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dieseldust · 06-18-2011, 03:34 PM

Hello to all ,this is my first post and first RV that i might purchase, I am looking at a 1983 HOLIDAY RAMBLER Imperial 27 ,i do not know alot about them it has a ford driveline 460 engine , fresh tune up all new fluids all brand new tires, runs and drives real good everything works even has a propayne gen set built in,

My question is where these qaulity built and what should i be looking for as far as major problems in the future,

Thank you
James

ahicks · 06-18-2011, 06:49 PM

Yes, HR was a quality built coach. Many of us are pretty fond of them. Regarding all the problems to look for would be like writing a book. The most relevant might be a very close inspection of the interior walls near the ceiling as well as the ceiling itself. Also under the windows. You're looking for traces of water damage. Wrinkled wall paper and "soft spots" are what you're looking for and are potential show stoppers if you're looking for a source of expensive repairs. Same can be said for soft spots found in the floors. From there I would take it to somebody that does motor home chassis work in your area and ask them for a "safety check" that would include a brake inspection and a good going over underneath it. If it passes both those tests reasonably well, everything has been demonstrated to be in good working condition (including the refer!), and it drives out well, I'd say you have a good chance of having found one of the "good ones" out there. FWIW

TXiceman · 06-18-2011, 07:24 PM

Looks like a nice old HR. They were well above standard construction. other than the maintenance issues, the big thing to watch for on the older rigs are water leaks.

Ken

Go Dawgs · 06-18-2011, 11:29 PM

Not much to add but it does look nice. Take it to someone who can look at the chassis. Check for water and especially over the cab. We almost pulled the trigger on a couple of late model Class A HR and I have been fond of them for awhile. Choise our current rig instead.

Good Luck
Arnold

blackf3504dr · 06-19-2011, 05:41 AM

Nice looking HR ! we have a 92' HR class A that's still going strong, they are wall built units. As TXiceman said the big thing is water leaks. The Ford 460 is a good work horse and along with the C6 trans is a good combination.

dinahkeith · 06-19-2011, 09:44 AM

All I can say is that if we didn't already have 2 to work on extensively, we'd be racing you to buy that one! Very nice looking rig! Tag axle would be the only thing to check that I can think of, offhand. Good luck!

Billieg · 06-19-2011, 11:22 AM

That's a good looking coach. I have a 1990 class A and love it. Really well built so much so there aren't many in salvage yards so parts are very hard to get. HR used Lester electronics which are out of business now so be prepared to search for parts needed. Good Luck!

GOLDWINGER2 · 06-19-2011, 11:50 AM

How many miles does it have on it?
J

swampdog2 · 06-19-2011, 04:05 PM

exhaust manifold leaks are a big problem with the older 460 and if it has a gen. make sure it works well.

dieseldust · 06-19-2011, 06:53 PM

Keep all the information comming , No water damage or sign of it ever having any 460 manifolds are quiet it has a propane generator that runs quiet and purrs like a kitten a/c blows ice cold, the only thing i can see so far is one off the gaskets on the overhead front window needs replacing it popped out a bit and some upolustry work the couch has been well used

Jim