Unsure!!!! Help!

[mountainkowboy]

We have been seriously thinking of getting rid of the HR and buying a vintage RV. One, to get rid of the payment and two, git back to a simpler RV thats east to work on and troubleshoot. I'm an old-school shade-tree and can fix damn near anything is its of the "older" vintage like is in my sig.

I've found a 1972 Avco, 28' class A on an International MHC 1510 chassis with a 392 and auto trans with 63K on the clock. New tires and in awesome condition, inside and out. Does anyone know anything about these units? I know that they were bought by Foretravel in the 80's and are steel and fiberglass construction. I would welcome any input from ya'll.

[94-Newmar]

Originally Posted by mountainkowboy

We have been seriously thinking of getting rid of the HR and buying a vintage RV. One, to get rid of the payment and two, git back to a simpler RV thats east to work on and troubleshoot. I'm an old-school shade-tree and can fix damn near anything is its of the "older" vintage like is in my sig.

I've found a 1972 Avco, 28' class A on an International MHC 1510 chassis with a 392 and auto trans with 63K on the clock. New tires and in awesome condition, inside and out. Does anyone know anything about these units? I know that they were bought by Foretravel in the 80's and are steel and fiberglass construction. I would welcome any input from ya'll.

In another thread, I found a site by a Foretravel owner that seems to have a bountiful wealth of info on the Foretravels, have a look at my post here: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f65/owner...tml#post780510

[Route 66]

Here is a fledgling Avco web site with just a handful of members, but you may find some help there.

[blackf3504dr]

The International 392 is one tough engine, but they are heavy and never were known for being fuel efficient. The trans is most likely a GM 400 or Chrysler 727 both are very good transmissions but limited with only three speeds and no over drive. One thing to keep in mind is how hard finding parts for that old "cornbinder" 392 would be? I know they still have quite a following in the 4X4 market but don't know about availability of parts if you break down on the road...

[Outlaw45]

man, i would buy that rig in a minute. but, you have to love vintage.lol. after having my 1978 GMC Midas, i wouldn't trade it for any newer MH. i like my OLE' KOOT.lol.

Outlaw

[mountainkowboy]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm well versed in old IH iron and parts are easy to get IF you know where to go, in fact thats one of the plus' of it. I was also thinking of doing a 7.3 diesel swap down the road.....staying IH of course, but going for better mpg and power. I think we will take a drive this weekend and check it out

[blackf3504dr]

Originally Posted by mountainkowboy

Thanks for the replies.

I'm well versed in old IH iron and parts are easy to get IF you know where to go, in fact thats one of the plus' of it. I was also thinking of doing a 7.3 diesel swap down the road.....staying IH of course, but going for better mpg and power. I think we will take a drive this weekend and check it out

The 7.3 swap sounds interesting, but how about being really different and going with a DT430 instead ? But, there ain't nothin' wrong with an IH gasser either.

[mountainkowboy]

Believe me if the 392 is in good shape and has been taken care of, it will last for DECADES! I guessing that the mpg would be around 7 or 8, I would guess that rig is around 18K gvwr with a gcwr of 22-25K. The 392 will handle the load, but a 7.3 wont even sweat it.

The DT430 would be interesting, but to an IH purist would be un-thinkable! As for favoring it over a newer moho, my DD is a 65 GMC flatface van or a 64 IH Scout 80. So I guess you could say that I'm kinda into old iron. I think that the transition will be easy!

[Outlaw45]

i luv them old vans. had a 60's something, can't remember the year, getting old. a great rig.

Outlaw

[RedneckExpress]

Originally Posted by blackf3504dr

The 7.3 swap sounds interesting, but how about being really different and going with a DT430 instead ? But, there ain't nothin' wrong with an IH gasser either.

Other than the fuel economy .

[mountainkowboy]

Originally Posted by RedneckExpress

Other than the fuel economy .

I didnt know that they had any economy

Goin to take a look-see and maybe a spin around the block on Friday with the ol' girl. He did send me some pics of the interior and it looks spotless. Rear bedroom, with what looks like a flip over....co-pilot/dinette seat setup cause I didnt see a captains chair on the passenger side. Will know more on Friday, I'll be sure to take some pics. He also has the origanal lit on the unit too.

[RedneckExpress]

Originally Posted by mountainkowboy

I didnt know that they had any economy

Goin to take a look-see and maybe a spin around the block on Friday with the ol' girl. He did send me some pics of the interior and it looks spotless. Rear bedroom, with what looks like a flip over....co-pilot/dinette seat setup cause I didnt see a captains chair on the passenger side. Will know more on Friday, I'll be sure to take some pics. He also has the origanal lit on the unit too.

You'd be surprised... The old 7.3 and the earlier 5.9 Cummins are popular motors amongst the truck camper crowd because they average around 12 mpg under load and can pull larger hills without the need to lose speed and shifting gears.

That and 100,000 miles on a diesel is barely broken in. 300,000 or more on a diesel is the equivalent of the old 100,000 miles on a gas engine.

[mountainkowboy]

Oh I know that, had a 97 Dodge CTD 12 valve non electronic, that I turned up to 375hp and towed a HR 27' 5er with. Averaged 14-15mpg towing and a solid 21 empty. That truck was a BEAST!!! Wish I still had it.

[mountainkowboy]

Well.....it was a cool old moho, but for the money he wants for it and the repairs that I believe it will need........its a pass. We are still interested in going older RV, and are still looking.