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

Chum_lee
Explorer
Feb 22, 2018
coachellacanuck wrote:
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 long
V8 5.7 L engine.
Automatic

As always, thanks in advance for any advice

I don't know where you plan to stay in California. Many urban areas are currently experiencing a very high volume of older RV's parked on public roadways which are being used as housing for the homeless. (they really aren't homeless if you consider your RV as your home temporary or not) That said, those RV's that appear to be in less than pristine condition tend to quickly attract the attention of local law enforcement. If you plan on staying in higher end RV parks you may have issues with the "10 year rule" if your vehicle doesn't appear to be well cared for. If you plan to boon dock at BLM sites or other less regulated open land, you may avoid most of the above issues.

Chum lee
77rollalong
Explorer
Feb 22, 2018
We bought one last aug, was not a bad price, and the owner had brought it to a local Ford dealer to have the safety check done about a year before we picked it up, from what i could see was that it had all the brakes re done, new flex hoses, 6 new tires, hanger bearing and u joint..
so i figured it wouldn't be too bad.. had it re safetied to put in in our name with no problem other than having to fix clearance lights and tail light, (normal issues), had it out a couple of times and then found we had major rot to deal with... still in the process of fixing all that now, but it coming along slowly,
hoping to have it all back together for may... ours btw only have 52,000 miles with a ford 460ci

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1988 Ford Lazy Daze with 97 km: too old?

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