Forum Discussion

71choptop's avatar
71choptop
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014

New to RV's, new to this forum.

Looking at retirement next year and a little travel, some long weekends, some long, long weekends and maybe a month or so next winter.

Would be me, bike, g'friend and dog for the month or so or a long, long weekend.

Looking more at the class b, possible class c.

Have found a '88 Dodge xplorer high top and a '89 288 xplorer. '88 has 41,000 miles and is asking $7,000. obo , the '89 has 90,0000 and he is asking $4,000.

'89 has manual and receipts but guy that bought it never really used it,been sitting around a couple of years, runs but doesn't know what works.

'88 , guy selling for older couple were husband is in hospice and wife knows nothing, is going to check on manuals or receipts.

I like the looks of the older Xplorers,they are in my budget and I am handy. might be a stretch for a month but a good screened in porch can supply more room.

Any input would be appreciated
  • Does anybody know what the numbers,222,228,230..., on xplorer models mean ? I am interested in a 228 and a 230, both w/in 3 hours of me. Thanks
  • Talked to the gentleman w/the '89 228 explorer, am going to try and look at it on Friday. He bought it a couple of years ago from a elderly lady that said everything worked but the refrigerator. He has not used it as a camper although he did fire up and the furnace worked, it comes w/manual and a lot of receipts. Says the body is very good, no apparent leaks and it runs and stops. Was drained and winterized before he got it. Non high top, that salmon color interior, weather checked tires. Like to do my own work, I think it would be a good start. Think I can get it for $3,500.00

    thoughts ? http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/rvs/4754374577.html
  • When you write "bike", do you mean motorbike or bicycle? If it is motorbike, consider how you will transport it.

    Also, ensure seller has clear legal title to the unit he/she sells. Better safe than sorry.

    Look around the recent posts on this blog. A couple of posters have bought older units and reported on the renovations they had to make to get a functional RV.

    Good luck in your search.

    Alain
  • good to start here, investigate old posts, it will help.
    also good to rent a couple of types. it isn't a waste of money if you are new to camping as your title states. Every type has advantages and disadvantages. For example, are you going to have additional transportation or are you willing to disconnect the water, sewer and cable to go to town when you are staying several days or more?

    You may have it all figured out but since you asked, these are the things that commonly come up. Will you want a car, golf cart or boat?

    As for your pick, if it is in good repair and no leaks and you are handy then it is probably great. If you can see no evidence of old leaks or if there is maintenance records, then you are even better off.

    Go thru them thoroughly before purchasing. Try out all the features. I would even ask to rent it for a week or week end with the rent going to the purchase price if you buy it.

    Just don't buy it and hope. Hidden problems can be costly even if you do the labor. good luck.