May purchase used 2020 Navion 24J

[RckyMtnDry]

Hi all,
New to the Forum as of today. Yesterday I put a refundable deposit down on a used 2020 Navion 24j from a local dealer. The Unit will not arrive at the dealer till next Saturday. I certainly will be inspecting it close and if there is anything I dont like I get my dollars back.
Now I know stuff happens.. general wear and tear. Think this unit has 6000 miles on it (not positive). Question for you fine experienced motorhome owners(this will be my first motorhome)... Is there anything particular I should be checking out closely on this model. Would appreciate any input. I did read in another thread about issue with Door and Sealant.
Thanks so much
Bob

[Winterbagoal]

Verify all the required recalls have been performed on the Mercedes VS30 chassis. I think the dealer has to make sure they're done before they can sell the unit to you, but run the VIN number through the appropraite recall finder to double check. There have been a few recalls on the newer chassis. You can see most of them on the Sprinter Source forum, under VS30 chassis.

[RckyMtnDry]

Thanks for the input. I did the VIN check and all ok... "no open recalls..at this time" Hopefully the previous owner maintained it well... Will try to get copies of the maintenance record from the dealer.. sometimes they are not happy to do that.

[Elkman]

With the 2020 Navion you get the newer Sprinter cab chassis but also lose the 3-way fridge so are more dependent on the generator to keep the house batteries charged or stay plugged into shore power.

[rprochnow]

The solar panels may be able to provide enough power to run the 12V refrigerator, especially if there is full sun - plus it helps if there are additional solar panels and/or lithium batteries...

[Elkman]

In November at latitude 36.48 degrees, I ran the fridge with normal operating temperatures and with ambient temperatures in the Navion in the 60's and after two days with the fridge running but the doors never opened, the house batteries were are 50% SOC and I needed to run the generator to recharge them. At 50% SOC they would have been damaged if they were not recharged at that point.

I spent $3,000 to replace the two flooded batteries with lithium phosphate ones which was a safety measure but also resulted in their being able to recharge faster with the available current from the two solar panels. But in order to operate more than just the fridge I paid $1,000 to add two more solar panels to get up to 490W from the array on the roof.

With my truck camper I could go indefinitely using a single lead acid battery and the two 100W solar panels I mounted on the roof. The fridge ran off the propane cylinder and the battery only needed to power the fridge and the furnace electonics. A DC only fridge requires either shore power or running the generator every couple of days with the Winnebago factory setup.

[bkg]

Originally Posted by RckyMtnDry

Is there anything particular I should be checking out closely on this model. Would appreciate any input. I did read in another thread about issue with Door and Sealant.
Thanks so much
Bob

FWIW, make certain you get two sets of keys; particularly the Mercedes key and Fob. Those ain't cheap from Mercedes.
With dealer/owner transfers, the items typically lost/missing - remotes (TV's, radio, infotainment). The 2020 model won't have the Winnebago added infotainment, but there should be a remote for each TV and one for the Jensen radio.

At 6000 miles there won't be much if any, maintenance records on the Mercedes portion, nor much on the Winnebago unit unless previous owner had dealer perform the first annual PM inspection.

Not much else really to look for outside the typical PDI checklist.

Bobby

[Fordebago]

Originally Posted by bkg

FWIW, make certain you get two sets of keys; particularly the Mercedes key and Fob. Those ain't cheap from Mercedes.

Be sure you get two keys to the coach door too. My new 21D came with only one coach key. The dealer tried to get a blank to have one made but the source could not provide a blank. Dealer ended up ordering a complete new door locks set to install just for the lack of a key. Although on warranty, it was an expensive fix for the dealer.

[Lmonger]

RV Inspection Checklist
A free resource from Changin' Gears (RV Camping & RV Lifestyle - Changin' Gears )

Details at RV Inspection Checklist

This checklist is intended as a guide for inspecting new and used recreational vehicles.
When buying a new RV, use this as your pre-delivery inspection (PDI) checklist. The dealer will provide their own pre-deliver inspection, but those tend to be less detailed and performed by someone other than you. In case you are not able to perform a detailed inspection before taking delivery, inspect the RV as soon after as possible, while still near the dealer to request warranty repairs.
When buying a used RV, consider running through this inspection checklist with several new RV's first, so that you will be able to spot problems on used units more easily.
Most items on this list can be inspected by an average person; for more specialized items such as brakes, engines, etc., consider having a qualified technician do the inspection.
Also see the RV Road Test: Motor Homes or RV Road Test: Trailers checklist.

