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97sx · 05-03-2011, 11:29 AM

Hello to all! Long time reader.....first time poster! Looking to become a regular on the site.

So I am looking at possibly purchasing an 85 310 motorhome. It has a freshly rebuilt motor, new transmission, and everything appears to be in good working order.

My question is what are some specific areas of concern I should look at before I commit to buy? Are these motorhomes notorious money pits? I am very familiar with AS trailers but not so much on the motorhomes. All to often I hear about problems with motorhomes, and I didn't know if the airstream product was any more or less reliable than other motorhomes.

There doesn't appear to be any water damaged areas, the exterior is straight and no rust. The interior appears to be original and everything except a tail light looks to be working.

I would appreciate any advice or opinions on a purchase like this!

Thanks

Mike Leary · 05-03-2011, 11:34 AM

How about some pics?

97sx · 05-03-2011, 11:36 AM

Took a bunch with my phone. I will try and get them up in an hour or two.

97sx · 05-03-2011, 12:10 PM

Also a quick note. The majority of the time we will be using it is in the fall...making weekend runs that are 300 miles each way with several major mountain passes. Did the 310 have the same breaking issues as the 345? 10 miles of 7% grade makes me leery after reading all the braking issues guys have had with their 345s.

Mike Leary · 05-03-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97sx

10 miles of 7% grade makes me leery

I've done a ton of mountain passes and a 7% grade is nothing to sneeze at.
The four wheel disks have done fine as long as they're in tip-top shape. First thing I'd do is have the brake system completely re-built, and that includes the master cylinder. If you've got some spare change, a "Jake Brake" would be at the top of my list.

Hey, you're "leery", so am I.

pmclemore · 05-04-2011, 03:24 PM

Welcome to the Forums, 97sx. And glad to see that you've hooked up with an expert on your first try! (Thanks to you too, Mike).

Pat

Keyair · 05-04-2011, 06:11 PM

Jake Brake is for Diesels only?

Mike Leary · 05-04-2011, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keyair

Jake Brake is for Diesels only?

Umm, as far as I know.

97sx · 05-04-2011, 11:27 PM

It has a gas engine. 454 chevy....so no Jake option. I am still trying to get the hang of posting the pics. I am going to try and get them up tonight.

97sx · 05-05-2011, 08:39 AM

First pics. More to come.

97sx · 05-05-2011, 08:42 AM

More pics as promised.

cooperhawk · 05-05-2011, 08:44 AM

Light the furnaces, run the frig and ice maker, run the Genset, check all the electrical outlets and systems, look for any sign of mold or rot.

We have had our 345 for fifteen years now and I doubt it is any more of a money pit than a trailer with a tow vehicle. She still functions like new.

cooperhawk · 05-05-2011, 08:46 AM

Looks like a nice unit from here. When we first had ours it was a bear to drive in any wind until I found that the rear shocks were broken loose from their mounting brackets. Got them replaced and now it drives really well.

Take if for a test drive!!!