We Bought a $5,500 RV off Facebook to Live In [Pre-Reno Tour]

[@davidpearson2581]

I’d recommend taking that Class C to a mechanic to inspect the engine and transmission before putting any money into it. If everything checks out, go ahead with the rebuild. You could also replace the generator with an Onan QG 4000. I switched from a pull-behind camper to a 25-foot Class C myself and have really enjoyed it-I even took a fantastic trip to the Grand Canyon and back to SC!

[@stevecoe-pcjunke2377]

Instead of buying a Class C RV to rebuild I purchased a 2011 Ford E450 Goshen Shuttle Bus which I an currently converting into a Class C RV. I have rebuilt a few travel trailers from the ground up and know how cheap the mfr. components are and I suspect the Class A, B & C RV's aren't any better. Since the shuttle buses have to meet certain DOT Safety Standards I figured they were a much better choice to build with. Having come across your channel for your Class C build I subscribed to your channel and have gone back and watched just about all of your previous videos from the beginning. I love watching you two along with your dogs because y'all are both so young. I currently live in a 30ft. travel trailer which I rebuilt from the ground up a couple of years ago and absolutely love it. Good Luck with your build and enjoy your travels!

[@dianedelehanty6233]

I bought a 2004 Gulfstream Conquest 5yrs ago. She was in nearly as bad a condition as yours. After a couple months of living in it while renovating she is our full time living happy place! Go for it! Gulfstreams are built like TANKS! We removed the dinette (what was left of it) replaced with a twin size daybed, turned the car over area into our "attic", refaced the cabinets and hardware, new flooring, wallpaper, the list goes on. Enjoy the process!

[@truckerzwyf]

Craig, get yourself a 40 lb cylinder and an "extenda stay" kit. When you get to your destination, pull your spare propane tank out, connect it to your extenda stay and turn your on board tank off. That way when you need to fill up, just take your spare tank to the fill station. That old 460 can easily pull a small car on a dolly behind it, or flat tow a jeep. Congratulations on your new project! I'm so envious. Ford seats are the most uncomfortable. Find yourself a couple of Chrysler seats. They'll be much better. You're going to hate sleeping above the cab, but you're young and can handle it. We've owned every type of RV under the sun, you'll be sorry if you tear out existing cabinets. Redo the doors but keep the boxes. What I'd give to be young again. My husband and I completely renovated a 1968 28' Kencraft. It was so much fun. We removed every window, cleaned, installed new grey putty tape and new stainless screws. Plus we removed all the exterior aluminum edge gutter trim and did the same. It had sat alongside a barn for 10 years and never winterized so we had to redo the water system.

[@JoseOrtiz-zb7gq]

One bit of advice . As a professional freight relocation engineer ( truck driver) for 34 years. I have a class C . 4 winds 3500 Chevy 1998 with 17500 miles original. You must watch your swing. It is so easy to take out a car in the next lane , a fuel pump..... SWING WIDE and always assume that you are going to hit something. You can get anywhere with this thing just remember to swing wide. Happy trails. My son just sent me this video andcam looking foward to subscribing.

[@badgerpa9]

Craig after you run the motor in the RV a little check the oil to make sure it is not foaming. I had two vehicles with the 460, both were great but one I had to run Havoline for antifoaming, it was the 460 PI thunderbird so yours probably will not foam. I had over 300,000 miles on the car when I sold it. I hope you guys have fun, stay safe and healthy.

[@truckerzwyf]

Excellent advice. My husband always held back a half of a quart of oil to help compensate for the foaming.

[@markgosser9578]

You can’t beat those old Ford 460 gas motors. I drove them for 20 years starting in the early 80s. We pulled a 17k tractor on a big gooseneck trailer and we couldn’t kill those motors!

[@marty6055]

Looking forward to the extra videos. I see this project taking a lot longer than expected... which is okay.

[@sharoncandace7122]

I'm so excited!! Let Craig decorate it, I believe he has a vision.

[@maxsmart8786]

Craig this will be a real test. I think you will do well. Victoria, it would be super entertaining to see Craig lead the decorating. 🤩

[@krisg3984]

I guess you guys know what youre getting into. Im liking the new format __remodel of this and downsizing . It still looks very long to me but that might be your camera. Less to set up ! ❤you two communicate well together, find joy in the journey .

[@pcb1313]

Craig, happy wife, happy life. Embrace her vision and hope it fits yours too.

[@damonrussel9354]

It will be fun to watch you guys fix this up and get it on the road!

[@CliffordOliveiraJr]

Keep it legal, keep it in good condition, don't skimp on repairs! 😮 keep on trucking 😊🤙

[@ORJeeper]

Good luck with your reno. Just finished renovating my 1992 Gulfstream Conquest. Interior paint, laminate flooring, curtains,new toilet , new roof, solar/ lifepo4 batteries /converter charger, water heater, water pump, tires and misc engine stuff. Done over a 5 year period. Still need to get a new awning. Looks like the exterior on yours has been painted. I have not decided if I will paint the exterior of mine. I keep it covered so it polishes up pretty good.

[@AksamitMotorsports]

I have owned an older motorhome with issues - I really respect your drive / enthusiasm / energy /skills to take this on. Looking forward to the upcoming episodes.

[@kathyboshart7695]

I am so glad to be living this journey through you guys. It's something I've always thought about. You guys got this!!!

