Drumming up Membership

[cmillsap]

(11-02-2017 14:15)cattfuu Wrote:  [quote='davidbrady' pid='1818' dateline='1509629497']
.......The biggest and most recurring discussion theme is wannabe's asking for advice on what to buy and what PPI's to pursue. Perhaps all we can really hope for is to capture the ........

I guess we qualify as wannabe's, as we were too busy all of our lives with work and raising a family, and had no time or use for a coach. Now, close to retirement we are interested in joining the touring fun, but have absolutely zero knowledge about the Prevost coach. We realized a while back that no matter how much we read and tried to learn, we are absolutely clueless about these houses on wheels, but we are not too bashful to make our ignorance known. That's the reason we thought it'd be a good idea to join a forum and ask the experienced owners. Never crossed our mind that this decision would be a hardship for the membership as we don't have any good info to share with all of you. So very sorry! Please forgive us for not considering your point of view any earlier. We never intended to make enemies, only friends.

cattfuu,

No need to apologize for asking questions. We’re here to help any member that asks for advice, especially regarding the issues involved in purchasing a Prevost. Many of us have gone through the same process of purchasing our first Prevost and we understand how overwhelming it can be.

Just be aware that finding a 17 to 20-year-old Prevost in perfect condition is next to impossible. Usually, they all, even newer models, have things that need repaired, replaced or upgraded. These are complex machines with many, many parts that need attention sooner or later.

The first thing any buyer of a Prevost should ask to see is the owner’s maintenance records. The best indicator of a Prevost’s condition is the maintenance records kept by the selling owner. The more detailed and lengthy these records are, the better they indicate the owner’s dedication to keeping his Prevost in road worthy condition.

Conversely, if the maintenance records are non-existent or minimal and unorganized, it would indicate to me that the upkeep, maintenance and repairs of the bus are suspect and therefore the physical inspection process will require greater scrutiny and more attention applied to the items that could be a major cost to repair. Hiring an experienced & knowledgeable person to help you perform the inspection may be a wise investment.

So, please don't hesitate to ask your questions here. They are certainly welcome and we will do our best in trying to answer them. That's the purpose of this forum.

Here's a list of items that should be inspected when looking to purchase a Prevost

OUTSIDE CHASSIS & DRIVE TRAIN
1) Maintenance & Service records
2) Wheel Hub Seals
3) Upper Control Arms Ball Joints & Grease Cap Seals (Any Wear?)
4) Any Oil Leaks?
5) Brake Lining Thickness
6) Brake Chambers (When Last Replaced?) Slack Adjusters (if equipped) (When Last Serviced?)
7) Air Bags (When Last Changed?)
8) Engine Oils & Filters (When Last Changed?)
9) Transmission Oil & Filters (When Last Changed?)
10) Hydraulic System fluid & Filters (When Last Changed)
11) Batteries ( AGE & Condition)
12) Tires (Age & Condition) (Any Irregular Wear??)
13) Belts & Hoses (AGE & Condition)
14) Fuel in Tank (AGE ) (Winter or Summer Grade Fuel?)
15) Check Shell related items such as; lights, door air lock, Chassis heat and air (A/C),fast idle, Mirror controls, seat controls, wipers brakes, leveling system, (Operate Auto & Manual ) (Any settling?)
16) Check F& R Cap at point of attachment to shell (any cracking, especially bottom of Rear cap)
GENERATOR
1) See Service Records.
2) Check water and oil levels ( any Leaks?)
3) Belts and hoses (Replaced When?)
4) Cooling fan for proper Function
5) How many run hours?
6) Genset Battery (Age & Condition)
AQUAHOT or WABASTO
1) Check for proper diesel burner operation
2) Valve location and function
3) Hose condition to radiators
4) Servicing access
5) Service records (Last Time Serviced)
6) Heat Pump? Heat Strips?
PLUMBING & WATER BAYS
1) Water Pumps location
2) Hook Up Locations
3) Dump Valve Locations and Operation
TEST DRIVE
1) Normal Readings on all gages (Engine & Trans Temp?)
2) Watch Air Suspension System Gauge (Air Pressure Remains Fairly Constant? (No Leaks?)
3) Air Brakes & Park Brake functions properly
3) To the nearest truck service center and have engine codes read
4) Cruise Control Operation
INTERRIOR
1) Check all Switches, Lights, for Proper Function & Location
2) Run all Heaters (AquaHot), Electrical Heaters & Air Conditioners
3) Operate Water Pumps, TV, Radio, Toilet, Tank Monitors