How to buy a Top of the Line Prevost Class A RV - things I would look for

I am not an RV tech, I would suggest one inspect a coach before purchasing.
With that said, this video outlines what you get when buying a Prevost, some things to look for, some costs to expect, and will make you a more informed buyer.
This video only scratches the surface on things to inspect - but provides a high level look into some of the systems all the coaches will have. The difficulty with a converted Prevost coach is that everyone is a one-off - no two are alike. That makes them exciting but necessitates the need for a knowledgable inspector to assist a buyer.
This video is long - but hope you find value in the details.
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[@CampPrevost]

Sorry in advance, this is a long video but there is a lot to cover. My intent is to show what you get when buying a Prevost, things to look for and help make you a more informed buyer.

[@stephenlevan6676]

No apologies. This was great! Thank you!

[@LayloNewt]

We absolutely enjoy your videos.Very helpful and informative.Have fun Stay safe and keep making memories

[@dalehaggart407]

On the older coach h3-40 they had go to a h3-41 for the automatic. If you get stuck, lifting the tag will help put more lbs on the drive axle to get you going. I drove a Marathon xl ( working girl sorry with seats ) from the 80's. I all so went to the factory back in the early 90's. I all most got a new h3-40 ( about $325,000 )back then after seeing them being built .Way cool to see them being made !!! She is a pretty girl thanks for showing her .

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks! Good history there!

[@johnmeoff]

i commend this guy on the cleanliness of machinal systems he is elemateing alot of headaches

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks!

[@bayareaaed]

Very informative video. I, too have an American coach, but it is an XL2 40’ with 2 slide outs. Big learning curve with these buses - had mine over 2 years and am still learning about it. The refrigerator and heating/cooling/fan controls look identical to yours. You answered several questions I’d been curious about. The most thorough video on KZbin to date. Thank you.

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks and your welcome! I always wanted the X model - they are so timeless - compared them to a P51. Just so neat looking when all shined up and maintained!

[@darrenverette6205]

Another excellent and straight-forward video. I’m still looking at a 2000 Prevost H3-45 Non-slide Marathon and learned about 10 things I missed when I went to look at that bus. Your stream of consciousness allows for a very natural information flow. Great content on airbags alone!

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks! I could spend an hour on each item. I didn’t even really touch maintenance items - one because that would be a weeks video and another I know I don’t know it all and don’t want to mislead anyone. The maintenance book prevost makes is 4” thick! Glad it helped - these busses are simple if you can break them down into small components (how do you eat an elephant, one bite at a time). The difficulty with these coaches is everyone is different- but they do have similar high level systems. Both Prevost and converter - really just tried to show that. If you can become a more informed buyer, it will open the door to more detailed questions. Good luck on your search!

[@stocksj]

Very nice, the dream RV, looks,like it’s new and not 22 years old. Nicely maintained.

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks!! It’s not perfect by any means but good for her age for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@kenstudios]

I'm sure a lot of pple including myself really appreciate your very informative detailed video. I will have a few questions to ask you but I'm on a road trip at this moment. I had my eye on a 2007 Featherlite H3-45 but I got an email stating it sold. That bus had 365's tire upgrade on it already. Over the next day or so I will ask a question or two. I truly appreciate your time

[@CampPrevost]

Ask away - might not know the answer but will try my best

[@DLTJR1959]

