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lanky_enki's avatar
lanky_enki
Explorer
Mar 20, 2021

1982 Triple E 454 Chevy engine is it worth it?

Hi guys.

I'm here to tap into the collective knowledge on this forum. I have been eye balling motor homes for awhile in Saskatchewan where I live. I'd like to spend my spring, summer and part of fall in it. Watching all that rent money disappear sucks and I would rather put some of it into a vehicle I can live in part time.


I'm looking at a 1982 Triple E with a 454 Chevy engine at 90.000km priced for $6,100. Pretty well everything runs in it. All the major systems, the back has a dinette table that turns into a huge king size bed that was renovated to make a bit bigger and the outside is in great shape with the awning still working.

The only things not working are:

- The dash air conditioning
- Cruise control (equipped but not working)
- Driver-side windshield has cracks


I'm wondering how good of a price this is for a motor home in this shape. This is a private sale.

Is it on the high end or a fair price? I would appreciate any help :0)

4 Replies

  • 80s Triple E s were exceptionally well built in Winkler, Mb. walked that production line several times when we lived nearby.
    The issues you see are not EEE, charge the dash air, ( r12 - 132 w/ leak sealer) 454 s are tough but thirsty, 90k is just broken in.
    Winshield? Cruise? Dont know.
    $6100cdn ( $4800 us ) sounds high for a 40 yo unit. If they fix your concerns, maybe
    A/c, fridge furnace are at or past end of life. $3k to replace them Get warranty.
  • The "only" things that are wrong with it could easily hit $2000+.
  • An almost forty year old RV can’t be dependable for full time living most of the year IMO. If you still want to proceed, get an RV chassis and house inspection check sheet and an experienced buddy help.
  • If you intend to save money I think you're on the wrong track. You'll need registration, insurance, tags, inspection, gasoline, propane, etc. If you stay in campgrounds you have to pay for that too. If you stay in "free" areas then you have to find a place to get water and dispose of sewer. No mater how you slice it living in an RV takes money.
    That price seems pretty high considering the following RV's I found on RV trader.

    https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2005-Dolphin-WORKHORSE-5015554485

    https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1993-National-DOLPHIN-32D-5015180322

    https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1990-Mallard-Sprint-30--5015358878