RV Details
RV Number (your own #):
Inspected By:
Year:
Owner:
Make:
Address:
Model:
City:
RV Type:
Phone:
VIN:
Asking $:
License Plate:
Mileage:

Items to Take to Inspection

This inspection checklist

RV Road Test: Motor Homes or RV Road Test: Trailers checklist

Notebook and pen

Fifty foot tape measure

Calculator

Flashlight with fresh batteries

Screwdriver with Phillips and flathead tips

Pliers

Small mirror (for looking into hard-to-see areas)

Tire pressure gauge with 100 psi range

Tarp or creeper (for inspecting underside)

Rubber soled shoes (for better traction while walking on roof)

Work gloves

Rags (for checking fluid levels, wiping hands)

Wet towels (for cleaning hands)

Engine coolant test strip


OUTSIDE: Walls
Right
Back
Left
Front
Surface condition




Signs of leaks




Seals and caulking




Trim




Doors & screens




Windows & screens




Vents




Hand rails




Awning mechanisms




Awning canvas




Awning wind sensor operation, ability to turn off




Lights




Mirrors




Steps




Connector covers & sockets




Fuel doors, locks, and caps




Slide external seals




Slide operation, motorized




Slide operation, manual crank




Slide locking mechanism




Slide covers (toppers)




Fold-outs & expansions





OUTSIDE: Roof

Surface condition

Corners and edges where walls attach

Signs of leaks

Seals and caulking

Vents and vent hoods

Skylights

Slide covers (toppers)

Air conditioners

Antennas and satellite dishes

Ladder condition and caulking where it attaches to RV

Solar panels

OUTSIDE: Underside

Fluid leaks

Frame condition, signs of damage or repair

Welds

Axles

Suspension

Electric brake wiring

Plumbing

Holding tanks (water, waste)

Underside enclosure and insulation

Straps holding pipes, hoses, wires

Leveling jacks (landing legs)

Stabilizing jacks

Drive shaft

Rear differential

Boots (enclosing various joints)

OUTSIDE: Storage Compartments

Overall condition

Signs of leaks

In lower compartments, look up to inspect floor condition

Shine flashlight into all openings, inspecting all visible components

Doors and seals

Lights

Sliding tray and locking mechanism

OUTSIDE: Wheels

Tire pressure

Tire tread

Tire walls

Tire date of manufacture:

Spare tire

Lug nut torque

Wheel rims

Brake function of each wheel

Brake pads

Brake rotor surface

OUTSIDE: Utilities

Power cable and connectors

RV batteries (house batteries)

RV battery disconnect switch

RV battery sliding tray secure

Cable TV connector

Telephone connector

Satellite dish connector

Fresh water hose and connectors

Outside shower

Outside faucet

Fresh water tank fill valve

Fresh water tank drain valve

Winterizing connector and valve (antifreeze)

Water heater tank drain valve

Sewer hose and connectors

Sewer hose storage tube or compartment

Gray tank dump valve

Black tank dump valve

Black tank pressure wash connector and valve

Generator hours:

Generator fluid levels

Generator operation

Generator noise level

Generator exhaust location

OUTSIDE: Propane

Propane bottle condition

Propane bottles and sliding tray secure

Tanks have OPD valves (triangular shape)

Connections, pipes, and hoses

Level or empty indicators

Automatic tank selector device

Regulator output pressure

OUTSIDE: Motor Home Engine Compartment

Engine oil

Engine coolant

Power steering fluid

Brake fluid

Transmission fluid

Windshield washer fluid

Hoses

Belts

Batteries

Leaks, fluid

Leaks, exhaust

Wiring

Air filter

Fuel filter

Engine oil analysis, take sample (ignore if oil was recently changed)

Engine coolant analysis, use test strip

Engine start

Exhaust color at start

Engine idle

Exhaust color after 5 minutes of idling

OUTSIDE: Trailer Coupling Components

Tongue or King Pin overall condition

Supplemental hitching equipment (sway bars, weight-distributing hitch, etc.)

