Hello, I'm new to the forum and thought I should introduce myself.I'm Brandon and live in St Paul, Minnesota with my wife Mandy and our 2 dogs.We just bought a used1978 Chevy Itasca 21ft RV through private party sale.It has a 400ci v8 that starts right up and runs smoothly, the entire rig has 84,000 miles on it and had been garaged in the Minnesota winters by both prior owners. I'll be taking it in for a pre travel check on pretty much everything mechanical, including water and LP systems. I know the 3 way refrigerator probably needs to be replaced, as it only marginally cools and replacement parts aren't made anymore for this old Magnavox model from what I've heard. Roof top AC blows cold, and furnace blows hot as they should, I haven't tried the hot water tank, but I was told that it does it's job. It has the optional cab AC unit that does what its supposed to do. Everything seem to be pretty great, and it feels like I found a gem.Has anyone out there owned one of these, and maybe have some info to pass along? Everything is appreciated! We'll be making our first trip in August.

RV fridges take a good long time to cool down. Yours may well be okay; typically once they leak they lose all cooling ability pretty quickly. Give it a day's operation and see how cold it is. (For the price of a replacement RV fridge, you can buy a nice cooler and a lot of bags of ice, incidentally.)Do a thorough inspection of the sealing/caulking around the roof. Water intrusion can cause major damage in a remarkably short time, and previous owners may not have been super vigilant on this since they kept in in a garage. Also check the date codes on the tires and have them inspected for dry rot, etc. if they're over five years old (and just replace them if they're too much older than that). RV tires, as you may already know, usually have to be replaced due to age before the tread is worn down.Have fun and make lots of great memories! It's often a good idea to try your first camping trip in your own driveway or backyard. (A trip of several feet still counts as a trip, just a rather short one.)

I think your going to have a great time. Enjoy your travels!

Well that RV was made the year my oldest child was born! I still think of her as a youngster though. Amazing that you have found it in good shape. Good for the former owners. It is a bit hard to spot rot if you are a newbie, but you can just be sure it is buttoned up with caulk and eternabond and prevent any from happening on your watch. In the meantime, can't think of a more fun hobby! Congratulations!

Congrats! These middle-aged RVs are a blast.One thing I suggest is having all the fuel lines checked for leaks. After 30+ years, the hoses can deteriorate causing potential fire damage. Also check the propane system to ensure there are no leaks there also. The checks are easy to do and worth every penny for the protection.

Congratulations! Enjoy your rig and have fun!

Just purchased my first RV! Tell me what you think.

20 Replies

gbopp
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
Welcome to the forum and congrats on your RV.

If possible, camp in your yard or driveway for a few nights.
You'll get to test everything and help figure out what you will need on the road.

Enjoy your travels.
consumeratlarge
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
I had an old one about that vintage for awhile. I was surprised to find that the ac/dc convertor didn't charge all the batteries, and the ones that it did charge got overcharged while plugged in between uses. Replacing that converter would have saved some battery money, and adding a small battery tender to the chassis (starting) battery, too. The new converter on my present motorhome charges acceptably as is.

As they say, 'bring a toolbox and a good attitude' and you'll enjoy owning a motorhome. You'll learn a lot on this forum.
Skid_Row_Joe
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
Brandonitis wrote:
Hello, I'm new to the forum and thought I should introduce myself.
I'm Brandon and live in St Paul, Minnesota with my wife Mandy and our 2 dogs.
We just bought a used1978 Chevy Itasca 21ft RV through private party sale.
It has a 400ci v8 that starts right up and runs smoothly, the entire rig has 84,000 miles on it and had been garaged in the Minnesota winters by both prior owners.
I'll be taking it in for a pre travel check on pretty much everything mechanical, including water and LP systems. I know the 3 way refrigerator probably needs to be replaced, as it only marginally cools and replacement parts aren't made anymore for this old Magnavox model from what I've heard. Roof top AC blows cold, and furnace blows hot as they should, I haven't tried the hot water tank, but I was told that it does it's job. It has the optional cab AC unit that does what its supposed to do. Everything seem to be pretty great, and it feels like I found a gem.
Has anyone out there owned one of these, and maybe have some info to pass along? Everything is appreciated! We'll be making our first trip in August.

Need pictures, inside, outside, and under the hood, please?
stew47
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
Congrats! Enjoy! A relatively cheap and easy (if nothing goes wrong) is replace brake fluid. I bought a used rv last year and the brake fluid looked like motor oil. Maybe too half hour and 10$ worth of brake fluid. Noticeable improvement on braking.
TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
Before replacing the refrigerator understand they work different than a house unit. Turn it on and leave it on for 2 full days with out opening and with refrigerator thermometer in it. At the end of the 2 days if the temp is 38 to 42 your good to go. If not blow the back of the unit out with compressed air and check that the vent on top is not blocked then repeat the two day drill. Please post back the results.
Mike_Leslie
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
Congratulations! Enjoy your rig and have fun!
toedtoes
Explorer III
Mar 24, 2015
Congrats! These middle-aged RVs are a blast.

One thing I suggest is having all the fuel lines checked for leaks. After 30+ years, the hoses can deteriorate causing potential fire damage. Also check the propane system to ensure there are no leaks there also. The checks are easy to do and worth every penny for the protection.
EMD360
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
Well that RV was made the year my oldest child was born! I still think of her as a youngster though. Amazing that you have found it in good shape. Good for the former owners. It is a bit hard to spot rot if you are a newbie, but you can just be sure it is buttoned up with caulk and eternabond and prevent any from happening on your watch. In the meantime, can't think of a more fun hobby! Congratulations!
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 24, 2015
I think your going to have a great time.
Enjoy your travels!
DrewE
Explorer II
Mar 24, 2015
RV fridges take a good long time to cool down. Yours may well be okay; typically once they leak they lose all cooling ability pretty quickly. Give it a day's operation and see how cold it is. (For the price of a replacement RV fridge, you can buy a nice cooler and a lot of bags of ice, incidentally.)

Do a thorough inspection of the sealing/caulking around the roof. Water intrusion can cause major damage in a remarkably short time, and previous owners may not have been super vigilant on this since they kept in in a garage. Also check the date codes on the tires and have them inspected for dry rot, etc. if they're over five years old (and just replace them if they're too much older than that). RV tires, as you may already know, usually have to be replaced due to age before the tread is worn down.

Have fun and make lots of great memories! It's often a good idea to try your first camping trip in your own driveway or backyard. (A trip of several feet still counts as a trip, just a rather short one.)

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Just purchased my first RV! Tell me what you think.

20 Replies

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