Motorhome 345

[tommyt]

Going to look at a 84 Airstream 34". In very good condition. Rebuilt motor and trans. Can anyone tell me ( give or take ) what they are worth. and what I should look for. Please help. Thank you. tommyt

[bkahler]

Tommy,

I'm not sure I can help you on price. Prices seem to be all over the map although that's usually based on condition.

Some of the things to look for are leaks. Rotted wood floors is the best indicator of leaks but not always that easy to find. Look under the bed(s), under the sink, etc. Check to see if both furnaces work. Same for water heater, fridge and stove/range.

You can usually get a pretty good idea on condition by how well the interior has been kept up. Windows can be hard to open on a coach that old due to swollen and rotted window seals. Fortunately all of those materials are available from various suppliers.

Bottom line, just do the best inspection you can and ask a LOT of questions of the sellers.

Good luck!

Brad

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by tommyt

Going to look at a 84 Airstream 34". In very good condition. Rebuilt motor and trans. Can anyone tell me ( give or take ) what they are worth. and what I should look for. Please help. Thank you. tommyt

Check the high Dollar items..
Considering you live up north, this is what I would do:
Ask the previous Owner if the propane tank has gas, if not you really should get some.
First start the generator, then switch the refrigerator on. Next start both furnaces, you have one in the rear bedroom and one up front. Let it get nice and toasty in the Motorhome, When the temp is above 70 degrees, turn off the furnaces and first turn on the rear roof AC. Then open the compartment above the stove and find the appliance selector switch. Turn it to front AC. Next turn the front AC on as well. If your Generator is in good working order, it should pull both AC's without bogging down.
Turn both AC's off and open the freezer door next. by now you should feel some change in temperature.
If the rig is not winterized, you can also check the water system.
Turn the waterpump switch on. it should hum for a while and the shut down, meaning the system is pressurized and leak free.
You can also turn the water heater on in the bathroom. its probably an electronic ignition and should start right up.
I also would check the rear Airbags for inflation and condition and pull a couple of the awnings to see if the fabric is in tact.
Check the tires for the date after DOT number
If all this works, you have a new motor and transmission and the exterior is in good shape, that Airstream could demand a good price, somewhere around 25 k or more depending on what was done to the motor and transmission

[Keyair]

THAT... Peter/Brad is great advice!

In addition, look at the sticky for more threads on buying.

[Isuzusweet]

Just remember.....What you pay for the coach is just the down payment. A 30 year old RV is a boat on the road.........A set of wheels in which you pour money into.

It however can be a lot of fun.

[Keyair]

Good news is that even tho it might fill with water... in theory it will not sink!

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Good news is that even tho it might fill with water... in theory it will not sink!

hmmmm, prove it..

[tommyt]

Thanks for the info. We are still up in the air over this Airstream. It is in real good condition. Well taken care of. Sorry it took so long to reply. I have a hard time finding my self on this web site. LOL.

[tommyt]

Thank you. Just found your message this morning. I think we're going to buy it. I will try and let you know when we do. Tom & Peggy

[tommyt]

OK. I want to thank every one that replied to my post. We bought the 85 345. I think we got a fair deal. Now the fun begins. Finding everything. The first thing I looked for was the fuse block. And I didn't find it. I will try and post some pictures soon. Still learning.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by tommyt

OK. I want to thank every one that replied to my post. We bought the 85 345. I think we got a fair deal. Now the fun begins. Finding everything. The first thing I looked for was the fuse block. And I didn't find it. I will try and post some pictures soon. Still learning.

Tom, congrats on your purchase! As you said now the real fun begins

Looking forward to seeing pictures.

Brad

[cooperhawk]

Generally the fuse block is in the glove comp. behind a square plate that is Velcrod in.

[Keyair]

Welcome to the Asylum! Lol.
Cooperhawk is correct... the chassis fusebox for lights, horn, 12v receptacles, etc is in the glovebox.
Furthermore there is a 12v fusebox for the coach in the kitchen area under a hinged panel below the drawers.

[crazeevw]

I'd say your best bet with your '85 345 is to start making a 'to-do' list and a wish list as well. You'll be amazed what needs to be done and what you and your wife would like to do.
Good Luck! Derek