Buying the latest and greatest RV, complete with every bell and whistle, certainly has its appeal – but so does purchasing a vintage camper, trailer or coach. Airstreams, Shastas, Scotsmans and Winnebagos, particularly models from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, are all popular choices for Dallas-area buyers that value traveling in unique, classic style.
Because many of these vehicles have spent much of their lifetime parked — rather than on the road on a daily basis like a car — you can often find older models with low mileage and/or minimal wear and tear. In these campers and coaches, you can often find better quality parts than you might find in newer ones – metal instead of plastic, for instance. And, once you get them up to the standard you’re looking for, they are often no less likely to need extensive maintenance and repairs that newer models. Even top-of-the-line vehicles fresh from the manufacturer sometimes have kinks that need to be worked out after they’re purchased, and/or factory defects that require repairs.
If you live in Dallas and are in the market for a classic RV or camper, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re buying and what kind of repairs should be made before you’re ready to hit to road. It’s a good idea to partner with a quality local repair shop that you trust; one that specializes in a variety of makes, models, and classes of campers, trailers and motorhomes. Before you buy, trained mechanics at the shop can help you inspect the vehicle and anticipate any needed repairs. And after you make your purchase, they can assist with completing any preliminary work, as well as with making any upgrades and specialty customizations.
NADA Guides (http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs) offers prices and values for new and used RVs, motorhomes, campers, and fifth wheels. Many classic RVs are sold privately by their owners, rather than through dealerships. Sites like craigslist and eBay can be good places to browse and even buy, if you’re a comfortable consumer in the online marketplace.
Some of the most common issues (some major, some minor) that need to be addressed to bring vintage campers, trailers or coaches up to speed are:
1. Replacing tires if they’re old – no matter how good they look or the number of miles they’ve been driven
2. Rebuilding engines or transmissions
3. Addressing cosmetic exterior issues like dings and dents. Fading paint and/or bubbling laminate are also common on vehicles that have been stored in a sunny, hot climate like Texas
4. Ensuring roof and roof seals are in good shape; no leaks
5. Repairing or replacing outdated indoor appliances
6. Repairing or replacing worn upholstery on chairs and sofas
7. Repairing or replacing flooring, particularly if floors have ever sustained moisture damage due to a leak
8. Addressing any plumbing system issues (sinks, toilets, showers, water pumps, holding tanks, waste tanks) and/or electrical system issues (outlets and lights, air conditoning, etc.)
9. Repairing or replacing awnings and/or awning cranks/parts
If you do your homework, shop smart, and partner with a reputable RV repair shop you trust, owning a vintage camper, trailer or motorcoach can be a fun and rewarding experience!
Coach Specialists in Dallas is dedicated to RV repair and customization. We proudly service all makes and models, including Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes, as well as campers, travel trailers and more. For your convenience, we have two additional locations for drop-offs: Plano and Denton, Texas. If you schedule a drop-off at either location, we will bring your RV the rest of the way to our facilities in Dallas for repairs. Our mission is to get you back on the road quickly, and ensure you are thrilled with the quality of your repairs.