Opinion: 1986 Pace Arrow 27FT Motorhome Chevy Chassis

[rhudson1111]

Hello everyone! I'm looking to purchase a Motorhome/RV. Since this is an older model, I would like to see if you have opinions on the model. I will have a pre-purchase inspection done also. This one is a bit older than I was looking for, but may be a good deal.

1986 Pace Arrow 27FT Motorhome Chevy Chassis
Cost: $6,500

Seller states mileage under 50k and everything working. Has back camera, no leaks, water heater, furnance, built-in propane tank, new radiator, new water pump, upgrade eletrical plant Onan. Registration paid til November.

Does anyone have any knowledge of this model? All things considered with the age of course, anything in particular that stands out with this model that I should clearly stay away from? I would have to travel about an hour just to view it, so I'd rather not waste my time if there is something you more experienced folks would know.

Many thanks for your help!

Robin

[jumanjii1]

Buy as new an RV as you can and stay away from the old ones, even if they're giving it away. To call them money pits is an understatement. Mine's an 87 that I've owned since 2014. It still won't pass inspection no matter what I try. I just purchase a Trip Permit for five bucks and drive on down to the camp site. Believe me, all RV's are troublesome but that's because they're complicated and have many systems that need constant attention. Even my inlaws RV gave her trouble, and that was a 2001 Intruder. What a shitbox that was. I was always working on it. But aside from all the work we put into owning one, we just love it, love camping and just driving to our next destination. Our friends do it and so do we.
Good Luck

[fcooper]

The onboard generator should supply all of your electrical needs, so I do not see the need to buy another generator.

Regarding " It better not change lanes by itself! lol. I will have a heart attack! I wasn't even planning to test drive...just getting the pre-inspection done and have someone else drive it the 80 miles home so I can practice in familiar so cal neighborhoods. " I think you will be increasing your chances of buying something that does not handle well if you do not drive it yourself. When we were looking for our first motorhome, we drove many...some were good and some were white knuckle experiences.

Good luck with your motorhome hunt.

Fred

[Racklefratz]

rhudson1111 wrote:
One more question... If it has an onboard generator and 350watt solar. Do I need to actually purchase a gas generator right away?

I don't understand the question. What kind of "gas" do you contemplate generating, and why? The claimed "onboard generator" ought to satisfy your generator needs.

Please explain.

[rhudson1111]

One more question... If it has an onboard generator and 350watt solar. Do I need to actually purchase a gas generator right away? Is that something I can get away with buying down the road. They are costly and would love to remove from my initial expense budget if possible.

[rhudson1111]

Thank you all for your input! As a newbie, it's greatly appreciated. I'm going to pass on the 86. I am now considering a 1991 Fleetwood Southwind 30'. Bigger than I wanted and I still have to travel 80 miles for this. But it has 350watt solar already installed (which I was going to install myself). Says, new stereo, 2 flat screen tvs, new toilet, new fridge, new water pump. Regularly maintained. Rebuilt engine with 38k mileage, refurbished generator, 15k in upgrades, awning works great, self-leveling jacks (no idea about that), new batteries, always pass smog, everything works. Asking $8500. Clear title in hand. I was sold on the solar alone, but no help if the Fleetwood no good. Sounds like a good one, but I'm not experienced. Anyone know about these Fleetwoods? Does this all sound like good stuff? It better not change lanes by itself! lol. I will have a heart attack! I wasn't even planning to test drive...just getting the pre-inspection done and have someone else drive it the 80 miles home so I can practice in familiar so cal neighborhoods.

[mike_brez]

I had a 1994 pace arrow on the p30 chassis it changed lanes all by itself.
I did super steer bell cranks,tie rod ends,idler arm,ipd over sized front sway bar with poly bushings front and rear,koni shocks all around,safe t plus steering stabilizer,ditched the front coil springs with the bags and installed super steer coil springs,super steer rear trac bar, hankook tires and three front end alignments
Still was a POS

[Dave_Pete]

We considered a Class A used. Until we drove one. Before we all got spoiled with modern automotive comfort we didn't know any better.

[IAMICHABOD]

I had a 87 Winnie 27 ft on that chassis and it was the most evil handling thing I had ever driven,after shocks,oversize sway bars and a lot of costly upgrades it was a bit better but was always a real handful to drive. As already mentioned the 454 was plagued with exhaust manifold failures,replaced yearly.

If you decide to look at it,take it on a long test ride at highway speed and see what you think. I would pass.

[Cobra21]

I think for that age and price, it should be pristine! I would really take a breath and think about taking a drive to see that one.
Brian

[Lwiddis]

Built thirty-five years ago...I wouldn’t since I want to camp, not repair.

[chast]

We owned that model back in the day. As I remember, there were several things that bugged me and made me trade for something else. Overall, it was a good unit and fun to drive. The roof design made not sense to me as it had a radiused edge all around, that, when you were parked dead level, created a swimming pool of water on the roof. Constantly sealing was in order to deal with constant leaks. Another constant was the hot start problem and the exhaust manifold problem that the 454 engines of that era were plagued with. The unit sounds like a good deal at the price and if you are ready to deal with the challenges, go for it!

[garyemunson]

An 86 is really old. Expect anything and everything to need frequent repair/replacement. There is a LOT of stuff on an RV that just "ages out" regardless of how few miles it has been driven. A lot of mechanical parts that will be difficult/time consuming to locate. Example: 25 year old Ford motorhome chassis need shifter cables made special as neither Ford (nor anyone else) still sells them. A nuisance a Ford owner can overcome but you sit immobile while the replacement is fabricated and shipped to you. Having an RV that old is doable if you are a DIY type person. If you have to rely on others to fix stuff it will quickly become a money pit and far less cost effective than a newer model RV. It's appearance will likely keep you out of a lot of RV parks (you'll become familiar with the "10 year rule"). Most 86 RVs of any type are about ready to become cheap fixed trailer park accommodations. Are there exceptions? Yes. But good luck finding one of those.