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The reason for the gas stove and fridge is due to the laws at the time in Oregon, where it was built. At the time these were considered mobile homes by the state and as such had to pass an electrical test that required all electrical systems to be energized at the same time. Doing so with an all electric coach could potentially exceed the 50A service feed. That’s why they have those few propane items. I would certainly trash the refrigerator if its gas/electric. There are simply been do many fires with these, specifically Norcolds.

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Moe,

Here is free advice which is worth every cent you will pay for it. You have to decide what your can budget. How much you allow for the purchase and how much you set aside for maintenance and repairs is going to be determined by things like a coach’s age or history. For example if you can buy an XLII dirt cheap it is likely you will make up the difference between what you pay and market value in needed repairs. Only you know your tolerance level for dealing with the effort to bring a coach up to a safe reliable condition, but rest assured it will either take money or sweat equity.

While your budget needs to be the controlling factor the coaches that will fit within that range are going to be ranging from good to bad and you need to educate yourself as to the things to look for. Ask questions here. Read the articles. Become a cynic when a seller tells you the coach is perfect and needs nothing. That is not to say all sellers misrepresent the coach, but there are enough who will knowingly withhold knowledge of an issue that you need to create a list of things to check with the big expensive stuff at the top, and work down in value.

A coach in your budget, that looks pretty but that has a need for some expensive stuff like tires or engine repairs can turn your dream into a nightmare. So while the appearance and decor is relatively important, it should not be at the top of your list. You are going to be far happier with a coach that has had a great service history and is not in immediate need of anything than you are with one that really looks great, but has a lot of needs.

The internet is a great way to learn the market, forums are a gresat way to get advice, and keeping emotion out of the purchase process is a great way to get to the nitty gritty when looking at prospective purchases.

[Kevin]

Charles,

I would appreciate any contact info that you have for the shop in Texas and Oregon. Anything we buy will be headed for Alaska next year so if I were to need any help along the way, that information may be just what I need.

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Jon is correct. We will basically pay now or pay later… or maybe even both.

I bought my 95/96 in 2008 after a two year search. In that time I walked away from several deals that were too good to be true even though I was itching to write the check.

When I found the bus that I bought I did not have access or know anything about forums like this. I did have the ear of two entertainer bus guys. One was an owner and driver and the other owned a entertainer bus leasing company. They are the reason I kept passing on older buses with two stokes. They insisted I wait until I could get into a bus with a 60 series.

If Prevost Community had been around and I had been reading I probably would not have bought the bus I did. It had set on a lot for 18 months and there were just too many unknowns. Knowing what I know now I would have walked away unless they would have really negotiated down on the price.

As it was, I had the engine and transmission checked out and bought it. Because it had set without selling I was able to buy it at a great price for 2008 but it was still at the top of my budget. IF 1/4 of the things that could have gone wrong had gone wrong I would have been in a mess. Thankfully most everything proved to be in very good shape.

Owning a bus has still cost me more than I imagined but it could have been much, much worse. If I had bought one of the other buses that my heart was “set” on I could have been paying for a bus that I could not afford to fix.

Buy wisely and do not get in a hurry. I bought in the very beginning of the buyers market and I think we are still partially there.

DKO

[Bob]

Well, It’s a done deal. We bought the 96 Country Coach at Parliament. We are sitting in their campground checking everything out. Just working thru any issues that we may have and plan to be here until we are comfortable with everything.

Thanks to everyone who got us to this point.

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That’s a great looking coach, I really like the wood interior. As I said before, I would rip that propane fridge out first thing. Although you may have to sacrifice the cabinet above the fridge, there should be room for a residential cabinet depth side-by-side.

Welcome to the Country Coach family. You’ll find plenty of help here and on the POG site. Where are you headed when you leave? I’m near Ocala if your travels bring you this way let me know.

Congratulations!

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Thanks. We will need all the help we can get.

The fridge is gone replaced with a Samsung bottom drawer freezer, french doors on top. Fits greats, they just had to remove the upper cabinets and raise the floor a little. Small price to pay for such a big improvement. Looking foward to being part of the community.

[michael]

Moe62,

Welcome to Prevost Community.

Having the flexibility of posting your questions and opinions without paying $100 for the privilege.

There are no dumb questions here and no make believe shade tree Prevost mechinacs at $100 an hour hunting for business.

Free site

Free NAPA discount card…

Battery program with tech assistance

Michelin Tire program

Fuel program designed for PC members when we travel ….20 minute fuel stops with the PC Fuel card.

[Mark]

I have purchased three coaches from Parliament. They are very good very honest and stand behind what they say. You are in good hands. They stand behind what they say. They are amount the best talent in the industry! Enjoy your new to you ride. All the best.