We are snowbirds in need of an inexpensive Class C to make the trip between Alberta and California, south in October and north in May. Came across this one and here is what I know about it from the Craigslist listing.26 ft longV8 5.7 L engine. Automatic•replaced the front tires and two back tires•installed a new brake hardware kit•replaced the valve system•rebuilt the tire pressure monitoring system•balanced the wheel spin •installed a new water pump•new starter with life time warrantyIt’s $3000.The current owner is the third owner and bought it to remodel so the flooring and furniture has been removed which is ok by us because we want to remodel as a mobile office. I have to think it will get about 10 miles per gallon. How does that compare to newer Class Cs, do you think?I would have it inspected mechanically but I’m wondering what problems these units may be known for?As always, thanks in advance for any advice

The big question is how is the roof? Roof leaks are the big killers of all RV's water gets in, spreads far more than one would think and causes rot which is often far more extensive than the small stains that you may see inside. As a rule of thumb if you see ANY water spots on the ceiling walk (run) away. Many class C's have leaks around the over cab bed windows.

That's an excellent brand, but I doubt you will see anywhere near 10 mpg, as the 5.7 is way undersized/underpowered, unless you drive 55, plan on 5-6 mpg.That said, the 5.7 is arguably one of the best engines Detroit has ever produced. But... you are talking about a 30 year old motor home, and sight unseen, it's really impossible to tell whether it's a great buy or a money pit.

Anything that old I would have auto mechanic check it out and have it pressure tested to determine whether it's leaking. Depending on the maintenance your likely going to have to replace, hoses, belts, plugs, distributor, fluids etc.

Our '93 350 Chev. 21 foot class C gets 10.5 mpg on the highway at 60-65 miles per hour. The one you're looking at though is a carburetor. If you could find a little newer with fuel injection I think that would be helpful.Brian

We had a Mallard on a 1988 E-350 with the 460 V-8, that was the first year that 460 was port injected.Dusty

1988 Ford Lazy Daze with 97 km: too old? | Good Sam Community

Isaac-1
Explorer
Feb 21, 2018
The big question is how is the roof? Roof leaks are the big killers of all RV's water gets in, spreads far more than one would think and causes rot which is often far more extensive than the small stains that you may see inside. As a rule of thumb if you see ANY water spots on the ceiling walk (run) away. Many class C's have leaks around the over cab bed windows.
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Feb 21, 2018
That's an excellent brand, but I doubt you will see anywhere near 10 mpg, as the 5.7 is way undersized/underpowered, unless you drive 55, plan on 5-6 mpg.

That said, the 5.7 is arguably one of the best engines Detroit has ever produced. But... you are talking about a 30 year old motor home, and sight unseen, it's really impossible to tell whether it's a great buy or a money pit.
ksg5000
Explorer
Feb 21, 2018
Anything that old I would have auto mechanic check it out and have it pressure tested to determine whether it's leaking. Depending on the maintenance your likely going to have to replace, hoses, belts, plugs, distributor, fluids etc.
Cobra21
Explorer
Feb 21, 2018
Our '93 350 Chev. 21 foot class C gets 10.5 mpg on the highway at 60-65 miles per hour. The one you're looking at though is a carburetor. If you could find a little newer with fuel injection I think that would be helpful.
Brian
Dusty_R
Explorer
Feb 21, 2018
We had a Mallard on a 1988 E-350 with the 460 V-8, that was the first year that 460 was port injected.

Dusty
77rollalong
Explorer
Feb 21, 2018
we also have a 1977 e350 based motor home, runs good, but again look for any signs of water leaks, or you could end up with a lot of work on your hands
gbopp
Explorer
Feb 21, 2018
The age really isn't a concern. It's the condition.
Geeze
Explorer
Feb 21, 2018
I would be more concerned about tires, belts, hoses, rusted brake lines anything that could deteriorate due to its age. Then as others have suggested also look for water damage.
rjstractor
Nomad
Feb 22, 2018
1988 Ford, it will be a 5.8 (351) and by '88 they were all fuel-injected. Expect typical mechanical issues common on a 30 year old vehicle. Whether it will be reliable enough for you to snowbird with is really up to your expectations, how much work you will do yourself and how much you are willing to pay others to do repairs and maintenance. During that time period, vehicles were in that sort of purgatory where they depended on electronics and computers to make them run, but before they had the standard OBD2 diagnostics. House condition is probably even more important, but Lazy Daze are among the best built, so it's much more likely to be in acceptable condition than other motorhomes of that vintage.
Bordercollie
Explorer
Feb 22, 2018
If it were us, I would find a way to buy a much newer rig for the usage you are planning. If the seller is completely honest about repairs and replacements made, that is a good thing. Brakes are very important, the flexible front brake lines should have been replaced, they can fail internally causing loss of steering control, brake fluid should be flushed/replaced as old fluid may have collected moisture which causes brake fade on grades. Make sure RV generator starts and runs well with roof AC working. House batteries and converter charger must work well for electronic appliance controls, furnace blower, fresh water pump and interior lighting. Engine cooling system including radiator must function properly or engine will overheat on grades. Don't want to be a "wet blanket" but don't want you to be stuck somewhere needing seriously expensive repairs.

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1988 Ford Lazy Daze with 97 km: too old?

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