This one took a bit of research, I’ll admit, but going down into the rabbit hole of history of the Beaver Motorcoach company shows there are enthusiastic user groups for almost every make and model. A company not unlike Avanti in terms f how many times it went bankrupt, was sold, and acquired, only to disappear under another corporate masthead until it vanished entirely, Beaver made motorhomes with distinctive paint jobs and a respectable amounts of luxury and quality despite its financial failings. Find this 1984 diesel-powered model listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $12,000.
That’s a lot of scratch for a motorhome, but it does run and it has a horn that plays 50 different notes and songs! That could be reason enough to take on this lovely vestige of RV history. The Beaver Motorcoach Corporation started as an Oregon company, which helps lend some logic to the company name; after all, the Beaver is the Oregon State University mascot. What began as a small operation began to get larger and larger, eventually building Class C motorhomes before moving up to Class A. The company prided itself on designs that incorporated a generous list of features and luxurious accommodations for the era. There’s even a Beaver Ambassador Club you can join!
Perhaps its most distinctive feature was its color pallette, as Beaver seemed more adventurous than other manufacturers when it came to exterior paint colors. The red/brown and cream scheme you see here was the standard configuration for a spell, and it remains quite distinctive. The seller rolls through some of the more notable features of this Beaver, starting with the fact it only has 15,500 original miles, a detail that seems evident based on the interior condition. A suspension featuring active hydraulic leveling, two sinks, a freezer, skylights, wood blinds, blender, master bedroom with a closet, a backup camera, and indoor/outdoor speakers – this baby was loaded when it was brand new!
Engine-wise, it features a CAT 3208 diesel motor, and while the seller doesn’t mention whether it’s turbocharged, it would seem likely given how big this coach is. Most research indicates once the Beaver reached this length, a higher-output CAT engine was used. If so, it should produce around 250 b.h.p. and close to 600 lb.-ft. of torque. The seller does confirm that the motorhome just went through $2,500 worth of work, and the mechanic will attest to how strong a runner this vintage RV is. Thanks to Barn Finds reader NW Iowa Kevin for this unusual find.
It will take 40 acres to turn this rig around. The Ultimate Behemoth, indeed. For the record, this was one pricey unit. I read, new, this rig cost $206,000! That’s almost $670,000 today. Mostly for rock stars that were afraid to fly. The turbo on these is on the back( front?) of the motor, and more than likely there is none. Typically, these applications didn’t require them, and I bet this thing does 100 mph without it. Great for when diesel fuel was .79/gal, but may I remind you, current diesel nationally is $6.38/gal. ( $6.09 by me) That, my friends, could curtail your forwardly progress. Never in my wildest dreams did I think diesel would ever be that high. They used to throw it on the gravel streets when I was a kid to keep the dust down. I’d find a nice lot overlooking Lake Gitchegummie, sell the motor, pull the wheels, heck, it’s better than my apt. here.
Given its size and weight, there’s no way in hell I’d be able or willing to drive this. I imagine you’d need a commercial driver’s license to drive it.
The mention of the 50 tunes brings back memories. Whenever the in-laws would leave on a road trip in the Wanderlodge, they always played “On the Road Again” on their The Horn, as was aptly named. It played through an outdoor horn loudspeaker and it was LOUD. Whenever we took it on a trip, I gave in to the kid’s whims and played what they wanted.
While I am rarely a fan of vintage RVs, and I’d never buy it, this might be the exception with only 15.5k miles and all the pieces seem to be in place. This one looks barely used.
The $12k asking price puts it at the low end of the class A used RV market, where most of stuff at that price is usually total skank bait.
If only more exterior pics were posted of this Beaver RV. There’s lots of interior pics to look at, although I’d also like to see the cockpit but not much to show of the exterior. Let’s see more!
1984 model? By motorhome standards this thing is ancient. I can’t get past the front overhang, looks like it could wipe out a few unseen objects in a sharp turn. Color combination might have been stylish back then but now it’s just ugly. I had a 3 axel class A, 35 foot motorhome by Newmar. Tried to sell it in 2015 but could get no takers. So I offered it for $500.00 down balance due in 6 months. One guy came out down the money then disappeared, I never saw him again. Motor home just sat at my house until finally I offered it to anyone who would come get it. A crew of 5 guys showed up and away it went. Point is: these old motorhomes are a hard sell. Even 20 year old ones are hard to get rid of. Besides most buyers these days want slide outs.
God Bless America