82 Barth 28' Chevy 454

[andi]

I have the opportunity to purchase this boxy aluminum RV for about $5000. It was a former fire department command vehicle, and it has been through at least 2 owners since then but seems wasn't driven much - 30k miles on it. Mostly empty inside, which is fine. Seems to have insulation under carpet walls. Roof and sides are painted with a rubbery white coating and seems to have no leaks. There's only a very faint musty smell, and my nose is good. It's a perfect size and configuration for me but I'm concerned about the fuel efficiency. Supposedly heavy vehicles with Chevy 454 engine can get 8 to 10 mpg? Is there any other 25-28 foot vehicle (mini-bus?) that can get much better gas mileage?

There's some rust under, but not rusted through.

If I'm to get it, how much should I offer (in FL)?

 

[user 423]

Since an '82 only has a 5-digit odometer, it may be actually 130k or more.

An '82 would have a carb. There are plusses and minuses with that.

$5000 seems a bit high for a MH that's mostly empty.

Can't help with the MPG estimates but a diesel would be better in that area.

 

[WanderingRose]

Our very first RV was a ‘77 Barth, with that engine if I recall correctly.

It got terrible mileage, 12-15 mpg, but was a great grandma&grandpamobile.

We put 40,000 miles on it, and a lot of money into it.

 

[user 423]

... I'm concerned about the fuel efficiency. Supposedly heavy vehicles with Chevy 454 engine can get 8 to 10 mpg? Is there any other 25-28 foot vehicle (mini-bus?) that can get much better gas mileage?

There's some rust under, but not rusted through.

If I'm to get it, how much should I offer (in FL)?

There's a forum everything these days. You'd be better off asking your questions here:

http://www.barthmobile.com/eve/forums

PS: I would think 12+ MPG would be a very optimistic figure for a 28' footer. I barely got that with a Class B with a 360 cu.in. engine.

 

[bullfrog]

In 2003 we bought a completely restored 1983 Barth 28' motorhome with the P32 chassis for $11,500. Even though I believed it weighed less than 15,000 lbs. the 454 got 10 MPG going coast to coast on average and towing a loaded 1985 Honda Civic it got 8 MPG. It gave us very few problems during the two years we traveled other than the known starter hot soak common with old big blocks. I would be concerned with body parts availability today.

 

[highdesertranger]

IMO if you are concerned about MPG a carbureted 454 isn't the best choice. a 454 can pass anything on the highway except a gas station. highdesertranger

 

[Doubleone]

I'd be totally happy with 12-15mpg. My 1997 Ford 29' class C gets about 9mpg.

 

[WanderingRose]

I believe our Barth was 24’ long, and could have the mileage wrong as it’s been 13-14 years, but I know it wasn’t good, and if one were in wind like crossing Kansas, it was really awful.

I do remember it being a money pit, but we did have a lot of fun with it.

 

[andi]

Thanks all. In reply to the mechanical points, we have a mechanic who can do just about anything and he says bring it on. Unfortunately, he's been so successful that he's retiring to move to a farm in a couple months ... At least we could bring it up to best condition before he leaves.

Any thoughts on comparing to a mini/short/shuttle bus? I wish I could do just a van but I think I need a bit more than that. What's the largest van recommendable that might give better fuel efficiency? https://www.trucks.com/2017/11/10/ranking-best-worst-large-cargo-vans/ Mercedes Sprinter - "The biggest extended wheelbase Super High Roof, which also gets a dually rear axle, has a massive 516.5 cubic feet of cargo space." https://tonyflorida.com/largest-cargo-van/ "The largest cargo van is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 High Roof 170 Extended Wheelbase. The interior cargo dimension are 16′ 1.9″ long by 5′ 10.1″ wide by 6′ 5.8″ high (193.9″ x 70.1″ x 77.8″). As a result, this van has a whopping 530 cubic feet of livable cargo space..." I have no concept of how much space this is. I guess I'd better get to a dealer to get an idea. I suppose finding one used would be impossible ...

 

[skyl4rk]

https://holland.craigslist.org/for/d/fennville-1987-barth/7029265753.html


Mod Edit, please include a description with any link. the link above is for a 1987 Barth motor home for sale.

 

[1shemp]

Copared to the mercedes,iwouldn't do it.