Take a look at this motor home

[JaredJ]

I was searching ebay around for a nice, older low milage RV, and i came apon this 1988 Elandan, im not sure exactly what the elandan is, but i took a look at this motor home, since its in my neck of the woods. The floor was done really well and looks really nice. I really didnt find a flaw with it, they took me for a ride in it, brakes were good, everything seemed great. But im not exactly what to look for in these types of vehicles, im looking to spend maybe $6,000 on such a vehicle. If you guys see anything i didnt see in the photos let me know please. Im gonna bid on this vehicle i think. It also has really low milage too, just under 70,000. I appriciate everyones time, and maybe ill see you all on the open road!

Heres the link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte...m=&item=200047686636

[JaredJ]

I was searching ebay around for a nice, older low milage RV, and i came apon this 1988 Elandan, im not sure exactly what the elandan is, but i took a look at this motor home, since its in my neck of the woods. The floor was done really well and looks really nice. I really didnt find a flaw with it, they took me for a ride in it, brakes were good, everything seemed great. But im not exactly what to look for in these types of vehicles, im looking to spend maybe $6,000 on such a vehicle. If you guys see anything i didnt see in the photos let me know please. Im gonna bid on this vehicle i think. It also has really low milage too, just under 70,000. I appriciate everyones time, and maybe ill see you all on the open road!

Heres the link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte...m=&item=200047686636

[AndrewC]

It seem to be a very clean unit the tires look ok the floor very clean good luck André

[RV Wizard]

Jared, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and look forward to reading of your adventures. Good luck in your quest to find the right coach for your needs. You may want to do a search here for topics on the Elandon motorhomes. Just click the "Find" button and put in the description and uncheck the small box and click search. Take care and keep us posted on the hunt.

[troth]

Needs tires; that's another $1,200. I'd be looking at engine/tranny service records. If the coach has been recently used (say a couple times this past summer), that's good. It's the coaches that don't get used that you'll have constant fix-it issues with.

[Tincup]

Jared,

I would also run the generator under a load, as close to it's max as possible. When it's been running for a while and gets up to temperature, shut it down, wait a few minutes and fire it up again.

[Hitchhiker]

It's a clean looking unit, only issue I saw was the rust around the generator which would make me want to probe farther and make a visual inspection of the chassis, springs, steering gear, etc. The 'new' floor looks good, I presume it was replaced to get rid of worn carpeting and not due to any water damage. Might be a good idea to see what's under that 'new' floor if possible.

You might also want to test all the water system including holding tanks. Turn everything on to see what works and what doesn't work.

Good luck on your bidding, even if there is a few things wrong with it you still may be getting a very usable rig at a good price.

[rebelsbeach]

JaredJ, you've gotten some good advice!!

WELCOME to the forum and CONGRATS on your first post!

[LVJ58]

Jared, The Elandan was manufactured by Winnebago and I believe has roof ac units. In 1990 or 92 they built basically the same coach but named it the "Elante'" however the Elante came with a basement ac unit. They appear to be very nice coaches and somewhat aerodynamic in design.

Good Luck, Jim

[Jestme13]

RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNN unless you are very handy, and love to fix things.... IMHO

[BIGRED1]

Jaredj, it's the parts that you can't see in the pics that I'd be concerned with, i.e. electrical, plumbing systems, guts of the appliances, and the chassis(engine, trans, brakes, etc.). The tires need to be replaced for sure and if it has 6 tires, figure around $300 each for them. It may need to have the wheel bearings packed, full oil change, lube job, belts, hoses, diff. fluid changed, etc. which can run up to several hundred dollars, at least. I'd negogiate to have it inspected at a minimum. Most mobile RV repair companies can do this. Check to see if there's one in your area.

[Lynnvt]

Jared, there is one pic that shows some stains on the ceiling, near the fridge. I would check that out closely.

[LVJ58]

After looking at all the pictures, the rust etc. roof stain near microwave, gouge in tire sidewall and not knowing condition of engine and tranny as well as the Onan genset, unless you're prepared to spend another $10,000 to $15,000 for repairs etc., I think I would pass on it.

Good luck with your decision, Jim

[RonNBama]

JaredJ, I am a sucker for the older units myself. If it's a DEAL, I'd be tempted to bite. The obvious roof leaks (one in the bedroom too) can be fixed but it may take some talent to repair the interior ceiling, or, just live with it. Drive it, run the gen set, turn on the fridge and test both power sources, if it has airbags in the springs see if they hold air (about $100 fix if you do-it-yourself), shocks are probably shot but once again, Monroes will cost you about $45 apiece and some elbow grease to install. Filter on the Onan looks like it is OLD, probably figure in $50 for filters and oil there. Plugs, plug wires, dist cap, etc, another $100 or so. If it has a 454, they were prone to exhaust manifold warpage or cracking ($450 for Thorley headers will solve this). If it has a 460, the tranny was prone to act up.

Other than that, unless you are planning on a LOT of usage, restoring her will be an admirable undertaking. The roof will clean up, she already has some new covers it appears like. I say bid her up to around $5K and see what happens.

You can also look for an old Barth. Those were (are) some quality motorhomes and very well built. Check Barthmobile.com for leads but you won't find one for $6K (cause if you do, I will have already bought it!). :-)