run or deal ? Class A with previous water damage

witthuus · 03-05-2021, 04:26 PM

Some of you might remember my thread that we are looking for a rig with a larger bathroom/shower.

I think I fell in love with the Challenger 37YT - nice floor plan and huge bath

A dealer is advertising a 2018 model. I asked for pictures and he was unable to take any as the rig is getting new flooring. I asked him why and the answer was:

Service just advised me it had a big water leak behind the water heater and flooded the bedroom. It has since been replaced and they are working to put it all back together

Is this a red flag and I should run ? Or is this something which can be repaired ?

Thank you for your advise

Bob Denman · 03-05-2021, 05:23 PM

Now that you know which model has the shower you like: I'd walk away from this one...

witthuus · 03-05-2021, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Now that you know which model has the shower you like: I'd walk away from this one...

The used market for that model is almost nonexistent - that is why I was considering this one. But just not sure if the damage is repairable or if it is a no no

GTM41261 · 03-05-2021, 07:57 PM

As long as the repair is done correctly and they stand behind it. Go for it

Campnjoe · 03-06-2021, 03:38 AM

You have no idea what all that water touched. Walk away and buy another one. There are too many nearly identical floor plans between manufacturers.

The Gritz Carlton · 03-06-2021, 04:09 PM

Run...don't walk. The floor is not treated wood and the water probably ran all under everything. Swelling and rot will be an issue. Any nails/screws/staples attaching anything to the floor will vibrate loose over time as well...RUN! There's no reason they can't take pictures other than not wanting to expose the extend of damage they are trying to cover up.

witthuus · 03-06-2021, 08:14 PM

Thanks everybody - I am running right now

Bob Denman · 03-06-2021, 08:29 PM

I hope that the next one you find is perfect!

Mr Sunshine · 03-07-2021, 01:16 AM

Good choice to run. What is it about that particular model that you like. Your friends here might suggest other models to consider.

witthuus · 03-07-2021, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Sunshine

Good choice to run. What is it about that particular model that you like. Your friends here might suggest other models to consider.

Well, we do like the floor plan. The bathroom is just huge. There are several Challenger models on the market - but just not the 37YT which is the only one with that bathroom. Beside that we do want king size bed, L-shape or theater seating, no bunk beds, full body paint etc.

Most important of all these features is the bathroom - I do need a "larger" shower/bathroom

Bob Denman · 03-07-2021, 01:36 AM

Just remember: most of the fun is in the shopping anyway...

Chance · 03-07-2021, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witthuus

.....cut....

A dealer is advertising a 2018 model. I asked for pictures and he was unable to take any as the rig is getting new flooring. I asked him why and the answer was:

Service just advised me it had a big water leak behind the water heater and flooded the bedroom. It has since been replaced and they are working to put it all back together

.....cut.....

Sadly, what would have happened if you had called a week later? You may have gotten pictures of great looking motorhome and been told nothing about previous damage.

Lesson I’d take from this is that condition of RVs can be very different than what you can see. On the next one you may be able to tell if there has been damage that was fixed, but if repaired correctly it may be very difficult unless told.

I believe water damage in older motorhomes and trailers is much more common than most of us expect.

rbykid · 03-07-2021, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witthuus

I think I fell in love with the Challenger 37YT - nice floor plan and huge bath

Thank you for your advise

RVT.com has one listed in Oklahoma. 2019 Challenger 37YT with 1400 miles. Maybe this is the one you found with water damage?

Lt Keefer · 03-07-2021, 06:03 PM

There is only one fatal malfunction in an RV and that is a water leak. Don't buy this one. You have the problem with the leak and its 'repair' and the fact it is a Thor product.

Bob Denman · 03-07-2021, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

There is only one fatal malfunction in an RV and that is a water leak. Don't buy this one. You have the problem with the leak and its 'repair' and the fact it is a Thor product.

Can you tell us that this is a "Thor only" issue?

GTM41261 · 03-07-2021, 06:48 PM

I guess I will be the odd man out on this. I would have no problem with purchasing this motor home as long as the dealer did the repair properly and will stand behind it. From what everyone says doesn't make since. if you had a water leak in your house that was properly repaired would you sell house??
Have the dealer show you what was done and replaced. If it is a quality repair buy it. It is better to know that there was an issue rather than finding out down the road about an issue that was not repaired properly and hidden from you.

Chance · 03-07-2021, 07:39 PM

Agree it’s not 100% black and white.

As example, I can detect a musty odor from mold and mildew on most older motorhomes and trailers with slides (at least those for sale at PPL). Because I’m sensitive to mold, I won’t consider a motorhome with a slide. It’s too much of a risk for me.

People are different though. My wife, sister and brother-in-law couldn’t tell there was a problem with a trailer I couldn’t even enter. Shortly after it was scrapped due to water damage. Repairs exceeded its value.

I assume a lot may also depend on where the motorhome will be kept most of the time. If in a dry climate, it may not be as bad a problem as along the Gulf Coast or in Florida. Once you get mold in a humid area, it’s hard to get rid of it.

Bob Denman · 03-07-2021, 07:47 PM

So moldy RVs should only be sold in Arizona?

. JK

Scubawise · 03-07-2021, 08:53 PM

Run run run buy new get a loan..we got 4.25% at bank of America

**EA37TS** · 03-07-2021, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

There is only one fatal malfunction in an RV and that is a water leak. Don't buy this one. You have the problem with the leak and its 'repair' and the fact it is a Thor product.

Electrical shorts and propane leaks can be far more fatal than a water leak. Also, every manufacturer, yes every manufacturer has had a water leak so don’t bash Thor as being the only manufacturer that has issues.

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