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Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & opinio

Yahoo Message Number: 89797
I am new to the group, considering the purchase of a 1998 Intrigue from a private party. 36 foot, no slide outs, 325HP Cummins with 120,000 miles. I have never owned a motorhome, always been a 5th wheel guy.
I am currently performing repairs to the steel body frame (not the chassis) where the steel tubing at the outer edges and step mounting points and wheel wells have rusted completely through in places (to the point where the steps actually fell off). It is a Minnesota vehicle; we use more salt on our roads than on our popcorn. Is this common with Country Coaches in other states as well? The underside does not appear to have any rustproofing or corrosion protection at all. This seemed surprising to me for a $230,000 coach (in 1998).
Anyway the frame & wheel well rust will all be completely repaired as good as or better than new by the time I am done. If I buy it then rustproofing will go on next.

Other known issues:

- All of the window seals have oozed sealant into the space between the panes. The windows don't fog but they have black silicone between the panes. They are SE-GI windows and apparently this is a common problem? - Electric water heater doesn't work (but gas water heater works fine) - Chassis electrical where you can 'jump' the starter with the camper batteries wiring/switch is melted or otherwise inoperable - Door has bubbling/peeling paint, but the current owner has a replacement door skin from CC that just needs to be installed
NADA shows "average retail" to be about $27,000. I have seen some of this year & model online selling (or at least listed) for $50,000-$60,000 (presumably without a rusty undercarriage or other major problems). Is this a realistic price for this model? Are there other common issues with these that I should look for?
The potential seller is the original owner and a friend of mine, and I know he has done proper maintenance & recalls etc. on the coach since it was new. The interior is beautiful & spotless, with no other electrical or other issues that we are aware of.
Any advice on this particular model's reputation, known problems, etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89798
I have a 1998 Intrigue as well. I too have had rust issues. My front steps suffer from rust. I had a steel bracket fabricated that would support the steps regardless of the rust. The biggest rust problem I have is the tube steel frame work in the propane tank compartment. I again fabricated bracket that by-passed the rust. I was told that Country Coach did a poor job with prepping the tube steel. I am the 3rd owner of this coach. I purchased this coach from someone in eastern Pennsylvania. I have all the wiring, plumbing and mechanical systems for this coach. I'm sure, even though mine is a 40' the systems are basically the same. If you need a copy of any of the diagrams I'm more than happy to email it to you. You can contact me off the user group if you have any questions. You can email me at sfortier@... .

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89807
We have a 98 Intrigue Tiara, bought it new. Been very pleased. We planned on purchasing a new coach (in our budget) in 2005 (approx). Couldn't find anything we liked as much, price had increased considerably and quality was a big question. We've upgraded and replaced a number of things over the years.
No problem with rust. Had to replace a refrigerator (only appliance) and do repairs and maintenance. Things like ride height, shocks, and airbags needed replacing. Three window snaked and they were repaired, rest of the windows are fine. The worst problem is the clear coat stated peeling after about 10 years, now it's coming off of the body in sheets. We'll solve the problem one of two ways, either get a full body paint (about $15K) or I'll remove all of the clear coat from the gel coat and wax. I've accomplished this on the brow and it looks good.
We like the coach, it's paid for, so we're very pledased with the purchase.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89812
Thanks Steve.

Yes, the framework around the LP tank is a problem area on this one also. Basically what I did was put a jack under the tank to hold it up, cut out the entire framework from under it, welded in new tube steel exactly where the old tubing was, then let the tank back down into place. It looks like I'll be doing close to the same thing under the generator too. The 1.5" square tubing all the way down both sides of the coach between the wheels is pretty much gone, but I'm working on replacing it all. My plan if I end up buying it (or my recommendation to the owner if I don't) will be to clean & rustproof the new steel and entire underside before this winter.
It's really a nice coach, it's just too bad the steel framework wasn't better prepared to last more than 12-15 years.
I'll send you a private email regarding the wiring & plumbing etc. diagrams, that sounds great.

Thanks,
Mark

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89825
AND- you have some special wood flooring~ Ernie Ekberg

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89826
You have all the typical 1998 Intrigue problems. You should remove the LP tank (even if it is empty) before you do any welding, that could become a little Skud missile. You should also check the Battery Box area, I had to replace a few structural sections to prevent the batteries from dropping out of the coach.

Check all the hydraulic lines for rubbing against the chassis, they have a tendency to shift in time and sometimes mechanics will move the lines when trying to access other parts, not realizing the hoses will now rub while traveling down the road.

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89831
Since we're talking about 1998 Intrigues', Has anyone out there removed the carpet and replaced with wood flooring? That is the next item on our to do list. I have some questions on the undertaking.

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89836
I've been thinking about doing wood floors in ours also. So I'd be interested in feedback.

