Combining elements of Class B camper vans and the larger-bodied Class C, Champion’s Telstar offers room for four in a relatively compact and aerodynamic package. This 1989 GMC Vandura-based Telstar “ran when parked,” and the Carmichaels, Pennsylvania camper can be yours for $3500. Check out more pictures and a few details here on Craigslist. Thanks to reader Mitchell G. for spotting this Keystone State special.
Van life experienced a rebirth after the 2020 COVID lock-down spurred many adventurous souls to escape the sickly hoards and hit the road, working remotely and braving civilization occasionally to restock their supplies. Modern vans of this form factor bring $140,000 or more, but here’s one you might have running and safe for under $5000. It could also be a rusty money pit that sucks up $20,000, but everything in life involves some risk. Going on the basics, though, fiberglass-bodied van campers like this Telstar have a leg up on corrugated galvanized metal campers for their ability to shed water, the #1 killer of old RVs.
The Telstar trades the Class C’s aerodynamic robbing cabover bunk for a bank of storage cabinets. Opinions vary on the mileage gains of this arrangement, but depending on your cruising speed you should gain 1 to 3 MPG over an ungainly and similarly-powered Class C. The van cab is one of millions built and parts are among the cheapest.
Though simply listed as “8 cylinders,” the GMC probably packs a tried-and-true small block 350 cid (5.7L) V8. By 1989 a four-speed automatic would have been available along with a three-speed TH400. It seems a bit strange to have the all-white fiberglass and spoiler on a tan van cab, but a paint job would be low on the list for anyone rolling the dice on this vintage motorhome.
The rear bed and bath leave room for a kitchen and a separate dinette just behind the cab. Some ’80s campers look like they housed a pack of hyenas, but minimal wear and no visible water damage suggests a good start here, and with a claimed 62,000 miles, the powertrain should have another 100k to give. You’ll find a host of Internet videos on converting school buses into camp-ready “Skoolies,” but remember, this Champion already has systems for cooking, heating, hot water, and (presumably) septic on board. All that design and engineering is done, leaving the easier-to-outsource mechanical elements as question marks. I’d take this starting point over a giant DIY RV systems build any day. Check out my similar gamble with a 1982 Lazy Daze. Would you take a chance on this entry-level “ran when parked” classic RV?
The solid roof construction and overhead covering may have kept this from becoming a “Smellstar”.
Well, I’ll tell ya’, that odometer has been around more times than a collection tray on Sunday. With all due respect, this is a tired old hack. The unit itself being somewhat streamlined and all, is a plus, but this is a lot different than the authors, and I understand now why he would go to such lengths to get a nice one. Since Colorado attracts all kinds, like me, these types of motorhomes are all around with loners living down by the river in them, but they have to be able to move, as one only gets 2 weeks in one spot in the hills, no charge. The outsides all are dented with panels missing, I can only imagine the inside.
I had thought of picking up a cheapie, and lollygag hither and yon, but the state of Colorado( and others) recently lost some of our Medicaid benefits, and if you were hospitalized after Covid, you may get a surprise in the mail. I did. Good bye motorhome,,,
I see no evidence that the odometer has been “around many times” Few RV’s are daily drivers, usually a few vacations and that’s the extent of the miles put on.
When I saw the title, my brain saw “Teslar”, and I thought, man that’s so old, how can it be all computer?
These GMC Vandura’s are a smooth ride with plenty of power. I recently sold a 1976 with 68,000 miles for $9,000. Everything worked including ice cold air conditioning. The lady who drove mine away got a really good deal.
This model is typically called a class B+ definitely inspect in person but at that cheap price its probably going to wind up at a homeless encampment
No, once part of the body has been removed (or it was never there to start with as in a cut-away chassis) it is now a class C. A class B is a non-body changed van. This unit was a cut-away (cab chassis in the standard truck world) When this vehicle left the factory it had a plywood panel closing up the back of the driver’s compartment. I know, I sold a bunch of them. This looks like a fairly decent unit. AGAIN, NEVER BUY AN RV (NEW OR USED) WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE ROOF!
Todd,you did your homework and buying a Lazy Daze. You will never lose money on it. Which is virtually impossible to say for most RVs. The quality in design AND build are legendary in the RV world. They have a very active club and support system. (They closed the doors a few years ago.) When my sister said she was looking for a class C. I told her nothing but a Lazy Daze. They are not perfect. And they have a few issues here and there. But you don’t mind spending the time and .money. Because on most RVs it’s like flushing it down the holding tank. I have never heard of a Lazy Daze owner losing money on the sale of their unit. Advertise it in the club site and there are people waiting in line to buy one.
Thanks, Wayne! I’ve heard a “no particle board” claim on Lazy Daze. There is more plywood than particle board, but still some, and the wood cabinetry is real wood veneer, etc. As you said, not perfect, but I am pleased with it and intend to keep it a long time. I’d like to see this fiberglass-bodied Telstar get a second life, assuming there’s no water damage or excessive rust. Those $170k sprinters are losing value by the minute, but these older units are fully depreciated and not radically different. Not everyone needs enough solar and Lithium to run their AC unit all night, etc. Thanks for your comments! -Todd
Your welcom Todd. Install Bilstein shocks on yours. It will make an unbelievable difference in the way it drives. Also, added air lift “bags” to help support the rear suspension. They go a long way towards eliminating future rear spring/suspension issues. (I recommend Air lift brand) They also work well if pulling a trailer later on. Motorhomes work very well with racecar trailers! Enjoy your LazyDaze and join the club. It will be a worthwhile thing.
I do like this Telstar. If in the market I would consider this if there were no LazyDaze available. I prefer the GM chassis. These are basically the P30 underneath.