Hawkins Motor Home advice

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.

X2 this is real world sage advice and not virtual world RV.Net dreaming about some 20+ quality built DP (in your case gas) taking off for parts unknown and the adventure of a lifetime.

You also mention GMC, remember once the frame is rusted and weakened you're pretty much all done. Check the gap around the house entrance door to verify it is even all the way around, that will be the first easy sign telling that there is an issue.

Thank you all for the replies, we have not made the purchase yet and are still keeping our eyes open. I would love to get an old GMC as stated but they would be tight at 26' for 5 plus a dog and they are 40 years old. We may wait till we have a little more money for a newer one but I like the fact I can work on some of the older ones.

The newest member of our family was a surprise, and not planed but is a blessing. The dog is also part of the family an a class A is the way to go. We did check out some class C's but they did not seem as stable just walking around in let alone driving.Thank you again for all the advice!

We had a 91 Pace Arrow and my dad had an 89 Pace Arrow, both on the P-30 chassis. The fact that ours had fuel injection and overdrive transmission gave us 8 MPG vs. my dad got 6.5 MPG running together over the same roads. All the parts in a 26-year-old motorhome are replaceable, look for age and operation of all the components. Our exhaust manifolds cracked, but were easily replaced with better ones. Also, the transmission failed and had to be replaced. Later models had Allison transmissions, which are way superior to the Chevy ones.

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.

As long as the engine compartment has reasonable ventilation, I do not believe that headers will result in any heat problems. The OEM manifolds are known to crack and leak, but normally headers is the solution, not the problem. Headers will run tons cooler than manifolds ever did, as long as you have free flowing exhaust to let the heat out. My old 454 ran so much cooler once headers were installed, and the Magnaflows.
The biggest problem with the P30 chassis is that they are often overloaded, the length is stretched. If the coach is 30 feet or less, you would not have any inherent handling issues. Longer lengths can be improved, but have their limitations. HMC is typically a big tall coach. You will be limited in what you can do to improve it.
If you've not made the purchase, and like the idea of a front wheel drive coach, you could look for a late 80s Revcon. I have no doubt DW would like the interior, and if as long as the suspension is in properly maintained condition, you can't beat the handling. When I drive out west, it is not uncommon to set the cruise at 80 and just roll.

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

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.

Matt

Thanks, 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!

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

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

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