If you own a Dodge Xplorer Camper/Van RV..please help me >>>

[SwaveDave]

Im very seriously looking at a 1994 Xplorer 230XL RV with 360 cid motor . MANY features. 61,000 miles. Very well cared for. Asking price : $19,000

Can u tell me anything about its reliability, longetivity , problematic areas in mechanical, and potential rust areas. Give me your overall impression of this RV im looking at please.

Thanks, Dave

[slantsixness]

They're decent running good Vans. The interior holds up fairly well, the gas mileage is poor at best (14 mpg), Transmission will not hold up very well if towing, best to put a transmission cooler on it, and NEVER use the O.D. when towing.

$19K is a little high for 61K miles.

If you look a little harder, you can find one for half that price. Even an older Xplorer can have less miles and a lot lower price.

They may still make these, but the last new one I saw was in 2001, and it was a 28xlw, new price was 24,500.
Now you can see how 19,000 seems high.

I sold a '92 in May that sounds similar to the 230XL you're looking at. mine had 140K on it, and I got $10,500 for it (new trans, too) Motor on mine was the 360, no big troubles there for 140K, but valve cover leaks, a couple of sensors and one computer ($300.00 just out of warranty).

Check out some of these class B's on ebay. My wife's dying for a class A, so we sold the Xplorer. Unfortunately that means this summer we're back to tenting it with a minivan that won't tow squat!

I think maybe she'll accept a class C if I find a nice enough one.

You also may want to look at other class B's like Roadtrek and Coachhouse. They're just slightly larger than the van bodies, but still get up to 16MPG and drive just like the Xplorer

Slantsixness

[SwaveDave]

Originally Posted by SwaveDave

Im very seriously looking at a 1994 Xplorer 230XL RV with 360 cid motor . MANY features. 61,000 miles. Very well cared for. Asking price : $19,000

Can u tell me anything about its reliability, longetivity , problematic areas in mechanical, and potential rust areas. Give me your overall impression of this RV im looking at please.

Thanks, Dave

ME: Slant, Thanks for responding. Up here around Chicago, theres no way i could find one for half of his asking price ; i ran a NADA price check, and they report that his price of $19 k. is on 'the low retail' side. I have since looked at Roadtrek and am very very impressed with its engineering /design. What a vehicle ! This one RV Dealer nearby has a RoadTrek 170 model which is the 17' long one on a Dodge 2500 chassis . 318 motor . Its not as roomy as the Xplorer..but , for just myself, it fits the bill. I like the wise use of space for storage in the Roadtrek too. This Roadtrek 170 is complete except for a generator , and even comes with 3 years left on a transferrable extended warranty which covers all major components. Asking price is $22000 . 52000 miles. Its a 1997. NADA says the price is right in there .

What places have you seen around the USA camping that you really liked ? WHich campgrounds/rv parks stand out in your mind at being the best ? I need to start making a list of the very good ones. Thanks for your help.

Dave

P.S. A Class a is going to cost you some money in gasoline !!! But....what a way to fly !

[slantsixness]

Dave,
Sorry I've been a little slow getting back to you.

Don't settle on the roadtrek if you think it's smaller. there are larger roadtreks, and xplorers. The prices are all around the 20K mark used.
One good thing to remember when buying one is:
"If you think it's small now, wait until you pack it full of your stuff, your family and drive it 1000 miles, then camp in it a week, and you'll see just how 'small' it really is!"

That's why I sold mine. My wife and I are both Large people, so we need a class A. whenever I find one that won't kill me on taxes here in VA....

Where to go? We like the mountains, Skyline Drive and the Appalachian trail here in VA. The Gulf coast of Florida (specifically Ft Myers and further south to the keys. (watch out for the 7 mile bridge...scary in wind!))
Primarily, we use KOA's, but there are a few campgrounds that are better, just depends on your personal tastes. a KOA member card saves you boatloads of cash, usually it pays for 1 out of 5 nights or close to that.

Our favorite KOA is the Shenandoah Valley KOA in Verona VA. It's only a 2.5 hour trip from home, but it is away from home! you can find most of the KOA's online, and brief descriptions of the campgrounds, and sometimes detailed lists, online reservations, etc. etc.

Watch for State/federal run campgrounds. Usually you'll need a generator and a way to empty your grey and black water, since there's usually no AC and sewer hookups! It doesn't take long to fill up those tanks!

I can't say much about campgrounds out west of the Mississippi river, but it's on our to-do list when we get the class A, maybe next summer...

I hope you find one soon, before it gets cold, so you can use it at least once before winter sets in up there!

The roadtrek sounds like it might be a good deal, but it won't hurt to keep looking, there are larger roadtreks, too. Seen the Coachouse yet?

Good luck,

Slantsixness

[SwaveDave]

Slant, Thanks for the info. Ive come up to speed on the RoadTrek line and have learned alot about them. I will be travelling alone since im divorced with no kids. Thats why the 170 appeals to me...easy to get around town in too. Ive considered 190 models but the ones ive found have the 318 motor in them and i feel that is underpowered for an 8500 lb vehicle weight (without driver and cargo); a 360 cid is better . Prices around the nation , currently, on 1996-2000 RT 190 models are going anywhere between : $23-30 k. depending on mileage and features. I still question if i really need a 19' versus the 17' (170). Id like to ask you some general questions on RVing, so, can we do this via email ?? Id appreciate that alot . My email is : [email protected] . Please email me and put in the subject header :'RV ing' so i dont delete it. Have more general questions for you. Thanks much. Dave