What to do?

[WyzrdX]

OK So here is my dilemma. I have my 1974 Winnebago Indian. I have been working on getting it livable and ready. I still have work to do before I am able to fully live in it.

Here are the things that are done.
Replace AC
Replace Copper waterlines with PEX
Installed used Hot water heater (not tested and it was free).

Here are a few things needed to get it on the road and livable.
Needs fridge.
Needs Tires
Needs Valve cover gasket replaced (already have gasket but not installed yet).
Needs propane tested and new bottles.
Needs Windows cleaned and resealed.

There are other things I want to do like replacing the floor new upholstery and new captains chairs but nothing that cant be done later.

Which brings me to my dilemma............

I have had 2 RV's dropped into my lap by a friend. A 1983 Fleetwood Pace Arrow and a 1988 Holiday Rambler. Both have 454's.
Both have fridges, 2 AC's, plenty of room and all systems tested working.

So should I put my 74 up for sale even though I have been working on it or store it until I get around to finishing it? I am pretty set on getting either one of the Class A's. One reason is I have tested them both fully and they both are in great shape. The other reason is they are usable immediately. I just dont know what I want to do with the 74. Vintage RV's don't sell well around here and frankly it would need tires before any long trip.

So what do you all think I should do. Sell or store it.

[Trunkhill1]

I would evaluate just how much work each requires and how much money they would cost to maintain/upkeep.  The trade space may provide you with a much more livable option in the short term over your current project.  The dilemma would then be which to part out/sell/salvage.  I would keep the best option and scavenge parts off the other 2 then sell them outright or part out.  Just my opinion...

[WyzrdX]

Well bare minimum it is going to cost another 5 grand to finish the 74 Winnie as I need to get tires (6 x $260 = 1560), new or used fridge ($850 is the cheapest I have found used), Roof rebuilt ($2500 best estimate for new TPO and woodwork). Windows I can do myself and have everything already. I can easily replace the LP lines and get 2 new bottles and regulator for around $400.

As for the 2 I have the luck to choose from (I dont get them both just one), I am leaning to the 88 HR. Mostly because it has a new faux wood floor and it is a lighter color interior. I wont part out the Winnie. Either I am storing it until I can gut it and restore or I am selling it as is.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Honestly?  And I'm a little biased of course...but go for the Holiday Rambler, and sell the 74.  If you are going to be fulltiming it, the Holiday Rambler is the way to go.  We LOVE our Imperial 35.

Kev

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Main thing to look for on the HR:  Inspect the rear tag axle rubber shear springs for cracks.  Shallow (less than 1/2 inch) cracks are within spec and safe to travel on.  They aren't cheap or easy to replace.  Also, check the tag axle brakes...but even if they don't work, its not a deal breaker, since aftermarket solutions are available.

Kev

[WyzrdX]

Well yes we are going to be full-timing. That is why I am considering this. I still have a deeper inspection planned for this weekend at which time I will be climbing under and checking everything.

Thanks for the heads up but would the 28 ft have a tag axle? Or did all HR's have them. If so I will be sure to inspect. Any other advice on the HR?

[HandyDan]

Not all HRs had tag axles.  I don't know if a 28ft would, but I doubt it.  Definitely go for the HR for no other reason than the all aluminum construction.  The roof doesn't sag and no wood rot.  The interior of most motor homes are pretty much the same and the appliances are similar, and the drive train is the same, so the only differences is the construction.  You can't beat an HR.

[WyzrdX]

OK since I had so many votes on the Holiday Rambler, We decided to opt for it. I inspected as much as I could and found nothing wrong so far. I am doing a 35 mile test drive on it in the morning so I can do further inspection. No Tag Axle so nothing to look for there. I almost wish it did though  .

I love the layout and the fact I have minimal work to do but I have already have ideas of what I want to do to it. Once I get her home I will have pics and post them for all to see.

[M & J]

Remember - pics or it dint happen..

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Nice!  They are good coaches, and it should serve you well.

Kev

[WyzrdX]

I went to pick up the 88 Holiday Rambler AlumaLite XL and on my way home my wife called to say someone just bought our 74 Indian for $3500.

Anyway here she is. She is a 1 owner beauty. The original owners son is who I got it from. His dad bought it new and kept immaculate records on it. The title is still in the original owners name.

Here is what I know about it so far, Fridge was replaced in '03, Genny was serviced in '07, Front Air Conditioner was replaced in '13. It has 671 Hours on the Genny and 91K miles on the Chevy 454.

There is more but it is getting dark and I need pics in the light. Here are a few.

[smg id=7536 type=preview size=400]
[smg id=7538 type=preview size=400]

And would you look at the condition of these rims.

[smg id=7537 type=preview size=400]

[Oz]

In a word:  "excellent!"

[M & J]

Congratulations! That looks fantastic. Well Done.

[WyzrdX]

When the sun comes up I will get pics on the inside and show exactly what condition the interior is.

Whats better is I will be able to full time sooner 

[Rickf1985]

That is a really nice looking unit! And selling the other one at the same time is perfect.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

SWEET!!!

Kev

[WyzrdX]

Here are a few more pics. Excuse the mess. My wife started loading it before I could get bare pics. Once everything is put away I will add more.

[smg id=7557 type=preview size=400]
[smg id=7542 type=preview size=400]
[smg id=7566 type=preview size=400]

Gene

[WyzrdX]

And here is a bit of the documentation on this thing. There is even the original dealer options and chevy chassis inspection.

[smg id=7561 type=preview size=400]
[smg id=7572 type=preview size=400]
[smg id=7574 type=preview size=400]
[smg id=7558 type=preview size=400]

[legomybago]

Now there's a good candidate.....How much $$? Curious minds need to know i??

And would you look at the condition of these rims.

The wheels have stainless steel wheel "covers". I love those. They really make a rig

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Now locate the GM Chassis VIN plate and chassis option sticker (different from the HR house list).  Sticker should be mounted in a closet, or under dash, or in glove compartment, etc.  Indicates what options HR order the chassis with from GM (e.g brake system type, etc).

[HandyDan]

Similar interior to mine.  I think you did well.

[WyzrdX]

@ Bago - Yeah I forgot to mention the price. I paid $8000 for it and sold mine for $3500. So net cost was only $4500 + the work I did on my Indian that I didnt recoup which may have been around $1000.

@ Dave - I will look for the options sticker when I get home and see whats there.

@ Dan - Thanks I like how well it was taken care of. My wife is in love and as she puts it "And its not your age"  as if I were old

[TripleJ]

WOW that is nice!

But the '88 ford escort headlights tho

[tiinytina]

nice! almost same Layout as Gone.. but we have the goucho by the entry door.  dinette across from it.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Good price! 

Kev