Ok Barth owners I am a newbee at this whole thing and looking to purchase my first vehicle.. I have pretty much decided I would like to start with an older Barth pre 90 as that is what fits the budget I also think a unit 30 foot or smaller would fit my needs as I travel almost exclusive alone with 2/3 dogs and occassionally there mightt be a 2nd person..Not looking at a fixer upper but it all must be considered...What I am asking help on is what should I look for as the negatives to these vehicles.. what questions should I ask and what problems should I look for... I need to be better educated before I jump off this Barth Bridge... You can email direct at JReilly141@aol.com or just list it here..
I have spent the last couple of months reading and looking...
I live in the Dayton Ohio area and would use the vehicle on most weekends at dog shows and events as I am out pretty much every weekend... I go in the snow in the winter and in the heat in the summer... and I have dogs with me at all times... they are show dogs and compete in confirmation, agility and obedience... Thank you all for all the insight you have given me so far on your list...
I look forward to hearing any and all comments..I am most interesteded in the bad downside but if you have some good upside you would like to share I would love to hear it..Thank you again for your time
John Reilly
Centerville Ohio
937-885-3427

There is an excellent Barth for sale in your area. Mr May is the owner. Look under the for-sale section.

My experience is limited to a 28' 1980's Regal with 454 power plant. Solid build, top quality woodwork, well thought out and easy to drive. The 454's are noted for leaky exhaust manifold gaskets (gives you an excuse to bolt on a set of Thorleys) and "iffy" cruise control operation.

Don't think you can go wrong with a Barth. In my search I found the mid-80's Barths to be in as-good-as condition as 5-10 year newer SoBs but that could have been a function of owner care and maintenance.

With any device maintenance is required, if you are in an area where salt is put on the road I suggest you slide under any coach you are interested in and take a look at the underside. On my coach the steel that supports the coach is..... well I expect to have well improved welding skills in the near term. As far a 454 exhaust, yep me too. The "big block" 454 is a nice engine, easy to work on and it pulls my 25 footer well. The "small block" 350 engine is I think a little under size. Gas engines are not costly and easy to keep running.

The point being with an older device you can enjoy a better experience if you put on the rubber cleaning gloves and carefully take a look at things. If you do not understand how something functions, ask; have them show you how to use it, air, refrigerator, stove, heater, battery charger, generator, the works. My guess is there will not be power at most shows to operate the air so a generator is required, make sure it runs well. When you look at the coach have them start it and leave it running all the time you are there. If it does that you are in good shape, I think.... disclaimer and all that.

Even if you do not plan to do the work on your coach by learing about it, you can appreciate what is involved and more effectively communicate your needs. The learning curve can be a bit intimidating but let us face it, we are not talking rocket science and learning is fun. Do expect to make mistakes, this is not a big deal.

Simply looking helps, if you see big wads of electrical tape on the wires, rust on the metal or what appears to be a recently cleaned part of a coach where you would expect to see some dirt be prepared to learn about the part of the mechanics and to spend some time or treasure, the generator comes to mind.

Older equipment can be far less expensive than new stuff but you should budget and expect that there will a period of time where you are doing a fair amount of work to get the coach into a condition you want.

Expect the following:
1) Replace batteries.
2) The engine basics, belts and hoses.
3) Tune up
4) Oil change, engine and transmission. Do not forget the rear end.
5) Tires at some point
6) Breaks, do not go to the “nation wide” places do it yourself or have a local person work on them. The chain groups see breaks as a gold mine.
7) Learn how the Air conditioner works and how old it is, if it uses the old coolant , find out how much a new one costs so when the old on dies you are ready. The good news is the more you use the air the longer it will last.
8) The same goes for the refrigerator and heater. Find out who works on them in your area and how much they will cost to work on.

Well that should allow you to plan, even if it is working when you buy it do not be surprised if as you use the coach things need attention. The good news is a regularly used coach will last far longer than one that sits.


