Purchasing a vintage Class A

Whatever else, don't get a carb-equipped big V-8 made between about 1980 and the introduction of fuel injection sometime in the early 1990s. We had an '85, 26' Class C with a carbed 460 Ford. It had enough smog gear on it to make a Navy frigate clean-air certifiable. What a POS that was. Best gas mileage we saw at sea level was around 6 mpg and above 1500', it dropped to around 4.5. We have a lot of high altitude terrain in this part of the world.

After a season and a half, we got rid of it. Gas was under $2 a gallon at the time, so it sold fairly quickly on consignment. We waited a while and now have our '02 Georgetown 32' Class A. Ford V-10 with EFI, 8 mpg regardless of altitude and three seasons with absolutely no trouble with any of the engine systems. Wish I could say the same about the carburetor-equipped generator. "Carburetor" (which ever way you spell it) is an irregular French verb that means "leave well enough alone". You couldn't pay me enough to buy a gasoline-engined vehicle that was old enough to have a carburetor (except maybe a mid-1960s Austin Mini pick-up truck). I'd love one of those as a toad.

I would not consider a wood and glue construction that old. Airstream started making aluminum motorhomes in 79. I would find a size in that family and go from there. There are lots of all ready restored Airstream and Argosy motorhomes around. I would also consider a GMC motorhome but beware; they had some rust issues as does the chassis on any road machine.

My Daughter & SIL bought a Bluebird FC. That is a front end diesel with a 3208 Cat. On their first trip they had to be towed 100 Miles back home to repair a blown head gasket. He did both heads and the second one was almost ready to blow. This is '82 Bird that is all steel and loaded with everything. This year it has run great and they took several trips with it problem free. His folks have a '77 GMC that is in mint shape also.

I seem to have some direct experience in this area.
Remember that anything boxy will probably have wood framing and that framing could well be rotted where water leaked in.

Do you have any particular idea what you want?
Are you looking for a commercial bus conversion?
Any particular length?
Diesel or Gas?
Will you require material support or can you manage to adapt to anything available?

We can start if you can answer these.

Matt

If looking for a Class A, check out the Winnebago "EyeBrow" units.
Web site to Winnebago Previous Models

Foretravel or Bluebird.....

WealthyIndustrialist wrote:
I'm looking for advice and information on buying an old class A. !

Remember, you asked. Welcome to the forum.


1. Whatever your budget is, quadruple it. Better yet, don't even have a budget. You won't be able to stick to it anyhow.

2. You'll need an enclosed building with heat large enough to work on your Class A project indoors. Your building will need water and power.

3. Buy a well stocked tool box and know how to use every tool in it. Be journeyman skilled in plumbing, carpentry, fiberglass repair, flooring, roof replacement, electrical wiring, RV HVAC, welding, chasis repair, engine and tranny repair, and rear diff repair.

4. Buy a very, very large bottle of aspirin. Yer gonna need it.

5. Buy your vintgage Class A and enjoy. Won't matter which one you buy. Any of the type you're looking for will all be life long hobbies. Buy the one you like best. Just keep your checkbook handy.

6. "Google "Tin Can Tourist" for ideas and info on vintage RV's. Good luck.


Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)