Community Forums

PNWGirl · 01-16-2011, 12:08 PM

I am going to be selling my 18' TT and getting a small, vintage, MH.

One that I am considering is a 1988 Airex.

Does anyone have experience or know of this coach?

Good / Bad ??

It's got a Ford 460 with approx 50K

Thanks!

Sheila

bdpreece · 01-16-2011, 05:25 PM

The Airex motorhome was built by Rexhall co. They are still in business but no longer have a dealer network and sell factory direct. The older Rexhall products were good products and if this one was taken care of should serve you well. We owned a slightly newer 1998 Rexhall XL32 Aerbus and loved it.

bobwalter · 01-22-2011, 12:18 PM

We have a 1993 Airex. It is on a Ford 350 chassis. 31 feet, tag axle, 460 engine. We love it. Very well built, steel framing, good workmanship. Handles like a dream. No wandering or swaying. Lots of power. Good luck with your purchase. I think they stopped building class C's in 1993 or 94. They still build a nice class A.

Good travels,

Bob

**JohnRR** · 01-22-2011, 01:06 PM

The 460 is an extremely solid engine.

PNWGirl · 01-23-2011, 12:55 PM

Thank you all for your responses. This is a small (25') class A. I am waffling between this and an 84 Southwind. The Southwind is a 454 with only a few more miles, than the Airex, but two feet longer. Never realized what a difference two feet could mean.

Of course, by the time I decide, they'll both be sold........

Sheila

bdpreece · 01-25-2011, 10:19 PM

Well, quality wise I would choose the Airex but, as they say Bigger is better.

**NLOVNIT** · 01-25-2011, 10:39 PM

I've read so many times on iRV2, go with the floorplan you like best & you'll be happy. However (& I may be considered a traitor for this, but...) I think Rexall's quality trumps FW's.

Either way you go, have the one you want cheked out by a trusted RV mechanic before any $$ changes hands.

Keep us posted.

Lori-

TXiceman · 01-26-2011, 06:09 PM

Rexall was better built on the average than a lot of motorhomes from that era. At best, Southwinds were average.

Ken

PNWGirl · 01-30-2011, 09:57 AM

I am afraid that this Rexall was not cared for :( Oh well, back to the drawing board.......

Went to see the Southwind and I liked the layout but it would not start (they hadn't started it since last summer) and the genny wouldn't start either (although it's the cleanest generator that I have ever seen!).

It also has a small leak at the windshield. It had a leak near the bathroom ceiling and the way they fixed was to cover the entire roof with snow coat. Any thoughts about this??

Thank you all for your insights!

Sheila

stangdoc · 02-01-2011, 11:01 AM

Southwinds are somewhat notorious for water leaks (as most older MH's are). Stand at the back of it and look down the sides toward the front and see if you can see waves in the siding. Smooth siding shows this more readily that the rippled siding. If so, the waves are from water leaks causing the plywood behind the siding to de-laminate, which requires replacing the plywood. This is a dangerous structural problem, but is common where owners don't keep their roofs well sealed. Water leaks are pervasive in almost all motor homes (except well maintained units or one piece bodies), and can start when they are just a few years old, due to all the road vibrations, jarring and expansion/contraction due to climate changes. If you see waves, just move on and find one with straight sides and a good roof. Good luck!