Linda

Intrigue 10678

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89837
Judy & Joe,

Who replaced your air bags? Ours have never been replace and I think we should consider it, better to do ahead of time than do as an emergency

Linda

Intrigue 10678

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89838
We also have a 1998 Intrigue and are thinking of replacing the refrigerator or putting the Amish unit in, what kind of Refrigerator did you replace it with? We have a Dometic we would like to upgrade or replace.

Thank you for any info
1998 Intrigue #10646

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89839
Linda, I recently replaced all the air bags and shock absorbers on my 2000 Allure.....it made a tremendous improvement to the smoothness of the ride.

Charles McGairty
205-616-3121

00 Allure 30555

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89840
Charles

Our bags are original 1998. Did you replace if so tough to do? If not what did the shop charge? We have had no problems in our short travels, but want to keep it that way.

Thanks
Nathan

1998 Allurre

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89841
We replaced it with a Dometic NDM1062 (same) and found a sale at Camping World, $1600. Considered the Amish unit. I pulled the refrigerator and removed the cooling unit (not difficult). Wife decided that the new refrigerator was the way to go, old one 13 years old. Not a real CW fan so I removed the old frig from the MH, took out the front door frame and removed the front passenger seat. This was a top freezer unit so it would go out(and in) the door. Made it very easy for CW to install the new unit. If the refrigerator was under about 8 years old, would have done an Amish install. Also considered a residential refrigerator (10 cu ft under $400 at Lowes) but decided against that.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89843
Premier (Tucson AZ) replaced them and repaired a number of air leaks. They did a good job with the air system. They replaced only the rear bags, the front ones were a special order that takes 6 weeks. Did some extensive research with Firestone. The bag is standard the top plate is what makes it special, could not find an equivalent. You need to pull the bag, part number is on the top. One thing to consider, Premier's shop rate is $119/hr and WW Williams is $89/hr. If there is not a WW in your neck of the woods, look at Wheeltime.com (repair network), they are supposed to have the same rates. WW has done a bunch of stuff for us and we've been very satisfied. Premier said we had a "small" leak in the front bag but haven't noticed any problems yet. We may consider WW or Wheeltime when/if we replace the front ones.
BTW we have friends that have 20 year old coaches that have the original airbags. According to some of the mechanics, airbags "normally" don't have catastrophic failures, they just leak, that was the case with our rear bags, the air system was capable of keeping them up while the motor was running, they collapse when I shut the motor off. You might consider "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I've talked to several RV'ers that replaced the bags themselves, you save about 50% on the bag cost plus the installation cost.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89845
I had my shop foreman remove the old ones to be sure of getting the correct part numbers....ordered the new ones and had him install them. I paid for 2 hours of labor. Very easy to remove and replace.

Charles McGairty
205-616-3121

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89849
Lots of folks have had this done- do you want to do it yourself? Ernie Ekberg

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89851
Not only no but hell no!! Some things are just worth throwing $$$ at. I was curious as to what my options are and about how much I can expect to pay. My wife wants to remove every stitch of carpet from the coach. That includes the bedroom and the entry way. I realize that the thickness of the wood flooring is an issue due to the slide.

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89861
Steve- quality engineered wood can be from 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick. It won't impact your slides. I did Joe Adams coach with some Amendoium engineered. Ernie Ekberg We could trim out your entry with wood also. The only place you may need carpet is if you have a step up for engine access.

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89871
Joe (skpjose) Adams was a happy camper after the hardwood floors. Wife loves it so that makes me even happier!!
Did the living room and bedroom in the 3/8" engineered hardwood, selected one with good hardness numbers and good uv numbers. Kept the tile in the kitchen and bathroom. The hardwood transitions from wood to tile really look nice! Flooring is glued to the sub-floor and the edges are flush against the walls, makes it look "super-pro"! Floors are wearing good, easy to keep clean and looking good.
Pictures are on Ernie's Yahoo Group. Also had a fun time staying in Ernie's yard (50A and H2O hooks), his wife and dogs made it even better. Gus (our doxie) really likes Ernie, what else can I say!!

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89873
Steve,

Many flooring options out there. We have been using LVP/LVT for many years now with great success. There are many advantages in my opinion using this product, first being how thin it is (around 1/8"?) so it doesn't have much cause & effect on the rest of the coach. Second is the durability & ease of maintenance. In all the years now installing this product we have not had a single issue that required replacing any section other then when a slide broke a mount and the operator kept their finger on the button running it in and peeling the floor off. (Really wouldn't have mattered what floor covering it would have been under those circumstances) No issue with water leaks, no curling, bubbling or releasing. Now installing correctly is the key. Our shop has worked extensively with a couple different manufactures and have come up with a procedure that is tried & true.
Average cost installed is $15-$20 sqft - Average coach is 200-250 sqft.
Basic entry is included, our basic is black coin stair treads, black wrinkled marine vinyl on the walls & a custom powered coated welded aluminum threshold.

