Community Forums

MissKatryn · 06-16-2020, 03:22 PM

I've been looking for a while and just found this Born Free. They are pretty hard to find and I'm wondering if anyone might have an opinion on the price etc.
Thanks so much in advance. Everyone on this forum has been really awesome and really helpful !

2005 Born Free Built for Two. 22 feet long bumper to bumper.
Great condition. Sleeps 2. Ford E350 with 6.8 L Triton V10 with 78,000 miles.
Gas generator - new tires - 2 burner cooktop - convection microwave oven - gas or electric fridge and freezer - propane furnace - A/C - remote control power incline twin beds / sofa - wet bath [sink, shower, toilet in a combined space].
The cab has power windows, power locks, tilt steering, cruise, power heated mirrors.
Soft spot on the floor just as you step in the RV.

Clear title. Clean Carfax.
$23,650

Ron Dittmer · 06-17-2020, 08:51 PM

Assuming it is in truly fine condition (minus the soft floor by the door), it is not a bad price. As with everything RV, price is almost always negotiable. I would offer $20,000 and see if it is acceptable. Whatever they tell you, anticipate that you will likely have to invest a grand or more to make it all good.

MissKatryn · 06-18-2020, 07:22 AM

Thank you Ron. I took it for a test drive late yesterday and really checked it out well. It has quite a bit of rust. Evidently it has lived its life "beachside". And I don't believe it's been used in a long time. The current seller (a dealer) has no idea what works and what doesn't. As much as I love these models, I have decided to let this one pass and hope I can find another similar model but in better condition soon. I really appreciate the reply. Have a great day !

TwelveVolt · 06-18-2020, 10:59 AM

Sounds like you made the right choice. At some point, every vehicle is ready for the junkyard. You don’t want that to be your driveway. My first offer was on a DP with rust issues. I am very grateful that they turned down my offer based on the number of YouTube videos I have seen demonstrating that a rust rebuild can be far more than I am prepared to tackle.

You did not mention the age of the tires and batteries. A significant expense if you have to replace both, as is often the case with a vehicle that has been in storage for a long time.

Ron Dittmer · 06-19-2020, 04:37 AM

Oh yes, rust is a deal breaker. High humidity ocean air salt is the worst, followed by road salt. If the chassis body is rusty, then the frame is surely hopeless.

In 2008 I bought a simple basic Ford Ranger pickup truck with low mileage and bumper & frame rust, thinking I could do something about it. I did, but it took way too much effort and money in addressing it properly. What I did for that little truck could not be done for a motor home. When I was finished, the vehicle was made right but the frame material was thinner and weaker. I was afraid to load it up. The weight of a motor home is already loaded up.

MissKatryn · 06-25-2020, 06:26 AM

I found another one that is a 2004 with 111,000 miles on the Ford V10. I spoke to the owner and he said that he has kept it in perfect condition and "everything" runs properly. He's asking $27,500. I don't know that NADA is a good place to check selling prices for these models as they are so sought after...Wondering if anyone might have an opinion on the V10 having 111K miles assuming the engine has been maintained. And also the price. Thanks in advance !!! Details below....

2004 Born Free class C Motor Coach. 26ft. rear side bed model. Born Free is arguably one of the best motor coaches ever built. From it's fiberglass body to it's solid wood honey oak cabinets to it's built in roll bars for added safety Born Free spared no expenses. This motorhome looks like new inside and out. It runs perfectly and everything works as it should. Ford E-450. Triton V-10 workhorse engine w/overdrive. 111K easy highway miles. Generator, roof air w/heat, air ride suspension, four flexsteel captain chairs, tv w/dvd, one double bed and one single bed, large fridge w/freezer, separate toilet and shower, double sink in kitchen, stove, convection microwave oven, bathroom vanity sink, pull out table, ample storage, two awnings, outside shower, excellent tires and a brand new cover still in the box.
WOW! that was a mouthful. If I didn't already own it I'd probably buy it myself!

rffowler55 · 06-25-2020, 07:19 AM

We sold our 1998 23' Born Free Built-For-2 last year with 98k miles for close to 20k and it was only on the market 1 day. The 110k miles would not prevent me considering the purchase provided the engine, transmission and other major components are checked-out by a qualified mechanic.

Born-Free's are unbelievable in quality and the V10 will provide more than enough power to pull a toad. Our V10 was the 362hp version and when we pulled a toad we could accelerate going up most east coast inclines.

We would never have sold the Born-Free except we became a 3 dog family instead of 1 and it became a battle for space since 1 of our dogs is about 70lbs.

MissKatryn · 06-25-2020, 02:11 PM

That is really great information and I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I get it about the space. I have 2 dogs, each are 100 pounds. It's all about the dogs and their comfort

I really love the "Born Free" models and would dearly love to find one. I hope this one works out. Thanks again !