 Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
In the meantime I joined iRV2.com so I guess I'm "one of them" now! 
I had a good friend who drove a school bus in the 1970's. Described himself as a "banana boatman". Are you a banana boatman Keith? 
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
Did any of these old units have diesel engines other then the big pushers? We are looking at new(ish) Sprinters as we have a long trip planned for next or year after around N. America and reliable and cheap fuel is a big factor. Love the look of the old units especially that Argosy but we are talking 13000 + kms and gas would be a killer.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Does diesel deliver better mileage than gasoline or propane? Because if not then it wouldn't really help with fuel economy, as least not around here where diesel costs more per litre than gas.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
My diesel f350 gets about 18 mpg as opposed to a gasoline burning F150 that got about 15 to 16. Its not an apples to apples comparison but if you consider that the f350 is a much larger truck it may be applicable.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
My ford explorer gets about the same as my f350. The explorer is a six cylinder gas burner. I guess you would ha e to determine if the better efficiency is more cost effective when you take into account the price difference.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
My opinion is that unless you need the extra torque for mountans or towing or plan on putting 20,000 miles per year or have just boatloads of spare money, gasoline is the more cost effective option. In addition to the higher cost of fuel, mainenance is also more expensive. I dont think the two economics intersect until you get to the 200,000 mile mark - which very few RVs ever reach.
The Sprinter is certainly a well respected chassis, but they ain't cheap - even used. And the interior space (or lack of) might become an issue unless you plan on a constantly rolling vacation. BTW, we had a RoadTrek for years and loved it on the road, but not so much after we parked for the night.
Last edited by Hermit; 09/11/2014 12:38 PM.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
Quote:
My opinion is that unless you need the extra torque for mountans or towing or plan on putting 20,000 miles per year or have just boatloads of spare money, gasoline is the more cost effective option. In addition to the higher cost of fuel, mainenance is also more expensive. I dont think the two economics intersect until you get to the 200,000 mile mark - which very few RVs ever reach.
The Sprinter is certainly a well respected chassis, but they ain't cheap - even used. And the interior space (or lack of) might become an issue unless you plan on a constantly rolling vacation. BTW, we had a RoadTrek for years and loved it on the road, but not so much after we parked for the night.
I am assuming your Roadtrek was on the Sprinter chassis 19' or 22' and keeping it relative I'm 34 inch waist 6 ft. tall.
Driving through mountain passes "check" towing a trailer with motorcycle skis golf clubs "check" maneuverability "check" There are versions with pushouts and bigger cabins but they don't appeal as much. The Roadtrek etc, tend to depreciate at the same $ rate per year whether starting from new or used up to about 5-6 years here in Canada and it seems similar in the US. The bigger the model of RV the faster they drop in price from what I have been seeing here. I could buy in the US but take an almost 10% hit on the money so deals that once were a few years ago are no longer.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
Quote:
Does diesel deliver better mileage than gasoline or propane? Because if not then it wouldn't really help with fuel economy, as least not around here where diesel costs more per litre than gas.
Keith with the new engines they are claiming 22 mpg which translates to 10.7 l/100.
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Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I changed the title of this thread to reflect the direction it took. For me, this has been most interesting. Meanwhile I dug up some cool adverts for the same motorhome I recently bought. Thought I'd share my findings.  
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
My diesel f350 gets about 18 mpg as opposed to a gasoline burning F150 that got about 15 to 16. Its not an apples to apples comparison but if you consider that the f350 is a much larger truck it may be applicable.
my gas F350 gets like 12 mpg, I wish it was a diesel
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
One of the reasons I got the 20ft Argosy is it is the only one fitted with the small block chevy (the rest have big blocks) and that means with modern 'van cams' and fuel injection, I have options for upto 50% more power and whilst getting some efficiency around mpg....I would certainly do that before going diesel. Interesting the same power/torque is now available from a Mitsubishi Fuso power plant that over doubles the mpg and approx halves the capacity, if I did go diesel it would be that route.
Just have to remember these things maybe made of aluminium but the still weight at least 8000lb so they are always going to take some work to get moved.
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
Keith with those two bad boys pimping your ride you're definitely cruising in style.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
Bob Hope and the Duke, Keith can't get in much better company, Apollo rocks!
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
I have just seen the trailer and tow rig SMJoe shared a link to for sale...sold. Not sure if the seller got the $87K price he wanted, as the buyer left the mini (and will source their own in the US), but it must have been pretty close, just the trailer was up for $47K.
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Bob Hope and the Duke, Keith can't get in much better company, Apollo rocks!
Yeah, I want to make prints and frame then for hanging in the motorhome.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Quote:
Bob Hope and the Duke, Keith can't get in much better company, Apollo rocks!
Yeah, I want to make prints and frame then for hanging in the motorhome.
Makes me even more curious about the brand to see those spokesmen. Those endorsements couldn't have been cheap. I think you've got something special there, Keith.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Quote:
My opinion is that unless you need the extra torque for mountans or towing or plan on putting 20,000 miles per year or have just boatloads of spare money, gasoline is the more cost effective option. In addition to the higher cost of fuel, mainenance is also more expensive. I dont think the two economics intersect until you get to the 200,000 mile mark - which very few RVs ever reach.
The Sprinter is certainly a well respected chassis, but they ain't cheap - even used. And the interior space (or lack of) might become an issue unless you plan on a constantly rolling vacation. BTW, we had a RoadTrek for years and loved it on the road, but not so much after we parked for the night.
