Mini-Motor Home Question
Saw it on a parking lot. FSBO. 1986 Allegro, built on a Chevy Astro van chassis. Fully self-contained, but not real big. Sleeps "four" on two double beds.
V-6 engine, 67,000 miles. Owner says it runs great. Asking $4G.
Thinking of taking a look at it in a day or two if it's still there.
Any thoughts? Advice?
My first thought was, dang that is a lot of weight for a V-6 engine, but I have zero experience with such a vehicle.
V-6 engine, 67,000 miles. Owner says it runs great. Asking $4G.
Thinking of taking a look at it in a day or two if it's still there.
Any thoughts? Advice?
My first thought was, dang that is a lot of weight for a V-6 engine, but I have zero experience with such a vehicle.
0
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If it's a Chevy 4.3 V6 you will not have any pulling problems unless you head to the big montains in it.
Just stay in Texas and you'll be fine with it [:D]0 -
I have never seen one on a Astro chassis, is it a class "b" or "c"?
I find a lot of good info at the forums at RV.net.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm
I think you could find a class "c" in that age range for $4G's, with gas prices so high.
Don0 -
That GM "3800"V6 is a good engine NUNN.May need a timing chain by now tho. Use that to get money off. Prob. about $550 for the job... Good luck..U'd hava blast w/it..[:D]
Jeff0 -
I'm sure Chevy did not have the 4.3 Vortek until 1994. I have it in a 1995 Safari with 300,000 miles on it. 0 -
That is a great motor. I've actually seen them in 3/4 ton fullsize trucks. I've seen a bunch of marine motors base on the 4.3 and they are great motors.
In marine they make 200hp while the 305 makes only 5 more hp, but weights more. The 4.3 will run with the small block stock V8.
You can run the same pitch as the V8's too.
IMO I think it's one of the best engines made.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Cutiegirlracing
That is a great motor. I've actually seen them in 3/4 ton fullsize trucks. I've seen a bunch of marine motors base on the 4.3 and they are great motors.
In marine they make 200hp while the 305 makes only 5 more hp, but weights more. The 4.3 will run with the small block stock V8.
You can run the same pitch as the V8's too.
IMO I think it's one of the best engines made.
A v-6 in a 3/4 ton truck??????? I think your mistaken.[;)]0 -
Seen them here in the Golden State - many - they are probably no better or
worse than the rest. Have it checked out by a mechanic, of course. 67K/$4K is
not bad!
[8D]0 -
[8D]--Sir Nunn, just remember, 26 years old for a moterhome, your probably looking at a lot of--
---REPAIRS, not the least is engine/transmission-High costs--
--Now, of course I'm not there, but I wouldn't do it, unless the condition is SUPER and the running gear has a good maintenance record--
--Good luck !!JIMBO0 -
quote:Originally posted by Cutiegirlracing
quote:Originally posted by phillip
quote:Originally posted by Cutiegirlracing
That is a great motor. I've actually seen them in 3/4 ton fullsize trucks. I've seen a bunch of marine motors base on the 4.3 and they are great motors.
In marine they make 200hp while the 305 makes only 5 more hp, but weights more. The 4.3 will run with the small block stock V8.
You can run the same pitch as the V8's too.
IMO I think it's one of the best engines made.
A v-6 in a 3/4 ton truck??????? I think your mistaken.[;)]
So this is a mistake?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=202261924&dealer_id=1236396&car_year=1993&model=CHEVC25&num_records=&make3=&make2=GMC&start_year=1986&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=6+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=Gasoline&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&model2=GMCC25PU&search_lang=en&make=CHEV&color=&page_location=findacar::ispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=47102&advanced=y&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1798
This is one of many 3/4 ton V6's. I've seen cabin cruisers with dual 4.3's run with the twin BBC cabin cruisers of the same size.
It's a great little engine with great power.
I think thats a 1/2 ton.I could be wrong but ,I dont understand why they would put a 4.3 V-6 in a 3/4 ton truck that would obviously be purchased for towing and hauling.I agree with you that the 4.3 is a bang up motor.I had one in my 1991 1500.My 2004 2500 that I have now,Has a 6.0 in it.BTW some guys refer to there cars,boats,guns etc. as "HER or SHE".Do you refer to your stuff as "HE or HIM"?0 -
David, I wouldn't worry about the motor as much as the roof and the water lines. If the roof has leaked it will cost alot to fix the interior and to replace the roof it will run anywhere from 1000.00 to 4000.00, depending if it is the rubber roof or the fiberglass. The rubber roofs only last 10 years and need replacing and the fiberglass last about 5 before they start to leak. I think in 86 they used the gray water line with the crimps. The industry had a recall because they leaked so bad and caused a lot of damage. Check the floors for damage from leaks. Just my 2 cents form running rv parks here in fla. for 4 years and seeing thousands of RV's and there problems. Good Luck 0 -
quote:Originally posted by phillip
quote:Originally posted by Cutiegirlracing
quote:Originally posted by phillip
quote:Originally posted by Cutiegirlracing
That is a great motor. I've actually seen them in 3/4 ton fullsize trucks. I've seen a bunch of marine motors base on the 4.3 and they are great motors.
In marine they make 200hp while the 305 makes only 5 more hp, but weights more. The 4.3 will run with the small block stock V8.
You can run the same pitch as the V8's too.
IMO I think it's one of the best engines made.
