Hi

[Dave Randolph]

I've inherited a 2015 Thor Axis 24.1. I don't know the first thing about motorhomes, although I've wanted one for a while

This one is located in Colorado, and I'm going out to get it in a few days. I was told it is in decent shape. It does have a cracked windshield.

It has been sitting for 5 or 6 months.

Is there anything I need to look for besides checking tires and having the oil changed before driving it to Kentucky? It's about 1400 miles.

How expensive will it be to replace the windshield??

Thanks

[ducksface]

Spend $300 and havd it professionally looked at before you leave.

You may/probably need;
tires
Battery
Rodent damage fixed
Windshield broken may require replacement if it's not just cracked.

You could be $2000 away from driving it if it doesn't need the windshield right now.
$8000 and four weeks if you need a windshield too.

Windshield has never been reported to be less than $4000
And
Yours has a harder to install windshield.
Plan on $6000...be happy when it isn't.

An old rv of unknown condition might not exactly be a good gift.

You better hang around here and make sure you have access to us while you're on the road.

(Get it out of Colorado before winter)

[Dave Randolph]

She had been using a little before she passed away in May. I am told it looks like it is in decent shape.

I have the option to leave it in Colorado with a friend if it isn't road worthy

this is it
https://bids.theauctionteam.com/auct...xis-motor-home

[ghnl]

Good advice. Search for an independent RV repair shop. Dealers (like Camping World) do not have a good reputation for repairs & PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection).

[DavidEM]

Get a copy of Ed Felker’s excellent manual, specifically for the Axis. Much better than Thor’s generic manual. Hopefully someone will post a link.

David

[Dave Randolph]

I have dealt with Campground world before when I was looking for an RV. they are all shysters

[Dave Randolph]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

Get a copy of Ed Felker’s excellent manual, specifically for the Axis. Much better than Thor’s generic manual. Hopefully someone will post a link.

David

I found it on a Google search. That is what brought me to this forum

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Dave Randolph

I found it on a Google search. That is what brought me to this forum

Put that windshield at the bottom of the todo list.

[Dave Randolph]

I contacted a RV Glass Guru and they told me the Axis has either a 53 or 63 inch tall window. Waiting for pricing.

[Dave Randolph]

Flew out to Grand Junction, had the oil and differential fluid changed. They didn't have wipers to fit. Fortunately it didn't rain. One of the hose for the wiper fluid on the wiper arm had broken but there was enough slack to make it work.

It's a bit rough. It looks like the gaskets on the overhead vents are shot/warped.

On smooth roads with no winds (looking at you, Kanas, 30mph winds) it handled fairly well. I70 from Grand Junction to Denver sucks and every time I t hit a pot hole (which was a lot) I thought the whole thing was going to fall apart. The tires were like new but had a 2019 year stamp


Now that I have it home, I going to crank up the generator and check things out and hope it doesn't need too much work.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Dave Randolph

Flew out to Grand Junction, had the oil and differential fluid changed. They didn't have wipers to fit. Fortunately it didn't rain. One of the hose for the wiper fluid on the wiper arm had broken but there was enough slack to make it work.

It's a bit rough. It looks like the gaskets on the overhead vents are shot/warped.

On smooth roads with no winds (looking at you, Kanas, 30mph winds) it handled fairly well. I70 from Grand Junction to Denver sucks and every time I t hit a pot hole (which was a lot) I thought the whole thing was going to fall apart. The tires were like new but had a 2019 year stamp


Now that I have it home, I going to crank up the generator and check things out and hope it doesn't need too much work.

Which vents? In any case, not normal.

[ducksface]

Congratulations.
You got very lucky.

Ask questions as you need to.
Some of us will answer quickly and truthfully.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Looks like the outside has had VERY little maintenance... which can be a red flag. I'd start on the roof looking for any cracks in sealant which could leak... if it hasn't already leaked. Water will destroy a motorhome quicker than engine oil. Seal the roof and caulk ALL the vents and windows BEFORE messing with anything else. After that, there's plenty of time to do mechanical maintenance and cleanup. And THAT is gonna need a LOT of elbow grease on the outside!!

[Dave Randolph]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Congratulations.
You got very lucky.

Ask questions as you need to.
Some of us will answer quickly and truthfully.

Thanks

The camera on the driver side mirror doesn't work. The screen says no signal.

There is a Cen-Tech 12v automatic battery maintainer on the battery. Should that stay plugged into the wall during the winter?


The generator fired up. The indicators show the water & gray tanks are empty, but the black is 1/3 full. I saw in the guide that the sensors aren't all that accurate.

The fridge & furnace both came on after starting the generator

The water heater drain plug is missing? Does anyone have a part number or know what size it is so I can pick one up at Lowe's?

The cap for the tank flush was off. It looks like some sludge came out. It's a bit smelly.

The caulking is shot to hell all the way around from sitting out in the Grand Junction weather.

I haven't tried the slide out yet. It's in my driveway and there isn't enough room to open it.

I'll move it later and try it. Same with the awning

For storage do you recommend keeping it plugged in? It will be at an RV storage place.

Thanks

[Dave Randolph]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Looks like the outside has had VERY little maintenance... which can be a red flag. I'd start on the roof looking for any cracks in sealant which could leak... if it hasn't already leaked. Water will destroy a motorhome quicker than engine oil. Seal the roof and caulk ALL the vents and windows BEFORE messing with anything else. After that, there's plenty of time to do mechanical maintenance and cleanup. And THAT is gonna need a LOT of elbow grease on the outside!!

Yeah I just climbed up. THe sealant is in terrible shape and there are a few places where someone has tried to caulk it.

What caulk/sealant do you recommend?

[Dave Randolph]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Which vents? In any case, not normal.

The ones on top. THe bathroom vent, one in the bedroom, etc

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Dave Randolph

Yeah I just climbed up. THe sealant is in terrible shape and there are a few places where someone has tried to caulk it.

What caulk/sealant do you recommend?

Any RV specific self leveling lap sealant. I used to use Dicor brand, but there's others that work as well. If you're going to keep it long term, there's a lot more you can do.

[ducksface]

Dicor and eternabond tape will do all you need done.
Don't open that slide unless you have a day(if needed) to get it closed.

Keep it plugged into power at all times if you can.
There is no reason not to do this.

[Dave Randolph]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Any RV specific self leveling lap sealant. I used to use 736013261291brand, but there's others that work as well. If you're going to keep it long term, there's a lot more you can do.

Whether we keep it long-term is going to be determined in part by what it is going to cost to fix things. It seems like most of the mechanicals are good. As I said above, I haven't tried the slideout, awnings, water heater yet.

It was an additional $100 on my insurance, and it will be $50 or $60 to store it depending on whether it is covered and if I have power to it

[Dave Randolph]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Dicor and eternabond tape will do all you need done.
Don't open that slide unless you have a day(if needed) to get it closed.

Keep it plugged into power at all times if you can.
There is no reason not to do this.

Lol. I saw in the guide that closing the slide is a bitch.

I will try to get a place where I can keep it plugged in

is this what you are referring to reicor

https://www.amazon.com/Dicor-501LSW-...9114106&sr=8-5


and one of these
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Eternabond/N-5yc1vZoub