Piper5314
Tennessee
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Joined: 06/21/2023
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I'm kinda looking for a motorhome, and been looking for good cheap Class C with a lot of RV for the dollar. Not interested in spending a lot of money. Today, I ran across an 2004 Hurricane Class A with V10. RV has 17k miles and looks totally like new inside. Stored outside, so the exterior has some sun UV damage to the decals and paint. Tires are brand new but date coded 10/17, so will need replaced. I found two small areas on roof where it has leaked in the past and has some rotted wood about 12"x24", but not currently leaking. I can repair the roof myself, so not too worried about the leak. I know this is a very low end coach, and I know the reputation of the Hurricane line. What is this thing worth in real money? Not wanting to steal it from the elderly couple, as he has the Big C, and not looking good for them. Just want to make an real offer based on value. Thanks in advance for any advice.
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RetiredRealtorRick
Gulf Shores, AL
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Joined: 04/17/2020
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Maybe 10-12K-ish(?). Bear in mind that a 19-year old RV with only 17,000 miles has obviously been sitting idle for a looooong time. I would definitely have it professionally inspected, and be prepared for the issues of dried out seals, hoses, etc.
. . . never confuse education with intelligence, nor motion with progress
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Joined: 05/06/2013
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^Agree, only because a buddy has a similar year/size/miles Class A that he paid 12 for several years ago (very good deal at the time) and just sold for 13k. Doesn’t need tires, exterior is cooked but no leaks or damage and it’s been driven regularly.
One word of caution about them old Triton engines, they are also spark plug spitters.
He carry’s the kit to heli coil new threads in as it’s happened twice in the last few years.
The water damage is not “no big deal” to most people either. Keep that in mind. If it’s a diy to you that’s your “savings”, not the current owners.
It’s unfortunate for the current owners that they have health problems and that they didn’t care for thier rig it appears. But not your problem.
I can tell you no one has offered me any charity (other than my employer was good to me) because my wife had terminal cancer and just passed away. It’s a business deal. If it makes you sleep better that’s fine, but the next guy who shows up to buy it won’t care.
Regarding the tires, 6 yrs old isn’t necessarily bad unless you think or know that they were also sitting in extreme UV exposure the whole time. Although if they aren’t cracked or checked, I’d run em. Maybe replace the steering tires for peace of mind. This applies slightly lesser if they’re 16” tires vs 19.5s and slightly lesser avian if they’re quality 19.5s.
Good luck! You could have a gem, although expect to have more “minor” issues and also expect to do complete fluid changes being it’s 20 years old and with those low miles I’d doubt any more than oil changes have been done unless you have service records.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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^So based on that and the market and what you’ve looked at, you can decide if it’s the right price to pay.
There’s more than tires, roof leaks and oxidation to the equation. IE you may prioritize a “like new” interior which this rig may have, over something more “well used”. Or it may come with a toad hitch setup that hou may otherwise need to buy, or maybe it has a big slide out which is valuable to you.
A written pros and cons list may help you decide. That’s what I do every time, either mental or written.
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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Joined: 02/25/2005
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Better to spend more and not get rot - which I would avoid at all cost.
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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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Joined: 10/05/2018
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Personally I wouldn't buy anything with water damage. While the roof was repaired, was the ceiling, interior walls, and/or floor? Mold can grow and water is pretty damaging to RV materials. Water leaks often cause damage you can't see. Also, as others have said, low mileage is actually bad. Rv's need to be used. Seals, hoses etc all dry out from lack of use and it's really bad on gen sets to sit. So In my opinion, a 20 year old entry level class A with low mileage and evidence of leaks, isn't worth much and you risk putting more into than it's worth. Money you will never get back out of it. If you are looking for an RV, get a budget, find floorplans you like and go from there.
BTW, this advice is my opinion and worth exactly what you paid for it. :-)
2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
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Blaster Man
USA
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Joined: 08/01/2007
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Ditto on the roof comments. So far you've probably found only some of the roof damage...lots can be hiding where you can't see it.
2014 American Eagle
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Horsedoc
Dixie --- N. Georgia
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Joined: 09/30/2002
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Leave that thing alone. Plenty of MHs out there w/o roof leaks and rotten ceilings and dry rotted tires. You will end up spending more money on repairs and down time than it will ever be worth. And, you will have wasted time and effort and be frustrated.
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Or if you can get it on the cheap and you’re handy, make it worth your while. Nothing wrong with a fixer upper if you know what you’re getting into.
You mention being conscious about not low balling the old folks, however, from your post, it appears you think they’re asking more than it’s worth for the repairs and parts it needs.
No hand wringing. Offer what you want to. It yes or no from the seller.
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Bruce Brown
Northern NY
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Joined: 06/01/2001
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Ask yourself how much of a project do you want. If you like a project then this might be what you're looking for and you'll enjoy getting it back to top notch condition. If you don't like a project this might not be the one for you.
I once bought a travel trailer that was a complete mess - it was BAD. I knew it and the dealer knew it. I like a project and paid accordingly.
I put (not kidding) 400 hours in the rebuild - 395 of them were an absolute blast! When I was done I had the best 2002 TT ever made. ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
I used it a few times, rented it a bunch, and when I was done sold it at a fair market value.
Only you can determine if it's worth the risk.
There are 24 hours in every day - it all depends on how you choose to use them.
Bruce & Jill Brown
2008 Kountry Star Pusher 3910
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