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Well Preserved RV: 1977 Dodge Sportsman

This 1977 Dodge Sportsman R/V is an impressively clean Class C motorhome that the seller calls a “barn find” – but we’re not exactly sure why. It could be that the terminology is simply plastered onto any vehicle that’s a survivor-grade example. This Sportsman is listed under consignment with an R/V specialist in Sarasota, Florida, and the description notes that the owners have criss-crossed the United States with no issues, and the camper is only up for sale due to a family illness. Mileage is just under 60,000, and it’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $24,500.

The best part about an R/V like this is you’re practically guaranteed to make some great road trip memories if it’s a proven vessel for cross-country transport. True, those journeys can go sideways in a hurry if you’re piloting a less than reputable rig, but this Sportsman doesn’t appear to be one of those at all. While you may see pictures of homeless encampments on the West Coast full of bombed out compact campers like this one, make no mistake – the only way you’ll see this Sportsman in a community like that is if it’s just passing through on another epic journey. With laser-straight panels and gallery photos that show a pristine roof, it’s clear this Dodge has led a pampered existence.

The interior is fully decked out in period garb for a motorhome made in 1977, and that’s a wonderful thing. The owners haven’t changed it but they have taken great care to preserve it. The description notes it easily sleeps four adults, and there’s also a full shower, tub, two skylights,  toilet, bathroom sink, and a privacy divider/ door. The full kitchen includes two sinks, an oven with four-burner range / hood, and a refrigerator. The cabinetry has been refinished, along with the carper that has been recently replaced. The front seats are leather buckets in great shape, and the air conditioning and central heat work as well.

If the driver’s seat is in this good of condition, it’s a very good sign for the rest of the camper. The Dodge is powered by the venerable 440 V8, an engine you can still find parts for most anywhere and plenty of junkyards with carcasses that can likely help out in a pinch. The seller notes it can run all day on low grade fuel, a small but important detail for long-distance touring. Other details, like the steel wheels that are still painted bright white and nice chrome on the bumpers and mirrors, are also pleasing to the eye. It sounds like a generator isn’t included, but the seller is willing to provide an allowance to purchase one if desired. A pristine Class C Sportsman – that’s a hard rig to find these days.

Comments

  1. Avatar Jimmie LeForge

    Nope. Way overpriced and if you use it it will fall to pieces in short order.

    Like 27
  2. Avatar Mike

    The rear overhang is insane.

    Like 11
  3. Avatar Miguelito Loveless

    There is one just like this parked near a dead end street in my community with a blue tarp over the top. Hasn’t moved in months.

    Like 8
  4. Avatar Superdessucke

    Barn find? More like the barn itself!

    Like 9
  5. Avatar Fred

    Maybe 8K if you like it and know what you are getting into – but should be a much longer wheelbase.

    Like 7
    • Avatar 4 barrel

      2500. Is top dollar for this. Guess the sellers are trying to jump on the muscle car movement of escalating prices.

      Like 5
      • Avatar Rick

        It’s called Barrett-Jackson-Itis. Speculators see the ungodly high hammer prices. They, in turn, demand similarly ridiculous high prices on derelict vehicles, making them less and less affordable for the everyday hobbyists who would love to be able to buy and restore and just enjoy them.
        One bad apple can indeed ruin things for everyone.

        Like 5
  6. Avatar grant

    24k for this is insane. And those aren’t leather buckets, they’re vinyl and cloth. They are in great shape.

    Like 14
  7. Avatar Djjerme

    Yah, there’s tons of these around here.

    Mobile Meth Wagons.

    It’s so bad in Portland that people who own legit classic trailers have to put signs in the windows saying it’s not abandoned and they are not living in it.

    Like 9
  8. Avatar Ralph

    Grant is correct, you could not get leather seats in a Dodge van of this era unless they were after market.
    This is clean and old. It is also very overpriced. These had the structural integrity of a wet paper bag. The bones of the camper area are 2×2 wood studs, after seeing how these were built, and the results of several accidents that was all it took for me.
    Would rather custom build my own if it came to that. There are so much better, lighter weight materials available now. There is a reason the roofs leak and windows also. The camper body shifts and creaks constantly as the vehicle is driven. That allows aged sealers to detach, crack, and peel loose.
    A cool example of 45 yr old history, but not a viable, reasonable choice for todays world. But then again YMMV.

    Like 7
  9. Avatar Gary Rhodes

    We had a 440 powered one with a God awful orange interior. It was a decent camper if your into that.

    Like 4
  10. Avatar Robert Stolzenberg

    I bought one identical for $400 72,000 miles

    Like 4
  11. Avatar Denny

    Bought a 77 Dodge new in Dec. of 76.Kept a year and got rid of it .You can buy those here in Florida anywhere for 3 to 5 thousand

    Like 4
  12. Avatar Jamie

    I’ll pay 8k. Cash right now.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar MOPAR Joe

    The VIN listed in the ad is not a Chrysler VIN

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Rob Norman

    Just “LOL” !

    Like 1
  15. Avatar Kenn

    Jimmy LeForge, you know this how?

    Like 2
  16. Avatar Justin Jones

    How about I buy one for $4,000 or less (just like this or better) and sell it to you for $8,000. Sound good?……..Just kidding. But look for a WAAAAY better deal.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Larry z

    I’ve been in the RV industry for years, even remember working on these old dodge MH’s. this price is unrealistic, unfortunately all this is a 34 year old motor home, nothing more. Sorry

    Like 0
  18. Avatar Terry

    With a price like that, one would have to cook and sell a lot of meth to make a profit on this.

    Like 0

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