bsinmich wrote:
I just bought a '95 Roadtrek 190 Popular from my neighbor. I have taken it on one trip so far. It has the 318 Dodge, 4 speed trans and a B350 Chassis. It has 86K miles on it and I got complete records since new. There was no maintenance skipped on it. I preferred the Dodge because I had poor service from my '79 Chevette under factory warranty. Fords were not used by Roadtrek because their construction did not permit lowering of the center floor. Buy what you want and enjoy. I paid $12700. for mine and am happy with it so far. Both of my MHs are stored inside in a barn so they stay clean and out of the weather.
Sounds like you got a nice Roadtrek! Having driven many Dodge vans in the 1990s (which were new at the time), I kind of know what to expect for handling. Overall I liked them, but found they caught cross winds on highway driving more than the newer generation Chevy vans. But the 318, from I hear, is a good, long lasting engine. A bit of an appetite for fuel, but then again, any V8 full size van or motorhome will (except for maybe the diesel Sprinter vans).
For $12,700 I'd be more than happy with a well maintained 1990s Dodge based Roadtrek. I'm not all then mechanically savvy, so I would definitely seek out a well maintained unit. You're right about Roadtrek not being able to use Fords since the floors can't be lowered. I haven't checked yet, but I wonder if the new style Ford vans that are coming out now will allow for lowered floors?
I wouldn't rule out a Chevy based on a bad experience from your '79 Chevette while still under factory warranty (unless you are boycotting them on principle based on that experience). GM has come a long way since then, and so has automotive technology. I had a 1981 Chevette a long time ago (bought used, out of warranty), which I used as a daily driver and honestly, I had virtually no problems with it. Just regular maintenance like brakes, tires, oil changes, etc. Maybe I got lucky. When it comes to class B motor homes, I think overall it doesn't really matter which one you get, Ford, Dodge or Chevy. They all have their strong points and weak points, and my impression is that they all have similar reliability and fuel consumption. In the end, it may come down to brand loyalty or what's available in the motorhome you want (ie: older Dodge, newer Sprinter or Chevy from Roadtrek, but no Fords from them), or a Ford based Class B from a different motorhome company, etc.
I'm happy with my Airstream travel trailer, but given the chance, and the means, I'd love to get a Roadtrek 190 as a second motorhome for shorter trips and as a tow vehicle for my travel trailer. Some day. I'm just happy to finally have an RV now! :)
