looking to buy a LD October 02, 2011, 02:03:31 am Yahoo Message Number: 125645I need some help from you experienced LD owners. We are in the process of buying our first Motor home ever,I have some questions to ask please help !!! We went to look at one today and fell in like with it, will most likely love or not after some advice. It's an older model an 83 per the owner but the door say built 3/81??? anyways it started on the first try, we test drove it(not the fastes vehicle) It drove ok but the front was a bit shakey at about 45 might be the tires??? I checked the roof and it looks like a 4 piece, aluminium looks like they applied a coat of some kind of white resin so it looks all uniform and water tight, there is a generator that doesnt work it's located were the spare is to be??? it has an canopy that extendes from the pass side looks ok, no damage but a dent on the ladder, inside it has an aircoditioner on the roof and a swamp cooler, ac works good it was 95 degrees and it was blowing cold, cab ac doesnt work, water pump works. I/we checked inside the cabinets and no sign of water(roof stains)the only thing that concerns me is the tires 800 R16.5 the shaking in the front, generator and under the rear bumper there is a long box behind the bumper that is the lenght of the bumper that looks a bit wet dont know what that is. please advice again 83 LD
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #1 – October 02, 2011, 02:49:34 am Yahoo Message Number: 125646Get it inspected!!! A thirty year old motor home can and undoubtedly will have many defects. Expect to put a lot of money into it.Larry
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #2 – October 02, 2011, 03:06:38 am Yahoo Message Number: 125648Yes this is one thing that We already made an appointment to have done, the guy selling it said that was no problem, I felt confident when he did not reject to it. I think it would be the best 300 I would ever spend. Thanks.
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #3 – October 02, 2011, 08:18:28 am Yahoo Message Number: 125649Rudy, can you post photos, or a link to online photos? From your message, we can't tell whether this is an 18', 20' or 22' model. "It's an older model an 83 per the owner but the door say built 3/81" Chassis sometimes sat on the LD lot for awhile before they were used, although two years is longer than usual."the front was a bit shakey at about 45 might be the tires" It's almost certainly going to need new tires--check the date codes. See http://www.andybaird.com/travels/LD-guide-web/info.htm for info on how to decipher the codes. Also see our recent discussion here about where to find tires for older LDs. Figure on spending about $1,200 for a set of six. If the front end shakes, you'll want to have the front end alignment checked as well."cab ac doesnt work" From my experience, that's going to cost about $1,200 to fix, since it will need to be retrofitted to work with the new refrigerants, which requires replacing a lot of parts. "under the rear bumper there is a long box behind the bumper that is the lenght of the bumper" If it's about 4" square, it's most likely intended for storing the sewer hose."there is a generator that doesnt work..." Having a generator that doesn't work is better than not having one at all. :-) But that's another repair cost."... it's located were the spare is to be" In a 1984 LD, the spare is normally under a fiberglass cover on the rear of the coach (as in modern LDs). A factory-installed generator would be in a lower-level storage compartment on one side of the coach. If it's a generator installed by a previous owner... well, that's anybody's guess. Again, photos would be helpful. You didn't mention the refrigerator. Was it demonstrated for you? That's another $1,200 item. (Sorry to sound like a broken record, but it's true.) And what about the furnace? Water heater? Batteries? Based on my experience and that of others here with older rigs, I'd be willing to bet that you'll end up putting about $5,000 into this rig by the time you get it into good shape. If your budget won't handle that amount on top of the purchase price, don't buy it. I join Larry in recommending that you get it inspected--if possible, by an RV technician *and* by an experienced mechanic.Good luck!Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #4 – October 02, 2011, 08:31:55 am Yahoo Message Number: 125650I dont know where you are geographically, but if by chance youre in Northern California, I am about to put my 85(ferreal) MP on the market which has none of the problems you describe(Except for the tires). Feel Free...Mark
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #5 – October 02, 2011, 10:54:35 am Yahoo Message Number: 125651My personal opinion about buying such old vehicles:* If it doesn't have fuel injection, it's too old * if you have to ask a lot repair/condition related questions, it's too old * if you value your time at all, it's too old I suggest looking at units of any brand no older than 20 years. There were a lot of advancements in engines, chassis, and safety in the 90's, and they will not cost very much more than one from the '80s. It's more money upfront, but less money and time going forward, and you'll have a better vehicle. Just having fuel injection can improve your mileage enough to save a $1000 in less than 8000 miles of driving.Eric Greenwell