A v-6 in a 3/4 ton truck??????? I think your mistaken.[;)]
So this is a mistake?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=202261924&dealer_id=1236396&car_year=1993&model=CHEVC25&num_records=&make3=&make2=GMC&start_year=1986&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=6+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=Gasoline&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&model2=GMCC25PU&search_lang=en&make=CHEV&color=&page_location=findacar::ispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=47102&advanced=y&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1798
This is one of many 3/4 ton V6's. I've seen cabin cruisers with dual 4.3's run with the twin BBC cabin cruisers of the same size.
It's a great little engine with great power.
I think thats a 1/2 ton.I could be wrong but ,I dont understand why they would put a 4.3 V-6 in a 3/4 ton truck that would obviously be purchased for towing and hauling.I agree with you that the 4.3 is a bang up motor.I had one in my 1991 1500.My 2004 2500 that I have now,Has a 6.0 in it.BTW some guys refer to there cars,boats,guns etc. as "HER or SHE".Do you refer to your stuff as "HE or HIM"?
Yes, the 4.3 was an option in the 3/4 ton work truck package. They weren't fast, but I've seen quite a few around power plants and other utilities.0 -
quote:Originally posted by agman1999
quote:Originally posted by phillip
quote:Originally posted by Cutiegirlracing
quote:Originally posted by phillip
quote:Originally posted by Cutiegirlracing
That is a great motor. I've actually seen them in 3/4 ton fullsize trucks. I've seen a bunch of marine motors base on the 4.3 and they are great motors.
In marine they make 200hp while the 305 makes only 5 more hp, but weights more. The 4.3 will run with the small block stock V8.
You can run the same pitch as the V8's too.
IMO I think it's one of the best engines made.
A v-6 in a 3/4 ton truck??????? I think your mistaken.[;)]
So this is a mistake?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=202261924&dealer_id=1236396&car_year=1993&model=CHEVC25&num_records=&make3=&make2=GMC&start_year=1986&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=6+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=Gasoline&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&model2=GMCC25PU&search_lang=en&make=CHEV&color=&page_location=findacar::ispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=47102&advanced=y&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1798
This is one of many 3/4 ton V6's. I've seen cabin cruisers with dual 4.3's run with the twin BBC cabin cruisers of the same size.
It's a great little engine with great power.
I think thats a 1/2 ton.I could be wrong but ,I dont understand why they would put a 4.3 V-6 in a 3/4 ton truck that would obviously be purchased for towing and hauling.I agree with you that the 4.3 is a bang up motor.I had one in my 1991 1500.My 2004 2500 that I have now,Has a 6.0 in it.BTW some guys refer to there cars,boats,guns etc. as "HER or SHE".Do you refer to your stuff as "HE or HIM"?
Yes, the 4.3 was an option in the 3/4 ton work truck package. They weren't fast, but I've seen quite a few around power plants and other utilities.
This makes no sense to me.Im officially going to lose sleep over this tonight.This just cant be.WHY,WHY,WHY....ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH0 -
I saw one that was 4x4 and wasn't a work truck. The guy told me that alot of them were used as ice trucks. I don't know how true that is.
I do refer to vehicles as her, but I did have a Banshee I drag raced I refered to as him.
Nunn, please don't be mad about hijacking the thread.0 -
quote: v-6 in a 3/4 ton truck??????? I think your mistaken.
We have an E-350 Ford one ton van with a straight six in it. [:D] Only has a 3-speed tranny with no over-drive. Will run about 65 tops, and man is that motor singing at that speed! You keep holding your breath waiting for it to change gears just one more time...but it never does!
David...look on e-bay motors to see if they have anything comparable listed as far as checking out the prices those things bring.0 -
U yeah ebbay is HERE now......................................... 0 -
[8D]--Yo Sir Nunn, I'm getting this trailer instead--
--
--This isn't my Xterra, but the combo is very similar, I just have to order this trailer from Oregon and it will go ANYWHERE I can go--
--It opens into a full tent and will carry up to 800 lbs of camping gear--
----JIMBO0 -
That 4.3 V 6 is one of the best engines GM ever built. With proper maintenance, they'll go 200,000 or more.
Yes, self contained but you'll need to plug in somewhere for AC or drag a generator with you. They usually don't come with one in the Class B.
A little smaller than what I'd want but if it suits you, go for it.
Here's a forum dedicated to RV's. Whole lot of them folks don't have a clue as to what they are talking about and then some do. Worse than on here but a little more polite, usually.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/21.cfm0 -
RUN LIKE THE WIND WISE MAN.
The Chevy front end will NOT hold up to MH use. The P series Chassis is known as an owners nightmare. Any motor home older than 1996 will not have some important safety features. A replacement Frig is over a grand. the water heaters ar 600 bucks....RUN!0 -
Thanks for all the replies. I have decided to pass on this one. I just don't think a mini-van platform will stand up to the extra weight. And length. Someone had to have lengthened the frame.
I wouldn't mind having a motor home that is a van conversion or a van chassis/cab coversion, but I think I will hold out for a 3/4 ton or 1 ton unit.0 -
quote:Originally posted by nunn
Thanks for all the replies. I have decided to pass on this one. I just don't think a mini-van platform will stand up to the extra weight. And length. Someone had to have lengthened the frame.
I wouldn't mind having a motor home that is a van conversion or a van chassis/cab coversion, but I think I will hold out for a 3/4 ton or 1 ton unit.
The class "c" motorhomes can be had pretty reasonable now, with gas prices so high. I would look at dealers to see what floor plan & options you want then watch for one to come on the private market.
Don0
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