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Ragtop69GS · 04-20-2017, 08:10 PM

Hi all, Imconsidering the purchase of a 95 Holiday Rambler Imperial 38' DP 300hp cummins turned up to 375hp. with 1 slide. 60K miles.
I have a few questions I'm hoping someone can answer. Tow rating on the spartan mountain chassis. I attached the chassis spec plate.

Owner claims its highly optioned and is asking about $30K seems high to me but I'll take your opinions on that.

Thanks for looking.

BFlinn181 · 04-20-2017, 08:26 PM

Sounds a bit high to me also. Holiday Rambler had issues with the sidewalls delaminating. I'd carefully look along the sides for any signs of uneven or 'bubbled' fiberglass panels.

Since the RV is described as 'highly optioned' you really can't tell the tow capacity without having the RV weighed. While the hitch may be rated for 5,000 to 7,500 lbs. (or even more) if the vehicle is close to the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) then that would limit how much you could tow.

Since the engine has been tuned up 25%, was an exhaust temperature or boost pressure gauge added? It's not a good idea to increase horsepower without gauges to monitor the power boost, which almost always causes extra heat.

An oil analysis is a good idea when accessing an engine's health. They can be expensive to rebuild!

Ragtop69GS · 04-20-2017, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Sounds a bit high to me also. Holiday Rambler had issues with the sidewalls delaminating. I'd carefully look along the sides for any signs of uneven or 'bubbled' fiberglass panels.

Since the RV is described as 'highly optioned' you really can't tell the tow capacity without having the RV weighed. While the hitch may be rated for 5,000 to 7,500 lbs. (or even more) if the vehicle is close to the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) then that would limit how much you could tow.

Since the engine has been tuned up 25%, was an exhaust temperature or boost pressure gauge added? It's not a good idea to increase horsepower without gauges to monitor the power boost, which almost always causes extra heat.

An oil analysis is a good idea when accessing an engine's health. They can be expensive to rebuild!

As for gauges I dont know what its equipped with.

Claim is that towing Cap. is 13k by the plate but as you say options reduce capacity.

Bocorso · 04-21-2017, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragtop69GS

Hi all, Imconsidering the purchase of a 95 Holiday Rambler Imperial 38' DP 300hp cummins turned up to 375hp. with 1 slide. 60K miles.
I have a few questions I'm hoping someone can answer. Tow rating on the spartan mountain chassis. I attached the chassis spec plate.

Owner claims its highly optioned and is asking about $30K seems high to me but I'll take your opinions on that.

Thanks for looking.

Hi,
I have a renovated 1995 HR Navigator 38' DWP 300hp Cummins. I would first look at the mechanicals. Does the seller have maintenance records? If not have it inspected by a cummins certified shop to make sure the upgrade has been done properly. There are "bolt on" kits certified by Cummins that boost horsepower without putting the engine at risk. I'm assuming that the engine is the same as mine, original 300 ISC, otherwise referred to as a "mechanical" rather than electronically controlled. My coach is rated at a 10,000 lbs. towing capacity. My engine would struggle if it were maxed out. I'm considering doing an upgrade before I tackle going over the Rockies. That being said, I recently travelled through the Smokey Mts. with no problems. I was wishing for more hp, but it made it. The 300 is also more fuel efficient than higher hp models.
As for price, it's relative to the overall condition. If it is cosmetically good inside and out and there's no work to be done mechanically, it may be reasonable. I didn't pay that much for mine last year, but mine was higher mileage and needed paint and some normal wear and tear mechanical issues taken care of. At the time, I was looking at newer coaches in worse condition for more money. I decided based on the reputation of the engine and the fact that in 1995 HR was still HR owned by what was then Harley Davidson, That I would use my budgeted money to repair and renovate, giving me a "base line" from which to begin.