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #6 – October 02, 2011, 10:43:46 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125672Hello Mark if you can send me pictures of your RV I would appreciate it I'm looking for a 20darn or an 18 foot so I hope that is what you have. I would drive just about any place to get one that gives us that fussy feeling you get when you fall in love (lol) my email
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #7 – October 03, 2011, 03:11:22 am Yahoo Message Number: 125680Andy here are some pictures go on photo bucket and than look me up rudylhernandez.... I posted 2 picks of the front right and front left thanks
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #8 – October 03, 2011, 05:02:11 am Yahoo Message Number: 125681Looks like a twenty-footer, but I don't recognize the floorplan. Where is the generator located?Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #9 – October 03, 2011, 12:36:09 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125693"Looks like a twenty-footer, but I don't recognize the floorplan. Where is the generator located?"Gentlemen, That is the 18 footer. Bath is left rear, kitchen same wall where entry door is and has a dinette across and refer behind it. There is a bath sink in the back with window looking out back. It has been on Craigslist for quite some time, I have been eying it. Seller is staying firm on his price listing. I have never seen a mounted gen in an 18 footer so I assumed the seller has a portable he is offering with the unit.Ramon
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #10 – October 03, 2011, 12:40:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125694"That is the 18 footer." To anyone looking at one of the super short LDs, check out the capacity of the water and holding tanks. You will find them to be very small. This will severely limit your ability to boondock.Larry
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #11 – October 03, 2011, 04:43:30 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125700Ramon, We went to go see this 18 foot LD and it looks ok but I'm new at this it is in fact just like you have noted. We looked at the whole thing and found a few things that for me made no sence like the door indicates its an 81 not 83 but someone posted that sometimes the chassi would sit at the mothership for a while before put together, there is a generator that doesnt work that sits were the spare tire would sit owner claims that it's original IDK We can only fit a rig thats no longer than 20 foot 6 inches or shorter so this would be perfect with the generator hanging of the back it's 19.4
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #12 – October 03, 2011, 04:54:35 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125701Andy it's an 18 footer and the generator is installed in the back were thespara tire would normally be but it doesnt work.
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #13 – October 03, 2011, 08:29:13 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125708"the generator is installed in the back were thespara tire would normally be but it doesnt work." So *is* there a spare? Is the fiberglass spare cover present, or has it been lost?Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #14 – October 03, 2011, 08:54:09 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125712Andy, We need to keep you on your toes... the fiberglass cover did not come until 1985ish. 84 and below has that circular ring (part chrome or stainless) that goes around the tire. I am intrigued by this set up too and curious if it is factory, it does not sound like it. Rudy, thanks for the info. The year thing does sound strange but possible. Mine is registered as an 85, the air cleaner says 1984 emissions and I need to look at what the door says. By chance did you take any pictures of this gen area?? What ever you buy, make sure the seller smogs the vehicle before you buy it. It is negotiable but law states seller should smog.Ramon
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #15 – October 03, 2011, 10:16:06 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125715I did not by chance is yours also an 18 footer???/
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #16 – October 03, 2011, 10:27:48 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125716"We need to keep you on your toes... the fiberglass cover did not come until 1985ish. 84 and below has that circular ring (part chrome or stainless) that goes around the tire." I suspect the fiberglass cover was a midyear change. The "Changes" list as I got it from our research team (Eudoro Lemos, Jr., Joanna02, Lomita Lounger, Orioki, Barry Barnes, Bob and Ellen Hull, Larry Wade, R. Hughes, and Terry Tanner) said that the cover was introduced in 1984, but it could have been anytime that year--you know how LD is about "slipstreaming" upgrades in the middle of a model year. :-)Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #17 – October 03, 2011, 10:31:02 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125717I did not ask regarding the spare, I know I should have asked, there was a cover (fiberglass) that had holes on the top and underside as to allow the generator to breath, the cover also had GM on it rather than LD branded it fit and did not look out of place, The guy said it was original to it.
