Hi Mike and Jodi,
Best advice I can offer is don’t fixate on any “one” Coach. Know that when it comes to Prevost - there will always be another around the corner (if the one you really liked Sold). Speaking from experience…we had several that we just missed - before we purchased what turned out to be the “perfect for us” Coach.
Working with Gil and attending the Expo are excellent choices! You’ll want to keep in mind to also allow a few months (at least 2-3) for any Zeroing out of your “new to you” Coach before it will likely be ready to drive away. There is a lot you will want to have done e.g., axles/wheels aligned & balanced, TPMS installed (if none already), brake chambers and independent suspension checked, preferably new tires and batteries (chassis, house and generator); generator/Webasto/Detroit Diesel Level III services performed, ensure all air conditioners/reverse cycle heating work (when plugged into 50 Amp, on Inverters alone and when running the generator). Check and familiarize yourself with all water systems - hot water heater, water tank (bypass/City water and how to fill tank). Learn Control panel operations for Inverter settings (breakers/fuses for re-setting, if needed) & Float charging.
The list is on-going and at times seems endless. :-)
Plan on sticking around for several days to “push every button/flip every switch” and to be on-site with the dealer/mechanics to ask more questions. Also, to verify that your pneumatic systems are fully operational and not experiencing the dreaded air leaks - that you’ll otherwise be chasing - with your wallet!
If the Coach has Crestron controls - spend the better part of the day using, re-using and more, so that you become familiar with all its operations (and, have tested several times). Otherwise this can become an expensive lesson later…particularly, if your bus has an older system/proprietary software.
Before “At time of Purchase” is your best option for getting things done at the Dealer’s expense or to negotiate repairs/Upgrades into the purchase price. Depending upon whether you are qualified/have facilities to do much of the work yourself or, rely on mechanics - will ultimately determine how much you negotiate “into” the purchase price (or, off the price if doing work yourself).
Bottom line, you are buying a work horse that loves to be used (and, won’t have plastic pieces constantly falling off of it - like so many of the production RV’s). Just remember, half the fun is in the learning!
That said, it is a mansion on wheels rolling down an “earthquake” highway. Be prepared to open wallet and throw money in its direction (read: have an annual Maintenance budget, and save toward major expenses that might be required every 5-10 years).
Still, SO worth it!!!
Last edited by WinterStorm; 12-14-2021 at 09:20 PM.
Greg & Deb
2003 Prevost XLII Liberty Lady Classic non-slide
2017 Lincoln MKX Reserve
Pelican Lake Motorcoach Resort
Naples, FL