Safety chains

Umbilical cord and connector

Breakaway switch and cable

Hitch receiver (on or under rear bumper)

Trailer wiring harness and plug (for pulling toad or trailer behind RV)

INSIDE: General
Kitchen
Living
& Dine
Bedroom
Bath
Floor plan (layout)




Necessities are accessible with slides in




Flooring




Stomp on floor to detect weak areas




Walls




Slide internal seals




Trim




Windows and screens




Drapes and shades




Door locks or latches




Cabinetry finish




Cabinetry hinges, slides, latches




Cabinetry interior




Remove drawers, inspect behind them




Ceiling




Press up on ceiling to detect sagging




Ceiling exhaust vents and fans




Furniture




Look under and behind movable furniture




Mattresses




Pull out and fold down beds




Rodent and pest presence or damage





INSIDE: Kitchen

Countertops

Counter top extensions

Sink

Seals and caulking around sink

Stove top, burners, igniters

Stove hood exhaust fan and vent cover

Oven and pilot light

Microwave oven

Coffee maker

Dish washer

Refrigerator works on all power sources (A/C, propane)

Freezer

Ice maker

Drinking water filter

INSIDE: Bathroom

Toilet flushes

Signs of leaks around toilet base

Look into black tank through toilet for hardened solid waste

Sink and fixtures

Shower and tub walls

Shower fixtures

Shower door and latch

Shower skylight

Washer and dryer connections (but no washer or dryer)

Washer and dryer

Washer hoses, indication of leaks

Dryer vent

Unscrew panels around and behind shower, inspect for leaks

INSIDE: Fresh Water Systems

Faucets work

Water heater works on A/C and propane

Water pump works

Water pump shuts off automatically soon after all faucets are closed

Water pump does not turn on occasionally when all faucets are closed and ice maker is turned off (if yes, then there may be a leak)

Water pump on/off switch

Fresh water tank level indicator

INSIDE: Waste Systems

Gray tank level indicator

Black tank level indicator

Sink and shower drains work

No foul odor inside RV when toilet not in use (unless toilet flush valve has been open for extended periods for inspection)

INSIDE: Heating & Cooling

Furnace controls

Furnace puts out hot air through all floor vents

Air conditioner controls

Air conditioners put out cool air through all ducted ceiling vents

Air conditioner filters

Electric heater or fireplace

Ceiling fans

Thermostat controlled vent fans (Fan Tastic Vent)

INSIDE: Entertainment Electronics

TV's

TV security straps

TV sliding tray locking mechanism

Audio equipment

Video equipment (VCR, DVD)

Video source switch box (antenna, VCR, DVD, satellite, etc.)

Antenna signal amplifier

TV antenna controls for raising, lowering, and rotating

Satellite dish controls for raising, lowering, and rotating

INSIDE: Electrical

Lights, 120 Volt A/C

Lights, 12 Volt DC

A/C outlets have power

GFCI breakers function

12 Volt DC ports have power

A/C supply to RV when connected to shore power

A/C supply to RV when generator is running

A/C supply to RV when inverter is running off batteries

DC supply to RV when connected to shore power

DC supply to RV when generator is running

DC supply to RV from batteries

DC supply to RV from tow vehicle via umbilical cord

Battery charging when connected to shore power

Battery charging when generator is running

Battery charging from tow vehicle via umbilical cord

Battery charging from solar panels

Automatic power switching between available systems (shore power, generator, inverter)

Location of fuse and breaker boxes

INSIDE: Safety Devices

Fire extinguisher

Smoke detector

Carbon Monoxide detector

Propane gas detector

Emergency exit windows

INSIDE: Motor Home Cockpit

Upholstery

Carpet

Cabinetry finish

Cabinetry hinges, slides, latches

Cabinetry interior

Items above cockpit secure (TV, etc.)

Door locks or latches

Windows and screens

Windshield cracks and chips

Drapes, shades, visors

Driver and passenger seat belts in cockpit

Passenger seat belts in living area (sofas, chairs)

Seat adjustments

Horn

Rear view mirrors and mirror adjustment controls

Rear view camera and monitor

Steering wheel adjustments

Instrument panel

Vehicle controls

Windshield wipers and washer

Air suspension controls

Exhaust brake controls

Secondary fuel tank switch-over controls

Leveling system controls

Trailer or toad brake controls and documentation

Entertainment system (radio, CD, tape, DVD, etc.)

