buying a vintage motor home far from home

[jeff york]

I want to buy a vintage motor home. But, I want something I can use and improve this summer with my son before I get serious with it this winter. I have had little luck finding something close to Lexington, KY. So, the idea of flying to say California and doing a cross country hone with my boys sounds fun. But, pulling off buying one from a perfect stranger, feeling its going to be what I expect, since none I have looked at locally have been. Getting frustrated. I want a 70's Winnie Brave or a Travco or maybe an 80's class C unit. But, how do I pull all this off ?

[Joe kantorik]

I have done this type of thing buying my 95 chevy suburban from ebay. Flying out to Denver then driving it back to Ohio. I was prepared to tow it if needed because the price was right. Your doing it with a motorhome so towing it will be a lot more money if needed. I would factor the cost of having to tow the motorhome if things go wrong. Good luck on the adventure.

[John "T" Nordhoff]

  I've bought no less then 5 Motorhomes sight unseen (except for like E Bay pictures) farrrrrrrrrrrrr away and had to take a bus to get there, pay cash for the RV, say some prayers, and start the long drive home and always made it home other then perhaps having to buy some tires. ITS NOT FOR THE TIMID or non mechanically inclined RV knowledgeable person. YOU MUST HAVE EMERGENCY ROAD AND TOWING SERVICE just in case, take plenty of tools. On some trips I took my car with the tow dolly behind and once there hitched the dolly to the RV, loaded the car and headed home.

 The first thing I do is to air all the tires and insure oil and fluid levels are topped off. Call my Insurance man with the VIN so I have temporary coverage to drive it home, say more prayers and take off.

 You need to ask a lot of questions and know what to ask and what to look for. I wouldn't dare try to cover all that and 40 years of experience here however.

 Good luck and best wishes

 John T

[Pat Daly]

Just keep looking. Ebay, national Craigs search engine, here, tin can tourists and let people like Jimco know you're looking (he's got Winnie #1... and a few others) and some of our travco owners. I've found that referrals from other owners are best. Have an onsite inspection done before you fly out... about $150 or so and expect "some" disappointments when you get there. But if the vintage rv fits what you're looking for then you're all set for the always "interesting" first drive home.  See What to Look for When buying a used RV in our How To section links on the right of this home page. It may spark a few ideas. there are some great vintage campers in the Midwest, Texas, the Pacific Northwest and, of course, the no rust state of California.    Keep us posted and good luck on your hunt.

[Mike and Heather Brancich]

Jeff, I know that you are looking for one that needs a little work, I have one for sale that needs nothing but a new owner. I love my Travco, but I do not get to use it anymore. I traveled over 150 miles to look at it and then went back to get it after 4 more trips. Now that it is finished I am Looking to sell it. I just don't get to use it very much. It is VERY Dependable, Runs Strong, and Looks Great. But it seems to sit more than I use it. I am a Retired Auto and Diesel Technician and have made sure this thing is sound. I also know there are others on this site for sale as well. Feel free to friend me and if you need any help finding one, I will do my best to help you. If you need Mechanical advise I will help you also.  Good luck  and hope to here from you.