In 1998 we bought a 1995 Damon 35' on the 17,000 lb Ford chassis with the
same Ford 460 powertrain. The general consensus seems to be that Damon
products are crap but that has not been our experience. While there are some
design features I don't like, I am living with them. Our rig has 50,000
miles on it now.

Major Chassis Repair Items - dash air conditioning compressor and clutch
burned up, broken exhaust manifold bolts, OEM shocks were shot when we
bought it (now Bilsteins). That's it except for routine maintenance items
like fluid changes, tires, brakes, wipers, etc. The 460 has lots of power,
uses no oil, and taken care of with regular oil changes, will last a long,
long time.

Major Coach Repair Items - replaced oak kitchen floor with click type
laminate, broken grey water line just above where it enters the holding
tank - inside a wall of course, replaced hot water tank, replaced a few
switches and wires that have shaken loose over time. No issues with water
leaks, delamination or other structural problems.

Our two previous motorhomes had similar issues over time. In my experience,
Damon produced good value for your used motorhome dollar. Other Damon owners
we have spoken to have had similar experiences.

I have weighed our rig empty and fully loaded. With nothing in it but fuel,
propane, and me it weighs just under 14,000 lbs. Fully loaded with water,
food, beer, 12' Zodiac, 7.5HP engine, fuel, tools, a compartment full of
firewood, and so on it is 16,800.

The biggest complaint I have is the lousy fuel mileage. In 1999 it got 9 mpg
and has been dropping slowly to 6.5 And that's to the Imperial gallon! Less
20% for the US gallon. That's usually towing a Honda Civic but I've checked
several times and the toad makes no significant difference in the mpg
number. Sigh.

My advice is don't immediately dismiss the Damon but do expect to pay
considerably less for it than, say, a Winnebago. I think the year you are
looking at is about the last year for the 460 as Ford went to the V10 around
then.

Good luck!