Ebay - 2000 RB-50

[heatlamp]

I'm an old (well, not that old) VW Camper owner considering a move to a Sportsmobile, wondering what you guys think of the 2000 RB50 on ebay:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-...-/261093555438.

If you have hints as to what to look out for in a camper of this vintage, I'd appreciate the hints.

Thx, Jim

[jage]

-Carbon monoxide detector is no doubt due for replacement (possibly the reason half is cut off, the date is right on the front of mine)
-door galley is stubby, not sure why, i'm guessing it doesn't swing out either (best feature of the 50 and you've only got half)
-looks a bit rough for 81K, smoker maybe?
-slider window on driver side not great for rain
-pantry in that position seems inconvenient
-don't personally like a built in stove (but then i keep my portable in the door pantry)

It's not a bargain enough for my tastes, given the year and condition.

[jage]

Example: http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/rvs/3271731327.html

More dated, but clean and crisp interior. Better bargain too.

[carringb]

Another thing to watch is weight. The Dodge Ram 3500 van had the same GVWR as the current E150 van. SMB limits what can be built on the E150 for good reason. Good chance that van may be close to GVWR empty.

[heatlamp]

Thanks for the tips and the pointer to the San Diego camper. Sounds like I have more to learn before jumping in.

Jim

[carringb]

BTW - I wasn't trying to imply you shouldn't take a look at it. What I was really getting at is you should take it through the scales before buying, to be sure it will have enough payload for your use. Weekend trips won't need near as much capacity as a week-long expedition through the middle of nowhere.

[carringb]

It's also a good idea to think about potential future modifications. Things like 4x4, lift kits, bumpers, fuel tanks etc are all relatively easy to the find for Ford vans. But aftermarket support for Dodge vans pretty much does not exist.

[heatlamp]

Silly question: where do you get it weighed?

Jim

[carringb]

Originally Posted by heatlamp

Silly question: where do you get it weighed?

Jim

In Oregon, all DOT truck scales are available for public use when they are not open for commercial truck compliance weighing.

If your state does not allow this, many large truck stops have "CAT" scales, which charge a small fee. Also most landscaping product companies have truck scales. Our municipal landfill also allows free RV weighing.

[jage]

Landscape materials store or aluminum recycler or such, basically a place where you drive in, get weighed, drive out get weighed and the difference is what your load was. The place next to me is $5, but only good for overall weight (no weighing the corners), which should be enough for what you need.