Given the prices of new RVs these days, shopping used listings makes sense. And if you want to stand out, reach for a vintage vehicle. This ready-to-roll 1972 Starcraft Star Cruiser is offered here on facebook Marketplace, for $18,000. It’s located in Austinburg, Ohio. The seller notes that the motorhome was once used as an office inside a warehouse; she bought it for road trips and has put about 10,000 miles on the clock. A move overseas is prompting the sale – yet the ad has been up for over a year, so either the Starcraft has been in storage, or this is a slow-motion move. JDC, thanks once again for the great tip!
Starcraft was founded in the early 1900s to make livestock equipment under the “Star” name. A few years later, it was making rowboats, a business that evolved via innovation in galvanized steel, aluminum, and fiberglass materials. By the 1960s, the company had put its expertise to work in the tent camper business, and by the 1970s, it was manufacturing RVs. In 1972, it offered the Star Cruiser in either a 22′ or a 24′ length, both installed on the heavy-duty Dodge M300 chassis. This one’s engine is Chrysler’s 413 cu. in. V8, a high-torque big block with output ranging from 175 hp with a two-barrel, or over 200 hp when dressed with a four-barrel. A three-speed automatic handles gearchanges. I wish the cabinets were original, but perhaps they’ve just been painted.
This is my all-time favorite bedroom in any RV, with all those windows. On the other hand, the bathroom is tiny, and there’s no report regarding the condition of systems like the HVAC, tanks, plumbing, brakes, electrical, and so forth. At this juncture, it’s worth mentioning that many RV parks will turn away vehicles over ten years old, so be prepared to send photos with your reservation – and maybe even repair invoices to show that all systems are “go”.
The full-featured kitchen is roomy, and there’s plenty of space for dining. Starcraft built its RVs from a single piece of fiberglass wrapped around a steel tube frame, with urethane foam insulation between layers. That said, the Star Cruiser was apparently like driving a brick, which probably explains why fewer than 100 were sold. If you can put up with its foibles and you’re a fan of vintage RVs, there’s a lot to like about the Star Cruiser, but nothing beats a personal inspection. Showing up in person also facilitates negotiation. What do you think – any interest in this Mopar-based motorhome?
Was the 413 still around in 1972?
Yes for trucks and motorhomes.
Fire trucks and power units for irrigation. I think the 413 was available until ’75. A lot of people didn’t want to see it go…
I think it was also available in the D-800 and up trucks.
The homeless again invading my neighborhood would love this.
The thing holding it back from showing up in your ‘hood is the price.
Nice, not 18k nice, more like … really nice at 6k
You must live in my neighborhood, bro! 🤯
It’s a good looking rig, well-kept and interesting. That doesn’t really matter in the RV market, where there isn’t much of a vintage vehicle market. There are no trophies being handed out for old RVs.
It’s a very simple concept: Modern campers want modern rigs, for road safety and convenience. Breakdowns in an RV are far more consequential in all respects than with an old car. Modern rigs also have modern gear. These days, that means 12v appliances, solar, on and on.
The reason that it’s been on the market for so long is because you can get much newer rigs for just about the same price.
This vehicle is a parts nightmare for the body parts. Maybe it is the only one still running? The running gear and other Mopar parts are also a challenge. And you’ll probably have to learn to retrofit appliances if it ever comes to that.
These are what I call hippie rigs. Hippies buy them if they are in decent shape, and take them to festivals. But the primary consideration is price, and at $18k, this is way over what most hippies will pay.
Is that really true? Are there no categories at car shows for RVs?
Can’t say never, but I’ve never heard of that. There may be a few that do.
Most car shows are in parking lots or grass fields marked off for cars. Parking lots and RVs really don’t go together very well and RVs suck up huge amounts of space. It’s just not practical.
There is a vintage RV group online, and they host a few shows, mostly out in the west coast states. It’s hardly a “trend”.