I am assuming your Roadtrek was on the Sprinter chassis 19' or 22' and keeping it relative I'm 34 inch waist 6 ft. tall.
Driving through mountain passes "check" towing a trailer with motorcycle skis golf clubs "check" maneuverability "check" There are versions with pushouts and bigger cabins but they don't appeal as much. The Roadtrek etc, tend to depreciate at the same $ rate per year whether starting from new or used up to about 5-6 years here in Canada and it seems similar in the US. The bigger the model of RV the faster they drop in price from what I have been seeing here. I could buy in the US but take an almost 10% hit on the money so deals that once were a few years ago are no longer.
You can't beat the RoadTrek for quality and design. Ours was older (bought new, but on the standard '90s era Dodge chassis). 20' if I recall. Pre-Sprinter. We liked everything about the RoadTrek and put probably 100,000 miles on it. I would have liked to go with something about 25', but we found an older Winnebago @ 31' that checked most of the right boxes for us.
RoadTreks are built in your neck of the woods.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
Quote:
I have just seen the trailer and tow rig SMJoe shared a link to for sale...sold. Not sure if the seller got the $87K price he wanted, as the buyer left the mini (and will source their own in the US), but it must have been pretty close, just the trailer was up for $47K.
If the only thing he did wrong was use Ikea cabinets which as pointed out may not last he did a good textbook job on the rest and the person that bought it will be very popular if they show up at a Wally Byam Airstream rally.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
100% agree, and can only hope mine will work out as well.
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
We had the "Spirit of '73" out again over the weekend and again enjoyed the experience immensely. The weekend went great but upon returning home and during a start after a lunch stop, smoke billowed out from the steering column and beneath the dash and she was dead in her tracks. After several hours and some help from friends I was able to replace fried wires and we were on our way again. I figure we're just working out the bugs! Here's a great mug shot of the "Spirit of '73". 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
The trials of owning a vintage motorhome can often lead to less than desirable conditions... ah, but as long as it starts a steering wheel and driver's seat are secondary. While working on replacing wires after an electrical meltdown in the starting circuit. 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Propane fuel systems
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6 |
'04' Black America
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
Why do I think this Keith Adventure has "Ken Kesey & his Band of Merry Pranksters" potential written all over it?
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Why do I think this Keith Adventure has "Ken Kesey & his Band of Merry Pranksters" potential written all over it?
jh
Well I am considering some new paint for the ol' girl.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
Quite an interesting piece of the whole 'nostalgia' auto market on the BBC website at the moment.... http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20140917-winnebagos-time-machine
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Cool rig, that new Brave. If it wasn't for the base model costing $100,000 I might have considered trading my my "Bob Hope" special.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Quote:
Quote:
Why do I think this Keith Adventure has "Ken Kesey & his Band of Merry Pranksters" potential written all over it?
jh
Well I am considering some new paint for the ol' girl.
Oh ya Brother, i could see you in this thing!
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Owwwww......my eyes..... 
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Owwwww......my eyes.....
Not much different than the Northern Lights there, Greg. Wait a minute... is that where Ken Kesey got his inspiration for the bus?
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
Well it has taken nearly 2 years work by the local Airstream shop and the cost of a new Ferrari, so I couldn't resist digging up an old thread and sharing a photo of the reason I haven't been on the forum that much recently.  We did our shake down run last weekend (1100miles/4days) so getting ready for new adventures!
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Well it has taken nearly 2 years work by the local Airstream shop and the cost of a new Ferrari, so I couldn't resist digging up an old thread and sharing a photo of the reason I haven't been on the forum that much recently.
We did our shake down run last weekend (1100miles/4days) so getting ready for new adventures!
That looks amazing.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
Love those old Airstream vans although sometimes it is difficult to tell whether they are coming or going. :-)
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Very nice Argosy. Much more visual appeal than the new megastripe monstrosities. Did you modify the windows? Edit; Don't bother answering that question! I found your build report on another forum and I'm halfway through it already. "Very nice" doesn't even begin to embrace the changes you've made to Bella. Astounding would be more accurate. 
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
I would like to see the photos before and after so please share the site.
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
Thanks for sharing Hermit. To try and justify the reasoning behind the craziness, you have to view "Bella" as our retirement home. I am due to leave my job next month and relocate back to UK, so needed a small motorhome to take back with us. The real craziness is having just finished "Bella" to take back to Europe, we realized there are still many parts of the US we haven't visited and will come back to see....so I have bought another 20' Argosy, called Peanut - not to restore but to get running, and leave in the US as a holiday home.  http://www.airforums.com/forums/f310/peanut-lives-on-148273.htmlPeanut is currently at a friends in Richmond, KY and is making use of more of the parts of the spares Argosy that I bought, he is a real mess!
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
That is going to be the "Bell" of the campground on the continent. We walked through a few sites while in Portugal last year and there wasn't anything like it unless it was brand new.
We met an Aus couple who kept an apartment in Paris but travelled for months at a time in a camper. They were staying in a free site along the river in downtown Coimbra said there are plenty of places like that and free dumping stations as well throughout Portugal and Spain. They mentioned a web site that lists lots of such locations but I have since forgot it.
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Re: Motorhomes then and now
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Holy Cow! I wasn't expecting a 46 page build thread...
Now I understand why it looks amazing, the work you've put into this dwarfs any restoration I've ever done, granted that's only two cars and three motorcycles. Congratulations on your vision and perseverance! Well done, Martin, well done.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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You have to get rid of those floor mat(s), Keith 
