Buying Used Axis are these Deal Breakers Please Help

[GulfCoastFoiler]

Greetings,

I went to look at a 2018 Axis 25.4 the other day. It looks to be in very good condition and looks close to new, garage kept. I did find a few flaws, which leaves me in half a mind to walk away and continue my search. If anyone can shed light on these issues and whether they seem like they could be serious problems, please let me know. The most concerning is a soft spot on the roof just in front of the vent in the living area. It is a circular depression, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter. With light pressure I was able to cause it to give inwards. I understand these roofs are made with 2 x 2 wood stringers and wondering if it could just be an oversight in the manufacturing process where the gap used was maybe a little too large. My initial though was that there is a leak somewhere around the vent, water got in and made it's way to this area, causing the soft spot. I went inside and looked at the ceiling at the corresponding area but can't tell anything. All around the vent itself seems a little soft so that also does raise a flag. Another thing I found was these black spots on the vinyl floor just in front of the bedroom (see attached pic). The owner says he thinks they used a kind of adhesive that bleeds through the floor and that is why you see the spots. One more thing I found is the wood/laminate panel which houses the fridge is wavy. If you run your hand from top to bottom, your hand goes in and out as you go down the panel. If this is only cosmetic and not a sign of water damage, it is ok with me. Apart from these things the coach looks almost new, and garage kept with low mileage. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by GulfCoastFoiler

Greetings,

I went to look at a 2018 Axis 25.4 the other day. It looks to be in very good condition and looks close to new, garage kept. I did find a few flaws, which leaves me in half a mind to walk away and continue my search. If anyone can shed light on these issues and whether they seem like they could be serious problems, please let me know. The most concerning is a soft spot on the roof just in front of the vent in the living area. It is a circular depression, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter. With light pressure I was able to cause it to give inwards. I understand these roofs are made with 2 x 2 wood stringers and wondering if it could just be an oversight in the manufacturing process where the gap used was maybe a little too large. My initial though was that there is a leak somewhere around the vent, water got in and made it's way to this area, causing the soft spot. I went inside and looked at the ceiling at the corresponding area but can't tell anything. All around the vent itself seems a little soft so that also does raise a flag. Another thing I found was these black spots on the vinyl floor just in front of the bedroom (see attached pic). The owner says he thinks they used a kind of adhesive that bleeds through the floor and that is why you see the spots. One more thing I found is the wood/laminate panel which houses the fridge is wavy. If you run your hand from top to bottom, your hand goes in and out as you go down the panel. If this is only cosmetic and not a sign of water damage, it is ok with me. Apart from these things the coach looks almost new, and garage kept with low mileage. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated, thanks!Attachment 34922

Sounds like water intrusion. I would hire a certified inspector or walk away.

[taylorbob1]

If 25.4 is your desire…
There are lots out there

But in this market all choices are premium priced

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Sounds like water intrusion. I would hire a certified inspector or walk away.

What he said. Always be able to walk away from any deal. The only thing for sure: Know exactly what is going on. Do not guess. Then you can make an informed decision.

[Mr Sunshine]

An apparent small problem can get really expensive to resolve. The seller might find somebody who doesn't see the problem, but you'll be smart to leave this one in the rear view mirror. IMHO

BTW, welcome to the forum! You started with a great question!

[GulfCoastFoiler]

Thanks all for the replies.

[Hugh.vines@att.net]

If you might want a 25.2 I’m considering selling my 2016

[GulfCoastFoiler]

Thanks but I do like having the dinette.

[gnach]

We like the 25.4 with the full time bed. Pulled out the dinette for a sleeper sofa. There is no adhesive under the flooring, it's rolled out first and held in place with the walls and cabinets. The roof is concerning. It's very thin luan.

[GulfCoastFoiler]

That's good to know. If not adhesive then maybe it's something to do with a leak from the shower, which is right next to that area.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Just me... but if I found soft spots walking the roof, it's a no-go. And those stains on the floor are VERY suspicious. I KNOW the vinyl isn't glued... that's straight from Thor.

To me, structural repair in an RV is something I would avoid at all costs. I've seen what water damage can do. And unless you owned the rig when the damage happened, you're flying blind.

I'll replace a furnace, refrigerator, water heater, etc... but when there's water damage? Not taking that gamble. JMHO.