Which RV not to look for.

[Henri Kwakkel]

Hi all,

I am new to this site and to classic RV's. Me and my family are in the very early stage of looking for a classic american RV. Well, the "classic american" is mostly my part!

As we are from The Netherlands we have some extra things to consider which I will come back to later, but in general we are looking something in the range of 20 to 27 feet. I would prefer a class A RV, but I also have seen a nice early 80's Dodge Xplorer, so we are not fixed yet.

As with all classics, availability of parts is of great concern, but even more here in Europe. Difficulties sourcing interior parts is something I have already accepted, but engine and drivetrain parts is of high importance to keep going. We are looking at RV's on this side of the pont, but with the little choice, I am also considering importing one from your side! 

I am trying to read on the different makes and models and their particulars. I have read for instance on the rear engine of the FMC, but also on the chain driven front wheel drive of the Revcons. I think these are less suitable for me as a result of the more complicated drivetrains including spare parts.

Are there more makes and models, not considering price and style, that have special features that would be best to leave alone considering I am in Europe?

Like I already mentioned, I have seen a nice Xplorer (which would certainly easy to service and maintain), but also a 72 Winnebago Brave. My wife has a preference for a Winnebago Le Sharo (would also fit well here considering size...). Still, There are some nice Travco's here for sale too!

Please help me limit my choice a bit!

Thanks!

Henri

[Tony durfey]

Hi, Henri

    Just our thoughts.  For earlier parts your best bet is the Travco or the Winnebago dodge based chassis.  If we ever had to replace the Cabana we would get a Travco or a Barth.  I see a lot of parts for sale for Travcos and a large owners group.  Hope this helps, Tony, Joy and Cool Paw Luke

[Henri Kwakkel]

Thank you very much of sharing your thoughts! The large owners group of the Travco's certainly gives some reassurance on the possible help and the availability of parts.

Thanks again and I will keep updated!

Henri

[Myrtle]

I love our travco. One benefit is the great steel rib cage design, much sturdier than many motorhomes made of just wood walls! This is my travco www.myrtleandme.blogspot.com

[Chris Reed]

I don't have much experience with anything other than our Winnebago Chieftain, but can say that so far all the parts that we have needed were readily available online. It is based on a very popular Chevy chassis that had very little changes in over 20+ years. Our's is a 1984 Chieftain and we have completely remodeled the interior. It has also been mechanically very reliable over the two and a half years that we have owned it. We have photos of our motor home on this site to give you an idea of what one like ours looks like. I wish you luck finding something that fits your families needs. RV'ing has profoundly improved that quality of our family trips! 

[Henri Kwakkel]

Thanks for your replies! Myrtle, your Travco looks really fantastic! I am more and more falling for a Travco, but that also means I have to look more into the importing stuff, as I have never seen a Travco over here. What is the curb weight of your RV? I am limited to 7500kg or 16500lbs.

Chris, you are absolutely right that the Winnebago using an standard chevy chassis and drivetrain is of great benefit. I think that Chevy is the easiest to maintain here due to the wide availability of parts. I also would like to compliment you on the interior changes. Although I am looking for that classic look, yours looks so fresh and comfortable!

Thanks again and I will surely keep you all updated on my progress.

[Myrtle]

Hi there. I actually don't know the weight. But I think you'd be able to find out on the travco group.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/travco/

The engines are dodge and we've had good luck finding parts.


What ever rv you choose check what the walls etc are built of to ensure it meets your durability needs. We like ours as it has a metal in the walls instead of wood studs. You can see what it looks like in this old brochure http://myrtleandme.blogspot.com/2009/02/home-sweet-home-look-at-vin...
This is a great resource site http://www.dodgetravcos.com/

[Chris Reed]

Had you purchased a Winnebago sooner you could of had all the thing we removed from ours, lol. Regarding the Chevy chassis and drivetrain; we have had no issues with our since we purchased it. When we got it it had 93,000 miles on it and we are real close to going over 100,000 original miles and it is still going strong. Compression on the engine is good even though it burns about a quart of oil every 3,000 miles, but still starts and runs great! Best of wishes on your RV hunt.

[Matthew Tritt]

Hi Henri,

I think I'd suggest a 22' Revcon or maybe 220 Travco for Class A vehicles. You can do quite a lot of research on-line with both vehicles. But for class B or C, I ended up with a Hall GTC, which is also a very well made 22' fiberglass bodied unit built on a 1973 Dodge chassis. I chose the Hall because it's built on a factory cab and chassis platform, and so includes driver and passenger doors, as well as a mid-body coach door, and also was made with heavy foam insulation between fiberglass outer and inner shells. The other reason was because they are only 8' high, which allows access to many more camping sites than taller vehicles. All motorhomes built on the Dodge chassis from the 60's through the 70's enjoy a ready supply of parts throughout the Americas - but Europe??????