Opinions on Gulfstream B Touring Cruiser 5230

I owned a 2004 BT Cruiser model 5230. It did ride nicely. It was on a E350 chassis. It was easy to park because of it's small size. The biggest issue was the sleeping arrangements. The jackknife sofa was not comfortable for two adults and was small for one tall adult (me). I tried to fix the bed with foam and plywood but nothing worked. If you are not tall and single it could work for you.
I would check carefully for leaks, especially the slide out seals. The person I sold it to had problems with leaking slideout seals. Mine had a Generac generator. The roof was fiberglass so that is a plus. We had a squeak but it was not too bad. An older MH might develope squeaks and leaks so be careful. The cabinets were very solid and I was able to install shelves to make better storage.

When we bought our 2003 BT Cruiser 5230 there were two identical units on the lot. One was about $700 more than the other. The sales guy told us to look over both, take our time and he would leave us alone unless we had questions. After a couple of hours of sitting and thinking, we had a question: what is the difference for $700. Dummy me. One was on a 350 and the other on a 450 chassis.

We bought the 450 and were always glad to have the heavier chassis. The unit was well built and essentially an entry level. Yes, it had a Generac 4000 on it. We loved the big windows and we had two opposing couches each of which made a bed. The kitchen was L shaped and very nice as was the bath area.

Beware! The SQUEAK. That was what it was called on these forums back when these rigs came out. It seems that the overhead bump out that made it a "B+" (I think Gulfstream actually invented the term with the BT Cruiser)was improperly torqued and poorly designed so there could be a heck of a squeak in that area. I remember taking out the headliner panel and tightening the large bolts up there and that stopped the squeak.

I also remember reinforcing and modifying some of the cabinetry. The water fill inlet to the tank from the outside was poorly positioned and the unit burped back water when going down the road and I put in a longer hose with a loop in it to eliminate that problem.

There was a TSO issued by Ford for the seal in part of the firewall construction where two parts joined. In a heavy rain, water would come into the driver's side below the dash. I got the TSO and fixed that myself.

This rig gave us good service and we enjoyed the heck out of it. When they reintroduced BT Cruisers a few years ago, I looked at a new one at an RV show and the layout was identical to my recollection and pictures of ours a dozen years earlier.

If we did not love our Phoenix Cruiser, I would be perfectly comfortable buying a new BTC 5230.

If the 2004 you are looking at meets your inspection levels and you like the layout, go for it. I would be surprised if it did not have have genset and if it does not, I think you will find it was wired for one. Also, I bet the 2004 is virtually identical to the 2003 models.

Paul

I bought a 2004 BT Cruiser 5211 last fall. Haven't been able to use it much so far, but from what I see, it looks like a well made motor home. I do have a Microlite generator, however this one was installed by the previous owner. It had been wired for a generator by the manufacturer.

I will know more about it when I get it out of the snow in April (May?) and be able to make some small trips to test out the systems.

rowekmr wrote:
Greetings,

The listing doesn't specify generator were they all generator prepped from factory or was that an option. What is their tow capacity?

Thanks

The 2004 BT Cruiser 5230 I had, had a Generac generator. The coach was well built, on a Ford e350 chassis with a V10. It handled well, had solid wood cabinets, a full size fridge and oven.

The V10 has plenty of power, with tow capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Bill

Oops I am sorry for being mistaken.

I owned a 2003 of the same model. Please move this as suggested to the C forum and I will be happy to comment.

Yep, that's a Class C RV.

If you google that model and Year, you'll find a brochure. Says "generator prep" under Electrical.

You may want to post this question on a Class C forum.

Bud