Used 2014 Travato Low Miles ... issues to look for?

[rakurtz60107]

A dealer in our area has a 2014 Travato G on consignment. it only has 7700 miles on it. Are there any issues that would be a problem with this vintage van? They say the shower and the toilet have never been used.

I'm assuming that house and chassis batteries should probably be replaced. What about tires?

Would there be problems with the plumbing since it has been dry all this time?

Would there be mechanical issues to look for on the chassis? Generator?

Vintage Travato owners comments?

[mkguitar]

Welcome-

Call around and find out if there is a shop who can service the dodge part...likely has to be a dealer...can they handle a van that heavy and that tall or do they send you to the truck shop?

or does the person say, "oh yeah, we handle those all the time"

that way if you have an issue, you know where to go

seasonal storage leaves the tanks etc dry ( although recommended to leave water or fluid in the drain P traps ( fumes) and also the toilet bowl ( seals)

if generator run it to make sure it is smooth- old gas left in it can be a $600~800 carb replacement ( unless the owner is handy) if propane, much better.

you could hire an RV tech/specialist or experienced pal and go through operation of all the systems

and yes, see what batteries are in there, how old and cost if replacement needed


tires should be replaced at 6 years no matter the tread - dot date codes on the tires- price out a new set


mike

[Rocinante]

For the sake of clarity, I believe the Travato is a Winnebago product built in a Ram ProMaster. Is that what this is?

In general, if you're serious, I'd get an inspector from the NRVIA to go over the unit from end to end and prepare a list of anything they find that's not working properly. You would typically pay for the inspection. You can check with the dealer to confirm they are willing to let you do it, and to nail down the details. Ideally, they let you put down a refundable deposit, you get the inspection and the list of busted stuff, and then you decide whether to complete your purchase or ask for your deposit back.
https://nrvia.org/locate/

[rockymtnb]

The original 2014 Travato lacked many of the features most valued by newer Travato owners, particularly the quiet and efficient Truma Combi furnace/boiler system. For example on the oldest Travato the generator needed to be run any time you wanted hot water.

The Travato Facebook group has a spreadsheet that lists the upgrades and fixes added for each model year. Probably worth asking that group of experienced owners about the trade-offs of buying an early version Travato.

[Rocinante]

One more thought: the galley cabinets in the 2020 (or was it 2021?) Travato we recently saw at a dealer were held together with staples. There was also plenty of what looked to be particle board covered with paper or vinyl. In some places, it looked very cheaply made, which drove us to have concerns about the potential longevity of the unit.

[mkguitar]

yes, always lift cushions and look at the build of the structure
early shopping experience with an Era showed me this must be examined


My van has solid maple cabinetry held together with screws which can be tightened ( and was needed in desert dry)- the underpinning dimensional lumber screwed which also could be tightened up
mike

[teck13]

Generator is main thing to look at, run it with a full load like the AC on high for half an hour and to see if it runs and works OK.

[wantoworkless]

Just commenting on the chassis and associated mechanicals, 7000 miles over 6 or 7 years is a lot of downtime. Cars are designed to be driven on a regular basis. Hoses, belts, gaskets can all dry out and crack. You may not see it now, but you might find yourself with unexpected fluid leaks relatively soon. Someone already mentioned the generator, but same idea. Low hours is good, but if there aren't hours for exercising it, that would be a concern. I would think you would want to see at least 100 hours on it.

I'm probably in the minority on this, but I would be wary of a vehicle with that low miles and that old.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by wantoworkless

Just commenting on the chassis and associated mechanicals, 7000 miles over 6 or 7 years is a lot of downtime. Cars are designed to be driven on a regular basis. Hoses, belts, gaskets can all dry out and crack. You may not see it now, but you might find yourself with unexpected fluid leaks relatively soon. Someone already mentioned the generator, but same idea. Low hours is good, but if there aren't hours for exercising it, that would be a concern. I would think you would want to see at least 100 hours on it.

I'm probably in the minority on this, but I would be wary of a vehicle with that low miles and that old.

Hey, I'm with you. Things go out when they go out, and regular use is actually preferable to sitting. So long as that regular use is more than just a few blocks to the grocery store.