1988 LeSabro

Arizona Kid wrote:

I believe the vin number will tell the type of chassis it was built on. Someone on here a while back said if the vin had a B as the forth letter then it was on a van chassis, if it had a C then it's a cut-away chassis. The LeSharo has a "B". If this is true about the vin, I'm not sure.
I have heard that the LeSharo was based on a delivery van in France.

The LeSharo and Rialta are nearly identical designs from Winnebago. They are both based on Euro vans: the former is a Renault van, and the latter a VW Rialta.

Vin numbers will say nothing to distinguish them from one another w/r rv class.

P.S. What, specifically, is a delivery van?

Positions 4 5 6 7 8

Here you can find out the vehicle model, engine type, body style and things like that. Each vehicle maker uses different codes for this so go to the Automobile Manufacturer for your vehicle to get the codes.

http://www.researchmaniacs.com/VIN/VIN-Decoder.html

A quick Google did not find a website listing the 4th alphanumeric codes for Renault.


Back on topic, this site may be of use to the OP:

http://www.lesharo.com/drivers/why-lesharo.html

I looked at used LeSharos and Rialtas in 2002 when shopping for my first RV. I found the designs to be very interesting but when I found out about the drivetrains, I quickly started to look elsewhere.

McK wrote:
Arizona Kid

Are we talking about the same vehicle?

Here is the Renault van the LeSharo is derived from:

Renault Traffic and Master Vans

And there is this:

The LeSharo was one of those great ideas that ran aground on the realities of its Renault engine and transmission. Renault had just recently introduced its new FWD diesel Traffic van. Winnebago bit, and another Franco-American tie-up was created, and Renault shipped cabs complete with front drive train, and a rear axle to Winnebago,

where the low and light (5,000 lb) 1983 LeSharo was born. The economy (20-23 mpg) was enticing; the Renault engine and transmission less so.

Curbside Classic: 1985 Winnebago 23mpg LeSharo Turbo Diesel RV

I believe the vin number will tell the type of chassis it was built on. Someone on here a while back said if the vin had a B as the forth letter then it was on a van chassis, if it had a C then it's a cut-away chassis. The LeSharo has a "B". If this is true about the vin, I'm not sure.
I have heard that the LeSharo was based on a delivery van in France.

The very first rv I saw that was the right size with everything I wanted was a LaSharo. However, as soon as I found out it was FWD and powered by a Renault drivetrain. I never looked again. If you buy one knowing what it is, then you can't complain when it breaks and you can't find parts or a mechanic to work on it.
A LaSharo is a perfect example of how looks can be deceiving.

Arizona Kid

Are we talking about the same vehicle?

Here is the Renault van the LeSharo is derived from:

Renault Traffic and Master Vans

And there is this:

The LeSharo was one of those great ideas that ran aground on the realities of its Renault engine and transmission. Renault had just recently introduced its new FWD diesel Traffic van. Winnebago bit, and another Franco-American tie-up was created, and Renault shipped cabs complete with front drive train, and a rear axle to Winnebago, where the low and light (5,000 lb) 1983 LeSharo was born. The economy (20-23 mpg) was enticing; the Renault engine and transmission less so.

Curbside Classic: 1985 Winnebago 23mpg LeSharo Turbo Diesel RV

Thanks for all the great replies. I love this little thing, even with its problems. I am going to start with replacing the fuse. I'll let you all know. It looks like putting the v-6 in costs around 14000. A little high for me. But a long term possibility. I think this is a great one person moho.

Many LeSharo owners have swapped out the Renault drive train because parts are expensive and difficult or impossible to find.

I spend my winters in south Florida and travel with Charles and Betty Lamb. They are active on the above mentioned forum. They have done many modifications to their LeSharo including a drive train swap with a GM V-6. They have traveled to every state except Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii with it.

Actually the LeSharo (Renult) is a Van conversion, unlike the Rialta. I know it looks like a Class C, but it started as a van. (unibody)
Having said that, I wish the op well, and hope he never needs to find parts, or have a clutch replaced. I heard $5,000 for the clutch, and that was a few years ago. Maybe the most under powered RV ever built in the US. If the op is a good mechanic, who enjoys a challenge then the LeSharo may be a fun project.
They built both a gas, diesel model.
Here is the original brochure.
LeSharo pdf

You should also check the Class C forum since the LeSharo is a C.

I'm sorry