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ednormandy · 09-13-2010, 07:38 PM

I just purchased an 81 Excella Diesel on eBay (item# 300463957421 ) The story is this: From the description, it seems like a great motorhome and I was convinced it would go for 18K plus. I made the opening bid at 12K knowing for sure someone would outbid me. No one else bid on the rig and I won it. Now I am wondering why.... If over 3000 people viewed this auction and I am the only person in the world to bid on it, what is wrong with it? I realize it's not a turbo so probably wont tow anything worth a darn but is there something else about this year/model everyone else in the world but me knows?

Ed Normandy
Mountain Home, AR
Proud new owner (I hope) of a 1981 28Ft Excella Diesel

Dave Park · 09-14-2010, 03:24 AM

It looks like you got a nice MH at a good price. The catch is the isuzu engine, which is underpowered, but which you could replace with a more suitable engine for less than the amount you saved.

Motor homes have been selling so badly the last couple of years, people are being a lot more fussy than they used to be, and one little thing buys it a pass for most people.

**Kevin245** · 09-14-2010, 05:56 AM

Hello Ed,

Congrats on the MoHo and on making your 1st post. Not being a MoHo aficionado I don't know about the value but there are members here with plenty of experience and knowledge of the MoHo market. They will gladly share their opinions regarding values, benefits, as well as shortcomings with you.

The important thing to remember is that there are no perfects rigs out there. They all have issues in one form or another so enjoy the rig for what it is and use any repairs as a learning opportunities.

Share some pictures when you can.

Regards,

bkahler · 09-14-2010, 10:50 AM

Ed, looks like a good deal to me. Lots of new stuff which is always a plus.

No matter what you're going to find issues with the motorhome most likely in the suspension. Fortunately most if not all parts are readily available so other than spending more money you shouldn't have any worries there.

I may be mistaken but I think the non turbo diesels can be upgraded to a turbo unit. Hopefully some of the other diesel moho owners will chime in on the subject.

Enjoy your new ride

Brad

Mike Leary · 09-14-2010, 10:55 AM

That sounds like a fair price. Are you SURE it's not a turbo? I was lead to believe all AS Mo/hos had turbos. I'd consider a overdrive if highway cruising. Pics?

silverback · 09-14-2010, 11:28 AM

I'm with Mike.

Quote:

Are you SURE it's not a turbo?

Our 81 280 Excella is an Isuzu TD. Your's is shinier with better captain's chairs.

We get close to 15 MPG with it.
-Ken

Smartstream · 09-14-2010, 11:37 AM

Hi Ed, Welcome to the world of Airstream Mohos. I have a '82 280 with the turbo diesel. The engine is actually the normally asperated engine that you have with an aftermarket low pressure turbo installed. Mine has plenty of power but needs more gears.

The book says the engine makes max torque at 1875 rpm. The coach does 60 mph at about 2800 rpm with max goverened rpm at 3200 making top speed at about 67 mph. On secondary roads this is not a problem but on interstates you definately live in the right lane.

Some people on the forum seem to feel that they must be able to travel at 75 mph and not slow down on a 6% grade. If you feel you must travel at those speeds you won't be happy with the Isuzu. You will however be happy at the fuel pump. We average between 12 and 13 mpg.

I did just install a Gear Vendors overdrive but I have only driven a few miles of test drives but am happy so far. I'm looking forward to a trip so I can really see how it does.

Keep in mind that you have a 30 year old coach built on a truck frame and it will not perform like a new vehicle. It is however a very nice coach that will perform as designed for many, many years.

Go camping, have fun, and enjoy life.
Cheers, Dan

DaveFL · 09-14-2010, 11:43 AM

"Proud new owner (I hope) of a 1981 28Ft Excella Diesel "
In your bid I'm sure you left a few bucks in reserve for any surprises, maybe not even the PO knew about, plus doing the usual replacement of maybe problem items keeping the used one for emergency spares.
If 15 mpg is a norm for this model, you will be ahead of our 454 gasser by 4-5 mpg, I think it will be easy to drop the 'I hope'
Best wishes for a successful buy.

silverback · 09-14-2010, 11:47 AM

I was pretty amazed when I drove ours home and averaged 14.8 MPG or better. We also just added a Gear Vendors overdrive. It sounds a lot less stressed out over 60 MPH.

Mike Leary · 09-14-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverback

I was pretty amazed when I drove ours home and averaged 14.8 MPG or better. We also just added a Gear Vendors overdrive. It sounds a lot less stressed out over 60 MPH.