I camp all the time in various situations. 99% of all modern camper families at typical campgrounds generally have modern rigs, with the occasional Shasta trailer or other odd vintage rig. Airstreams do have a vintage following, if you can tell them apart from new ones.
Families can’t afford to have a rig that is susceptible to breaking down and they also want every modern convenience they can get.
There are also a few niche restoration shops for rig and mostly travel trailers, but the prices reflect the work required to make the presentable, and then you are buying a fully sorted out rig, often upgraded to modern standards. You have to want to pay the price for the quaintness.
When you get into the hippie/music festival crowd, you will find a bit more variation and a willingness to run old rigs, mostly because they are cheap. That’s where you will see the old converted school buses and anything else that runs or that can be pressed into service is fair game.
Cheap is the operative word in that world. Most hippies are certainly not approaching it from a restoration perspective. They need cheap housing at a festival and it usually beats tent camping.
There are exceptions, but that’s what’s typical in the modern camping environment.
So when rigs like this come to market, the car guys think in terms of “wow – a vintage rig, how cool is that! That looks like fun! People will comment if I own it!”.
Most campers with good experience just see a long list of issues to deal with, many of which can ruin your weekend.
Most Truck shows have the room and welcome these older RV’s and bus conversions. The ATHS Regional VP for east Tenn, western NC and north GA had a Cortez that he came to many shows with, including the National in Des Moines IA..
I am not a recent (35-40 years ago) camping person, so I am having trouble understanding campgrounds having an age limit on vehicles??? This little motor home would make a retired couple a handy vehicle for traveling, not fast on back roads, where you can spend just the night in a rest area, state park, truck stop, or a small non-age restricted campground. Yes, I have spent too many years and miles on the Interstate, so ALL my travel today is on back roads whenever possible. The seller states that it was once used as an office, possibly the interior is a lot newer and installed after the office furniture was removed??? As Michelle said, a thorough inspection would be necessary. If it is OK, it could be a turnkey purchase and drive it home. One big question is how thirsty that 413 might be???
The vehicle age limit by campgrounds is a reaction to the growing number of people owning motorhomes (and trailers) that barely run and are using them as housing. There is also public safety aspect to this.
I am not interested in discussing the political aspects of those statements and this forum deletes political posts anyhow, so no use going there.
Vehicle age limits are typically in force at private, upscale campgrounds, where $500k motorhomes are common. Those guests are distinctly not there mix it up with the riff raff.
You will not find age restrictions at state and federal parks, and many “down and dirty” campgrounds, but you will find occupancy time limits at government run facilities. Typically 14 days and you are out.
At down and dirty campgrounds, you take your chances on who your neighbors are. It might be a hard party crowd or people with no fixed address. Things can get sketchy fast in terms of leaving valuable items lying around.
As to a retired couple owning this rig and using it. Are the radiator hoses new? How about the brake lines? Does the A/C work? Is the battery over 5 years old? What about tires and brake pads? How many miles are on the water pump and fuel pump? on and on. All of these can cause a breakdown. Getting it all up to modern condition is another $10k investment. RV mechanics are not cheap.
Do you really want grandma and grandpa out there in something that has all kinds of underlying questions? Probably not.
Again, that is why there is very little market for old motorhomes like this. The potential issues are endless, hazardous, and costly.
Thank you for your replies, and can understand the campgrounds which cater to the long term stays with BIG$$$$$ vehicles. I agree with Michelle on giving this vehicle a very thorough in person inspection.. All of the above component breakdown items should be found at the inspection and their repair prices you find be included in your dickering for a final price. This is NOT a vehicle to live in, just one you can make dependable for the 1 to 2 week sightseeing trips a retired couple can enjoy.
Great article Michelle and find JDC. My parents owned RV’s and we grew up camping and vacationing in them. One thing that I always associate with RV’s and the lake house they finally ended up buying is wood paneling, cabinets, trim etc. I despise painting over finished wood! If you are going to restore…restore it don’t paint over it.
