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UnderTheRoot's avatar
UnderTheRoot
Explorer
Apr 22, 2026

1983 GMC 23' Shasta Mini Motorhome

I have so many questions about this motorhome and life on the road.  This is the beginning.  Back in the early 90s, I was living on/off in a VW Transporter II Westfalia poptop. 
Here I am again, only this time, incredibly more prepared for knowledge and wisdom as a human.  This vehicle was in my immediate budget of $2500.  I will have access to mechanics tools and a place to work on it while preparing it for safe, securely maintained life on the road. *grateful

I am searching for more information and knowledge shares from other professional enthusiasts to put this motorhome on the right track.
The current owner over the last 2 years were a mechanic and his wife + 2 children.  He has the engine purring, insulated the ceiling inside except the bathroom, new tires and spare, freshly sealed the outside.
The refrigerator is toast, the generator is toast.  Until I have the vehicle in my possession, I only have this information and took a test drive yesterday.

My idea is to update this efficiently and as eco-friendly as possible.  It is 43 years old and I want to treat it kindly, take care of it.  Any tips will help me do this from experienced peoples such as yourselves.  Thank you. xo

 

3 Replies

  • UnderTheRoot's avatar
    UnderTheRoot
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2026

    It is a reality.  There will be 2 mechanics with me.  My budget will grow with time.  Without diving into my story, I am about to lose my 10-year home due to the circumstances surrounding a 8-year employment that just disappeared.

    It is possible to be right and left brained at the same time.  My experience may be novice, however, I choose to take the challenges in hand and rely on my ample competence.

    I will ask more to the point questions in the future and was asking for basics of what this rig will need to be a full time life on the road without having access to water and electrical hookups?

    • Grit_dog's avatar
      Grit_dog
      Trailblazer
      Apr 22, 2026

      I’d ask the mechanics then. In reality the list is quite long to get an old vehicle with unknown history into a very reliable state. Or not. Right now you don’t know if it needs brake work all around, fluids, is the trans good or on its last legs, front end, exhaust. If it needs an exhaust that’s min $1000-1500 or $100s in parts and a cobble job laying in your back for a couple days IF you have the right tools and can drill, weld etc. 
      The camper, similar.  Start with repairing or replacing fridge and generator. If they need replaced that’s an easy $2-3k and not easy removal and install imo, even if proficient and know what you’re doing. 
      If you don’t have any idea what else it may need then the only thing we could do is list every thing possible that could or does need attention on a very old RV. 
      Electrical to water pump, tanks, structure water tight. 
      I can empathize that you’re in a bad situation, presumably through  no fault of your own. 
      But I won’t digress into the other challenges, as this decision defies alot of solid logic imo. 
      Not trying to be mean but rather, honest. 

  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Trailblazer
    Apr 22, 2026

    Looks like a pretty solid rig. 
    That said, and making a few presumptions like this is for hobby or pleasure and not necessity, you have a pile of challenges ahead.  


    The largest I see is being or appearing to be a decidedly right brained female with zero admission of any relevant experience or knowledge to make the major, involved, expensive, obvious repairs to the house. Couple that with no knowledge of vehicle mechanics. All of this is either necessary to possess or prohibitive, short of a very ample budget. 

    Speaking of, Your budget is the next largest concern. Even IF you knew how to make the obvious repairs and had the capability and tools (you don’t own tools, you have access to tools, 2 different things, also for obvious reasons), just the couple things mentioned cost more than your whole budget. And you admittedly only know what you know right now on a 43 year old piece of equipment with twice as many systems as a vehicle. 

    Lastly, your general statement about updating “as efficiently (read , no money) and eco - friendly”  (read, no idea what that means or what it costs) seals the deal. 

    Great dream, not enough resources to be a good reality. 

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