If you'd like to see photos, let me know and I can post some.

Jim Lewis

Infinity Coach

From:Ernie E
Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2013 6:08 AM To:Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & opinions

Steve- quality engineered wood can be from 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick. It won't impact your slides. I did Joe Adams coach with some Amendoium engineered. Ernie Ekberg We could trim out your entry with wood also. The only place you may need carpet is if you have a step up for engine access.

Quote from: Steven M Fortier
Not only no but
hell no!! Some things are just worth throwing $$$ at. I was curious as to what my options are and about how much I can expect to pay. My wife wants to remove every stitch of carpet from the coach. That includes the bedroom and the entry way. I realize that the thickness of the wood flooring is an issue due to the slide.

Quote
>

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______

Quote
From:
href="mailto:Country-Coach-Owners%40yahoogroups.com">mailto:Country-Coach-Owners%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Country-Coach-Owners%40yahoogroups.com] on behalf of Ernie E [ernietex@...]

Quote
Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2013 4:05
PM

Quote
To:
href="mailto:Country-Coach-Owners%40yahoogroups.com">mailto:Country-Coach-Owners%40yahoogroups.com



Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & opinions

Quote
>

Lots of folks have had this
done- do you want to do it yourself? Ernie Ekberg

Quote
>

Quote from: "Jose"

> >

> > We have a 98
Intrigue Tiara, bought it new. Been very pleased. We planned on purchasing a new coach (in our budget) in 2005 (approx). Couldn't find anything we liked as much, price had increased considerably and quality was a big question. We've upgraded and replaced a number of things over the years.

Quote
>

> > No problem with rust. Had to replace a refrigerator (only appliance) and do
repairs and maintenance. Things like ride height, shocks, and airbags needed replacing. Three window snaked and they were repaired, rest of the windows are fine. The worst problem is the clear coat stated peeling after about 10 years, now it's coming off of the body in sheets. We'll solve the problem one of two ways, either get a full body paint (about $15K) or I'll remove all of the clear coat from the gel coat and wax. I've accomplished this on the brow and it looks good.

Quote
>

> > We like the coach, it's paid for, so
we're very pledased with the purchase.

Quote
>

> > Judy

n Joe

Quote
> 98 Intrigue 10578
> >

> >
Quote from: "mtmazzitello"

> > >

> > > I am new to the group, considering the purchase of a 1998 Intrigue from a
private party. 36 foot, no slide outs, 325HP Cummins with 120,000 miles. I have never owned a motorhome, always been a 5th wheel guy.

Quote
> >

> > > I am currently performing repairs to the steel body
frame (not the chassis) where the steel tubing at the outer edges and step mounting points and wheel wells have rusted completely through in places (to the point where the steps actually fell off). It is a Minnesota vehicle; we use more salt on our roads than on our popcorn. Is this common with Country Coaches in other states as well? The underside does not appear to have any rustproofing or corrosion protection at all. This seemed surprising to me for a $230,000 coach (in 1998).

Quote
> > Anyway the frame & wheel well rust will
all be completely repaired as good as or better than new by the time I am done. If I buy it then rustproofing will go on next.

Quote
> >

> > > Other known issues:

> > > - All of the window
seals have oozed sealant into the space between the panes. The windows don't fog but they have black silicone between the panes. They are SE-GI windows and apparently this is a common problem?

Quote
> > - Electric water
heater doesn't work (but gas water heater works fine)

Quote
> > -
Chassis electrical where you can 'jump' the starter with the camper batteries wiring/switch is melted or otherwise inoperable

Quote
> > - Door
has bubbling/peeling paint, but the current owner has a replacement door skin from CC that just needs to be installed

Quote
> >

> > > NADA shows "average retail" to be about $27,000. I have seen some of this
year & model online selling (or at least listed) for $50,000-$60,000 (presumably without a rusty undercarriage or other major problems). Is this a realistic price for this model? Are there other common issues with these that I should look for?

Quote
> >

> > > The potential
seller is the original owner and a friend of mine, and I know he has done proper maintenance & recalls etc. on the coach since it was new. The interior is beautiful & spotless, with no other electrical or other issues that we are aware of.

Quote
> > Any advice on this particular model's
reputation, known problems, etc. would be appreciated.

Quote
> >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> >
>

Re: Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89897
I would love to see some pics of the flooring. PM me at sfortier@... We will be keeping the tile flooring in the kitchen and bathroom area. Our goal is to remove the rest of the carpet in the coach.

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______
 

Considering purchase of a 1998 Intrigue, looking for advice & op

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89854
We replaced our carpet and also the tiles in the kitchen area with a floating vinyl product that has the bamboo design. No more cracked tiles, and no more dirty carpet. It really has worked out well and very low maintenance. Plus it looks good. We have used an area rug to compliment the new flooring.
Tom

2005 Inspire 51177