Really appreciate your content. This was the most in depth coverage of an H3 I've seen. Newell and Wandelodge both make/made their own chassis using C-channel I-beams with fully stainless welded bays welded to the I-beams. The top house portion is then fully welded stainless steel super structure that is welded to the I-beams running down the coach. I believe that Country Coach used the same method but skinned their exterior with fiberglass. Wanderlodge used stainless steel with Newell using aluminum. Lots of the control systems are similar. Our Wanderlodge has air auto leveling and HWH hydraulic jacks, 8 air bags, 3 inverters (2-4500 and 1-1500) and a 20 KW generator. No retarder but 3 stage Jake with computerized energy management system with 4 roof top ac/heat pumps and an 80K BTU hydronic heating. I really like your aux air system for the air toilet. Ours works fine but like you we have to stay on top of the air leaks. We can run the front and rear AC off the engine and inverters with the generator off. Wanderlodge put 2-155 amp 24V alternators on the bus. We have 365's on the front due to a recall upgrade. Our M450 has 8-4D AGM batteries, 2-4D starting batteries, plus the generator battery. Tires and batteries are a major cost. Love your bus. It is a great unit. They are certainly a labor of love. My father owned 3 diesel pushers. I had some experience with those before we purchased ours. The most important thing in buying a used coach is the history of maintenance. Your skills and ability to work and upgrade your bus makes me envious. Thanks again for your channel. It is a great service to anyone contemplating buying a high end motor coach.

[@CampPrevost]

Thank you for watching and your comment! I had no idea about Wonderlodge and country coach - they sound like tanks as well! Yours is well equipped!!! I would really like to have the Jake brake (wonder why we can’t have both…). Seems you really know your stuff as well! With our knowledge- I would really like to buy a long range Tesla semi and build a coach frame on the back. I think that’s the future and would love to play with it! Could stick a 40k watt generator on it to extend the range, charge the batteries and run while boondocking. Install some large very efficient solar panels to do the same. Utilize the very efficient split systems for heating and cooling (they work well under 0 out now). I want to dabble with an on demand water heater - maybe heat water pulling heat from the batteries for hand washing. Install the space X satellite in it - with maybe someway to extend it up when stopped. It’s a $180k out the door - that leaves a lot of room for everything else and some profit. Thanks for watching!

[@ggallant1]

Country Coach, Monaco (upper models), and Foretravel all had semi-monocoque construction with Fiberglass outer walls.

[@MrJimduty]

WOW .That is probably the best Prevost walk around video period. This would have helped me navigate the purchase of my H3-45 Bruce conversion .Not that there was anything wrong with mine ,would have given me more confidence in my purchase. Learning more every i'm in it . great job

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks! Just posting to help others (think I make $5 bucks a video lol). Might also check out Prevost and BBQ - he has a bus just like mine and getting a lot of repairs and upgrades. Should be coming back from the shop soon with new inverters, seats etc. if we can ever get together we want to have a race lol. I think I saw your bus for sale awhile ago - pretty nice unit! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@hue4512]

As a future RV owner I appreciate your advice and opinions!

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks!

[@LayloNewt]

Awesome video with lots of very good info newbies and old timers alike. You explain things very well. Thanks

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks for watching and the kind comments.

[@stephenlevan6676]

Your aux air mod is genius. Well done sir!

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks!

[@timfreeze6771]

Wow, this was really, really good. Thank you for taking the time to make the video and sharing it with us!

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks for watching and the nice comment

[@prevostandbbq4451]

Great video for a future Prevost buyer. Guess I should go buy one😂👍

[@CampPrevost]

It’s hard. You could spend an hour on each item. I don’t want to tell someone how to check brakes, determine if the engine works well - really need an expert for that. So kinda went into like you said - something for a first time buyer to see. Hope to see your coach videos in the near future!

[@prevostandbbq4451]

@@CampPrevost Talked to them yesterday all parts are in door window going in Monday 2 AC high pressure switches to be changed out and midweek I can go get her that’s the plan.

[@kenstudios]

I still come back and re-watch all these videos 😂. I should have bought the bus

[@CampPrevost]

Haha. Glad you like them

[@derstuka96]

Great information!! Thank you for posting this. I wouldn't even consider buying a production coach over one of these.

[@CampPrevost]

Glad it was of value to you.

[@prevostandbbq4451]

Holy smokes gonna have to set the alarm for that early of a Premier

[@CampPrevost]

It’s a long one!

[@bobpowell614]

Saw an oil change by AZ Expert, who does a lot of RV work and inspections, He has an oil change video and he used a big bin like yo can buy at Walmart etc. I would check that out for your next oil change. And thanks for all the information. I am looking to get a Prevost so spending a lot of time researching.

