While the prime season for traveling might be nearing an end for some families, there may still be a few weeks left in other parts of the country to enjoy nice weather and more sunshine before winter sets in. For those looking to hit the road inexpensively, this vintage Winnebago seems like a great deal for $1,000, and the seller says you can drive it home. He also indicates that it needs work, but for a large and running RV, it may be hard to beat at this price point. This one is located in Fredonia, Wisconsin, and can be seen here on Facebook Marketplace. Lothar… of the Hill People, thanks for your fun tip here!
This Winnebago is listed as a 1958 model, but that’s actually the year the company was founded, and they started out manufacturing only travel trailers in the beginning. It wasn’t until 1966 that they started producing self-contained motorhomes, and I’m only guessing that the one being offered here is from 1967. If any of our readers can positively identify what year this Winnebago rolled off the assembly line, please chime in! Though the presentation is boxy, the exterior appears to remain in decent shape, at least structurally. There’s some fading in the paint and graphics, but the body itself seems straight and solid.
Although the living quarters aren’t nearly as modern as those found on many recreational vehicles today, some essentials are still present, including a stove and a sink. It’s hard to tell from the photo what components are on the opposite side, and also no confirmation that any of them are currently working. However, with such a low initial cost, there may be enough left in the buyer’s bank account to make some interior renovations and upgrades.
The driver and front-passenger area look fairly basic, but one thing that made early Winnebago motorhomes stand out was their affordability, with some competing models from other manufacturers costing about twice as much. The seller says it’s powered by a 6-cylinder, but unfortunately we don’t get to see a photo of the engine. While this one’s not glamorous or particularly luxurious, it appears capable of getting the job done and seems like a bargain for someone looking for an entry-level motorhome. Is this vintage Winnebago one you’d consider pursuing?
A six? Is that even possible? Many a sour memory do I have being behind some codger in one of these going 20 MPH below the limit on an unpassable road. Ruin my driving experience, sours the view. Many internet videos these days on how much buyers regret such purposes. Money traps that rarely get used, and when they do, they are a dissapointment. Only your Cousin Eddie could appreciate this. Kitsch on wheels.
In fact, Winnebago, in 1958 used Ford 300 ci engines with 3spd. autos. These were the same engines that powered UPS ‘package cars’. They’re known for their torque and their longevity
https://www.bing.com/search?q=what+six+cyinder+engines+powered+winnebago+motor+homes+in+1968&form=ANNTH1&refig=6a9d802c5e8849fd95d2083fa33bd6a4&pc=EDGEDSE
I drove a similar model, , from florida to sw Virginia, in 22 hours, in 1980 around 100 gallons of gas.
I’m guessing it has the Mopar slant 6 in it, heck it would take a month of driving to get it here to Texas. 😆
The short model was built on a Ford chassis and I think that’s what we have here from the look of the steering wheel and gauges. Probably a 300 “Big Six” or the related 250.
If you wait long enough they will likely give it away, junk yards won’t tow it for free. A friend has the tow contract for a local city, it’s stipulated in the contract he will not tow motorhomes.
Anyone who buys this needs to make sure the sellers name is on the title.
Steve R
I watched a new video from Vice Grip Garage, this weekend, with Derek starting work on a houseboat that he bought. This Winnebago looks like it will be just about as much fun.😳 $1,000 is probably about right.
With those aerodynamics and that motor it’s hard to imagine this thing even getting up to 55mph. Had to be scary on hills and mountain passes.
As it happens an automotive site recently published an article on these:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1968-winnebago-f-17-the-model-t-of-motorhomes/
Somebody , might want it . It would be ideal for weekend outings close to home etc. I probably wouldn’t take a long trip without checking it over first . Neat motorhome though !
Buy it for $100.
Start a new trend for urban farmers by marketing it as a mobile chicken coop.
