Yahoo Message Number: 75850 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75850)
Greetings from a newcomer,
I am planning to buy a 2000 Allure 36' with one slide and a few issues.... several window seals are "creeping," the clear coat is peeling along the roof edge, and the engine has over 90,000 miles.
I have researched the windows and the clear coat, and those really are not major concerns. The mileage is a concern, and there is also what appears to be black "soot" creeping around some of the ceiling light fixtures and behind and under the bed (around the cover for the engine compartment).
I have inspected other CC coaches and found the soot in others as well. Is anyone familiar with this issue? Also, the Unit# is low for 2000, and there were mid-model year upgrades which this coach does not have, including increasing the frame rail from 3" to a 6" rail. CC says that may have been for more clearance for the larger tires, but wasn't sure. What should I expect for engine/transmission issues assuming normal maintenance was performed by the previous owner?
Any help would be appreciated.
Yahoo Message Number: 75852 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75852)
Since the engine and transmission are generally only good for 500,000 to 750,000 miles I would be concerned. NOT.
If I were concerned it be about the millage being to low and not running the engine enough.
Bob Wexler
SOB
Yahoo Message Number: 75854 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75854)
Dennis, My two cents worth, I owned a 1999, 36' Allure with the lighter Frame Rails and smaller tires.
Before purchasing my current 2003 40' Tag, I drove a 36' non-tag and can tell you the ride difference with the larger frame rails and 12R tires even with the Tag is significantly better than my old 1999 that had the same rails and tires as you are considering. I you intend on driving many miles you may want to find a later 2000, you'll enjoy the ride much more.
As for the soot issue the first check is to look carefully at the Exhaust Manifold with a flash light to see if is cracked. Cummins has had this issue with the 330, 350, 370 & 400hp engines.
A crack is noticeable if you see a "dark soot" color, if you discover a crack, the Exhaust Manifold is in (2) pieces, purchase both pieces along with new bolts and gaskets.
Thanks, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. 40' Tag #30898
Yahoo Message Number: 75858 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75858)
I've got a 35' 2003 Allure (no tag) that was put into service in July of 02. It has two slides and drives really well. The two slides makes it a bit tail heavy and I can't put a motorcycle on the back hitch because of the weight restrictions. So you will have more weight distribution options with one slide. We love the coach.
I don'tthink 90K miles is very much for a diesel. It just got broken in IMO.
Larry, 03 Allure 30856
Yahoo Message Number: 75893 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75893)
So far, all your concerns are pretty much normal. The soot issue is due to CC not sealing the rear cap where it connects with the roof, thus exhaust is sucked in by vacuum effect. I found that driving with the kitchen window open about 1 - 2" helps with the vacuum. It also helps if you get sewer odors.
Frame rail was raised for the larger tires which were better rated for the coach weight. I have the smaller 275/75/22.5 tires and I am happy for the most part with them. Do you have the independent front end? That also was a midstream change in 2000.
I would replace all fluids including the trans and radiator. There is a procedure for changing the trans and putting in synthetic fluid and getting a considered 100% fluid change. Also, many owners have switched to organic acid antifreeze which eliminates the SCA additive issue besides extending the life of the antifreeze as well.
Tires, tires, tires. Trust me, don't drive on anything more than five years old. Sitting is the worst thing you can do to a tire. RV's very rarely wear out tires, they die of old age and often in a very expensive way.
I have had great fun with my 2000 36' and just a few frustrations, none of which would prompt me to sell.
If your handy and have a place to work you can do most of the maintenance yourself. THAT saves a ton of money.
If I can help with anything let me know and feel free to contact me thru my e-mail directly. There are several other 2000 owners on this site and there is a wealth of information available.
Dave
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound) 2000 Allure #30443
From: dennis.myhre To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 11:30 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Purchasing a 2000 Allure 36' with slide
Greetings from a newcomer,
I am planning to buy a 2000 Allure 36' with one slide and a few issues.... several window seals are "creeping," the clear coat is peeling along the roof edge, and the engine has over 90,000 miles.
I have researched the windows and the clear coat, and those really are not major concerns. The mileage is a concern, and there is also what appears to be black "soot" creeping around some of the ceiling light fixtures and behind and under the bed (around the cover for the engine compartment).
I have inspected other CC coaches and found the soot in others as well. Is anyone familiar with this issue? Also, the Unit# is low for 2000, and there were mid-model year upgrades which this coach does not have, including increasing the frame rail from 3" to a 6" rail. CC says that may have been for more clearance for the larger tires, but wasn't sure. What should I expect for engine/transmission issues assuming normal maintenance was performed by the previous owner?
Any help would be appreciated.
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Yahoo Message Number: 75921 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75921)
I agree with Dave however I am pretty sure that all 2000 Allures have IFS. I believe our 2000 Allure # 30413 was the first one built and it does have IFS.
We currently have 275R/80-22.5 tires which are 2" taller than the original 70 series tires and they have no clearance issues but greatly increase the carrying capacity and the ride is great!
We have the shorter frame rails but still have enough clearance for this size tire and it seems strong enough for this coach. The entry to our home puts an extreme twist on the coach but it is so rigid that nothing moves.
Jim Hedlund
9825 Liberty Road S
Salem, OR 97306
503.364.6307 res
503.932.3155 cell
PPlease consider the environment before printing this e-mail40' 2000 Allure 30413
'
Yahoo Message Number: 75935 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75935)
Our 2000 Intrigue was built in December 1999. It had IFS. If memory serves me correctly the first IFS units on the Intrigue occurred around unit number 11030. It is probable the first IFS Intrigue came off the line in September 1999. I would expect the Allures would have started after that time as the Intrigue was the more expensive of the two models and would likely get the IFS first.
David
Yahoo Message Number: 75936 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75936)
I checked Damon Rapozo's site and the change to the larger frame rails and IFS front end started with coach 11034 Intrigue, Allures was 30478, both 2000 models. TWI 2004 intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 75938 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75938)
2000 Allure, #30444, with IFS and 3" frame rails, delivered Sept. 10, 1999.
Dave
Yahoo Message Number: 75939 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75939)
My Intrigue is 10979, and it has IFS.
Al Colby
2000 Intrigue 10979
Yahoo Message Number: 75949 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75949)
My coach has IFS and 22.5 wheels.
Jim Hughes
2000 Allure #30511
Yahoo Message Number: 75950 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75950)
sorry to be so uninformed, but please can you tell me what IFS is? thank you so much
jan
06 Inspire 51898
From: kc4fws
To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, December 1, 2011 7:44 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Purchasing a 2000 Allure 36' with slide
My coach has IFS and 22.5 wheels.
Jim Hughes
2000 Allure #30511
Yahoo Message Number: 75951 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75951)
Independent front suspension.
Yahoo Message Number: 75956 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/75956)
Our 2000 Allure # 30413 with IFS has a mfr date of June 1999. The frame rails are 3"x8" deep.
Jim Hedlund
9825 Liberty Road S
Salem, OR 97306
503.364.6307 res
503.932.3155 cell
PPlease consider the environment before printing this e-mail40' 2000 Allure 30413