skippy102162
Nebraska
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Joined: 06/26/2004
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We have the opportunity to purchase a 2001 21 ft Class C for a great price from a relative who lives in another state--the only issue is it has 108k miles. It is on a Chevy 3500 Chassis with a Vortex 454 engine. Would appreciate input and thoughts on this since I do not know a lot about these Vortex engines and also how the tranny's hold up on these things and so forth...thoughts and input please!
DH 1959
ME 1962
3 boys at home
1 DD college grad living and working in Houston
1 DS college (Go Huskers!)  1 DDIL
1 DS college University of Houston
2005 Jayco 19H
2000 Dodge Ram Van 1500
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joe b.
Florida
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Joined: 08/24/2002
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Much, IMHO, would depend on first, how do you plan to use it? Lots of cross country miles or just a few to the lake on the weekends? I would be curious as to what has been done to it recently. We had a 454 and at about 85K miles we had to replace the tranny, the power steering pump, put new brakes on it, replace the fridge just before 100K miles, the furnace soon after that. If the price is right, it has had good maintenance, and you can do much of the small repairs yourself, which there will be plenty, it might be a good deal. The 454 is about as bullet proof as any engine ever made in my opinion. The one I had sure liked to drink the gasoline but it had power to spare and was trouble free.
joe b.
South Florida, Stuart
Formerly of Colorado and Alaska
Driving a Dodge/Cummins
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skippy102162
Nebraska
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We would be using it for both local (within 25 miles of home) and long distance travel since a couple of our kids live in Texas (Nebraska to Texas). Also, what can one expect to get on gas mileage?
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ron.dittmer
Near Chicago
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Joined: 02/26/2007
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What price are you talking about?
If you are a good shade-tree mechanic and a good RV handyman, that would determine a lot.
One concern. Was the RV driven a lot during winters under salty road conditions? The salt is extremely hard on an RV. Generally they are not given the same environmental protection a normal production vehicle does.
If my points have green lights, the price is exceptional, and the RV is considered the perfect one for your needs, then I would consider buying it.
Bought new in June 2007, Phoenix Cruiser-2350
Fits inside our garage.
Dingy towing a red Toyota MR2 Spyder
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skippy102162
Nebraska
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The RV is in Arizona--so salt and wintery conditions were not a problem.
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garyhaupt
Kitimat, BC, Canada, Mile '0' of Alaska HiWay #37
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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It's a heavy duty truck and it'll run for lots more klicks...the vulnerable points will be addressed by installing a better transmission cooler than what is in there, install two gauges..oil and tranny heat. You HAVE to know what's going on. Then do a full tune-up with new belts, all fluids, check brakes and do what's needed.
All your appliance? figure 1,000 each to replace. So...ensure they all work on gAS as well as shore power...the fridge? ensure it cools, not just gets lights up. Plan on tires all way around. That'll be 1,500.
These costs exist no matter what, except a new rv. The one thing about starting with a slightly used unit is you get to know what's what.
Gary Haupt
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79powerwagon
S.E. Wisconsin
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Strangely enough, nobody asked the question- do you know, for a fact, the maintenance history of the truck? Miles mean nothing IF it's been well cared for.
For me, I'll take a 1/4 million mile daily driver OVER a low miled older vehicle ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!!!!
Example, my rig (1973) has 80,000 miles on it. I NEVER would have considered it if it had been sitting most of the last 35 years, but the P.O. actually used it 4-6 times a year for short-ish trips. Yes, it has issues, yes it needs work (including a new cam and timing chain kit), but for the $600.00 I paid for it, I'm happy! There is no rust in the fuel tank, all the systems work, etc. It's a good value for me.
She ain't purdy, but at least she's slow!
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ron.dittmer
Near Chicago
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Good point.
The seller is a relative of the buyer so that information should be available.
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Ripsnort
Lake Tapps, WA USA
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Joined: 07/15/2004
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Has it towed anything? I would be suspect of anything over 100k that has been towing something with more than 400 lbs of trailer tongue weight...
Warming the globe, 1 mile at a time.
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1990 Fleetwood Jamboree 27 ft E350
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Cool Mike
Mendocino. Calif.
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Just sitting is bad, driving often is much better for a long life, 100K is nothing, I just read about a guy and his Ford van with the original engine and transmission and 1,050,000 mi on it. So getting 200K with good maintenance is nothing on the newer fuel injected engines, with modern oils, and good maintenance.
You can expect to have to replace some things, like alternators, or power steering pump, break rotors Etc, but its still a lot cheaper than buying a new rig, especially if you can do some of the easy work your self.
2001 27' Four Winds Class-C E-450 V-10.
Buick Park Ave Ultra, Ford Ranger PU, JD 500 backhoe.
1941 Farm All "A"
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