My wife and I are currently shopping for a travel trailer or 5th wheel since we retired. When we see white, gray, or painted wood in general we move on. Although I lost the woodwork painting battle in our home. Thanks for letting me vent. LOL
RVs have few windows. The dark wood makes it even darker inside. It’s depressing, honestly. That’s likely why they painted these.
We have 2018 Passport 19 foot travel trailer with “classic” dark wood cabinets. We are considering covering a lot of it with light colored “rattan” stick-on paper, just to lighten it up somewhat. A quick and dirty fix. We’d definitely paint it light if we had the time and ambition, but that takes priming and painting. It’s a big job.
Soon after 2018 the manufacturers all started offering light wood (driftwood) decor, first as an option. Nowadays, you can hardly get a new one with wood finish cabinets, unless they are very light shade.
I actually think it is very cool looking. If I had it would just be a toy, I would only take it on very short trips. Maybe some car shows, festivals maybe tailgating. It could be fun but not practical to do, just for the fun of it.
“Tailgating,” great idea Joe.
Party, don’t have to worry about finding or using the porta-potty!
Imbibe too much, hit the bed!
Since it is green and white, any NY Jets fans out there?
A very long time suffering Jets fan for about 50 years now. I cured myself to stop going to games by moving out of state. They continue to find new and depressing ways to loose games. Next year they have 3 first round picks and need a QB in one of the best QB classes in years. Without a doubt they will find a way to completely mess that up. Sorry for the long winded reply but such is life as a Jets fan.
I feel your pain. Try being a Bears fan. Hope springs eternal, only to be dashed at some point, usually early on. Last season wasn’t bad however.
Try being a Browns fan Michelle.
The race fan crowd also loves old rv’s like this go to nascar imsa scca ovals or road courses and you will see plenty of vintage rv’s parked with ladders to the roof and lawn chairs on top
Trim proportions and tidily styled, reminds me a bit of a Clark Cortez crossed with an FMC motorhome and maybe a dash of Dodge Travco.
direct from Nashville the good old boy’s band!
SPLOOSH!! Don’t you say a f–kin’ word!!
@hsiryolds68: You are correct sir. I do recall a few bands using
these instead of a converted Greyhound or Silver Eagle busses. Just add a hitch and a utility trailer for your music gear, and you’ll have it made. Those
that did use them to transport their bands only did so when they
played tours in their home states.
There were many band leaders who believed that it would cost you more per mile to use a motor
home instead of a bus. To.me, it all adds up the same. You’re still
shelling out Megabucks for either
gas or diesel. And that effected
the bottom lines of a lot of groups and even more so today.
Pretty neat rig though. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one until now.
They also made some really nice
van conversions too.
In the late 60’sy family stepped up from a skamper pop up camper to a bigger StarCraft pop up with a and dad swung a deal for a StarCraft aluminum john boat that got strapped onto a rack on top of the camper hooked to a 67 Plymouth wagon with a 383 we were off to hermit island cg in maine( from nj) great times when I had small kids myself we started out with a coleman pop up many happy trips camping and 5 upgrades later now retired with a coachman lite 5th wheel pulled by a ram 2500 with 6.4 hemi still having fun camping with our best friends we go one weekend aonth and have been for the past 20 years never the same place twice
I buy salvage cars from COPART as a hobby and fix them up and drive them or give them to young family members. There are huge bargains in the wrecked RV business- I have seen 100K units sell for 10K with damage that could be repaired by a handyman. Newer units are quite luxurious with multiple popouts, full size baths and appliances etc. If you had space next to your home to park one it would make a great guest house or for an elderly parent.
I recall seeing alot of Starcraft fishing boats and cabin cruisers up here 🍁 in the 80s.
I don’t know much about this particular RV but my father had a Winnebago in the middle 70’s with a 413 automatic and it loved gas and it handled like a ship in rough waters. And because it sat around so much it had constant brake problems that cost an arm and a leg even back then.