I don't own a MH yet, but I am trying to prepare for a different lifestyle in the next few years. The Barth looks to be a quality machine, that would hold up well for potential full time use. Bluebird and Newell are also vintage units to consider. My question is does not having a Barth factory pose problems for owners with regards to parts, repairs, and maintainance?

I depends on how good your mechanic is. As with most motor homes, they are assembled on standard chassis from parts already on the market, with the builder actually building only the shell and interior woodwork. The only issue I could imagine being a problem would be needing new ribbed skin and the rounded corners, as it was formed by Barth and Barth alone. If you buy a smooth-skinned Barth, no problem. The round corner pieces can be made by a skilled aircraft or race car sheet metal man.

Many of the standard parts are no longer available, but the same parts were used in other high end coaches, so buying a Country Coach or Foretravel will not protect you from that. Most items can be substituted by a good tech, anyway.

Oh yeah,.....early 70s windshields are a problem.

Thanks for the response Bill. I really like the understated quality of the Barth home. Having a metal shell and roof is a huge plus IMO for long term reliability. When the time comes, I hope to be educated enough on the issues to make a good decision.

In recent years, there's been so much change in the RV industry that a large majority of coaches out there nowadays (in addition to Barth) are orphans with no factory support. My Thor is a good example. Thor Industries is still around but they don't make motorhomes anymore. Most RV chassis parts and appliances are standard and can be maintained without a problem. Body panels and other exterior parts are another story, but as bill mentioned a good body man can fabricate just about anything.

There are all kinds of orphans.

The largest manufacturer of RVs offers virtually no factory support. I have owned three of their products, and live an hour from the factory.

Some current manufacturers are not much good on their non-current models.

I have a 1975 C Class barth and it is still solid, has a few dings on the rounded corners of the bunk and back corner( not from me ) I would like to fix them but I would have to pay big bucks im sure to fix them. I,ll live with it ,after all it's 33 years old but drives so nice, and the quality can't be beat.

I agree with you Dalton, I don't expect a 33 year old motorhome to look perfect and I don't have that kind of money or time, although I make sure that the mechanical is in good shape.

Besides all of that, Truman, this site is the home of some of the best technical people you will find in the country, far and away better than any I've ever talked to, and that's including some of the biggest names in the business.
Jim