How Does a 1996 Prevost H3 Chassis Look After 26 Years?

Today I was at Premium Coach Group in Gilbert, AZ because a buyer on this 1996 Featherlite Vantare wanted an independent inspection report on the chassis. Normally, I do not do these because #1 I am not the best heavy-line mechanic #2 I do not have a lift necessary and #3 I do not like getting dirty. At any rate, a competent Chassis tech was not available for a few weeks so I was invited to do "my best!" Hopefully, you can forgive my ignorance and enjoy seeing the underside of this Prevost H3 bus chassis and see why these shells are so desired by buyers and bus converters alike.
Premium Coach Group
378 S Hamilton Ct, Gilbert, AZ 85233
premiumcoachgroup.com/

[@thevintagefaith2870]

I think you’re going to be surprised how many people will like this video. As an operator for almost 18 years, I can say bravo!!! … and whether you’re thinking you are an expert or not, you gave a great walk around and very decent check of the primary components. Really enjoyed the undercarriage inspection. Great job. Keep the vids coming man.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@keith9682]

1986 marquis still looking great love my Beaver

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!!

[@gtfg3800]

Do you know how many times you've said, "This is not what I normally DO" in your videos ? I don't either but it's gotten pretty funny ! You're a good man Charlie Brown !

[@rhett5914]

From watching other bus channels on air bag replacements, air leaks, brakes/adjustment, hub bearings / seals, and kingpins everything looked pretty good (other than brakes, rotor with small cracks is normal as long as they don’t go to the edge of the rotor). Only thing more to do would be to check for hub breathing’s for movement. The bus needs to be on the ground with the tires just off the ground and a crow bar under the tire to pull and push the wheel and tire in and out should be no movement. Some movement just need to adjust the nut on the hub. Usually dry axle hubs no issues and all is good. Great video, I really don’t care for cameras being moved all around but you did great to move and hold the view. Keep up the great work.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@TM-529]

The crow bar underneath the tire is how you check the kingpins for worn out bushings, should be no movement as you mentioned. The bearing hub nut you're referring to has tabs to prevent it from backing off and is extremely rare to find them loose, but if it is, most likely due to damaged bearings or improper torque procedure when serviced, but again, very rare, 9 out of 10 times movement of the steering wheels ( when pried from the bottom ) will be due to kingpin issues. Worn out Steering tie rod ends/ball joints etc will yield to wheel play side to side - any worn out rubber boot on these ball joint is indicative of failure ( water intrusion->grease out->damaged/rusted ball joint 100% ) - must be replaced Hope it helps

[@imike0367]

@@TM-529 I just drop mine at Prevost and tell them to service everything. Great video.

[@pvanschoonhoven]

Thanks! I have a 28 year old Prevost, nice to see the details more easily than crawling under there!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@robinghunt]

Perfect example of quality and good maintenance. For a 26 year old bus, pretty good shape.

[@robertborchert932]

Well, it's a Prevost! Lovely chassis. My good friend's Prevost is a 1991. The condition? Quite similar. Prevost is really built to last. That Series 60 Detroit looks brilliant. With the 92 in my case, Prevost did something admirable, and Country Coach did not disappoint. These engines are "backwards" in a bus, so the air compressor is forward of the engine. On the '91, power is a silver series 8v92 Detroit, with a five speed Allison. I found a leak at the backing plate. After pulling the cabinetry around the bed, yes! They left the Prevost access panel intact. The refitting was simple. These are commercial buses, they are designed by Prevost to be serviceable, to get the bus back in service rapidly. Really enjoyed watching your work under the chassis.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@johnnylightning1491]

What I learned is that my buddy Larry Clement's family makes a pretty good coach and that coach doesn't look like it's ever seen salt. Although it probably won't do me any good as I'll never be able to afford one, but thanks for the tour. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!! :)

[@kimberleytaulbee9440]

We anxiously was watching to see if we saw a glimpse of 2001 Liberty Elegant lady that we put a deposit on!! As always great video!!

[@AZExpert]

Congrats!

[@grey8ghost1]

As an addendum to your inspection given this coach is going cross country I would recommend the new owner get the chassis work at one of the manufacturers chassis shops. These are all they work on and if anything needs repair or replacement they are the best place to get the work done.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@badgerpa9]

That was some swampy water from the air tank. That was a beautiful older bus. I hope they get another 26 years of trouble free enjoyment. I have crawled under trucks to look them over before buying them and I enjoyed your video and learned from it. Thank you. Stay safe and healthy.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@carmencolon3520]

Love it! Thanks to you I can only dream to see this luxury. We will never drive anything big but surely love the short visit.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Dabsfordays3]

Oh man that ending blooper was great!! had me laughing pretty good, you could tell you were utterly surprised!!!

