Hello all, I am looking for advice on a motor home. The wife and I found one that fits our family really well and the price is within our budget (I don’t want to finance). We have had 6 different campers/toy haulers over the years and sold the last one before I deployed this last time. Well it is time to get back on the road but we have never owned a motorized RV. The motor home is a 1990 Hawkins and has 77k miles, it is a Chevy 454 with a Quadra jet 4 barrel carb backed by turbo 400 trans. The maintenance on this beast is well documented and all the fluids look good, the cooling system, carb, and front suspension has all been rebuilt or replaced. I know the gas mileage will suck, but what should I expect to look for in the engine/trans setup (any major problems to look for). I was told to put headers on it for the mountain grades and take it slow. Does anyone have any insight one the Chevy p30 MH and this drive train. Thanks, I have no experience with the Chevy Big Block other than knowing they are thirst.

the exhaust headers on these years P-30/32 454 got cherry red and would crack.bumpy

Thanks, I was also told to make sure there was a heat shield for the starter.

DD, The P30 is a well know item. There are other sites that have P30 groups and I suggest that you search for them. I have an older (antique in my case) coach, so let me advise you that all the rubber parts have limited life. You probably know about tires and belts, but you should also look at changing out hoses - fuel and coolant - and the brake line (and fluid while there). None of this is expensive unless you ignore it. Matt

Matt_Colie wrote:DD, The P30 is a well know item. There are other sites that have P30 groups and I suggest that you search for them. I have an older (antique in my case) coach, so let me advise you that all the rubber parts have limited life. You probably know about tires and belts, but you should also look at changing out hoses - fuel and coolant - and the brake line (and fluid while there). None of this is expensive unless you ignore it. MattThanks, the hoses/belts are new and I have priced the tires. By looking at your picture you have my dream RV, but the wife does not like the old GMC motorhomes (yet). I wish that I could find one of those in good condition within my price range but not going to happen right now, and with 3 kids they are a little small.I have looked at many p30 forums, but I am always looking for more information to be better informed, thanks again!

there used to be replacement springs for those front end air bags which were sort of a half baked attempt to make the front end stronger.bumpy

Hawkins Motor Home advice | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

gswcgi
Explorer
Nov 26, 2013
I had a 1985 Allegro 23' with a GM 454 engine. It was a repair/maintenance nightmare...a real pig.I went through manifold/headers 3 times until I spent the money for stainless steel. It burned up ignition harnesses, had unlimited vapor locks and atrocious gas mileage...all that on a 23' RV!!!!!!!!!!! Run don't walk.
Daveinet
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
Refrigerators are only a few hundred bucks, since he is a DIYer. Just replace cooling unit. During the first 7 years of owning this Revcon, I spent well under the average for upkeep and repairs, compared to much newer coaches. The reality is, that the rate at which stuff breaks starts to fade in between the 5th years and 10 years in age. It then continues at that rate for the rest of its life. The failures are not as catastrophic, but still seem to cost just as much to repair. Unless you have a major drive train component failure, all other repairs are about equal in expense. In a gas coach it is not uncommon to start replacing suspension components at the 10 year mark. A newer coach will have 22.5 tires, which is great for the load carrying, but super expensive on the pocket book. A lighter coach will not require the larger tires, which saves several thousand dollars.
mike_brez
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
Pogoil wrote:
2bzy2c wrote:
I've said it before in similar posts. An RV of that vintage and mileage will have problems. Lots of problems. There are too many different systems on board that can go wrong. Not necessarily due to abuse, but simply from age deterioration. Heck, just the fridge can cost $1500+ and that is for a small one.

I would opt to buy a newer RV. A 26 year old RV has basically exceeded its lifespan. You can spend the money on restoration, or spend the money on a newer RV. Either way, you are going to spend the money.

Its not an RV...It's a part time job.

Disagree,

I have a 1995 DP. I will take it anywhere. Expect it may outlast newer motorhomes. All appliances are original except water heater.

