Help? Is this a fair price for a motorhome/BOV?

[manygoatsnmore]

I posted all the particulars under the S&EP forum posting, but briefly: I'm looking at a 1978 small motor home, maybe 18-20' long, on a GMC VanDura 35 dually chassis, class C. All the usual appliances and everything looks to be original equipment and in pretty good shape. Evidence of a past leak, but nothing currently leaking - looked at it in the rain. There is a little spot of dry rot in the paneling just at the front passenger side corner of the motor home part, but the rest of the walls and the floor seem solid. Started up easily, ran smoothly and no smoke from the tail pipes. All the tires are good, nearly new looking, including the spare. The deep cycle battery is being used as a regular battery, so I'll need to replace the engine battery.

Is it a good deal at $2000? And would this make and model be old enough to have a carb instead of electronic ignition and computer? I would like to have something that could be worked on by your average back yard mechanic, rather than needing to take it to a dealer.

[HermitJohn]

This wont be computer controlled vehicle.. It will have electronic ignition, but the HEI from the 70s before computer controls was cheap and easy to repair if needed. Electronic ignition is lot less bother than cleaning points every 2000 miles. And yes it will be a non-computerized carburetor.

Its all about condition at the age you are talking about. Sounds to me $2000 isnt so bad for low mile RV in nice condition.

[ginnie5]

we bought an 84 and paid more and it needed cosmetic work. One thing you do need to be aware of is a LOT of campgrounds won't take it. Koa's will and some private ones. If its just for emergency preparedness it should be fine. Ours has a carb and the ignition was redone to have switches. If you don't know which ones to flip you'll never crank it!

[fordy]

Originally Posted by manygoatsnmore

I posted all the particulars under the S&EP forum posting, but briefly: I'm looking at a 1978 small motor home, maybe 18-20' long, on a GMC VanDura 35 dually chassis, class C. All the usual appliances and everything looks to be original equipment and in pretty good shape. Evidence of a past leak, but nothing currently leaking - looked at it in the rain. There is a little spot of dry rot in the paneling just at the front passenger side corner of the motor home part, but the rest of the walls and the floor seem solid. Started up easily, ran smoothly and no smoke from the tail pipes. All the tires are good, nearly new looking, including the spare. The deep cycle battery is being used as a regular battery, so I'll need to replace the engine battery.

Is it a good deal at $2000? And would this make and model be old enough to have a carb instead of electronic ignition and computer? I would like to have something that could be worked on by your average back yard mechanic, rather than needing to take it to a dealer.

..............If the roof leaks , or has leaked , there can be hidden rot behind the exterior portions of the walls ! UNdiagnosed cancer is an appropriate example . So , I'm trying too make you aware of the potential problems you'll have too deal with , AFTER you spend your money ! There are Lots of these early model , Small RV types available for sale , Craigs list always has them listed so I wouldn't get in a hurry . The More you look the More problems you'll Discern over time ! , fordy

[Windy in Kansas]

The refrigerators of that era were far from the best. Does it work and work properly?

Has the water system ever frozen meaning is the hot water tank in good condition?

Is the fresh water tank in good condition as well as the pump for pressure to supply?

Remember that with a motor home much of the space is taken up by driver and passenger compartment so it only somewhat usable. With a travel trailer of the same size the entire unit would be usable. The brings up though--do you mind towing and do you have a tow vehicle?

For a vehicle that age I would expect the transmission to give problems before anything else.

[Harry Chickpea]

The comment about it not being allowed in many parks is entirely true and valid. I can understand the reasons, but the rules make no distinction between well kept antiques and junkers. You will also have fun when you try to find parts for something of that vintage.

Vehicles like this are single purpose, require insurance and paying of registration, and often sit as unused toys. If you have definite plans of traveling and can verify the unit will be allowed, then it could be a good buy. If you don't have any immediate plans and just like the looks of it, it is a poor investment.

[BetsyK in Mich]

I just paid $8500 for a 1993 Chevrolet/Damon motor home, 24 foot long, with 28,000 miles on it. It was the size I was looking for, don't need any more than this traveling alone. Everything works, in very GOOD shape cosmetically (inside very clean and looks like new) and mechanically. I guess I'd look further if I were you. I looked at a lot of the older models, glad I waited. Didn't know about parks not letting the older model in, glad I didn't go that route.

[Ruby]

Check for ANY bulging in the skin, that would be a sign of leaking between the skin and the wall. They were bad to leak in the over the cab area where the over head bed is. Also around any vent on the roof, and around the back corners. Once they start leaking between the skin and wall it's almost impossible to fix without stripping the inside.

That's what we paid for one about the same size and same year. After we'd had it a couple years the back corners were coming apart because it had been leaking, and we didn't know it.

[Wolf mom]

Look at the Kelly Blue Book/motorhome site or NADA - National Automobile Dealers Assoc.

Values of just about everything differ acording to the area you live in.

[manygoatsnmore]

Wolfmom, I tried the NADA site and it didn't list anything for one that old. I thought long and hard about it, and I think I'm going to pass on this particular motor home. I think they are asking too much for one of that year, condition, and miles. Thanks for all the imput - all things for me to think about as I continue to search for the ideal for me motor home or camp trailer.

[longrider]

The reality is that you take whatever you can get. Since its off the books it is really a matter of someone paying whatever the seller will take. No bank will loan money for it as a vehical straight.

a few thoughts on a BOV. I bought a 1988 flat front school bus a few years ago for $4500. A guy in Prattville Ala buys them in lots and resells them to folks from Central America. Pretty cheap and in good running condition.

I had it mostly converted to a camper and even retitled as a Class A motor home (which is easy to do if you know where to go.) I drove it up and down the eastern seaboard for a couple of years before I parked it.

What I learned was that maintaining two engines is twice as expensive. I sold it and bought a 38 foot travel trailer (bumper pull) that has as much room as the bus did. Now I only have to maintain one diesel truck (F250) and I am much less conspicuous.

I wouldnt own a gas engine myself. simply because the engines are generally less dependable. But if you maintain it well it will last you plenty long enough.