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks for the tip - will have to find that video - he does great work! I need to change the oil pan gasket too - so will be doing that myself for sure. Good luck on the search. Look and drive more than one - I have no clue if mine is normal or not - it seems fine but would be nice to have compared it to at least one other.

[@kevinsmith5318]

Excellant video! I wants a Prevost for sure.

[@CampPrevost]

Thank you. Mine might be coming up after July….

[@LadyMarie880]

See this is amazing pick your battles is true, fix when it brakes . You and I know there are people who have money to buy but never have the ability / or memory to get it all in the brain, saying that doesn't mean they shouldn't try too, it means it take knowing who to take it too. So good so good .......thankyou

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks for the nice comment

[@johnlangdon3766]

Great video. I am looking, but don’t know what I will do yet.

[@CampPrevost]

Big decisions! Literally!

[@lindanadaud9698]

Great video. Thanks for the info.

[@CampPrevost]

Hope it adds value - your welcome.

[@RanLaw_]

Excellent video, Thanks 😊

[@CampPrevost]

Thank you! Let me know if there is anything you’d like to see

[@vaughnbay]

Not too long. Excellent vid!

[@CampPrevost]

Thank you. A lot of “stuff” on these guys

[@LiveTomorrowNow]

Thanks for sharing!! We subscribed ❤

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks - glad you liked it

[@tmoe4198]

👍🏾 Thank you. Very informative!

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks!

[@luctessier2215]

Great video, tire code dates first 2 # week they were made 2 # year, For the 365 tires I hear they ride like night & day. I personally have like you 315's on my coach.

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks! Should have looked it up before I filmed, knew they year and my brain couldn’t decipher the weeks - lol! When you come from a 24’ sprinter, to a 35’ super C then to an H3 - my 315’s are fine! Guess it sounds like the 315’s to the 365’s is the next step. Would be intriguing if you could keep the same wheel - but keeping 315’s on the front will pay for some more 315’s on the back! Thanks for the date code - appreciate it.

[@bobburkett4941]

Well done. Very informative.

[@CampPrevost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kenhelmers2603]

Good video, thanks!

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks!

[@thomash681]

I usually can’t endure longer videos, but you did an excellent job of explaining your coach. The ability to by-pass your inverters was an excellent upgrade. Did you do the work yourself?? I don’t have those skills. Regarding the frig, I’d definitely repair/replace the compressor before trying to take out!! ;) I always look at used Prevost coaches, and agree that often simple conversions are best. Which Facebook group do you belong?Maybe someday I’ll find the right coach - but then I’d have to replace my driveway too!! :( 👍 PS: Your paperwork organization skills are awesome!!!!

[@CampPrevost]

Lol - I get a little long winded, I get that from my father - he could put us to sleep within 10 minutes! I have done everything myself, mostly because I get upset at what was done before and don’t want to pay someone to mess it up again. Thanks for watching and commenting- good luck on your coach search. One thing I have found - they all will need work - find one you like and keep that expectation and things will be ok when the unexpected comes.

[@thomash681]

Thanks. I sent you a “messenger” note.

[@1983dmd]

Very,very interesting !!! What kind of fire protection do you have onboard ? There is only one exit at the front.Newer models now have 2 exits .Can you break the windows, do you have fire, CO, smoke detectors ? Any fire extinguishers ? With all those fuel and electrical systems, I want to sleep without worries !!! Prevost buses, proudly made here in Quebec ,between Montreal and Quebec city !!!

[@CampPrevost]

I only have a FE in the bays, each side and 2 inside the coach - one in the front and back. I also have a CO2 detector mid coach. I don’t know if mine has the engine suppression system or not - I have seen those and appear pretty neat. Not sure how much maintenance they require in a rolling bus though. Have only installed in commercial buildings. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@royj8549]

Minor money saving tip - you can take your 6 yr old steer tires and swap them onto the tags and run them for another 6 years. Outcome of a tag blowout is much less severe than a steer. This way you buy 1 set of steer tires every 6 yrs. I'm also comfortable running the drive tires longer, as the dually prevents a catastrophic blowout. But of course, whatever each of us is comfortable with...

