New to Chinook
New to Chinook
I am not sure what happened but my original post has not appeared so I will try again. Hello, I am new to the Chinook RV community, actually to the RV community in general. I am writing this post in hopes of obtaining advice regarding my future purchase of a Chinook Concourse. It is my understand that the Chinook may be the best of the small RVs, so to my question. Are there any particular issues that I need to be aware of in making my purchase...things to look for...best years etc. As an example I am aware that in 2002 they changes the composite structure of the shell. Is there particular equipment that I should look for or stay away from. I am hoping to purchase for somewhere in mid $40,000 range. Any advice would be appreciated and thank you in advance. P.S. Are parts a problem?
Re: New to Chinook
Sorry for the delay. I approve the first post of new people manually and the site doesn't email me to say one is waiting. I just have to check from time to time and work has been busy. Welcome to the site.
Re: New to Chinook
Welcome!
For that much $$, you should be able to get a late model, low mileage Concourse, for sure.
The kinds of parts that usually need replacing are easy to get; either Ford chassis, or RV common stuff like generator parts, electrical supplies, rear power step parts, door latches, cabinet struts, solar controller, etc.
As with most used RVs, they're usually for sale because they need something common but costly, such as new batteries, tires, generator or gas appliance work... and the owner doesn't want to invest any more or can't travel any more. Pretty much figure on needing tires and batteries, maybe a generator tune up, maybe a Dinosaur control board for the fridge, plus a new 12v HDTV if you wish, and add those items into your purchase budget. Consider any of those that you don't have to get, as a bonus
Other than such common RV things, about the only Chinook unique issue that comes to mind mght be a possible rain leak somewhere near the rear door, often from a gasket there or nearby. Otherwise they're pretty solid. Oh and sometimes the low voltage disconnect (LVD) or battery separator has failed. So previous owners sometime hack the electrical system, moving or removing things. Just make sure everything works or is fixable.
I'm sure others will add their own thoughts on what to watch out for. Oh yeah, some don't like the optional outside power waste valves and replace them with regular manual ones. I think a few Concourses also had the hardware leveling system, which can be expensive to fix. But I doubt you'll run across one.
Besides condition and mileage, your primary search consideration will be your desired color(s) and interior layout (club lounge, dual sofa, or dinette). Options such as the builtin safe and vacuum system are also up to your desires, though of course almost anything can be added later. The most common interior mod, besides LED lighting, is probably replacing the carpet with laminate wood and/or tile.
Kevin
For that much $$, you should be able to get a late model, low mileage Concourse, for sure.
The kinds of parts that usually need replacing are easy to get; either Ford chassis, or RV common stuff like generator parts, electrical supplies, rear power step parts, door latches, cabinet struts, solar controller, etc.
As with most used RVs, they're usually for sale because they need something common but costly, such as new batteries, tires, generator or gas appliance work... and the owner doesn't want to invest any more or can't travel any more. Pretty much figure on needing tires and batteries, maybe a generator tune up, maybe a Dinosaur control board for the fridge, plus a new 12v HDTV if you wish, and add those items into your purchase budget. Consider any of those that you don't have to get, as a bonus
Other than such common RV things, about the only Chinook unique issue that comes to mind mght be a possible rain leak somewhere near the rear door, often from a gasket there or nearby. Otherwise they're pretty solid. Oh and sometimes the low voltage disconnect (LVD) or battery separator has failed. So previous owners sometime hack the electrical system, moving or removing things. Just make sure everything works or is fixable.
I'm sure others will add their own thoughts on what to watch out for. Oh yeah, some don't like the optional outside power waste valves and replace them with regular manual ones. I think a few Concourses also had the hardware leveling system, which can be expensive to fix. But I doubt you'll run across one.
Besides condition and mileage, your primary search consideration will be your desired color(s) and interior layout (club lounge, dual sofa, or dinette). Options such as the builtin safe and vacuum system are also up to your desires, though of course almost anything can be added later. The most common interior mod, besides LED lighting, is probably replacing the carpet with laminate wood and/or tile.
Kevin
Last edited by kdarling on March 31st, 2017, 5:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1994 Concourse dinette, Ford 7.5L (460 V8)
Re: New to Chinook
Thanks Manitou. Kevin, thanks for taking the time to provide me with information, it is much appreciated! The search continues
Re: New to Chinook
Pretty much everything kdarling said I experienced with my Chinook when I purchased it. The tires had good tread but were old so bought a new set of Coopers, the fridge control board was replaced with the Dinosaur board, all 3 batteries, new brakes/including calipers and rotors, replaced generator carb, and yes replaced the TV, VCR. With RV's of any brand that have been around many years there will usually always be issues. That said the overall condition was very good and most issues I either knew of or expected when purchased.As with most used RVs, they're usually for sale because they need something common but costly, such as new batteries, tires, generator or gas appliance work... and the owner doesn't want to invest any more or can't travel any more. Pretty much figure on needing tires and batteries, maybe a generator tune up, maybe a Dinosaur control board for the fridge, plus a new 12v HDTV
Welcome and happy Chinook hunting.
Steve aka SMan
2004 Premier V10
2004 Premier V10
Re: New to Chinook
If I had 40k to spend (which I didn't) I would include Coach house Rv's in my search..the company acquired a lot of the talent of ex chinook employees....They also use one piece fiberglass shells....their cabinet work is high end,and all the rest appliances generator etc is the same....Not sure if they make a 21' but they have a lot of creative layouts in there 23-24' platinum models.I have seen some of their ford chassis based rigs in that price range....Not to steer you away from Chinook,just saying that there are quality models available in that price range from another company. Rooney
Re: New to Chinook
Not to be argumentative but the cabinet work in the coach house motorhomes we looked at were far from high end. Most had plastic covered manufactured wood even on the cabinet doors. We purchased our Chinook after looking at Coach House. No Comparison.
Re: New to Chinook
I looked at a couple of their earlier non-slide models (because I didn't want a slide). I'm always a fan of a non-seamed shell, and I liked the side door, but I wasn't fond of the cabinetry either. The other thing was that the windows were a bit on the small side as compared to the Chinook. But, definitely worth considering, and I could see them really appealing, depending on what one is looking for.
1999 Concourse
Re: New to Chinook
The only Coach House I toured (in truth) was a rear fixed bed Platinum model ordered by a client in 2015,and it was stunning in every detail,Perhaps their quality was different on earlier models.The layout is what I thought exceptional the fixed queen bed in back with a aisle on either side to get into bed,then moving forward toward the cab a separate shower and toilet/sink on either side then a kitchen and dinette in a slide out that offered another large bed....of course the rig was made to order, 170k but my impression was that the wood interior cabinets were standard...maybe not.I don't find your comments as regard to the Coach house rigs you toured,argumentative,thank you for them,I will certainly in my travels try and physically tour an earlier model and compare. Rooney
Re: New to Chinook
Again, thanks everyone for the input, I am learning a lot. In my research I have come across the Phoenix Cruiser 21, any opinions? Let me be clear about a couple of things. As an example, I could care less about things like the type of wood on the cabinets, I am not trying to take my home on the road. I am more concerned about things like systems, functionality, ease of maintenance, reliability etc. I (we) have lived on a sailboat where the important thing is "how things work". With that said, I understand that nice cabinets may indeed be indicative of other things being well done. I have never owned an RV so the more I learn from you all the better my purchase will be, again thank you for any and all input. By the way should anyone come across a nice one for sale please contact me. Joe 816-665-1117