Need Some Advice: 95' Fleetwood Southwind

[SmallRig]

Hello Everybody,
This is my first time posting so I hope this is an appropriate Forum.

I'm looking to buying my first (used) motorhome, class A, and am curious what you guys think.

They started renovations in the inside, but stated they just have to put down the flooring. The oven was removed and the fridge probably needs to be swapped about.

"1995 fleetwood southwind 33 ft rv. runs great, 80k miles, semi updated inside ( remodel was started and not finished ) all cabinets/ walls painted , roof resealed recently - don’t have anymore time to put into it….5500$obo Great starter camper for a family "

Do you have any advice for me? Is it worth it? I'd happily do the internal renovations if all else is all right.

Thanks for your help everyone

[winnbrave1]

My advice to you would be leave it alone. There are too many older coaches in better shape that you could spend your money on time on.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I owned a '96 Southwind 36 footer for a couple years, but that was back in 1999. It was a solidly built coach.


Whether this one is worth $500 is strictly a matter of its current condition, so you need to inspect everything thoroughly. Even the parts the seller claims are renewed. Since you seem to be a newcomer to RVs, or at least motorhomes, get some professional help, or at least an experienced amateur to assist. Buying any 29 year-old vehicle/house/appliances is fraught with risk.


Some key things to look at that could be quite expensive to fix:

• Tire age as well as condition. A DOT manufacturer date older than 7 years is a candidate for immediate replacement. So are signs of sidewall cracking deeper than 1/32nd". A set of 6 tires could run anywhere from $1500 to over $3000.
• Looks for evidence of water leakage, past or present. Water stains on floor or walls or ceiling. Soft spots in walls or floor. Delamination of exterior walls. Etc. Many older RVs have had leaks at some time in the past, but beware of those that were not repaired promptly and caused rotted wood or still-living mold. Repair is very likely to be more than the coach is worth.
• House & chassis battery age and condition. House batteries run around $200 each and $150 for a chassis (engine) battery.
• Does generator start, run for 15+ minutes, and produce electricity?
• Working fridge, stove/oven, water heater, air conditioners and furnaces(s). A new 8 cu ft RV fridge runs $1500-$2000 plus installation. A stove/oven around $800. Those are discount outlet prices; RV dealer prices are likely 1.5x or 2x that.

[jaearhart]

On every used MH my concerns are under the coach. Brakes. Wheel bearings, air bags , steering, rear end , transmission, engine , auto level, all air /oil/gas filters. Exhaust system , Engine. AC . , head lights ,Towing package.

[Concord]

Really depends on if you're looking for a motorhome to use, or a three year expensive project to work on.

[House Husband]

The Southwind your looking at is on a Chevy P32 chassis.
That chassis had a couple of front end issues.
The OEM bell crank was sloppy from the factory.
The front coil springs have air bags in them and have a high failure rate.
Henderson Line up has cures for those issues. https://www.hendersonslineup.com/
95 was the last year of throttle body injection on the 454.
That engine was a little weak on power.

Richard

[cadillac_al]

I really don't think it is worth more than $2500 with the work that is needed. If it had new tires and good batteries and maintenance records it could be worth a little more. I'll bet if you shop around for another 6 months you would find something quite a bit nicer for $5k. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The Southwind your looking at is on a Chevy P32 chassis.

I'm curious how you concluded that. Fleetwood sold Southwinds on both Ford and Chevy chassis and I couldn't find any definitive clue in those photos as to which it is.

[House Husband]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

I'm curious how you concluded that. Fleetwood sold Southwinds on both Ford and Chevy chassis and I couldn't find any definitive clue in those photos as to which it is.

Look closely at the steering wheel. It's a chebby...........

Richard

[Gary RVRoamer]

Your eyes are better than mine.