1989 - 19 feet mallard sprint chevy van 30 rv

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frenchie

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Just bought an old rv (see thread subject) just wondering if anyone ever owned one ?? I had some issues with refrigirator, and of course leaks. I will have to re-make the roof... boy people are lier ! no leaking, everything is working bla bla bla. ok enough complaining, so it someone could tell me a bit more about those rv's that would be appreciated.
 
yes, it sucks how in matters of commerce normally good honest people will
lie without batting an eye! i guess that's why 2000 years ago in Pompeii the
Roman's had the phrase "buyer be ware" inlaid in the tile at the marketplace ;)
Good luck with your project!
jim
 
when you buy an RV you need to be prepared for leaks and for the need to replace all kinds of components including each and everyone one of the appliances in it as well as many of the plumbing parts and light fixtures.

An RV is not a house, it won't last the years the way a house does. They shake, rattle, roll and fall apart.

Sure there are some people out there who tell lies about such things. However the previous owner might not have been aware of all the leaks or that an appliance is on its last legs because they might not have been using it recently. Maybe if they said they did not know it was leaking they are actually making a true statement in that they did not know about a leaking roof. Innocent until proven guilty. I bet at some point in time in your life you may have made a statement where you said you were not aware of a problem, that you honestly did not realize there was one.

If you are going to buy a used RV then you should have it inspected and check with a moisture meter to see if there are hidden leaks.
 
Earlier this summer we got a 1981 22ft Coachman (see avatar). Got relatively lucky that most everything works. (Replacing the carb on the gen set as I type this.)
Leaks are another matter. Being in the desert southwest we haven't had to deal with a lot of rain but I see this as one of our biggest challenges. Trying to get the thing water tight is going to be an endless battle.

Good luck with your efforts and we'll be following this thread to glean info that we can use also.

Jeff and Lynnette
 
Dont feel bad I been through it and so have many others.
 
I assume that ALL camper vans and trailers leak or have leaked on the past.
That way I'm never disappointed.

The reality is that unless the previous owner climbed up on top and thoroughly inspected the roof and walls every year, it likely leaked at some point.
The older the vehicle the more likely that is.

Think about it, if a roof was installed on a house in 1989 and you were buying the house, wouldn't you be suspect of a 30 year roof?
RV's are subject to even more stresses having less substantial construction than a residential roof.
Just look on Craigslist for a long list of "good for camper project" RV's that have leaked.

Start with inspecting EVERYTHING on the roof and walls. Even examine where TV antenna wires may pass through walls.
Be hypercritical as you inspect. Look around all vents, awnings, and anything that comes through the roof or walls.
Check the "gutters" above windows and the seals around them.
You are looking for cracks, gaps, rusted mounting hardware, basically anything that can permit water inside.
You may have to remove vents/windows to clean out old failed sealant and reseal.

Use quality products like Dicor sealants and roof sealer.
The sad fact is that a gallon or two of Dicor roof sealant applied in a timely manner would virtually eliminate the potential for leaks in the first place.
but these older RV's sit and never get used or maintained.
Finding one in truly good shape is rare and I'd rather spend more for a newer/excellent example than go cheap and have a mess to deal with.
 
Thank you all for your comments, I appreciate. Finally been able to get the fridg working.  My wife & I spent over 100 hours rebuilding the roof. Hopefully leaks will be fix for a while.
 
Frenchie , I'm looking to buy Class B Chevy G30 1989 this week. i'm assuming your's is the same as the one i'm looking at , 19 foot class B.
What do you think? How are things going ? mine will 90K , is yours about the same mileage?
 
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25369[/ATTACH]camper-06.jpgcamper-05.jpgcamper-04.jpgcamper-03.jpgcamper-02.jpgcamper-01.jpgseihugh pid='486075' dateline='1583246438']Frenchie , I'm looking to buy Class B Chevy G30 1989 this week.    i'm assuming your's is the same as the one i'm looking at ,  19 foot class B.
What do you think?  How are things going ?  mine will  90K  , is yours about the same mileage?
Hi Seihugh, Here's a few picture for you of my RV
 

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Thanks
It looks like a good project... water tight for now!!!
 
I just bought a 1989 mallard g30 19 ft RV. I am first time owner of an RV and have lots to learn. I would love to see pics of the interior of the sofa (or bed whichever you prefer) has had modifications and wondering what it looked like originally. I am open to any help!!!TIA. Also any assistance using this site would be helpful? Subscribe???
 
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