[@CampPrevost]

I agree with you! This is a topic if you ask 100 people you will get 200 answers!! lol. After replacing my fronts, watching them roll them off was sickening - they looked brand new. I should have had them change out my tags with them like you said - I was sitting at 5 hrs there and needed to leave....

[@babyboy6179]

Nice video, I am in the market for a 2000 to 2006 H3-45 coach. I notice you sold your coach in another video, but I am wonder if you will do it again and if you will get another one without slide or two slide. Appreciate your info. Thx

[@CampPrevost]

I think I would do slides next time. I also was thinking about an XL… I think they look sharp. I wanted no slides because I was scared of it going out. I think the air bladder may break down at some point but figure 5-10k for a fix and you’ll be fine. To be honest the non slide was fine. With two people, not sure a slide is needed. We traveled a lot though, so I wanted something that was nice driving - not cramped until your next stop. Once we stopped, we jumped in the truck and took off, really came back to sleep and shower - so we didn’t miss it. If you will stay for a long time - a slide would be nice.

[@kenstudios]

You've covered a lot in depth and in all honesty, this will be one of the best detailed videos so far so thank you. 1st question, how wide is the bus? I extended my driveway to the rear garage but my gate is 12 ft wide and 15 feet to my neighbor's property line. I was worried it may not fit through the gate. Also, the generator: is it running off the diesel for the bus or does it have it's own diesel tank that's filled separately from filling the bus?

[@DLTJR1959]

The generator runs off the main diesel tank that runs the coach. The bus is 8.5 feet wide. Max allowance on the road.

[@CampPrevost]

BSF is correct. The Prevost (at least mine) has a centrally located 235 gallon diesel tank. This of course runs the engine, but also the generator and aquahot. The generator and aquahot only pull from the main tank down to around 1/4 tank. I’m not sure if it’s just keeping the suction line high in the tank or a more elaborate system. Just one thing to consider. If you run down to 1/4 tank (60 gallons left) and want to run the aquahot and generator, they won’t run long! For the width, also consider any turns - with the axles so far apart there is a turning radius to consider. That width also creates a high center risk too, when driving up a small hill that levels off quickly. Thanks for watching!

[@CampPrevost]

Also consider the weight - 50klbs. I crushed my driveway. I will replace it only after I sell it.

[@kenstudios]

@@CampPrevost Thank you. I have the concrete guys coming to work on my driveway and redo the concrete driveway. I had major concerns about the weight and I just don't want to take any chances

[@kenstudios]

@@DLTJR1959 Thanks, I believe I have enough clearance for this and should be ok

[@monistee]

good stuff!

[@CampPrevost]

Thank you!

[@1983dmd]

On the tire: 3417 means the tire was manufactured during the 34th week of 2017.

[@CampPrevost]

Thank you!

[@stevek4449]

Maybe folding chairs if you box off that space behind the TV slide out?

[@CampPrevost]

Definitely enough room!

[@ronaldbeach8724]

Do you have to lift your tag axle very often also this is a very informative video I was not aware that every 5/6 years you need to spend 8,000. On tires that’s a lot of money every 5/6 years

[@CampPrevost]

If you turn sharp you should lift the tag - the bus drags them around the corner - it’s really hard on them. A commercial tire doesn’t have any uv inhibitors in it and will start to degrade over the years. Some say 5 years, some say 7. I think the steers should be 5-6 just because loosing one going down the road could be catastrophic. You can move them to the tags and keep a couple more years. Losing one in the back would just be damaging to the fiberglass. I just put two new steers on - $1,600. Going to keep the others for awhile longer - they are ‘17 and ‘19 date codes.