If someone can get it running and driving and stopping, it’s definitely worth more than $100. The interior needs a lot of work, but it’s doable; I think and it would make a nice little home in the road. Remember WalMart will let you park overnight, for free !
About 3 years ago, I had the same unit in South Dakota. I loaded on a trailer, to return to Arizona, towed with my Telstar 27 ft. about 25 miles returned and parked, it was too much for me or the trailer to haul. I advertised and sold to Biker Bar owner in Milwaukee ! I told him to get a bigger trailer ! He flew to South Dakota got a $200 Uber and picked up and drove home! I was much nicer with 25 year old tires. Ford 240 cu. in. 3 speed automatic!!
Funny you mention Sodak – I’m from there originally Campbell County…
That ol winnebago if it could make the drive from Wisconsin..it’d be good for a Fishing Shack out by the river big MO, stripped out & Set on Blocks under a Cheap Hail cover Canopy a 2nd life.
I knew musicians back in the day
that used these as touring rigs. They simply added a trailer hitch
to the rear so that they could tow
a trailer behind it for their equipment. Oh sure, it was cramped, but it would do just fine
for a 5 piece band. And if it is a
300 Ford six, you could rebuild that engine using how to videos
from Power Nation to guide you
throughout the build. And as I recall, they built one that cranked
out over 300 HP (?) and made over 500 FT LB of torque. And that’s more power than you’ll ever
need but nice to have if you need
it. The rest should be fine if water hasn’t gotten inside and fouled things up there. And the price? You just can’t beat it. What a fun project this would be.
Just last week, a whole group of RV’s suddenly reappeared after 3 years absence on my street in Mtn View. CA. What an eyesore. Alot of them throw their trash on the sidewalks…
So this would be like driving an old Ford Econoline van, but 10 x worse?
can smell that interior from here. make a great parts storage shed.
Should make a good boat anchor !
Winnebago designation for this was the F – 17. The next larger size was the D – 18 which was 18 feet long, had the Dodge 318 V8. This one should have the Ford 300 cid straight six. Dad had one when I was a kid and the six cylinder was adequate. Winnebago advertised it being about the same length as the average station wagon.
You would need to assume that the roof leaks, windows don’t seal, locks are broken, furnace, stove/oven, refrigerator and propane lines are all shor. Floors are likely rotted and mold everywhere. The entire chassis, power train, along with every mechanical and electrical component needs attention. This is a $100 to $500 project at tops.
On the other hand if you’re crazy enough and have the skills and the deep pockets, I’d still recommend you keep looking.
I worked for a car dealer from 72-82 who also owned a Winne franchise. I took a new shorty for the weekend. Horrible driver, a deuce and a half drives better. The seller would have to pay me to take it. They are money pits.
We had a 1967 19′ Winnebago just like the one for sale. Yes, it had the Ford 300 CID straight 6 cylinder. Not a speed demon but certainly capable. The body was made of aluminum and therefore no rust. Underbody is a different story. Definitely a good project for someone!
Winnebago used the 300 Ford six. It has more torque than a 302 V8. Great rig for weekend camping trips.
Pull the drive train for another project and scrap the rest
Forget the motorhome I want to see the white 1970 Cadillac sitting on the other side
My dad had a 71 with a 413. I’m glad we had it at a time when gas was
32 cents a gallon because it would cost $200 to fill it now and at about 8 miles to a gallon you couldn’t go on to many long trips.
Graduated HS in 76, in driver’s ed we had to form groups and plan a road trip, ours used a similar Winnebago. Of course we were planning on parting the whole trip. Those were the days. 1000 bucks, drive it home, maybe with new tires and junk removal, for starters.
I bought a larger one with no title, gutted interior, 440, and nice 19.5 tires. The wheels fit my 52 F6 COE, so swapped for the snap rings. Sold to a guy who wanted the engine, he used a chain saw to cut some, then ran a chain through windows, drove out from under!
Still have the tires/ wheels on the 52, wish id of set the cab on that chassis!!