-
Starting search for a used Prevost
Folks,
Please be gentle as I ask some basic questions and hopefully get some advice. First, I am looking for an older coach mid 90s to very early 2000 to use for traveling with my wife and two dogs across the country for a few years. I am not looking for a coach that is perfect,but one that is serviceable and somewhat reliable. I am not new to RVing but do not want to full-time.
My first question deals with the engine 8V92 versus series 60. I see data and opinions all over the place for each engine. I would like your knowledge as true Prevost owners.
Second, I believe I want a non-slide bus. The real question is H3 or XLIi.
Lastly, is in FL where is a good place/person for independent PPI.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Bill
-
26 Replies
-
Trawick Luxury Coaches in Hurst, Texas has some nice ones. Good people to work with as well.
-
-
My XL 1998 will be at Qlympia Luxury Coach in about two weeks. I am consigning it and picking up a new to me from them. The coach has an extensive list of updates done to it.
I am consigning so as not have to deal with the selling process.
You stated you were looking at H3 or XL II, Year early 90’s to mid 2000.
The XlII ‘s were not made till 2000.
Get a series 60 engine as it is serviceable at most diesel shops and parts are available.
-
Give me a call at East Tennessee Luxury Coach. We don’t really do sales but if you want someone’s free opinion i don’t mind helping. We generally have a few customers interested in selling/upgrading that might have what your looking for.
(423)884-6008
Steve Magown
2001 Featherlite H3
West Monroe, LA -
Hey Bill,
I have a 92 chassis with the 8V92TA and I love it. I think the major difference between the 8V92 and Series 60 is fuel economy, you will get better mile per gallon with the 60. But if you love the raw sound of a two stroke engine you can’t beat the 8V92! Two strokes are still very good engines and to me its simple maintenance. But whatever Prevost coach you decide you will definitely fall in love with it, can’t beat the ride quality because your riding on a commercial chassis!
-
Just be sure you buy a coach with IFS. The solid axle of the pre-96/97 era is “OK” but the difference in ride and handling of IFS is priceless!
Having had both I can tell you that you will be much happier with the better front suspension.
-
Bill has a finely tuned seat of the pants opinion of a straight axle versus independent fron suspension.
I had an 87 and 97 with solid front axles and put about 350,000 miles on them. I now have a 2006 and have added about 140,000 to it. If there is a difference in ride, my seat of the pants feel has failed me.
Having said that, the IFS has a tighter steering radius, but if used frequently that ability to make very sharp turns tends to eat the outside of the steer tires. Also the complexity of the IFS makes repair costs fairly impressive. I have zero opinion on which I would choose but I know for certain either one is fine.
If given a choice a Series 60 is the engine to pick and while I really liked my 8V92 I do not want another.
-
In my humble opinion, an early 90’s (maybe even a late 80’s) Prevost (8V92) is the best value in RV’ing today … hands down. In buying an 8V92 coach you need to clearly understand what you’re though.
Our coach is the first RV we owned. Because of tight quarters of where we used to live (and where we live now) and the fact that we pull a 26′ enclosed trailer that needed (and needs) to be backed in, I opted for an IFS coach. Had I not had that requirement, I would have been indifferent IFS vs SFA. I did have to have tie rods replaced at 65,000 miles, don’t know if that was because of the IFS or not.
There were two major things that led us to our 1999 Liberty: private toilet room and layout/decorating. Other contributing factors were the separate washer/dryer (but now my wife tells me that she likes going to the laundramat because everything is done at once), two lavatory sinks, side bed (easy access to the big closet in the back, and finally the general layout and color palette.
Big difference between the XL40/XL45’s and the H3’s. Make sure you understand those differences.
Look at coaches. Lots of them in Florida. Keep asking questions.
Edit: I should add that we also wanted a coach with bus air, even though we don’t use the bus air as often as I thought we would. We often travel with the bus air off and the bus air thermostats turned down all the way and its very comfortable … unless its hot outside. Then I turn the bus air on.
-
Thanks
-
Folks,
Keep coming back with your thoughts and opinions. They are greatly appreciated and I will keep in mind what you are saying about IFS and engine type.
-
Don’t waste your time looking unless and until you sit down and understand what you want, what you need and what are deal killers.
The last thing you should use to make a choice is decor.
As an example we had three Liberty coaches and there were two things we needed. We wanted a private toilet and whole bus Prevost over the road air conditioning. Without those two we would not even consider a coach.
Things we would like to have were long range fuel, Cruiseairs, lighted cabinets, and good maintenance records. Lacking any of those was not a deal breaker.
We would not not consider a Country Coach because of its proprietary systems and how the systems co-mingled chassis and house systems.
You list will vary, but you get the idea.
-
I’ll stick with my IFS suggestion. Just be sure you drive both if you consider one earlier than 97. Also, if you choose 8V92, either buy a mechanical (pre-DDEC) or an 8V92 with at least a DDEC II, DDEC III better. Most folks who knew how to work on the 8V92 are dead so finding a tech who understands them can be a real challenge.
-
Folks,
All valid points and really appreciate the pointers. I was not aware of the CC proprietary and comingling of hose and chassis. I will need to do some more research on that subject.
I think based upon the discussions and knowledge base here going on engines, I am being swayed toward the Series 60. I am sure that will limit me on some good coaches, but having good mechanics for a 20+ year old engine is a must.
So given this data, our must haves can be narrowed down to just two items:
Series 60 and H3 or XL
Preferred XLV riveted with no slides or H3, OTR air or roof top units, and lastly good maintenance records
Thanks for the help.
Bill
-
I am not familiar with what is proprietary or how the systems are intermingled. I don’t believe that was the case with our 1988, but the 1998 has a number of electronic boards in the underbelly but nothing like the glass dash they put in some coaches.
If you have some details about this it would appreciated so I know what to look out for.
Bill
-
Got into a Conversation with a retired army mechanic about series 60 future parts availability. He told me the military used a lot of 60 series over the years for various applications and plenty are still in service. He felt parts availability would not be an issue for years to come.
Chuck
2000 Featherlite H3-45
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Leesburg, FL
Log in to reply.