Most maintenance items serviced or replaced. I do most of my own work and enjoy it.

Pogoil.

X2 mines a gasser 20 years old all original appliances. Only changed still working tvs for flat screens.
Pogoil
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
2bzy2c wrote:
I've said it before in similar posts. An RV of that vintage and mileage will have problems. Lots of problems. There are too many different systems on board that can go wrong. Not necessarily due to abuse, but simply from age deterioration. Heck, just the fridge can cost $1500+ and that is for a small one.

I would opt to buy a newer RV. A 26 year old RV has basically exceeded its lifespan. You can spend the money on restoration, or spend the money on a newer RV. Either way, you are going to spend the money.

Its not an RV...It's a part time job.

Disagree,

I have a 1995 DP. I will take it anywhere. Expect it may outlast newer motorhomes. All appliances are original except water heater.

Most maintenance items serviced or replaced. I do most of my own work and enjoy it.

Pogoil.
tderonne
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
I think you are on the right path. If it were me, (in gasser-land) I'd be shopping for something that (in sort of budget order):

1. Has EFI and a four speed trans. Happened around '91. Remember the chassis can be older than the box.
2. Has a slide. Can't beat the room.
3. Has a '99 newer Ford Chassis, or '01 or newer W-series Workhorse. The '99 F53 was a real, designed for RVs, chassis. Wide track, 4 wheel disc brakes, beefy frame. Workhorse followed with similar stuff on the W series chassis when it came out in '01.
frankdamp
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
Check whether it has Autopark. That can be a very troublesome system and its primary failure mode is to apply the parking brake when you're driving along. We decided not to consider a P30 or a Workhorse, primarily for that reason. We went with an '02 on a Ford F53 chassis with the V10 engine. We have had to replace the fridge this year - about an $1800 job.
LVJ58
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
dddonkey wrote:
Hello all, I am looking for advice on a motor home. The wife and I found one that fits our family really well and the price is within our budget (I don’t want to finance). We have had 6 different campers/toy haulers over the years and sold the last one before I deployed this last time. Well it is time to get back on the road but we have never owned a motorized RV. The motor home is a 1990 Hawkins and has 77k miles, it is a Chevy 454 with a Quadra jet 4 barrel carb backed by turbo 400 trans. The maintenance on this beast is well documented and all the fluids look good, the cooling system, carb, and front suspension has all been rebuilt or replaced. I know the gas mileage will suck, but what should I expect to look for in the engine/trans setup (any major problems to look for). I was told to put headers on it for the mountain grades and take it slow. Does anyone have any insight one the Chevy p30 MH and this drive train. Thanks, I have no experience with the Chevy Big Block other than knowing they are thirst.

Here's a site you may want to visit and perhaps gain more information on the HMC coach--:

http://www.hmcclub.com/

Good luck
dddonkey
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
Thanks for all the input, I still have some thinking to do. I can do most of the work myself other than major engine trans work, but as stated I don't need another job, I need to just relax. The more talking I do with my wife, maybe we need to get something from the early 2000's.

Wow, getting a TT was much easier when everyone fit into the truck. Thanks again for all the input and advice I really do appreseate it.
wolfe10
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
Several have hit around it, but let me focus on the most important issue when buying an older RV, boat, etc:

Can you and are you willing to do your own work on all but the most serious issues. If not, you will sink a lot of money in an older toy.

If you do most of your own work, you can end up with a pretty nice toy at a reasonable price.

Between saving on labor and using Preventive Maintenance to avoid major expenses doing your own work is THE DIFFERENCE.
magik235
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
I have always bought older vehicles that fit my budget without financing. Check out the threads in my signature for possible issues.

Forum Discussion

Hawkins Motor Home advice

20 Replies

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Hawkins Motor Coach

Hawkins Motor Coach 1994

Hawkins Motor Coach

looking for 1994 Hawkins throttle cable

Tire Advice