[@AZExpert]

HAhahaha Thanks

[@lorrieleaver2447]

I always learn something from watching you and this one is no exception. Thank you so much for letting us watch your inspection. Personally I’d like to have it completely cleaned and some kind of protection added after any repairs are made. Is this even possible? How often would you recommend the undercarriage being checked? Fascinating to watch. 🤨

[@timekeeper5275]

Good job on the inspection. Always nice to see someone else doing an inspection. 👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@rodneyclay9931]

Thank you for taking me to a place I have never been and will probably never go.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@DRAGLAND-pi4tu]

Excellent video! You always sell yourself short ! Most people could not tell what the components are let alone inspect them. I will be looking for a 96 to a 2000 prevost xl in about a year or less and I will definitely consider you for the inspection . Carry on the good work.

[@stephenlevan6676]

Absolutely LOVE this video. Nice work! Very informative. Thank you!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@bigbandguru]

It would be interesting to see the service records over the past 26 years.

[@rvfinder7997]

*passenger manifest

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@imike0367]

You're right, these are like planes and 1/3 of the value is in the maintenance records. Have seen this time and time again.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Beefy like a big KW or Pete. Enjoyed it

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Brian!

[@danmcbride6258]

Interesting inspections of brakes,shocks, hoses,tires, leaks, engine, I would trust your opinion as well.

[@gary.joseph]

" I found a spiderweb with my face!" LOL :D Awesome video James! I always learn so much from watching your videos. Thank you for sharing and bringing us along.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@frankavery8306]

Well done ! kind of cool to see the underside of one . Looks to me like they are built to last not really anything just falling off worn out bad.. Thanks for the tag a long James i found it interesting : )

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@josephhicks6989]

I own a 1996 international dolphin and it has been a fun time, I replaced everything under it and upgraded all around the engine to the tune of 35 thousand dollars, but we live our unit and take it everywhere. I would love to upgrade to a Prevost one day.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@dennisreynolds6915]

Holy smokes! That RV isn't even worth that much.

[@markstench4470]

Big Ole 2 stroke Detroit Diesel. I used to work on those in high school part time... Great inspection thank you.....

[@highwaywarrior7778]

This coach had a series 60 detroit. Which is a 4stroke. It replaced the 2 stroke Detroits, although some of these h3s had 8v92

[@AZExpert]

Very cool!

[@philw7174]

Great to go on this tour with you James. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomasdill88]

Very impressed with your inspection, since I'm OCD I think they were smart to get a second opinion and having you coming inspected, very nice unit someone who took care of it but I can see where you're an asset with any company or any dealership thanks for sharing

[@AZExpert]

Hey Thanks!

[@ralphballtrip2214]

I want to thank you for all the videos that you do Get ready to buy one, so I know what to look for. Thank you again, ky

[@AZExpert]

You are so welcome!

[@robertgarrett5009]

Very cool, need to do more of these.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@jmtckr]

First...thanks James for risking your life for your viewers. I wouldn't be too excited about sliding under my Travel Supreme 42' either but you've given me some things to look at next time in the shop.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@richardmarshall2229]

Thanks for the video, it was a good inspection of the underside.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@proudtexan5513]

Just a suggestion, Spray AT205 Sealant on all Rubber bushings and all rubber boots on suspension. Excellent at softening up rubber and making them really last! Proven to work 100%

[@patrickjohnson7801]

Your as right as rain, that was a common practice years ago when you went in for an oil change Thay would spray rubber lube on all the rubber parts, kind of like break fluid to keep soft.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@FunDuude]

You say you're no Expert. But you seem more expert than most. Hell you know All the names to everything you put your hands on. LOL. That's a good start. I learned a lot.

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks

[@johnneedy3164]

The ONLY part being under the BIG ONES I PERSONALITY DID NOT like was being between the main axle and tag axle sitting up under there ,gave me the Willie's, those air bags 😮

[@LayloNewt]

I enjoyed the video and I think you were having fun.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@briandavis9975]

Alien green oil in that tank buddy hope you scrubbed it off right afterwards. Lol great video thanks for taking us along.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@MililaniJag]

No eye protection? Great info-very informative! Built to last! Thx!!

[@AZExpert]

I live dangerously. Usually I have glasses on

[@DonniePhipps]

Good Inspection..looks alot like my safari underside. I know it's not the same but looks really familiar..and being a truck driver for 40 years the Detroit motors has been notorious for leaking oil now the series 60 was better than the like silver 92 ones 2 cycle if they wasn't leaking it meant it was out of oil lol.. good job James and I love your Beaver motorhome super find..

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Donnie!!!

[@donholcomb4060]

Awesome video!!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Don!

[@fmerkl]

Great job!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@volvo09]

That's a cool lift system!

[@AZExpert]

Right?

