Any thoughts on a late 70's Jamboree?

I agree with Travelcrafter. An old rig is not a death sentence. Some things to consider:

1. Tires, hoses, and belts and all things rubber - check them all. Have a smoke test done on the fuel lines to find pinhole leaks, etc. Do this first thing as leaking fuel can be very dangerous. Also check all the propane lines. If in doubt, replace.

2. Re-seal windows, seams, etc. Just do it. Don't wait thinking it won't leak and then find out it does. It doesn't take much to do and will go a long way. If you do it now, you won't be outside in a rainstorm trying to tarp the RV.

3. Check all appliances to make sure they work. Don't take anyone's word for it. Fridge, stove, oven, hot water heater, AC, propane heater, etc. Run the water through all the faucets. Turn on lights while plugged in and with just the battery.

4. Prioritize your work. Focus on safety issues first. Then comfort. Then upgrades. Spread it out so it's affordable. You don't have to do everything all at once. I've had mine for about 1-1/2 years and I've got tons more I want to do. I just focus on the priorities, adjust as needed, and keep moving forward.

With American Clippers, I have found that the purchase price breakdown is as follows:

Under $3,000 - Maintenance not performed by prior owner(s) and major work needed to get engine in working order. Appliances needing replacement. Coach needed cosmetic work (re-upholstery, etc.).
$3,000 - $4,999 - Runs OK, may need catch up maintenance work on engine. Appliances should be functional or needing minor repairs only. Coach in good shape.
$5,000 and over - in good running order. Should not need anything other than minor repairs and/or cosmetic work. Appliances work. Engine likely rebuilt.

The lower you pay up front, the more you'll pay getting it in good working order. In the 1-1/2 years I've owned my rig, I've put about $3000 - $4000 into it (including six 16.5 tires for $1200, and new AGM batteries for both engine and coach). I don't regret the money I spent on repairs and I'm still way ahead cost-wise from buying a new or newer RV.

I've also found as I enjoy my rig that all the "upgrades" I thought I would be doing are not necessary or wanted. I like the simplicity of my rig. I don't miss what's not there. If you must have all those upgrades, then buying an older rig may not be right for you. Personally, I couldn't be happier with my choice.

Bordercollie wrote:
You get what you pay for (if) you are an astute shopper and extrememely lucky. An old rig with with hidden surprises and need repairs/replacements that take a lot of time and money can result in a long delay before you can use it with comfort and confidence. If you really have the tools, time, work space and multiple automotive, electrical, plumbing and RV body work skills, as well as help available, buying and enjoying an old rig may be cost-effective. As uninformed beginners in 1990 we bought an old but nice looking 1979 rig for $13K and regretted not buying a newer rig to the tune of $8000 in repairs and upgrades the first year. You might do a lot better taking advice on this forum.

Thanks for the heads up. If/when I get the next one it will be my third motorhome, and I spent a lot of time in the first two. That, and I do have a mechanical background with old school machines. 442's, Trans Am Bandits, Chevelle's, Road Runners, Dodge Chargers, & GTO's. All of these were 64 through 1970, and this is why I prefer the older machines.

You get what you pay for (if) you are an astute shopper and extrememely lucky. An old rig with with hidden surprises and need repairs/replacements that take a lot of time and money can result in a long delay before you can use it with comfort and confidence. If you really have the tools, time, work space and multiple automotive, electrical, plumbing and RV body work skills, as well as help available, buying and enjoying an old rig may be cost-effective. As uninformed beginners in 1990 we bought an old but nice looking 1979 rig for $13K and regretted not buying a newer rig to the tune of $8000 in repairs and upgrades the first year. You might do a lot better taking advice on this forum.

Travelcrafter wrote:
Please don't be discouraged from buying an older MH I purchased my 78/77 Travelcraft for $2900.00 knowing tires needed replaced soon however I didn't plan on it being 20 miles from purchase. That's something that your going to do for any MH over 5 years old.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm basically just looking right now, but I'm sure I will end up with a vintage coach. :)

Please don't be discouraged from buying an older MH I purchased my 78/77 Travelcraft for $2900.00 knowing tires needed replaced soon however I didn't plan on it being 20 miles from purchase. That's something that your going to do for any MH over 5 years old. I will say that The tire rack I bought my Firestone Trans Force tires from told me the thresh hold was 10 years and they are 16.5's. My camper is made from 5/8th inch plywood sides sandwiched with 1-1/2" Styrofoam and another layer of 1/4 inch plywood paneling so not all of the earlier campers are stick and staple built, most but not all. My roof is covered by sheet aluminum still looks like new. my camper underside is also covered by a sheet of aluminum; not even a hint of a bad piece of flooring any where. Don't be discouraged from buying an older Motor Home Just go into it with your eyes open and be honest with yourself about what you see. I almost walked away from my jewel because of the sales ad. I was very skeptical about the extremely low mileage and a salvage title. I finally went and looked at it and was hooked. the MH was always stored in a poll barn just a short distance from the lake they camped at and the title was salvaged due to a tornado blew the side of the barn up against the Motor home and caused a few small dents in the side and a small hole in the roof. the insurance co. totaled it and they decided to sale because there family was out growing it and they bought there dads camper also salvaged in the same barn and tornado.

Whoa Here . . .

And right you are, the coach is much more of an issue than the chassis. The coaches of that period were stick and staple with aluminum sheet as cover. If water leaks into the structural framework, the construction grade pine rots pretty fast. Repair is a big project. If you have any doubt how big an issue, go read the Tin Can Tourists that restore old campers.

So, if you see evidence of interior water damage, reconsider both the price and if you want to tackle this or not. I have seen it done.

The chassis, is simple. Even that old parts can be had or substituted. Just watch out for 16.5 inch wheels. Tire are not all that easy to get and new wheels can be expensive.

Matt

Ten year old appliances and roof and dash AC units, and awning fabric, if not recently replaced, may be ready to die. Water leak damage can cost thousands to have repaired. Don't take seller's word unless he shows you receipts. Unless generator starts and runs and can power roof AC and microwave properly, it can cost you some big bucks. Tires are dangerous if over 5 years old by date codes. Engine cooling system, brakes,transmission and suspension can also be big cost to repair items. Old rigs like this normally sell for $4000 to $5000 regardless of overhaul/repair money invested in them.

NADA on a 1979 20'6" Jamboree is "Average Retail" $4360 w/o options. New price was about $15,000. We traded a 1979 CruiseMaster Class C with all options without any problems and received $5,000 allowance in on a 1988 28' Travelmaster Class C, similarly equipped in 1993 for $22,000. 1979 Jamboree worth $7000, I really doubt it, maybe $3500 - $4000 tops from an private seller. Our 79 which had a 360 Dodge we added "Instead O'lead" to the fuel due to the disappearance of leaded gasoline which it was equipped for.

If it's in 100% condition it's worth maybe $7000.

Is this a typo?

Yup, condition and how well cared for rules all