http://southbend.craigslist.org/rvs/5570538369.html

1985 Barth Regal
28' Gas unit
Chevy Chassis
156,000 miles
2 fuel tanks total 75 Gallons
6.5 kw Onan generator
Air Bag Suspension
Zip Dee Awning
HWI Leveling System
2 Rooftop Air Conditioners
LP Gas Furnace
Digital Flat Screen TV in front
4 Burner LP Gas stove
Sharp Carousel Microwave/convection oven
see pics

Asking $14,000

What in tarnation!! A 28' Regal for sale that isn't mine!

Also HERE

What a great looking coach! And the exterior/interior appears to be so well maintained. One of the best looking Regal's for an "80's model" to be listed on this site.

So what's the consensus on a 454 with 156K on it? What about the tranny? I would think this coach would be in better mechanical condition than a comparable 1985 with say 60K on it just because it has been "used" regularly. I often thought if you were able to get 100K miles out of a 454 in a motorhome you were doing great. So, can anyone with 454/motorhome experience chime-in on this one?

Nice coach indeed!

Your concerns about 156k miles are well founded. Perhaps the engine has been reworked along the way. It would be a good thing to ask of the seller. 454 will usually go over 100,000 but things vary after that. My engine developed rear seal and crankshaft problems around 95,000 but it was run hard pulling a trailer, by my inlaws, probably over gross. With the new crank it ran fine to 114,000. I replaced it with the 454HO and gave it to Mary Ray for her 85. It was installed and still running fine last I knew.

I agree miles alone won't tell all. Regular use is a big factor.

1. In this case I would look over the engine for signs of leakage, esp out the seals. Not only are the seals a bit of a job to change, the leakage could also be the indication of blowby past the rings. Check hot idle oil pressure.

2. Check compression on all cylinders. If they are all good you are probably good for a while.

3. I have 125,000 miles on the transmission in my 33 ft coach. Based on the GVWR of the trans, this is near the limit all the time, and well over when they pulled the trailer. It howls and I am planning to replace it soon. (Thread to follow!)

A 28 ft would be a bit easier on the trans, especially if you don't drag a trailer.

Good questions, nice coach.

I'm with Steve on this one. If this is what you want, this is the coach. I'd buy it in a heartbeat if I was in the market. Try to buy a KIA matchbox car for 14 grand.

This is JerryH's coach, here:

https://www.barthmobile.com/eve...1087061/m/4663906787