Motorhome FMV?

What's fair?

Seller says: 29', 440 Chrysler Industrial engine, not used in 10yrs, best offer takes it away

Scrap value...

Industrial engine? What exactly does that mean? Like a genset engine or something? Or is he trying to pump it up like it's heavier duty than the automotive type? If it's a true industrial engine, it may be designed for just one operating speed, so be careful. If it's original to the RV, then I wouldn't worry about it. But FYI, my buddy had a motorhome with a 440, and it was identical to the one he had in his car, not that it matters at all.
Does it run? Is the frame rusty? Does everything work? All these things would effect value. But then again, considering how he stated it, I'd low ball him and see what he says.

I can only imagine that every nut and bracket under them (and there are approximately a zillion of each) is probably made from the cheapest of steel. Plan on snapping any bolt that you need to remove.

A lot of RV people make one loop of the country and they're done. This probably became an anchor around the guy's neck about seven years ago. I'm sure best offer means "Make any offer". I'd start at $1000-1500 and wouldn't be afraid of walking away if he said no.

An RV is as much of a money pit as a boat, but with fewer bikinis.

building a rolling meth lab? lol

Check for leaks and water damage. Lots of RVs' roofs leak.

fasted58 wrote: building a rolling meth lab? lol

...and what's your retirement program?

Woody wrote: An RV is as much of a money pit as a boat, but with fewer bikinis.

Another amusing (and correct) Woody comment.

Fair? Well I'd say he'd need to pay you at least $50 to remove it, plus whatever the dump will charge you per ton.

Good mother-in-law apartment out back?

Does it run? If not a "fair" offer may just be hauling it away for him, given that you'd need a larger than average tow service to move it, which won't be cheap.

IMO, it really depends on how much of the bits still work. If it has a functioning generator and other RV specific bits, it would have some value simply for the parts. I've considered finding a similar RV to strip for parts if/when I build a car/camping hauler.

The industrial part usually means it is newer than 1978, when Mopar stop putting 440s in their vehicles, cars and trucks. But they did keep making them for the RV and inddustrial market. It's just like the regular 440, so no worries there.

FMV to me would be $500-2000.

Good luck when pull those brakes apart!

81cpcamaro wrote: The industrial part usually means it is newer than 1978, when Mopar stop putting 440s in their vehicles, cars and trucks. But they did keep making them for the RV and inddustrial market. It's just like the regular 440, so no worries there. FMV to me would be $500-2000.

Thanks, I didn't know that.

Woody wrote: An RV is as much of a money pit as a boat, but with fewer bikinis.

Worth quoting.

Tom Heath wrote:

Woody wrote: An RV is as much of a money pit as a boat, but with fewer bikinis.

Worth quoting.

you betcha!

If that 440 is up front and not a pusher, I wonder how hard it would be to rip all the RV crap out, put a door out back and make a trailer with four seats.

Sitting for 10 years, I wonder what the fuel system is like. Probably carb'd , too.

cwh wrote: Sitting for 10 years, I wonder what the fuel system is like. Probably carb'd , too.

Almost certainly carbed. However, it appears old enough that it may have escaped a lot of emmissions add-ons, so restoring the fuel system probably wouldn't be a big deal: rebuld the carb, replace the fuel pump/filter/lines, get the tank cleaned and coated.

The trans is probably a 727 as well.

Basically, the drivetrain is the least of your worries if getting this beast.

Apart from mechanical issues already mentioned, if the plan is to resurrect it as a camper, I would also be concerned that the interior finishing (carpets, etc) are possibly moldy, and probably infested with mouse feces. The best upgrade I've seen done to an old camper was replacing the carpets with linoleum and extra sound deadening.

BTDT. Here are some things I've learned:

It'll need exhaust manifolds. Now and often afterwards.

Buy extra ballast resistors. Keep them on hand for when the thing comes up dead. Which it will.

It will leak. It's already moldy. These are just facts of life, no matter how it looks. It's also full of bugs waiting to make friends with you and your stuff.

The plumbing is most likely shot underneath due to freeze damage; this may extend to the holding tank. On the upside, it will make pretty waterfalls underneath itself when you shower.

Plan to rebuild the generator fuel system now, thank to its long stint in storage, and plan to continue doing so. Thank you, E86.

Buy lots of stuff to pad your dishes, pots, pans, and anything else you put on board, because these old Dodge-chassis motorhomes ride like the heavy trucks they are. Steering is even worse; more of a "suggested line" than actual control of the vehicle. But if you're comfortable with a 3-ft. side-to-side drift, go for it. (And that's if you've rebuilt components.)

Speaking of heavy trucks, can't tell from the photo, but it's probably on split rims. Good luck getting someone to work on those.

It's not really possible to underestimate the handling/braking capabilities of this chassis. Also, the motorhome body severely compromises engine cooling. Not to mention mileage. Which we won't, because it's obscene.

Price some campgrounds before you leap; you might be surprised at how much you'll pay for full hookups per night. And not in a good way.

If you're looking to get into a motorhome, spend a few bucks and go newer and smaller. These big old boats have zero storage and inefficient layouts, so you're hauling around a big creaky body to sleep on short, narrow twin beds and have your stuff out all over the place.

Bottom line, that looks to be in good condition, but it's still a money pit that--much like a Jimmy Buffett concert--will lure you into believing you're going to have a laid-back good time, but it will suck.

Margie

Marjorie Suddard wrote: Bottom line, that looks to be in good condition, but it's still a money pit that--much like a Jimmy Buffett concert--will lure you into believing you're going to have a laid-back good time, but it will suck. Margie

Funniest thing I read today

In reply to Marjorie Suddard:

Why would someone put E86(5) in there? Hell, I bet E85 wasn't even available 10 years ago!

I am assuming Dan will be filling it at some point, and won't be going back in time to do so. It needs rebuilding now because the gas in there may not have ethanol, but it has been sitting for 10 years.

Margie

Older gas RV's are NOT worth very much (something about 6 mpg).

A friend used to like shopping for these. His big deal was checking the roof for leaks. Bad things happen when the roof leaks in an RV that has been sitting for 10 years. Also, check to see if it has all the RV accessories that RV's tend to collect over the years.

If he bought it new, he will likely be very offended by what it's actually worth.