Thanks for all the great info.
Joe,
I get the stored inside deal. Rubber doesn't mix well with UV and the elements. As I budgeted this out, I planned for $10,000 a year in maintenance costs. I will be outside all the time so will most likely be looking at every 5 years on tires, 10 years on airbags and other rubber exposed to the elements.
I could wait years to find that perfect coach so I focus on what is available.
There are two coaches out there that fit my requirements. One has my favorite interior design wood with silver hardware, the other has my least favorite, white with gold hardware. One, a 98, has IFS. The other is a couple of years older with solid axel. Both are stored outside, covered. The 96 seems to be more up on maintenance with a lot if the things mentioned already done including bags and brakes, the 98 just the tires and batteries in 2014 and the recalls dealt with at Prevocar. The 96 seems better maintained but, to live in a coach full time with those color combinations. . . The 96 is $9k lower in price. The 98 has IFS.

Gil,
More good points, I'll be sure to check the tanks, most likely they are original from Liberty.

I think a full Victron system will work well. Seems to be a well engineered product.

Full LED will be a must. Usually I go through and replace all bulbs with LED as one of my first tasks.


This whole conversation has me wondering about my initial purchase budget (not including solar) of $170k plus $10k for the woops, didn't see that coming items. Say I need to redo most of the air system due to age because they are all original, put new air bags, redo the brakes, new shocks change out an a aluminum waste tank etc. Its all 20 years old.
How much more will I be putting in up front? Is $169K just to much for a coach with all of that deferred maintenance waiting for me even with the low mileage? Tires are good for a couple of years but then they will be up next.