Used roadtreks

[monaw81]

Hi!
Looking at a few used roadtreks, one is 92 roadtrek 210 independent.
The other van is a 95 Dodge Ram 3500 V8 magnum. I've read a bit, but mostly I am still in the dark as to the quality of older vans. The 92 roadtrek has 88k miles and is listed for 1300.
The 95 dodge has 52k miles and is listed for 9500.
How are the quality in the older roadtreks? Any tips for what I should be looking for outside of normal mechanical stuff?
Thanks in advance- we are leaving in February to drive the pan American highway- I'm not in a rush to buy one yet as I want to get the best one I can.
I am open to other class c's as well or other vans.

[monaw81]

the only issue I notice is the play in the steering wheel which when checked out the mechanic stated we needed to have (excuse my lack of mechanic speak) it tightened up. It's constant and it's easy to work with until I am on the highway and at a quicker speed, but it could just be me not being used to it.

[monaw81]

Tires are brand new.
There is nothing currently wrong with the shocks but the can has 50k miles and I have read that shocks tend to only go about 60-70k at best. I was thinking it would be best to replace them before the trip to prevent having to when in South America. Is this a wrong assumption?
If I can avoid that and spend the money on something else, like solar panels, I would prefer to:)

[stan909]

Try Bilstien shocks before doing any other work.But even before doing that,simply filling tires to full capacity can make a drastic difference in handling.How old are the tires? Older than 5 years may be too old even if they look good.If new tires are needed then I heartily recommend Hurcules Terra Trac AT II's.Got mine for $580 out the door with road hazard warranty.Very little road noise,great handling.

[monaw81]

I started a Facebook page in the meantime while I work to prepare a blog for the trip, if anyone is interested. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wanderlust-or-Bust/386909324838293


I am looking to install, solar panels, a back 3rd bed, a hidden locking box, replacing shocks, adding sway bars (perhaps still researching) and adding screen for hack door to prevent being eaten alive

[monaw81]

The front passenger seat swivels and faces the 3rd seat behind, I have considered this as well. I am wondering currently about building a frame in the back over the toilet and cabinet where a bed could be placed and moved when needed. I am not the most creative, I am a big picture thinker 🙂 executing my grand ideas gets difficult hahaha.

[My_Roadtrek]

You could add front seat swivels, and build something to span the gap, then add a piece of of foam over the top. That's where Roadtrek puts their small bed.

[monaw81]

Yeah it's been awesome 🙂 just took it for another spin.

Now, to find out how to add an extra small bed for a kid

[My_Roadtrek]

If you read the FAQ's Sticky on the Class B home page you will see info. on the older Dodge vans. Some had handling problems that could never be corrected, and is one of the reason you will see some with low mileage. As long as you did a good test drive on a highway with trucks passing, and had no problems you should be good to go.

[monaw81]

401nailhead wrote:
Great Purchase. Good mileage-price-model combo, I shopped for months and months, and came up with similar as the best I could do, although different brand, a hair lower price, a little more miles, and a few repairs I needed to do. Great when you can get the low miles. That vehicle should be great for your planned trip. Very wise to get all the mechanical work done early.

Respectfully, those of us who have enjoyed multiple Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouths as an excellent value to cost ratio have always laughed at Consumer Reports. Not to discount anyone's personal experiences, those are critically important and I value all input, both good and bad. But CR has long had some crazy grudge against MOPAR (I'm on my #10 MOPAR, no RVs though, and would do every one of them again). I'm sure some have had bad experiences, but CR has a definite and provable bias against Chrysler and often other US brands, and if anyone wants to know why, catch me on another thread. All I want to say here is that the odds of that Dodge serving you well for a good while is quite decent.

Have fun preparing for, and completing, your planned trip!

I agree- the engine is a good engine from what I have heard.

[monaw81]

That's a good idea- I absolutely love it so far. We brought it home last night (had a company inspect it before purchase to assure it wasn't a lemon) I know that the steering needs "tightened" the 50k tells me that shocks should be replaced, I plan on doing the recommended 50k service done because I don't believe it was. Well maintained though surprisingly for the age- No rips, sags or broken items. This thing was loved and well tended.
Now, she needs a name 🙂
Is there a way to posts pictures in this forum?

[401nailhead]

Great Purchase. Good mileage-price-model combo, I shopped for months and months, and came up with similar as the best I could do, although different brand, a hair lower price, a little more miles, and a few repairs I needed to do. Great when you can get the low miles. That vehicle should be great for your planned trip. Very wise to get all the mechanical work done early.

Respectfully, those of us who have enjoyed multiple Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouths as an excellent value to cost ratio have always laughed at Consumer Reports. Not to discount anyone's personal experiences, those are critically important and I value all input, both good and bad. But CR has long had some crazy grudge against MOPAR (I'm on my #10 MOPAR, no RVs though, and would do every one of them again). I'm sure some have had bad experiences, but CR has a definite and provable bias against Chrysler and often other US brands, and if anyone wants to know why, catch me on another thread. All I want to say here is that the odds of that Dodge serving you well for a good while is quite decent.

Have fun preparing for, and completing, your planned trip!

[bsinmich]

You should start by flushing the brake fluid (very inexpensive) check all rubber hoses, belts, brake lines and also make sure the radiator is clean. Rubber brake lines deteriorate with age and heat. My Roadtrek I had everything I mentioned done and it was worth it for me ($270.) A lot had been done before I bought it so that was a big help. I had several Chrysler cars in that era and never once had a problem with an engine and I sold them to friends who waited to get my cars.

[stan909]

"Stan you mentioned experienced with these. Where should I start with improvements?
Wish there was more storage " When posting before I was speaking of the drivetrain.New hoses,new belts,Trans service,tune up.Preventative stuff.You'll figure out where to put stuff,just less of it.

[monaw81]

those are great ideas! Thank you!