2005 Fleetwood Excursion 39L

The 2005 Fleetwood Excursion 39L is a 39-foot Class A diesel motorhome built on a Freightliner XCR chassis, typically with dual slide-outs and either a Caterpillar C9 or Cummins ISC diesel engine. It offers slide-out living space and full-timer-capable construction, but the main buying risks are delamination, slide seal wear, and deferred diesel maintenance. Inspect all three before you make an offer.

For buyers and current owners evaluating a used Class A diesel for full-time or extended travel, the 2005 Fleetwood Excursion 39L sits at the upper end of what this price range can offer. The appeal is straightforward: a spacious floor plan, a solid chassis, and the kind of engine life that can justify the purchase — if the coach has been maintained. That "if" is where most buyers get burned.

This guide focuses on the specs that matter, the common trouble spots to check, what mileage and engine longevity really mean on this model, where pricing usually lands, and the questions shoppers ask most about fuel economy, chassis details, engine options, and full-time suitability. If you're comparing listings or trying to avoid a costly mistake, this is the information you need before you start negotiating.

The Excursion 39L runs on a Freightliner XCR chassis paired with either a Caterpillar C9 330hp or Cummins ISC 350hp diesel engine, depending on the build. Some 39L builds were also sold on a freightliner chassis or Spartan chassis, depending on listing and production details. Transmission: Allison 3000 MH 6-speed automatic. Wheelbase: 252 inches. Length: 39 feet 2 inches, though buyers will often see this diesel motor home described as approximately 38–39 feet long. Interior height: 84 inches. Fresh water capacity: 86 gallons. Towing capacity: 10,000 lbs. GVWR: published specifications can vary by build and listing, with some sources showing 31,000 lbs.

Standard features on the 39L floorplan include:

• Four slide-outs for a more residential feel when parked

• 50-amp shore power with a 2,000-watt inverter

• Aqua-Hot hydronic heating system

• Tag axle for improved stability and load distribution

• Onan 7,500-watt diesel generator

• Large basement storage space for equipment, gear, and supplies

• Premium finishes including full-body paint and Corian countertops

The tag axle is a meaningful advantage on a rig this size — better weight distribution, less tire wear, and improved handling on grades.

Three issues appear consistently in this model year and floor plan. Know them before you inspect.

1. Sidewall delamination. Press firmly along both sidewalls, especially behind the slides. Soft spots or bubbling mean water intrusion. Delamination repairs run $3,000–$12,000 depending on severity. Walk away from any unit with advanced separation unless the price reflects it.

2. Slide-out seal and mechanism wear. Seals dry out and wiper seals crack after 15-plus years. Test every slide under power — full extension and full retraction. Listen for grinding. Seal replacement is manageable ($300–$800 per slide), but a failed mechanism is not.

3. Aqua-Hot system service history. The Aqua-Hot is the unit's backbone for heat and hot water. An unmaintained system means burner failures and pump replacements. Ask specifically for Aqua-Hot service records. No records, assume the worst.

How Many Miles Is Too Many on a 2005 Excursion 39L?

The Cat C9 and Cummins ISC both have rated life expectancies well above 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. A 2005 unit with 80,000–120,000 miles and documented oil analysis and service history is not a liability — it's a known quantity.

Mileage without documentation is the risk. A low-mile unit with no service records tells you nothing useful. A higher-mile unit with a complete binder tells you everything.

A unit priced at $75,000 with $8,000 in deferred maintenance is a $67,000 unit. Price accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2005 Fleetwood Excursion 39L good for full-time living?Yes — with qualifications. The 39L floor plan, dual slides, and Aqua-Hot system support full-time use. As a diesel motor home, its basement storage and four-slide floorplan can also make longer stays more practical. You'll need reliable shore power or generator access, and you'll want to address any water intrusion issues before committing long-term.

Which engine option is better — the Cat C9 or the Cummins ISC?Both are proven diesels with strong parts availability. These older diesel setups also do not use DEF. The Cat C9 edges out in torque delivery; the Cummins ISC has a broader independent service network. Choose the one with better documentation, not the one with a better badge.

How fuel-efficient is the 2005 Excursion 39L?Expect 7–10 MPG highway depending on load, terrain, and driving speed. At 65 mph on flat ground, 8–9 MPG is realistic.

What chassis does the 2005 Fleetwood Excursion 39L use?The Freightliner chassis is the XCR — a purpose-built motorhome chassis with IFS (independent front suspension) and a proven track record in Class A applications.

The Bottom Line

The 2005 Fleetwood Excursion 39L is a capable, well-engineered rig that rewards buyers who inspect thoroughly and price correctly. Skip the inspection, and the savings disappear fast.

Get the service records. Press the walls. Run the slides. Then negotiate.