFF = just extremely fine fixes) at you know where and have it your way.
I won’t list the fifteen or so advantages your vintage has over newer.
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Is there a way to upgrade to thermopane windows?
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I discussed that with an XL owner who told me he did some cutouts that fit the interior windows. They were made of an insulating material. After they were in place the blind was dropped to keep in place and to enhance the effect. Said they did well.
Guess that would be one solution.
Wave
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With 80,000 BTUs on tap, I never looked into thermopanes. But we have previously discussed the risk of fogging between panes at the door and drivers side.
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If you are looking at a 5-7 year window then you will need many things done again during your ownership as far as batteries, tires, etc….so much of the zeroing out is not so much a point….Much has been said in the past about keeping enough funds in any purchase budget to update things you dont like inside a coach, as well as maintenance issues that are due or near due…Enjoy the hunt….
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