Similar to the kit car market, the world of RVs and motorhomes is surprisingly vast. Just when you think you’ve seen them all, another model pops up for sale that looks nothing like the others before it. This 1990 Chinook Concourse obviously began life as a Ford E-Series van before being converted into a 20-foot, Class B motorhome. The Chinook has just under 100,000 miles and is powered by a 7.5L Ford V8 paired to a four-speed automatic with overdrive. Find it here on eBay with bids to $14,800 and the reserve unmet.
Really, it should come as no surprise that conversions like these exist. Just look at the modern Sprinter and Ram Van marketplace. There are seemingly endless companies getting into the mix as conversion “experts” when really they’re all the same; it’s just a matter of which one costs slightly less than the others to have them build the RV of your dreams. This Chinook-conversion could be a much better buy given the price fully kitted-out Sprinters are going for, but it all depends on the reserve price.
The proportions of the Chinook from the rear are downright attractive, especially given the dual rear wheels come out to meet the lips of the fenders. The colors are pretty great too, not only because the decals are period-correct but also because they’re in excellent condition. The seller rattles off a long list of features, ranging from the mechanical – Bilstein shock absorbers and loads of heavy duty equipment – to the luxurious, like oak cabinetry, power roof vent, extra thick carpeting, and a 16,000 BTU forced furnace with electric start.
The condition really is outstanding, and while the TVs may be old, you still like to see the pristine original details remain in place. The Ford rides on a Ford E-350 chassis and with that powerhouse of an engine up front, it should get out of its own way with ease. The seller reports that the Chinook also comes with a three-foot sleeper sofa; a four-seat dinette table; a king-size bed (or two single beds); a stand-up wet shower with a toilet; and a refrigerator among numerous other features. The bidding does seem a little light for a pristine specimen but it’s also likely a smaller market that chooses this over a Sprinter.
Bring a gas card!
David called it. Big engines but thirsty. Our V10 powered 27 footer with trailer behind gets 8 to 11 mpg. The Chinooks are not built on a converted van chassis. It’s a cutaway chassis with only the driver/passenger portion on a stripped frame. Chinook was a big deal in the ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s. High quality and sold as a “weekender” . Almost bought one but needed a larger unit for what we were going to do with one. Picture is our present 27 foot rig.
Nice looking unit! What year, and brand is it?
Michael…It’s a Coach House made in Nokomis, Florida. Shell is one piece fiberglass over a Ford E450 chassis. Comes in 24, 26 and 27 feet. Ours is the 27.
ebay link pulls up a Chevy Blazer
What a flashback! A Quasar microwave. That dates me. Nice rig. Buy it and vacation back to the Midwest.
Link is wrong. Please see above.
Chinook motorhomes have the distinction of holding an official speed record at Bonneville. Piloted by the legendary Gary Lukehart, a Chinook motorhome went through the traps at just shy of 100mph. Many Chinooks, and Trailwagon conversions were built here in Yakima. The company erected a billboard facing the Interstate proclaiming Yakima to be “The Palm Springs of Washington” (over 300 days of sunshine per year) The company is long gone. The billboard remains.
https://www.motor1.com/news/554851/worlds-fastest-rv-for-sale/amp/
JEFF put a link to the Blazer from Yesterday.
Here’s the correct link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/155194472950
Nice machine. Somebody’s going to pik it up and just follow the Sunshine 🌞 hwy
A “Schnook”, oh come on, I’ll probably be lambasted for THAT remark, it’s a nice find, usually, in units like this, they were the owners baby, and mom kept the place spotless. Dad kept it in tip top shape, mechanically. Camping, at least out here, has taken on an entirely different meaning. If the occupant isn’t living in it, and usually looks terrible, hanging out behind a thrift store, “camping” amounts to driving these to some backwoods location, out go the “slideouts”, generator kicks in, and settle in to watch Wendy Williams, while eagles fly overhead into pristine vistas,,,,$15gs is not out of line at all for this, considering what some folks live in, this would be the freakin’ Ritz.
I’m sorry to keep making a point about the homeless, but unless you live in an area, that attracts all the potheads, yet can’t afford the 4 figure rentals, possibly due to the “pothead” status, a LOT of people are living in these. IDK, I’d miss my warm full size bathroom at 3am, I think. The author mentions it’s cheaper than a Sprinter type, but for the record, Sprinter owners I’ve seen, are in a world all their own and couldn’t care less what it costs. They certainly wouldn’t be seen in a 35 year old camper, I kid you not.
Being an avid rv’er for decades , the sprinter owners do save money on gas but have a heart attack when the thing breaks down , if they are lucky they find someone willing to work on it …and then they get a LARGE repair bill!
This unit is great for a couple , not a family unit unless only for a night , the larger units are obviously more spacious but are a pain to get around with …
Looks to be a decent camper. Price seems a tad steep for a camper that’s this old. But compared to today’s truck and car prices it is not to bad a deal.
like the 1 piece glass for an ol timer (water proof). The motor is right tho I’d like the mechanical (’90 means puter controlled diesel I guess). 20 footer is plenty alto shorter is better but “Noooo!” to the toyota. I maintain 1 for a couple’n those ladies have ‘hill’n wind trouble’ when out’n about. Altho a heaver rig the motor makes this superior (weight to power).
If 460 I’d pull, cam and put in the racer. This needs the 12v ora 6.9.
Just rather a pick up nose. Ever try’n wrk both sides ofa firewall?