Hello all, I'm new to this site. I noticed a 91 for sale locally & I thought it looked cool!. I haven't seen in person only pics on Craigslist. I had never heard of a Barth before, so I started to look at the net & came across this site!

When the time is right I think I will be buying a Barth M/C. Maybe I need a little direction from some of you experts! I'm a little "gunshy" about buying a gas pot with the P30 or is it a P-32 chassis, I've heard nothing good about this chassis, are they really that bad?

I think I would prefer diesel in the 34ft size, maybe a 90+ Regency?? I guess the best chassis is a Gillig, but how are the Spartan's? I see there is a 90 or 91 Regency for sale with a Spartan.

Anyway thought I would send a quick note here, would appreciate any thought & comments from guys that know.
I only read one negative comment on the RV Forum that somebody looked at a Barth onetime I thought that the wood work was a little unfinished on the inner parts. Who knows I have only heard of positive opinions about the quality of Barth! I sure love the looks of them & the metal sides, etc.

Besides I've always appreciated the older things, such as older cars etc. Thanks for the help!

I have a 1990 32' Barth Regency with an 8.3 CTA Cummins diesel and Alison transmission on a Spartan chassis. It is also air ride with the pillow underneath for a smooth ride. We have had it for just over a year and have put about 7000 miles on it. It has held up well and we like it very much. The only drawback.... most people want slides, which we don't have.

Fred & Cindy Cook
1990 32' Regency, Cummins

We love our 28' Barth Regal. sitting on an extended p30 chassis. 192" wheel base. There have been several discussions on this web site about P30 or P32. I tried to find in the "search" feature the discussion I remember reading can't find it. Check out BillNY, billh, Rusty, MWrench, Lee, Nick Cagle, Shadowman, Marvin & Doris, LennyandJudy, BillyT, SteveVW, Moonbeam-Express etc.

These guys have a pretty good handle on the pro's & con's of gas vs diesel & suspensions, chassis etc. Anything you are looking for specifically use the search tool.

There is even a tutorial on How to Buy a Barth sent to you 0n private message

quote:

Originally posted by lincolnmatthews:
I'm a little "gunshy" about buying a gas pot with the P30 or is it a P-32 chassis, I've heard nothing good about this chassis, are they really that bad?

No.

They need to be aligned by a competent tech. That means to motor home specs, not potato chip truck specs. They need proper ride height, front AND rear. They like an IPD or similar front anti-sway bar. They like Bilstein shocks and steering stabilizer.

The chassis with 19.5 wheels handles and stops way better. I have had three Pee chassis MHs. The tag axle Pees have a reinforced frame which really helps handling. They will never ride as nicely as an air bag Gillig. My Pees have not liked Michelins.

I have had my P30 Barth for over 23 years, and would do it again. If I had more money, I would have bought a 32 ft Regency with a Cummins 8.3.

Floor plan counts as much as length.

Having said all that, Regencies are nicer, better-built coaches. But cost more to buy and can cost more to maintain, depending on your luck. If you put loads of miles on it, a diesel can save you some fuel costs.

Don in Niagra has an excellent '90 34' Regency for sale - I've seen the coach.

I will give you some info on Barth Coaches and chassis,

They are all custom built. There are no 2 alike.
This is a guide. There will be other.

69-mid 80's mostly Chevy P-30 Motor Home Chassis
Most parts can be had from automotive parts stores, Most have 16.5 wheels. set of new tires in the $1200.00 range.

Some Ford and Dodges in this range

Mid 80s-98 Heavy duty P-30(P-32) 4 wheel disk brake, 19.5" wheels on most 28' up coaches. tires $2500.00 a set of 6.

82-86 Regency chassis (MCC), Independent suspension on both front and rear. 8.2 Detroit Diesel turbocharged.

late 80s Ford/John Deere/Freightliner/Oskosh. Heaver than Chevy Chassie. GVW about 18,000 lb.

Late 80s-late 90s Spartain chassis Mostly Cummings 5.9 TC powered. some had larger engines.

Late 80s- late 90ss Gillig Chassis, Cat and Cummings powered.22.5 wheels $3500.00 tires.

For my use a P-30 is more affordable to maintain.
Our Class C being less than the Class A.
You will get as many opinions as there are Barths. on what is better to have.

It comes down to what Your use is. How much you want to spend.

I hope this gives you a little info. If you spend time Reading Post You will have a better ideal. of what might fit your need. Just remember that none are new and they all need something.

quote:

82-86 Regal chassis, Independent suspension on both front and rear. 8.2 Detroit Diesel turbocharged.

These are Regencies - on the MCC chassis.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
Don in Niagra has an excellent '90 34' Regency for sale - I've seen the coach.

I've seen it a number of times and even camped next to it. It is indeed a very nice coach.

good, concise synopsis, Doorman

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:

quote:

82-86 Regal chassis, Independent suspension on both front and rear. 8.2 Detroit Diesel turbocharged.

These are Regencies - on the MCC chassis.

My bad. Thought Regency, typed Regal. good catch. edited my post to reflect.

For my 2 cents, I strongly advise getting a tag axle version if you choose the GM Pee. Compared to the standard, they have additional frame support, better directional stability, additional brakes and load capacity, and adjustable (tag) air suspension. Put in a heavy anti-sway bar up front, they track real well. (OTOH this will tie you to a 30-34 ft, maybe not what you want...)

My 33 tracks well even in crosswinds. Some have complained about Pee handling, I have driven mine 18 hrs with 2 fingers.

That said, the Pees do not have air brakes or full air suspension. Both are marginal (drive slow on smooth roads!) OTOH, they are less intimidating... start up, (warm up) put in D and drive away.

Parts everywhere. Mechanics know them in their sleep. Won't last forever but almost if you take care of em.

quote:

My bad. Thought Regency, typed Regal

it gets worse...

It all depends on how much money you have. If you're well off, make your best informed decision. If it doesn't work out, sell it and get something else. If you're on a limited budget, depending on how limited, just be aware that there are no cheap motor homes.

Wow thanks for all the insight & thoughts! I have a lot to consider. I have several issue's (probably more if you ask my Wife!) I am a RV %^&^ Love them all!. We use our old (20 yrs) Lance camper alot, & will keep it. As I like the lifestyle of getting away from it all. But I would like an older classic class A & after what I have read and seen it will have to be a Barth!. Thanks to all of you!

Lance?
You DO make good choices.
To amend what Jim and Tere said...
There are lots of CHEAP motorhomes.
They are more likely to be EXPENSIVE to maintain.
There are NO INEXPENSIVE motorhomes.
Paradoxically, A motor home that might seem costly, might need minimal ongoing attention to walls, windows, doors, roof, floor, cabinets etc..
Corey's Blue Bird is the epitome of that.