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #18 – October 04, 2011, 12:41:16 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125729"I did not by chance is yours also an 18 footer???" No Rudy, 22 ft. 1985. I looked at a few of these 18 footers when searching for an LD. They are interesting because I had never seen the 18 footer or the 20 footer when I first started looking. 22 seems to be the most common. So when I see these "shorter" rigs, I really study them to see how they differ from the 22's. I just reviewed a mid 80's brochure and there is no option for a generator for the 18 footer. Take it for what it is worth since yours in consideration is an 83 (or 81) and because this brochure does not list a year. I say mid 80s because the pictures seem to be of 84s and 85s based on my research.Ramon
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #19 – October 04, 2011, 03:13:06 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125734thanks I know that they are small but all we need is and 18 footer or 20 it's just my wife and I and we have the parking issue, I do not want to get something and then have to pay for parking I donot agree to adding more to our finances. so if any of you know of a good deal on a 18 or 20 foot please let me know. __
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #20 – October 04, 2011, 04:19:08 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125735"so if any of you know of a good deal on a 18 or 20 foot please let me know."Rudy LDs shorter than 22' are as rare as hen's teeth. The odds of finding one in salvageable shape are very long. Most rotted out a long time ago. Remember that LD's total yearly production has never been much over 200 units a year, spread over all the available floor plans. When the 22' models first appeared, they immediately became very popular, eventually displacing the shorter models. With your length limitations, you may want to consider other options. My brother switched from a 22' Winnie to a Casita travel trailer. It is short, lightweight, inexpensive, towable behind medium sized vehicles and could be parked in your short driveway. My brother uses a Jeep Liberty as a tow vehicle. Mileage is a lot better than a MH too and you wouldn't have to deal with an antique drive-train. http://www.casitatraveltrailers.com/index.html> Casita's have an active, enthusiastic owner's group, much like our LDs. http://www.casitaclub.com/> You might find that you will like RVing better if you do so in a rig that doesn't constantly demand major repairs, the way an ancient RV undoubtedly will. If you are really interested in a short LD, there is one in my neighborhood than has been parked under a tree for the entire 16 years we have lived here. It has the same blue tarp, over the top, as it did many years ago. I cringe to think what shape the framing and interior must be in. It could keep you busy at nights and weekends for many months, if you are looking for a full-on reconstruction project. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/4426178648/in/set-72157623261780727>Larry
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #21 – October 04, 2011, 04:45:17 pm Yahoo Message Number: 125736"LDs shorter than 22' are as rare as hen's teeth."I'm sitting in our '84 20' Diesel (not for sale, by the way) reading this and feeling very lucky.[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: looking to buy a LD Reply #22 – October 05, 2011, 12:39:26 am Yahoo Message Number: 125739"so if any of you know of a good deal on a 18 or 20 foot please let me know" Hi Rudy, besides the gen, what was wrong with the 18 footer? Owner claims it is in great shape. From the pix (the one you posted) it does not all look that bad though maybe pricey? I have seen larger ones go for less. Also, he says smogged so I tried to look it up on the smog website but it is not listed. I think because he put knew plates on it so the database is not up to date. Not only would it show when it passed but would list the year it is registered. I searched sing license plate. With a vin might have more records listed. If just the 2 of you, you have to think about space in the 18'. The dinette would be small to sleep on but the bunk would be fine if you can crawl up there every time. I am not sure of your age but some older folks don't like to climb up there. This is where the 19.5 (Dodge) or 20' Chevy come in. These are kind of like the 22 foot Twin King model. The have a table in the rear that converts to a bed. I don't think the bed is as big as the 22 footers but I think it is bigger than dinette in the 18' model. I almost bought a 1977 Dodge 19.5' version (just like across from Larry) but it did not drive right. It had no power at all so I walked away. I did like the floorplan better than the 18 tough.Good luck with your search Ramon
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