Forum Discussion

Dave_Pete's avatar
Dave_Pete
Explorer II
Oct 05, 2014

What Constitutes Vintage Class A

DW and I are dissatisfied with the build quality, and lifestyle of our new 2013 travel trailer. We're having trouble selling outright, due to a seeming glut on the market. We are considering trading into a Class A and want to keep it close to straight across or "write us a check for the difference" so we're looking at older units. We've looked at Class Cs, but are more favorably impressed with the front seat experience of a Class A.

We are "classics" and "vintage" kind of people. (Yes getting older, but that's not what I meant). We are doing a resto-mod on a classic 1968 Travel Queen Truck Camper for some of our traveling style needs, and we own a 1954 Willys Jeep CJ3B that we love driving and taking with and having people comment on.

So what constitutes a "vintage" or classic Class A? We don't mind some repair and upgrading, etc., but don't want to start out with a basket case. We're tall so would really need the 80" length of a bed and prefer it to be an "always made-up" type. That means a long-boy double, standard queen (non-RV queen). In other words, not sure a smaller Winnebago or GMC would work, but don't let that stop your comments!
Class A
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Oct 05, 2014
    You are the best qualified to answer that question. Whatever you think is vintage is the only thing that is important since you will be buying it and paying for any upgrades/refurbishing.
    Some people restore vintage cars to be restored "originals" with everything being exactly as it was when it left the factory. Others like the look of the older vehicles but they want all of the latest interior amenities and safety features.
    Figure out where you want to be with a Class A and just go for it.
  • BobR's avatar
    BobR
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    There is vintage and then there is reliable. I would opt for a coach from 1991 forward that has fuel injection and over drive transmission. The GMCs are neat and a classic however they lack the above two features as well as storage.
  • Dave_Pete's avatar
    Dave_Pete
    Explorer II
    Oct 05, 2014
    Good advice. We are more of the "modify it to fit your needs, but retain it's classic character" type of people.

    I just read the Wikipedia GMC Motorhome page and have re-considered my OP comment regarding same. The GMC could well be living at the top of my search list.
  • moonlightrunner's avatar
    moonlightrunner
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    I beleive if it's no longer made, it's considered vintage in the auto world. In the RVing world, if it's over 10yo it's vintage. That because manufactured RVs don't hold up too well unless very good care was taken. I suggest that you find something you REALLY like, buy the best example that you can and keep it up from there. Some friends of mine decided to keep their mid '90's Jeep and completely fix it back up rather than buy another used something that they didn't know the issues with. Their theory is that you always hear of the one or two owner classic that was taken care of thru the years. So why not do that with a vehicle they already have $$ invested in. Makes sense to me. Like all those folks who buy a clapped out Airstream and then renovate it. Why not renovate the not so old thing you already have or are looking to buy if you like it even if it's not really "vintage" or "retro" or what ever the popular term is this week? Be easier to get certain parts too. The price difference between "older" and "vintage/collectors" RVs can be a lot of money that can go into repairs and updating.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Oct 05, 2014
    I would look at MH's with an Al outer skin like HR, solid FG walls like an older GMC, or FG hung wall construction. These will not delaminate and would have good long lasting bodies to modify and keep for a long time. If you can go newer you will get slides which offer more room and overdrive transmissions(mid 90's). After 2006 there were no more drive train improvement in gas chassis. So for me a 2006 MH with 2 slides or a full wall slide with a hung wall construction would be ideal for a basic MH that can be modified for the long term.
  • VintageRacer's avatar
    VintageRacer
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    If you like vintage, why not look at a converted bus? You can get a professionally converted bus for quite a good price these days. The bus chassis is far stronger than most class A RV's, and typically had a design life of 20 years and 3 million miles. A few more years and a few more miles won't hurt it...

    Brian
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Oct 05, 2014
    Look for a Prevost or MCI chassis motor home which will guaranty a chassis built to last 1,000,000+ miles and there are several vintage coaches out there with those chassis that are selling for well under $100,000. In almost all cases they will have the ceiling height and bed length that you want. These will be in 40 and 45' lengths and parts are readily available for the chassis and the house can be configured almost any way that you desire. They were all built with the best materials when they left the factory and most have the stainless steel exterior which insures good looks and have a roof that will need very little maintenance. One like this would be a good place to start: Prevost RV

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