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

Boy I wish I had those lifts. Breaks all around I say. Nice coach.

[@AZExpert]

They are still a little scary

[@NoelBarlau]

Well I enjoyed the heck out of the inspection. One question, what were the bullhorn speaker looking things on either side of the front air tank?

[@homeauthorityllc]

Since James didn't answer... those are speakers.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Looks great for its age. Someone took care of it 👍🏼

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

Thank you, now I know what the name of those drain valves! Kazoo drain valves!

[@AZExpert]

lol Thanks for watching! :)

[@duncanjames914]

Interesting video. I'm amazed at the lack of visible corrosion for a 26-year old bus.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@AmericanMX]

You ought to get under a commercial jet when its up on jacks and the gear is retracted. Lol

[@AZExpert]

That sounds terrifying

[@AmericanMX]

Only when your actually running the gear up and down. Lol. What’s more fun was when we would stand under the planes while we ran engines up to take off power.

[@Gruich]

Your totally Awesome 👌

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@winstonsmith8898]

Good video, fun.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@ralphballtrip2214]

What do you charge to do inspection inside and out? Thanks for the video. Thank you for all the information.

[@StrugglinWithTheMantheis]

Love your channel. Do you ever work on Hybrids? That’s what we currently have 2001 Dutchman Sport. Model number escapes my mind at the moment. Upgrading next year.

[@AZExpert]

I try not to do any chassis work if possible

[@StrugglinWithTheMantheis]

@@AZExpert I don’t blame you. I did a lot of work to this old girl. Lol

[@dennislinn9151]

Did it taste like coolant??? You should branch out and become o DOT inspector.lol. You did a real thorough job as usual. I really enjoy your videos, I learn a lot from them.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@milehighkit4725]

That's impressive for 26 years!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@philtil8977]

Small item but I always get corrected by acquaintances and friends; it's pronounced "Pray vo" ( as in French ), no? Great videos.

[@AZExpert]

I say it both ways

[@PoteauCowboy]

Because people trust You.... As always, great video.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@stevenbrowningsr1144]

Coolant leak in the air compressor heads causing the green fluid in the air bottle drain?

[@craigbowers4047]

A center cap under a center cap, lol. The green looked like Allen blood. The bus looks amazing for that year and mileage.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@kcsmpatter]

Maybe the green that came out of the air tank was die to check for leaks. Just a thought. I found the video very interesting even though it’s not your norm. 👍👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@Mr.FuzzyDingo]

Could the "green liquid" that bled out of the air tank drain have been a dye for sourcing an air leak?

[@deddie4645]

Nice meet you over at home depot on the East Side........ You're just a NO nonsense hardcore get it done kind of guy,,,,, You carry a lot weight on your shoulders lol

[@AZExpert]

LOL Nice to meet you too

[@johnmartin2079]

Only exception is winter antifreeze in air but no rust?

[@kedrinraymond5261]

The coach looked good after 26 years of wear and tear 👍

[@AZExpert]

Right??

[@loualiberti4781]

More Bottoms Please !!!

[@AZExpert]

Bottoms and Beavers, that all people want to see! :D

[@davidgriffin14]

@24:21, was the drain plug missing?

[@thyhangman]

James, 6:09 looks like an outdoor speaker on either side of the air tank?

[@stephenlevan6676]

Alarm

[@johnmartin2079]

Looks like someone really put fix a flat in the air system. Crazy. I'm a 39yrs pro wanderlodge and Prevost

[@jpsmith8523]

Oops lol watched your video til middle, you just said Pray vo....lol thanks,

[@AZExpert]

I like to mix it up to annoy people

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Series 60, awesome engine! Add some coolant, change the oil, and perform an overhead next year...

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@dennisreynolds6915]

What's an "overhead"

[@josephalberta1145]

Those lifts five me the heegeebeegees. Always make sure the tag axle air is dumped if not using 6 lifts to avoid damage.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@petercolquhoun2086]

The only thing I can think of that looks green like that is "Slime" for fixing tire leaks. I sure hope that was not added to the air system....

[@AZExpert]

It's not

[@stevest.martin3940]

I was nervous walking under a car lifted at a friend’s automotive repair shop that was on a in-floor nematic lift.

[@AZExpert]

This is just a little bigger

[@joeblow3939]

1996, my guess on the air tank would be water had at one point built up and had gotten stagnant, causing algae to accumulate.

[@patrickjohnson7801]

I believe it's a die that is added to the oil so you can use a black light in the dark and it shows up where the leak is. You can buy it and put it in any oil . AC, moter, power steering, transmission excetra.

[@AZExpert]

It's not algae

[@patrickjohnson7801]

@@AZExpert with the die in the air tank it's not leaking, it's shot rings in the pump, replacement is probably the fix .