[@kevinbarry71]

These are expensive pieces of equipment; they are not going to be cheap to keep going

[@davidthomas237]

I think that's called the jake brake and it's on the Detroit engine

[@CampPrevost]

I think you're correct. They ordered mine with the transmission retarder and didn't get the Jake Brake option. I think it would be neat to have both - not sure they produced any like that - converted coaches anyway.

[@mikegraham3006]

Amazing

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks!

[@kenstudios]

Also, what's your thoughts on in motion satellite dishes

[@CampPrevost]

I took mine off but just up to you. I canceled TV/Cable back in 2005 and don’t miss the content or Billings but hear they work fine. I would consider the new space X satellite internet ($135 month) for RV’s. Short of trees blocking the signal you have high speed internet anywhere in the US, Canada, etc. with that you can watch most any shows you want - including Camp Prevost :).

[@Chesterbarnes1]

You should tell us why you are selling this beautiful Prevost Coach? Please

[@CampPrevost]

I will get my farewell video out soon. Just been doing it for 5 years, and we are at a different stage of life. We are running around junior and high school now. Maybe in about 5 years. Just no interest from family anymore. We have hit 36 states and logged over 100k miles traveling. Just time to move on. Was a great time with no regrets

[@imike0367]

Getting ready to take a long road trip.....may I ask what kind of cameras you use for filming your trips? Many thanks!

[@CampPrevost]

Sure. I am using the GoPro Hero 10, with the Media mod, max lens mod and the shorty extension mount. I have two of those. I also use my iPhone when I get lazy. I then transfer all my clips into Apples Final Cut Pro to create the movies. I use Canva to make my KZbin thumbnails and Shutter stock for the sound tracks. Probably to much info there but that’s all the stuff I use to make my videos.

[@imike0367]

@@CampPrevost many thanks!!!!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Listen to this guy expound on this coach, he's brilliant. He must be an engineer. Who is he?

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks!

[@gruponemesis]

another great video...damn compressors for a toilet...ME TOO hahahahhahaa

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks for watching - probably sounded like a good idea 22 years ago! I think they make a electric version - that would have been a good option to have selected!

[@TimothyMichaels]

That's a whole lotta dollar signs right there 😲

[@CampPrevost]

Ha - thanks for watching

[@MultiSweener]

I'll buy a late 90s and do a complete restoration and still win.

[@CampPrevost]

I would love to get a 90’s X model and do that - would be some pretty good bones to work from. The only thing would be the 2 stroke engine. I guess they are pretty bullet proof - the only issue is parts and finding someone that knows how to work on them. If you don’t need any work or know someone to call - seems like that issue would be ok.

[@MultiSweener]

@@CampPrevost I know. Those years had classical lines, never to be reproduced. I'm sure with ardent research there are pro shops in the US and Canada that make it to fruition. Certainly more cost effective.

[@dook2310]

Put into a lift before you buy it. Prevost older buses have a lot of corrosion.

[@CampPrevost]

Wouldn’t hurt to look. Where is the corrosion, on the SS frame? The rear end removable cassette that holds the engine is steel.

[@geoffkirby7754]

Andrew that vid was weird..did u cgi Dean in..

[@CampPrevost]

Yep

[@vtwinpower1903]

Hey brother, im a Canadian looking for a OLDER PREVOST, 40 ft no tip outs. Looking for a prestine shape up to 120k American money. WHO N WHERE R THE GOOD 1s?🇨🇦😒✌️

[@CampPrevost]

I would join the Facebook group “Prevost rv for sale community”. They have a lot run through there.

[@vtwinpower1903]

@@CampPrevost thanks guys!.✌️

[@royhindmarsh4087]

corpart. usa

[@LWRC]

The engine braking and the air brake systems are completely separate and different systems. The air brake system is a compressor driven pneumatic system to actuate the brakes for the coach while the engine brake uses the diesel engine compression to act as a resistence load for the coach going down a grade. I wouldn't put the load from the coach through the transmission!!!