No glossy advertisement; ours gets a steady 15mpg, even with all my wifes stuff that she (claims) is needed for full-timing.

DaveFL · 09-14-2010, 03:19 PM

Ed,
You worried about no other bids, I wouldn't bid due to location(too far) no double bed, had to read the reply to know about dining table, no shower picture. Not unusual for ebay to go without bids, also seller was unusual in that he didn't have a reserve, therefore your good fortune.
I think when you dust it off, you will be very happy, the seller sounded like someone I would like to deal with, he came across like an honest AS'er.

ednormandy · 09-14-2010, 07:45 PM

WOW I feel like i just became a family member here. Thanks for all the responses. I was tetering on buyers remorse but feel better now. I will be picking it up on October 1st and driving it the 1000 miles from ElPaso to Mountain Home, AR on the 2nd and 3rd. My route is simple Interstates 10, 20 and 30. Any suggestions for overnight near DFW? My flight to ElPaso is on Southwest so I have two free bags to check. One will be pillow, blankets and supplies, the other will be tools. small inverter, GPS etc. Open to suggestions on what to bring for the maiden flight. The seller is a dealer, not the owner so it may have some of the upgrades discussed (overdrive, turbo, etc) that the dealer is unaware of. Won't know until I get there.

GREENovaters · 09-14-2010, 07:57 PM

Enjoy your motorhome - I love mine!

Smartstream · 09-14-2010, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ednormandy

WOW I feel like i just became a family member here. Thanks for all the responses. I was tetering on buyers remorse but feel better now. I will be picking it up on October 1st and driving it the 1000 miles from ElPaso to Mountain Home, AR on the 2nd and 3rd. My route is simple Interstates 10, 20 and 30. Any suggestions for overnight near DFW? My flight to ElPaso is on Southwest so I have two free bags to check. One will be pillow, blankets and supplies, the other will be tools. small inverter, GPS etc. Open to suggestions on what to bring for the maiden flight. The seller is a dealer, not the owner so it may have some of the upgrades discussed (overdrive, turbo, etc) that the dealer is unaware of. Won't know until I get there.

My first stop would be a competent shop to have it serviced and a safety check performed. Heading out with fresh fluids and functioning brakes and suspension would be prudent.

Cheers, Dan

carnegie1935 · 09-14-2010, 09:38 PM

congradulations on a great looking coach. Looks better than my 83 300 TD. Your floorplan is almost like mine and I like it very much. I think you got a very good deal. I think you will be very happy with the power and MPG on the deisel engine.

Kay

Mike Leary · 09-14-2010, 09:57 PM

Did I miss something? I've not seen any pics.

DaveFL · 09-15-2010, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smartstream

My first stop would be a competent shop to have it serviced and a safety check performed. Heading out with fresh fluids and functioning brakes and suspension would be prudent.

Cheers, Dan

My maiden voyage was only 75 miles so I didn't bother with tow insurance, with a 1000 I would upgrade AAA to include RV which they don't automatically cover, or better call Good Sam and get emergency Road service.

Carry an extra fuel filter and know the procedure to bleed the air from fuel line, even with road service. It should be in the motor manual.

Dave Park · 09-15-2010, 07:53 AM

Also, from El Paso to DFW is a very long distance, and you might want to choose an easier "first day" - there are a LOT of Airstreamers and good AS mechanics in Austin, TX, which can take 3-4 hrs off that first day journey.

Also, if you're making a trip of it, a nice stop in Fredericksburg might be enjoyable - wineries, peach groves and antiques! Fredericksburg is about 60 miles west of Austin/San Antonio in the best of the hill country, but with the roads avoiding the worst of the hills

carnegie1935 · 09-15-2010, 08:52 AM

I looked at the ebay listing for pictures on ebay search enter the item number he provided in post 1 300463957421 Dont know how long this will work to look at that beauty

Kay

**DKB_SATX** · 09-15-2010, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Park

Also, from El Paso to DFW is a very long distance, and you might want to choose an easier "first day" - there are a LOT of Airstreamers and good AS mechanics in Austin, TX, which can take 3-4 hrs off that first day journey.

Also, if you're making a trip of it, a nice stop in Fredericksburg might be enjoyable - wineries, peach groves and antiques! Fredericksburg is about 60 miles west of Austin/San Antonio in the best of the hill country, but with the roads avoiding the worst of the hills

It's 1 mile farther El Paso-Austin than it is El Paso-Weatherford. Stopping in Fredericksburg cuts 75 miles off that, but Fredericksburg is a busy town during October. If you can get a place to camp, though, Oktoberfest is fun.