[@joeblow3939]

@@patrickjohnson7801 Patrick, Thank you for setting me straight on that. I am familiar with a/c dies and black lights. I drove tractor trailers for 29 years and feel like an idiot now. To tell you the truth, I can't recall the last time I even saw it used. Thanks again for your response.

[@patrickjohnson7801]

@@joeblow3939 no big deal, I have a bottle of die on the shelf my work truck, 96 Chevy 350 has 320,000 Miles and it's been a used a few times, not wanting to drip on someone's driveway. Keep on trucking.

[@cwshumate914]

Coach looks to be in pretty good shape for being 26 years old. That doesn't seem like terribly high mileage for a coach that old either

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@thewiseguy3529]

Sweet 💪

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@thewiseguy3529]

@@AZExpert hey you bet! Always a pleasure 👍 Thank you!!!!

[@AlexS-og3ic]

Was that green coolant? For some reason I think that may be an issue.

[@AZExpert]

No it wasn't coolant

[@ht40]

At 6:08 what’s the 2 speakers mounted under there used for?

[@AZExpert]

Air horn

[@tecguySD]

Why does this model have a more luxury look? Is that tied to the year, make, or model?

[@mikenavy360]

Check king pins?

[@dodgeguyz]

Looks to me like those rear tag brakes have gotten stuck and overheated, that’s why the rotor is red! Needs to be further looked into. But for 26 years, not bad at all!

[@AZExpert]

yes

[@carmencolon3520]

Did you ever figure out what was the green liquid? Why will that happen?

[@rubdirtonit6734]

Great inspection… still wonder what the green liquid was…

[@ThePeopleVerse]

Did you ever figure out that green stuff from the air tank?

[@AZExpert]

Checks for leaks

[@justretired6879]

The green kind of look like the green tire slime used to stop leaks. I am probably wrong but thats what it looked like to me.

[@AZExpert]

Good Guess

[@dannhennells2681]

Looks like someone likes to drive fast and doesn’t use an engine or exhaust brake, those rotors have been smoked James, I enjoyed the bottom inspection, to me it’s more important than the roof 😀

[@AZExpert]

You are correct

[@robertburgess6100]

For 26 years it's in very good condition on the underside.

[@AZExpert]

Agreed

[@robertcarnaz4326]

The hose in the back looks like the sewage masserator

[@daveandrews6085]

Would you inspect motor homes In Sun City West?

[@daveandrews6085]

Planning a trip to the east coast with the Monaco Monarch 2008 I purchased. I’m just making sure that it will make the trip with no issues.

[@AZExpert]

I don't currently have any spots for new work

[@ericgregory3005]

At 26 years and at a service center and negotiating a deal I would want all bushings replaced.

[@AZExpert]

Not an unreasonable request

[@bobg5823]

that green stuff looks like leak test dye could be wrong wouldn't be the first time lol or an oil to try and keep the tank from rusting

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@bobg5823]

@@AZExpert shot if i could id come down and help ya thanks for the comment back AZ

[@mike_adams]

Andrews’s new coach?

[@AZExpert]

Nope! As far as I know, he hasn't purchased a new one yet

[@davidgriffin14]

Does anyone know what a old Prevost like that would cost????

[@AZExpert]

Google is your friend. There is a HUGE range of prices

[@eugenebdotson7363]

A full break service needs to be done plus bushings and tie rods need to be replaced before giving it to the new owner !

[@AZExpert]

I'm sure they will take care of it

[@petevezmar9821]

Green in air tank was compressor oil !

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@GinosGarageUSA]

Nice thorough inspection James! I am sure the new owner will be happy with that! The engine oil leak may be the hydraulic but the early Series 60 engines leak at the gear case to block mating surface. Detroit fixed this problem with a gear case support kit that was installed on all Series 60s around 2002 and up I believe. I have a video installing this kit on a Wanderlodge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5Cri52wqa-BfKc The customer may also want to look into whether the engine has had its clip style rocker adjusters replaced for unitized units. These can fail and will end up coming loose and going into the engine. I also replaced those on the same customer I put the gear case support kit on: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKDMgYmXpLuEhKs

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Gino

[@susanpiette7165]

Its ok. I talk to myself all the time. (No friends)...lol

[@AZExpert]

LOL thanks Susan

[@eugenebdotson7363]

Check for Rats !

[@AZExpert]

LOL its not unheard of

[@goththicus]

Not too bad for 26 yrs old.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@Sushi2735]

Good God! It needs a gut job!

[@roy6254]

You get what you pay 😁

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@9856CB]

What are they going for? $$$$$

[@AZExpert]

I don't sell these, you can contact the dealer for pricing

[@JeepCherokeeful]

I can already tell it has virtually no rust

[@AZExpert]

Not when they are from down here