CB radio and antenna

Navigation system (GPS)

Security system arm, disarm, and documentation

Beverage and snack holders

Storage compartments and keys

Step well cover

Dimensions & Capacities
External length (in):
Fresh water tank 1 (gal):
Motor home wheelbase (in):
Fresh water tank 2 (gal):
Motor home wheelbase ratio (%):
Gray water tank 1 (gal):
External width, body (in):
Gray water tank 2 (gal):
External width, total (in):
Black water tank 1 (gal):
Top clearance (ft & in):
Black water tank 2 (gal):
Length when towing (ft):
Propane bottle size (gal):
Engine fuel tanks (gal):
Number of propane bottles:
For liquid weights, see Liquid Weight Calculator.

Weights
RATINGS from manuf. (lbs)
ACTUAL WEIGHS from scale (lbs)
GVWR:
GVW:
GAWR 1:
GAW 1:
GAWR 2:
GAW 2:
GAWR 3:
GAW 3:
GCWR:
Left side:
Tire rating:
Right side:

ESTIMATES (lbs)
Curb Weight (GVW - fluids already in GVW + all tanks full):
Expected personal cargo weight (items you will add to RV):
Persons weight (avg. 150 lbs × # persons):
Adjusted GVW (add above 3 items):
Maximum tongue weight (lesser of [GVWR - Adj. GVW] or rating):
For towing a trailer behind this RV.
Maximum tow capacity (lesser of [GCWR - Adj. GVW] or rating):
For towing a trailer behind this RV.
For weight definitions, see Understanding RV Weights. Also see Adjust GVW Calculator.

Documentation

Title

MSRP sheet

RV manuals

Engine manuals

Appliance manuals

Maintenance records

Warranty documentation for all major components and appliances

Extended warranty documentation

A free resource from​​Page 15 of 15
Changin' Gears (RV Camping & RV Lifestyle - Changin' Gears)

[kimasaki82]

Welcome to the 24j! We loved ours!!! Great machine!!
You mentioned this is your first RV. With that said- there is a website for the NRVIA, these are independent certified inspectors. You’re buying a house and a significant investment is being made by you. Get a GOOD inspection for your piece of mind and to have the dealer fix anything BEFORE you drive off the lot. Once you do...the potential problem becomes yours.
Remember-whoever is trading this in may have been a newbie too. And I mean no offense, but stuff happens to experienced folks coaches let alone new owners. I would think the Mercedes piece is pretty good, but there could have (for example) been frozen water lines.
This is an awful long rant on my part to simply say...get an independent inspection!
And welcome!!

https://nrvia.org/locate/

[creativepart]

I want to add a warning to get an inspector that is not suggested by or affiliated with the dealer.

Dealers are only interested in selling. They may seem friendly and helpful before the purchase... but after you will be dead to them because you’re not likely to purchase anything meaningful.

[Elkman]

I would not waste money on an inspector but put it toward an extended warranty. Most of the critical and expensive items installed in the RV have a 1-year warranty and so at this point nothing is covered below the roof. Replacing the hot water heater can cost roughly $2,000 and I was looking at a 2019 Navion where the owner had paid to have this work done. Fortunately he had paid for the extended warranty coverage.

[AZ Okies]

We bought a used 2019 24V. Almost the only issues we have had were with the Mercedes portion. Make sure the the recalls are done. Something was draining the chassis battery and it was in and out of Mercedes several times before they could figure it out. Finally they narrowed it down to a light pulling juice from the battery but the light was never actually turning on. We JUST got that fixed last week. Mercedes does have excellent customer service and took care of everything. They even paid for towing it in due to the battery issue. When we first got it we took a 6 week trip and did have a water leak under the driver side bed that required an RV repair guy coming out while we were in Canada. The infotainment center up front quit one day. Nothing. No back up camera or radio or anything. Had to have a radio guy fix that. But in general, we have been fairly happy. We had a 2014 that never had a problem. But the 2019 was worth the trade up due to the improvements in refrigerator, hot water and other things. If you have issues, feel free to ask me. Maybe we have had the same problems.