Hello everyone, I'm completely new to the group and look utilizing all the resources here!  My husband and I plan on buying an RV to renovate, and we are in the budget of around $5,000 including alterations and repairs that we will be carrying out.  We are mainly looking into older RVs to use as a project, and also because they are within our budget.

We found this RV listed on craigslist, and I have attatched the link.  It is listed as a 1969 Dodge.  I have searched the internet looking for this rv and have not found anything that looks quite like it.  I'm not sure if that is a bad sign.  It's only $500, so of course I'm anticipating a lot of work both mechanically and cosmetically. 

I guess my main concern in a nut shell, is this a good deal?  In your opinion, givent he little information provided, does this seem to be something that we can have on the road fairly reliably for $5,000?  I'm not concerned with it being restored with original parts, or to it's original form in the interior.  We plan on doing a lot of the work ourselves (we was a mechanic in the army for some time, and I can do a lot of the reupholstering, etc.).  Also, at what point should I be concerned about the engine giving out?  I've read some info about a lot of older RV engines giving them serious trouble at below 100,000 miles.  Id hate to be on the middle of a trip, and have this happen.  When we call the current owner, what are some important questions we should be asking?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, and I look forward to learning from all of the resources on this site!

Here is the link:

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/rvs/5514729634.html

Tags: 1969, dodge, new

Views: 266

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I would keep looking.

Thank you for responding, but what makes you think this is a bad investment?

Hi Nicole. I believe that you would have to invest more than the $5,000.00 you plan on investing in this project. 100,000 miles is a lot . Also sitting for long periods of time takes it toll on a engine. $3,000.00-$4,000.00 to rebuild the engine would not leave you much capitol to work with. Most likely you will need tires also, another $1,000.00. Then there are brakes to worry about, could be another $700.00 plus easily. Then there are the hidden things. While you labor does not come into the picture, you will want or need to change things about the MH that you either need to or want to change and the little things do add up.

Just my two cents worth.

Nicole come to the chat room at the bottom of this page.

When they say roof is unusable that would be enough for me to turn and run, that and the 105,000 miles. I think you would go way over your budget before you even got the structure back in shape. Then you will have the mechanicals. The 318 is a really good engine but you are pushing not only the barn door but the whole barn so that was a really HARD 105, 000 miles. That engine is worn out.

Sounds great guys, and thanks for giving my husband some extra input via chat. We really appreciate the help!

Nicole, there are far better opportunities out there for your RV investment. I happened to purchase an RV from Craigslist and am well satisfied. $2,900.00 1978 Travelcraft. 19,900 miles and clean as a pin. it just happened to be in a tornado and being 37 years old the insurance co. totaled it for a 2 inch hole in the roof. It took all of 20 min. at the highway patrol to get a good title. $1500.00 for 7 new tires, $450.00 for new front brakes and calipers and an other $500.-$600.00 for miscellaneous things like oil change, shop fee's for a complete inspection at an RV dealer and it's ready for anything. I looked for a long time before I made the purchase and I saw a lot of nice rigs going for not so much money. One thing is clear though every one I looked at needed something, and a lot of them was far newer. I suggest you dig in your heals and keep looking it's out there waiting for you.

all thats been mentioned already deals with the drivetrain primarily. a fridge can set you back 1500. frozen water lines?? appliances that they no longer make parts for? with a motorhome you have a truck and an rv combined. do a prepurchase inspection and test before you buy so you know whats needed before buying. i got a 77 harvest tag axle class c given to me with all new appliances. they would cost over 3000. i put a roof seal on it and its got new upholstery. cant get 1500 for it.

Seriously David?  Seems like a diamond in the rough, ready for the road rig. I assume it must be the Locale that detours the buyers. In southern Texas, on my last road trip, sellers wanted brand new prices for older rigs.

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