[@CampPrevost]

That’s what Prevost built it to do, it’s an option during the build. It works really well too - feels just like an electric regenerative system. It does use the pneumatic system to adjust the settings in the tranny. I only have one engine driven air compressor and that will fill my aux air system, so they are tied through a series valves. My aux air compressor will not back feed the brake system though. My coach does not have an engine brake. 3 notches of the tranny retarder, 5th gear and about 1,300 rpm works great for most declines - and won’t overheat the tranny. If the decline is really bad (out west) I used 4th gear, lower rpm and 3 to 4 notches of the transmission retarder and it held the coach just fine.

[@spyder61man]

It is a jake brake on the engine not the transmission. Would not recommend setting the trans in low gear at speed. That is what the jake brakes (engine retarders) are for.

[@CampPrevost]

This unit was ordered with a transmission retarder. There is a turn signal type arm on the right side of the steering wheel. There are I think 6-8 levels of retarding - kind of like braking in a Tesla - only the more powerful the retarder the more heat it creates in the transmission. So on big down grades - I run in 4th or 5th at around 1,800 rpm and use about 2-4 levels of the retarder - then watch the tranny temp. If it starts getting really hot, I adjust the level down and use the brakes to slow the bus down - kind of reset and try again. In the Midwest it’s fine, out west some of those grades are so steep, I had to run about 35-40mph to keep from using the brakes. Wish it had the engine brake as well.

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Why are you selling this beautiful coach?

[@CampPrevost]

Was just time to move on. That was year 5 or 6, been to 36 states and probably 100k miles in total on all 3 of our coaches. Kids are older and busy with horse lessons, band, cheer, dance, family, etc. Probably be looking again in 4-5 years. Made some good friends, would like to keep posting some prevost videos in the interim

[@duaneclark3539]

It’s a 365 that’s what is on mine

[@royj8549]

I believe a 365 vs top load rated 315 can both take a max axle weight of 18k lbs, but the 365s do it at lower pressure hence slightly better ride. Though I wonder if the better ride comes from the new coaches that tend to come with 365s (think Prevost revised the suspension 10 - 15 yrs ago)

[@CampPrevost]

I just have the 315, to get the 365, I think I have to change the rims as well.

[@CampPrevost]

I think you're correct. My 315's do just fine - wouldn't say no to a 365 though!

[@michaeltovar9451]

Why not drink the water or make ice?

[@CampPrevost]

I don’t drink the water at my house! Lol. Let it sit, warm up and it will grow bacteria. Can’t imagine the fridge water and ice machine. Plus then you have to blow out the water in the fridge and freezer to winterize. I thought about an RO but still don’t know about leaving it sit in a warm environment for weeks sometimes months. Just easier to get water bottles when needed. At home I have a complex RO system that feeds my fridge and my sink but we use it everyday.

[@izabelacetnar1659]

So the coaches are only for elegant and pretty lady's ? Yes or no ?, if this is the true then I have no chance , anyway i need to forget about that .

[@CampPrevost]

For anyone willing to explore life on 8 wheels!

[@h5mind373]

Who did you say made this coach? 😂

[@CampPrevost]

I feel like I did!

[@johnmeoff]

god help anyone with a Allison world transmission our city fleat of buses of 175 has failed

[@CampPrevost]

So far so good on mine. In our Facebook prevost group, not many if any tranny issues. Probably partly because most are under 250k miles though.

[@LadyMarie880]

OR IT NEVERCWORK/ NEVER WAS HOOKED UP..... HAHAHA

[@CampPrevost]

Lol

[@izabelacetnar1659]

Just don't laugh at me because I feel more sad and depressed.

[@CampPrevost]

No one is laughing

[@sunsail]

GET A CARDBOARD BOX UNDER A BRIDGE WITH CAMPING GEAR, so you’ll never have to stress with lifetime savings to waste all your life away maintaining this space shuttle! ~ What nonsense!! When you know enough survival wilderness skills for simplistic secure comfort, you’ll never need this lunacy of 24/7 systems maintenance for a zillion parts!!!

[@CampPrevost]

Thanks for watching, glad you liked the video.