We keep seeing these GMC motorhomes pop up for sale, and while in most cases I’m commenting on the strong numbers they’re bringing, this is a case of one that’s cheap as chips. At just $4,500, this is definitely approaching bargain territory, especially since it doesn’t appear to be completely trashed outside or in. The seller describes it as a highly original vehicle that does still start and run but will obviously need some work before its next road trip. Find it here on craigslist near Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Chuck F. for the find. The GMC motorhome is a perennial favorite because it’s pretty stylish for an RV and also far easier to store and maneuver than a traditional full-length coach. It also helps that GM really did over-engineer them to be incredibly reliable and cost-effective to maintain, which certainly makes it easier to conceive of taking one on as a project. This example looks cosmetically tired but not destroyed, and a new set of striping would liven the exterior up quite a bit. It appears to be missing the trim panel that goes above the rear wheels.
The interior is where you expect to find a factory of horrors when it comes to project-grade motorhomes but this GMC doesn’t look bad at all. The upholstery appears to be fairly clean which is no small feat for a rig with tan seating surfaces. The curtains may have helped prevent a ton of sun damage from entering into the cabin, and the only thing I’d plan to replace immediately is some of that fake wood trim that looks pretty beat up by this point. The GMC retains two air conditioners and what is likely its original Onan generator, but I doubt any of it works.
The GMC apparently still moves under its own power, as the seller confirms the transmission shifts like it should. The airbags are shot and the tires need replacing, two common wear items on a neglected rig like this. The driver’s compartment is fair, again no signs of major decay up front. The engine lid is open in another photo but the seller confirms it has never been “Mickey Mouse’d with”, which apparently is Disney-speak for “No one has turned a wrench on it in years.” Regardless, this is an appealing project for someone who knows these rigs as I’m guessing you could bargain down further and turn some profit when it’s done.
My Uncle Ed bought one of these new.His daughter worked
for the dealership that sold them,so he got it for a really good price.
He traveled all over the US,& sold White metal detector’s.After
about six months,he said he’d had enough on being away from home
for so long,& resold it.
An old rv is a full time labor of love !
As i have written before , i would own one if a viable modern engine/trans combo was available at a decent price
Until then i analyse !
These get rusty floors and crossbeams
So do your research before buying
There is a great following and great youtubers that show you what to look for before committing
And having owned many rv’s
This fwd setup is superior to all the milktruck /breadvans out there
Even the newer ones cant compare to these
Too bad there is no drivers door cause that really aggravates me !
Assuming regular maintenance has been performed throughout the life of this Motorhome, nothing needs to be done other than clean-up and drive.
Walter White’s preferred ride
I’d love to own this one but the cost of shipping would out cost the purchase price.
With the tired exterior cosmetics, could be a good candidate to refurb into an EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle replica.
this, one of 587 vixen (beemer), realta (vedub)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Volkswagen_Eurovan_Rialta_motorhome_–_05-28-2011.jpg
seem my style. Today the sprinter as it’s DYI if wanted (not old enuff for me to buy fet tho). May be Jayco has a small motorhome? Twenty feet is enuff~
I agree. Those are other vehicles I’d love to own. Since when does a motorhome have to be 40′ long in order for someone to live in it, or look like a lumbering beast on wheels? Given how much diesel costs, I’d much rather drive a Vixen Diesel or a VW TDI Rialta any day.