2003 Dodge Roadtrek with just 29,000 miles

[girasoledonna]

Hey guys. So I've found what I believe to be a great deal... a 2003 practically new Roadtrek 190 Popular with only 29,000 miles on it and just 22K to buy it. The only thing that is holding me back is that its on a Dodge Chassis. I've heard they are not very good for handling, and also that the Dodge is out of production now, which will make it tough to get parts. I want to know how big of an issue this is - some of you know I've been seeking a class b for months now and my budget max is 23K - I've been unable to find something that doesnt have a ton of miles in it ( since i'll be full-timing in it) and this is a great compromise between low mileage and something still not extremely old ( 10+ years ).

Thoughts?

[jjrai]

How about an update?

[katyweaver]

I bought a 2000 Dodge Roadtrek (170 Popular) last fall. It had 57,000 miles on it. I've put about 2000 more on in the last month. No problems at all! It drives a lot like an older Toyota SUV that I owned, except for the height. I think it's a good way to break into van camping. I'm enjoying this van so much that I'm hoping some day to get a new RT with solar when I can go full-time.

[Arizona_Kid]

Read the FAQ's at the top of the Class B Home page. Lots of helpful info. there.

[Gene_in_NE]

girasoledonna - You have gotten your fair share of great advice. I would, however, encourage you to not hand over the final check until you test drive the unit. Take it on a 4 lane with some "semi's" and some wind. There were some complaints on certain units about "white knuckle" driving. I do recall some were able to fix the problem with a change of tires (other than Michelins) and the spacers on the rear wheels. The main reason is "Why does this one have low miles?" That makes it a tad suspect.

The chassis with the 318ci (5.2L) is almost bullet proof and the appliances are readily available.

Best of Luck. Better to take a bus home with your money versus owning something you cannot drive comfortably.

[jrobert01]

I have a 2002 dodge pleasure way and love it no handling problems at all.I bought it a couple years ago and gave 30k and am well pleased. It's a one owner garage kept low mileage van and we use it almost weekly for 2 or 3 days.If it is what you have been looking for buy it that is a good price and will perform well if it is what they say. Good luck.You can also e-mail me if i can help in any way or answer any concerns.

[nomad_289]

charles wrote:
Sound like a good deal

X2

OP wrote:
Its in another state far from me - and I'm working today on trying to find an RV dealer to come out and inspect it before I buy it. I was thinking perhaps I should have a mechanic look at it too?

Yes, I would. Also, I wouldn't hand over the final check until I saw the unit in person---even if that meant a greyhound trip to pick it up. Give them a few hundred to hold it for you.

[charles]

I have a 1995 Pleasure-way on the same Dodge Chassis, No handling issues. It has 103,000 miles and the 318 engine still runs great, it's quiet, strong, and uses no oil between changes. I also had a 2001 Pleasure-way on the Dodge Chassis and it did have a handling problem, it was solved 100% by putting on the wheel spacers.

Sound like a good deal, especially if it has a generator.

Nick

[Darrah]

Andrea,

Not matter what chassis / van is (aka: Dodge, Ford, Chevy or a Mercedes. ) people are going to tell you that they don't handle well or something else is wrong with it.

This is all a personal thing..... Just find something that fits your needs and budget and get out there.....

[richardg40]

We bought the exact same Roadtrek last year that your looking at . A 190 Popular 2003 on a Dodge with a 318 motor . We have no regrets at all and enjoy our van 100% . Good on gas , everything in it works and handles pretty good on the road .

It's a heavy vehicule so its not a race car and strong wind will affect it some but not bad . Our van has 90,000 km now so 54,000 miles . Didn't burn any oil either driving 5000 miles last summer . We are packing for a one week trip at the end of the week .

My uncle has an older RT with a 318 Dodge with 180,000 mile . He has been retired for years and travels a lot .

Good luck but you won't regret getting a Roadtrek .

[jjrai]

I think that the Dodge is a good unit. The B may have less room than larger units, but it will allow you to do more "urban" camping near your gigs. Also, fuel economy is much better. The good thing about Dodges is that you can get them serviced almost anywhere, too. There are a couple of guys who live in their vans on YouTube and you may get some tips. Search for for "Chris Penn" (who lives in an older Dodge B) and "Livingthevanlife" on YouTube. Both of them are educated, hard working, and live in their vans by choice/for career goals. They do some videos with advice. Good luck!

[PSW]

Sure. Just sent me a Private Message if you prefer and I will be glad to help. Or, just post here on the forum and others can chime in as well. There is a large number of folks here that have had lots of experience with this kind of RV.

[girasoledonna]

Thanks so much PSW. I'm pretty sure that this one is built on a 318 engine! So that means you know exactly what I'm talking about and your advice is GREATLY appreciated 🙂 I sadly won't be able to drive it really before purchasing it. Its in another state far from me - and I'm working today on trying to find an RV dealer to come out and inspect it before I buy it. I was thinking perhaps I should have a mechanic look at it too? Unless u think that just the PDI is enough. I know that it has an airconditioner for sure and generator!

Would it be ok if kept in touch with you about any other questions I might have in the next day or so about this particular model? I am kinda out on my lonesome here, and this Jersey gal would appreciate any help you could lend.

[PSW]

We have had a 190 Popular on a Dodge in the past and loved it! The older Dodges had a 318 or 360(as I recall) engine in them and ours was the little 318, aka 5.2 litre. We never had problems with anything on the rig and used it for seven years.

In all the modern talk of Sprinters, it is easy to not remember that the Dodge 3500 series vans (known as stretch vans and what your 190P is built on) were a mainstay of work vans for years. They also were very popular configured as kind of a micro bus and used by churches and schools for a very long time.

Just drive it and make sure it handles well for you. I think it would be perfect for what you want it for..........a mini home. Does it have a generator and airconditioner that both work? Check it out carefully and if you have a friend that knows RVs or can find someone on this forum that lives close to you to help you "look it over" you will be making a good move. You can park it easily most anywhere and the rear visibility on the Dodge is something I sure miss.

[donn0128]

I would still look at smaller class C's. they will give you way more room, and still be maneuverable. The B your looking at is going to be very limited in space. And having to make the couch into a bed is not really ideal. With a small C you can had a real bed and shower. Plus a decent toilet room. All things you will quickly grow to hate in the smaller B. JMHO.