Buyer seeking 1977 - 1990ish Barth coach. Will consider 21-27' models. Would prefer a rear or amidships split twin bed model. Our ideal plan would find a galley directly behind driver's seat, (across from table and chairs/booth seating), twin beds behind galley/fridge and storage, and comfort facilities in far rear of the coach. An alternative would reverse the sleeping and toilet/shower facility, then galley, etc. I realize that shorter (and older)coaches will have other plans and sleeping arrangements, including a dropdown bunk area above the driver's compartment. These models will also be considered. Most important - the coach must be in excellent mechanical condition and ready to go. An accident free history and a straight chassis, free of significant rust or other damage, with all systems working, is a must. Gas engine and auto trans with low original miles (or low miles since documented rebuild) are very important. Overall condition is very important as city ordinances and limited parking prevent opportunity for significant remodel or mechanical project(s). No smoke or pet odors please. And, no unit that has sat usused for an extended period of time. We are located in southern Ohio and will consider units located within the central states area. In summary, we are looking for a pampered coach that has been given all the care and attention it deserved. We intend to provide a good home with the same level of care.

Description, photos, price and location (state) should accompany initial contact. Please respond to mandm.1@att.net Thank you.

Wow, I see that you're jumping right in. I guess this is a good way to break the ice, so let me help...

Thank you for the generous donation to our site. I take it that you've received the Barth CD? I hope it serves you well in the pursuit of your ideal Barth. Seeing that you've just joined, and you seem committed to finding a Barth, I wish you the best in your quest. We have one member who's been on our site almost as long as I have, and he just purchased his ideal Barth.

Look through the Barth CD and go to the PDF Files. Within those files you will see different floor plans. Also note the various brochures in the same folder.

The Chevy 454 w/ a P32 Chassis and the Ford 460 with the John Deere/Oshkosh Chassis are the two style coaches that, for the most part, you are looking for. The Ford powered units typically had larger under body storage but these are harder to find.

Ease of finding a mechanic and parts availability will make the GM powered units more desirable to an owner who would need to let others repair their coach. I am a self employed truck mechanic and can tell you that finding some (not many) parts for my Ford Powered, Oshkosh Chassis has been a little trying at times.

Does anyone else has a suggestion, recommendation, or lead?

Hi there Mike and Mary and welcome! It took me a while to find exactly what I was looking for but with the help of this site, and with a bit of patience, I found success and I am sure you will too. Feel free to ask any questions at all, and I will keep my eyes peeled on your behalf.

Mike and Mary, Welcome and good luck on your search. A coach listed on this site will probably have the most known about it. Search all the other RV trader type sites as well as Craig's list. We actually bought our coach off of Ebay sight unseen and over 2000 miles away. That might be a little extreme. If you find a coach you are interested in, let the web site know. On many occasions members have gone up to a hundred miles just to inspect the coach on your behalf and will report their findings so that everyone knows the scoop. FIRST to find out is the Data Tag Number. It will tell you when the coach was built and the length etc. You will be surprised to find out how much a coach can stretch when it is for sale. Good luck and do not hesitate to ask questions. There are some very knowledgeable Barth owners that are regulars at this site.

Good Luck
Nick

quote:

Originally posted by Nick Cagle:
You will be surprised to find out how much a coach can stretch when it is for sale.

Yes, for some reason - Barths seem to get longer when they're being sold on some sites - they get smaller in person. The Tag Number is the key to see if it's what it is purported to be.