Community Forums

apackof2 · 08-04-2006, 06:38 PM

Hi
Newie

here and I will be looking at a 1989 2ft Coachmen Class C witha Ford 460 and 76,000
and a 1989 Mallard Coach 26 ft Ford 460 87,000 both recently reduced to $6,980

Both are located at this site; http://www.annieraerv.com

I don't know anything about these rigs!
I have been focusing on Lazy Daze but I really can't spend the money until I sell my house

Are these good models, manufacturers, year for a Class C?

Any advise about these rigs would be appreciated.

thanks
joanie

apackof2 · 08-04-2006, 06:38 PM

Hi
Newie

here and I will be looking at a 1989 2ft Coachmen Class C witha Ford 460 and 76,000
and a 1989 Mallard Coach 26 ft Ford 460 87,000 both recently reduced to $6,980

Both are located at this site; http://www.annieraerv.com

I don't know anything about these rigs!
I have been focusing on Lazy Daze but I really can't spend the money until I sell my house

Are these good models, manufacturers, year for a Class C?

Any advise about these rigs would be appreciated.

thanks
joanie

TXiceman · 08-04-2006, 06:49 PM

Welcome aboard...glad you found our website

.

Both on are one the Ford chassis and both will use the same appliances in the coach. The 460 engine is a strong, buy fuel hungry engine. The one problem with the engine is they have a tendency to crack the exhaust manifolds. Listen for any ehhaust noise oer spitting around the engine.

Condition will be the largest factor in determining acceptability. Since this is your first RV, I'd recommend they you spend the extras money to have the unit checked (all appliances, A/C, generator, water system, tanks, structural integerity, and leaks) by a good RV technician as well as a good automotive shop check the mechanical portion of the chassis (brakes, suspension, engine, transmission, A/C, lights).

A unit of this age may have leak problems, so you need to be aware of them.

Ken

apackof2 · 08-05-2006, 03:03 AM

Hi,Thanks for the welcome and quick response!

I know this is a BIG question but is there any particular make/model/engine that I SHOULD be looking for?

I have a short list for more $$$ rigs, Lazy Daze,Born Free,Big Foot, Phoneix Cruiser.

However that's down the road

I need to develope a short list for the "vintage" Class C

Perhaps a better question would be;

What model/brand/engine should I stay AWAY FROM!

earljan34 · 08-05-2006, 05:20 AM

Welcome to the fourm! Make sure you look under over head mattress Coachmen had leaks there, The Mallard looks to be in good shape and longer I would go for the bigger one they get small real quick!!!

apackof2 · 08-05-2006, 11:20 AM

Thanks!

I was lucky to learn (before purchasing) about Life on Wheels so I went to a conference in <span class="ev_code_GREEN">Bowling Green,KY</span> this Spring and went to a really good "How to buy an RV" class.

However they didn't mention looking UNDER the mattress for leaks

thanks for the tip!

RedneckExpress · 08-05-2006, 03:56 PM

Check under the matress and in all the corners for water damage. Look in the cabinets and push on the ceiling, they'll have a little give, but if its gotten wet, the paneling will give alot more than it should. Check around all the windows. Feel the walls around them, Sniff closely, as you may pick up the sent of mildew forming inside the walls.

apackof2 · 08-06-2006, 04:26 AM

Will do!

Thanks

LakeConroePenny,TX · 09-03-2006, 04:52 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The 460 engine is a strong, but fuel hungry engine. The one problem with the engine is they have a tendency to crack the exhaust manifolds. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Aren't the GM 454's famous for that, too ?
I loved my 460, as long as you keep your foot out of it!! It has the staying power, towing capacity, and stength of an oxen. I once had to pull a 30' MH out of a ditch with mine !

Advocate1 · 11-07-2006, 09:07 AM

I recently bought a 1986 Coachman, with only 47K, on it from the original owner and am generally very happy. The quality in the coachs interior seems very good and, after 20 years most of the original fabric is still intact. Mine has a Chev 454 and these are famous for exhaust manifold leaks that are not "just a gasket", I hear the Fords do the same thing. (Remember F.O.R.D means "Fix Or Repair Daily") In low mileage/low use drivelines the cooling system and the engine and transmission seals are always at risk. Look for leaks on the ground after you test drive it at least 25 miles. As you will find out, repairing a Class "A" is almost never easy or cheap. Example, a fan clutch on a 454 Class "C" engine is about 1 hour labor. On many class "A"s you have to remove the radiator (from the bottom!) just to get to the fan. Count on about 4 hours.
In many ways a motor home is like a boat: It's a hole you throw money into on a regular basis. But still, I love the RV life style for my retirement, and I didn't have to spend $100,000 to start my enjoyment. As soon as I win the CA lottery (tommorrow) I will buy a new one, until then its the Classic "A"'s for me.

Bob Miller
Riverside, CA

George Miklas · 11-07-2006, 09:28 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Advocate1:
<STRIKE>(Remember F.O.R.D means "Fix Or Repair Daily") </STRIKE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Bob,

I'm sure that you've had to have heard <span class="ev_code_RED">First On Race Day</span>. Haven't you? Of course, this doesn't include my 4.9L engine. On the other hand, my 4.9L has a very low maintenance cost. That in itself is a very good thing.

George

Wallaby Dan · 11-07-2006, 04:22 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by George Miklas:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Advocate1:
<STRIKE>(Remember F.O.R.D means "Fix Or Repair Daily") </STRIKE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Bob,

I'm sure that you've had to have heard <span class="ev_code_RED">First On Race Day</span>. Haven't you? Of course, this doesn't include my 4.9L engine. On the other hand, my 4.9L has a very low maintenance cost. That in itself is a very good thing.

George[/QUOTE

I thought it stood for found on the road,DEAD!!

AZ_Ron · 03-12-2007, 03:47 PM

Although I AM a Chevy fan, I figure I had to post the only one I've ever heard for CHEVROLET

Cranks
Hard
Every
Valve
Rattles
Oil
Leaks
Every
Time

Wallaby Dan · 03-13-2007, 03:36 PM

Hello,Apakof2 welcome to the forum.You may find that a few of us are not all here, but we enjoy the rv lifestyle and our older 'classic' motorhomes.Right now there are four that I know of that are doing major reconstruction projects.Sanjey R and Lorna are just two others that are in the process of rebuilding there home on wheels.I've seen those that swear by Dodge, Ford and Chevy. I say go with what you have good luck with. I'm driving a Chevy and my toad is a Mazda B2000 Pickup so if you are comfortable with whatever chassis go for it!
Whatever way you go, Enjoy and post often.