Now the good news, I can tell you from our experience Borzois prefer Barths.

Tim and Lana



[This message has been edited by timnlana (edited September 20, 2004).]

Ron and timnlana
First let me thank you for the insight...
Ron I have not gotten an answer from Tealady as I am trying to see that unit and I contact the gentleman in Mansfield who had an 85 with 49,000 on it but that was sold...
He is going to contact me if the deal falls thru..
I could not find the one you were refuring to owned by a MR may..could you lead me to the post...
Timnlana Thanks for your input..I hope to haul my Bouviers around I am getting tired of setting up and breaking down and just want to get there and be there..I like staying in motels but am tiring of the moving back and forth..
This list has been most helpful and has pretty much sold me on what I would like..
again thank you ..
JOhn Reilly

All posts are on the mark.

I just don't think that the 28 foot Regal can be beat as far as a very comfortable coach that is small enough to go anywhere but large enough to set in for a 4 day rainstorm and still be comfortable. The Bath room is large enough for a big dude like me, the wardrobe and storage is large enough for gear and clothes for a one month trip or more.

The construction inside and out is robust enough to drive miles and miles on dirt roads. But the looks is classy enough for people to walk by other coaches which cost over 10 times more to tell you how cool your coach is.

The one big negative is that you will not find one less than 10 years old and most are over 15 years old. So one should expect to spend some money until all of the kinks are worked out.











------------------



[This message has been edited by davebowers (edited September 20, 2004).]

Daves photos show why we are proud to own Barths, no matter the age. Of course, nothing good in life comes free, and don't expect a twenty year old coach to be trouble free. My advice would be to read and heed the advice of these guys who so freely give it to those of us who were lucky ehough to find this site.

------------------
Dan & Suzy Z
'81 Euro 28

I have a 28' coach which is perfect for traveling as well as long term living. Lots of storage is a big plus. The Chevrolet P-30 is a standard chasis and drive chain which translates to readily available parts almost anywhere on the continent. (Potato chip truck technology).

------------------
Gary & Edie
North Idaho
1988 28' P-30 454

John, look here:
https://www.barthmobile.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/000393.html

I have spoken to Jim a time or two and gotten to look at pics of his Barth.

Check the paint job. There was a time when the metal prime job wasn't done right, and those will peel. I know; I have one! It's a 1987. Anyone know what years the paint problem encompassed?

I don't know the years of the paint problem, but I saw a 30' Barth, with bad paint parked at the roadside in Port Townsend, WA, last Saturday.

It was for sale, but the year wasn't listed. Probably 1970-something, it had the bustle-back trunk. Exterior paint, and the interior generally, were rough.

I wondered if it were something other than a m.h. that had been converted. The cabinetry and interior furnishings were not up to the standard I've seen in other Barths.

Asking price was $6K. I thought that was high for its age and condition. I'd say it needed total restoration, not just refurbishment.

Didn't have sense enough to take the phone # .

[This message has been edited by olroy (edited September 20, 2004).]

I got a call from the guy with the Barth in Port Townsend today. He likes old RV's. If you are interested I can get the telephone number. Dennis

Dennis Yes I am interested as the right unit where ever is the trick.. My budget is limited at this time and I am trying to stay in that under 10 bracket...
What got me started is a small baby Barth 22footer I believe it is.. TYhe asking price is 9000.. it is a 75 in fair shape... I do believe it is way overpriced for the money and after listening to the coments of owners "my happiest days would be the day I bought it and the day I sold it" I do believe the 28ft model is for me... so the search continues... I do hope to uncover one within a days drive so I can view it..I have been trying to track down Tealady for a couple of weeks now but no luck and the unit has note showed up in cleveland yet as I have been watching for it..
All the comments and insights have been great...and most helpful..The refirbished unit in Ohio is beautiful but way out of my price range at this time... I will probably go see it just to see it...and get some ideas..
to all thank you
John Reilly
Centerville Ohio