should I buy this Class C

[decodancer]

Before I left on my trip to Kentucky, I asked about a class C parked in our storage area. It was purchased by the campground owner with the intention of fixing it up and making a quick profit. It's a 29 foot 1998 Tioga with a Ford V10 motor and a working Onan generator. It does run and I'm told that there are no mechanical issues but I have not driven it. Mileage is about 60,000
There was (is) a leak (windows?) and there is mold in the back bedroom. I would need to remove all the paneling and insulation and replace it which is something I am capable of doing. Other than the bedroom, the camper is very nice inside. Somebody has taken care of it as the upholstery and even the carpet are in great shape. All appliances are supposedly working but I have not checked them out myself. The exterior is also in great shape except for a cracked windshield which was just discovered recently and is probably the result of unruly campers.
The campground owner has a million unfinished projects and said he would sell it to me for the $2000 he paid for it. Supposedly he could make twice that by selling the generator and engine but his wife adores me and would like to see me get it and fix it up. I need to give him an answer fairly soon but nobody seems to be rushing me. My managers (and closest friends) think it's a really good deal. Your opinions?

 

[akrvbob]

That's a fantastic deal! And sweat equity is the very best kind of equity.

If it wasn't somebody you know I would say it was too good to be true, but because you know, like and trust them, I'd grab it!
Bob

 

[Hereandthere]

We bought an older (1982) Tioga from clueless friends a few months ago. About the same mileage as the one you are looking it, and we paid a friends' price of $2800. They were honest with us that they hadn't done anything to it, and we've had to do a lot, including replacing various things. Still, with all that, we are happy with it. Did errands in it yesterday... I'm a timid driver but liked how it handled, though let hubby do most of the driving. It has a nice solid feel, and the amount of space is luxurious. MPG, don't know yet, not so hot, but we don't take long trips generally.

All this just for context and enocouragement.

 

[cyndi]

Sounds like a good deal if you have extra $$$ to put into it.

 

[HarmonicaBruce]

Check it out real well, perhaps with a mechanic. If everything is good, go for it. You won't find a better deal.

 

[Bela's Mom]

Sounds like a really good deal if it runs good. And I don't think your friends would sell you something that they knew could possibly let you down on the highway.

My dad had a 98 Tioga. We enjoyed it. It also had a leak in the back bedroom; I never could find out where it was coming in. When I got on the roof, I noticed that the seam sealant needed replacing, so I put Eternabond tape around the whole roof. It's good stuff and will last for years.

I hope that it all works out for you. While the gas mileage will be less than your van, having lots of room for you and your babies plus bathroom and kitchen will make up for it. You will enjoy it a lot.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Once you check it out and decide the work is doable, buy it. I know people here love their vans, but as you and your joints age, you will appreciate the height and the space to move around. As your dog's and their joints age, they will appreciate the little spaces they can lie down without having to heave themselves to their feet every time you want by. All of you and your joints will all appreciate that lovely gas heater.

 

[decodancer]

With the overwhelming yesses from you guys and even my mother who will find the negative side in anything, I sent a text saying that I want the camper. I'll transfer a portion of my direct deposit from Amazon every week to the campground and it will be paid off before I get back there. I still have people there that I am in contact with. I wonder if it would be a good idea to get one of them to tarp the roof to prevent further damage. Maybe a few cans of damp rid would also be a possibility. I have to spend the week between Christmas and New Years in NY as I'm doing a pet sitting job for my best friend (not just her dogs, I will be responsible for around ten dogs that she's watching) and with that and grooming will make around $1000. I guess my RTR trip will have to wait until next year but I do have to go down to Florida and visit my Mother. If I come back to the campground in February, I have a full month or more to work on it before I have to start working again. Thank goodness it's mostly all indoor work as I can use my ceramic heater to warm the area. I'll have to wait until it warms up to clean the grub off of the outside. Is a Ford class C windshield the same as a van windshield? I just want to get an idea of prices for replacement. Thanks for all of your help and encouragement. I've finished my training and start the first of five ten hour night shifts tonight. We'll see how I adapt to sleeping in the daytime with 3 dogs who would rather be outside playing.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Deco,

Now that you're going to a real rv, spend some time on Andy Baird's Website, especially his Eureka Live! site.

Lots of good ideas there.

Regards
John

 

[Theadyn]

Hi Deco,

Was just going to pop in with more encouragement. My mom n dad had a Tioga they loved and regretted selling. Myself, I have a '95 Class C that has the Ford, not sure if v8 or v10, motor, built on the Econoline E350 chassis. It handles just like a van, the bf says it drives just exactly like his former Ford truck. Drives very smooth! The title says 28', but with measuring tape it's just over 29'. You will like the room it provides. Just got back from a 3 day trip in her, the mileage wasn't the best, almost 8mpg, the 20+mph cross winds down there and back didn't help that much, 400 mile round trip. It was also chilly, getting down to low 30's and we just had one portable heater going in the living area where the pooches were and slept quite comfortably. Had the furnace set to 60 degrees as a backup and it kicked on once that morning, I just turned up the electric heater and it was fine.

If you don't drive very often the space gained over the mpg loss will probably make you happier in the long run.

 

[Van-Tramp]

I would have a hard time passing on that deal. Be wary of the mold stuff, that "little" job will easily be twice the job you think it is, but the price on the RV is just right for something like that.