Argosy Trailer vs. Argosy Motorhome???

[crabbey1]

Hi everyone!

I finished a restoration of a 1976 Argosy trailer this year and now I have the opportunity to purchase a 21 foot Argosy Motorhome (69k miles) with rear twin beds. I wanted to know if there are any specific problems I should look for when inspecting it vs. an Argosy Trailer? Any help or opinions are welcome...

Thanks!

Chris

[DKB_SATX]

All the problems of a 40-year-old commercial truck.

[idroba]

All the mechanicals, engine, tranny, brakes, power steering, bearings, alignment, radiator and cooing system, interior heater and controls, dash AC operation and generator set if it has one. They also used 16.5 inch tires which are hard to come by now, so you may be looking at different wheels as well as tires. There are lots and lots of things to maintain on an old motorhome and fewer people who know how to service things, especially the carbs and fuel systems. You can spend a lot of money keeping them up.

Also pay attention to the coach windows, windshield and slider windows in the front. They are all problem areas. Check the windshield wipers too, parts are hard to come by and service is very difficult. I had a 78 24' Argosy MH as well as an '83 310 Airstream. Pretty high costs to keep them up.

But the old 20' ones were very cute, for sure.

[crabbey1]

Man. Sounds like I am setting myself up for heartbreak. Maybe I should avoid it altogether...

[Smartstream]

Don't give up too easily. There are mechanics involved but fortunately they are pre electronic/computer era. It's all pretty simple basic stuff and they built the power train for a lot of years so lots of parts around. It is work but once you get it in good shape it would be difficult to wear it out.

The windshields are available but the side windows are a problem. Fortunately short of a wreck or vandalizem the side windows are pretty safe.

And most important as idroba said, they are really cute.

[Charlee]

Cute might be one way to describe it, but not the first thing that comes to my mind... How about Classic, Vintage, or just plain awesome!

The mechanics certainly add an extra layer of complexity, but it really isn't the difficult part. You restored a 76 argosy trailer so this should be similar with the addition of a GM P-30 frankenvehicle attached to it. The good news is the P-30 and the chevy engine bolted to it have been around and in production for decades, and there are countless versions still on the road today. The P-30 and chevy engine parts are readily available and cheap. The Argosy/Airstream parts are hit or miss, and then there are the one-off parts created by Airstream or purchased by Airstream just for the motorhomes that you will just have to get creative with.

I have a 77 24 foot and it has been a blast. I would buy it again in a heartbeat!

[mprokop87]

I love my 1976 Argosy 24 Moho and would definitely get another one. I was also between a trailer and a motorhome but my big deciding factor (besides only paying $300 for mine) was that I have a 20' boat that I use every weekend in good weather. I did not want to haul a trailer to a campground and then go home and haul a boat back there. I did that with my dad as a kid and it makes for a long day. Plus with the cost of gas and running a V10 in my truck, it makes you back pocket hurt a bit.

If you do not know much about engines/trannys then I would have someone inspect it to make sure there isnt any MAJOR issues. With something this old there is bound to be problems. Ive replaced wires, belts, plugs, oil, fuel pump, power steering lines, brake hoses and more. You should plan on doing a lot of that as well especially if it has been sitting. The good news is that the engine/tranny that was used in the vehicles is rock solid and very reliable. As long as the drivetrain is OK and you have a good shell, I say go for it!

The moho is a lot of fun to drive and you get some extra looks while you are out and about!