[@llks2599]

So exciting and great choice for you both. Can't wait tell you take it out on a new adventure. I'm so happy for you guys. Good Job! ❤😊

[@johnhenry8424]

Check the brake pedal and gas pedal pads. If no wear on them. 40,000 miles is original

[@BethAnctil]

Great tip!

[@ohioclassCcamper]

Very ambitious project. It will be fun watching the transformation. It is great that you have skills to handle the work. Good luck.

[@CoreyHemminger]

Most older vehicles if they roll over 100,000 I believe the tenth of a mile ticker separates a little bit from the rest of the digits or it's the most left digit that seperates slightly from the rest.

[@danettehead7353]

I'm excited. I love watching rv makeovers

[@makingmyownlane]

Love my 27 foot Class C Lazy Daze RV. I live and travel in in full time. My back area is my big bed, and I wouldn't trade that for anything! Can't wait to see your reno and adventures to come!

[@maitemm7731]

Va a quedar preciosa! ❤😊

[@darlamahoney7596]

Good cabinets, just keep and paint them, look so pretty when done

[@kevinreed3339]

I had a rig like that many years ago. I did not like the squeaks and rattles as you travel and if you are in the back of the rig it floats and felt like a boat tossed around on the ocean. When I bought mine it had new tires but original valve stems that failed while on a trip. Good luck with your renovation.

[@melissameyer9981]

Oh boy, lots of work. Have fun reconstructing, and I'm sure the two of you will do a great job.

[@fabiolaosuna3201]

Now you are ready for Baja!!!!🎉 congrats

[@marshaburdette3595]

You two are adorable! Fun to watch and i love how you keep it real. Looking forward to more content. Praying we have a mild GA winter for you.

[@E.P.Greene]

My parents bought a new Ford 1 ton converted van, I think in '78 or '79. It had the captain seats, a sink (nobody ever used), and the over the top wood trim, and yes it had ugly curtains. But it seated my brother and sisters and aunties so everyone was happy. (I was gone most of the time because that's what Marines do) My parents had bought a very nice 23' camping trailer some years before, so the van had to have the HP to get it down the road. Oh! You mentioned the seats being uncomfortable? LOL All of the seats were not very comfortable. The van had the 460 CI engine, which meant it easily pulled the trailer or rocket down the road by itself. (Well, it had a driver ... ) My oldest sister learned to drive in that van, in the SF Bay Area where we lived. My most favorite memory was riding with her. She knew she was bigger than most of the other cars and she knew how to push the accelerator pedal. It was great fun. I really don't have many good memories, but watching this really sent me back where I discovered I had a few fond memories. Thank you.

[@wildrvlife]

That is such a great story! Love that this brought back some good memories for you. Thanks for sharing!

[@ShawnPatterson402]

no doubt this will be an interesting project. The fact that it drives is a big start. That engine with a bit of TLC should be just fine. Happy Renos....

[@juanitanielsen6776]

I just love your enthusiasm, makes me smile

[@corncob_say]

I got a 1985 ford and had a heck of a time doing the trany front and rear seals. You get a vintage ford motorhome parts are available so that gets rid of the no 1 headache. If you do the front and rear trany seals I HIGHLY RECOMEND the amazon scissor jack for motorcycles.. We tried to do it in the wintertime and didn't get it done till spring. Thats a big engine and that transmission is heavy. Every time we worked the tail shaft back up over the crossmember the front of the tranny would drop and the torque converter would come out of place. That amazon scissor jack to keep the front end of the tranny stable so it doesn't drop back down is what ya need. Its the liftmaster 1100 lb motorcycle center scissor lift. My beer drinkin buddys failed 3 times ta get it in. Then winter put a halt to the progress .Then came spring I got it in wrong 1 time then finally I got it in right. That scissor would have made the whole thing go smoothly. After 40 years its likely those seals will need replaced. Make sure you fill the torque converter before it goes back in. And if its down for any length of time make sure the tail shaft yoke is wrapped so it doesnt get any rust or you'll end up replacing the front yoke. Thats probably the only major job most of those motorhomes need.

[@teresareza5683]

Eeeeeewww can’t wait 🎉🎉🎉

[@SFNativeGal]

I’m loving your adventure! Can’t wait for the next episode. Your attitude and vision is so impressive. Thank you for sharing with us.❤️

[@irenehinojosa6629]

Looking forward to see what you guys do to this RV! ❤

[@claira-janehardwick866]

Can’t wait for this! Loving two videos a week, will be watching every video 💕

[@maggie8339]

This is going to be fun! Can’t wait to watch you two! 😊

[@Powerstroke98]

You're sure taking on more than I'd like to ever do, so I look forward to seeing the finished product. It also makes me wonder how many hours per day are you planning on putting into working on the rig? Yes, those 7.5 Ford engines have taken a lot of motorhomes on many trips over the years, so you should be good there! The outside of the rig actually looks pretty good, the main workload will be inside, so best of luck and we appreciate your energy and enthusiasm!

[@kaohsiung99]

Young folks have a lot of energy. (I did, too.... 20 years ago!)

[@Jeffbob442]

Have Mercy!!! Been there ,Done that...Wish I still had the Energy.....and I mean Lots of Energy to do that revamp! Have fun guys!

[@arethasouth8637]

Can't wait to see the finished product

[@johnsandell4501]

Fantastic project!!! Strip it down and start fresh. Craig, clean it out. Pound safe👍👍👍

[@Bunny-cz5wo]

We will be watching guys, sounds so exciting 🎉🎉😊 you are a great team !!!!

[@suzannmetallaoui6167]

Can’t wait for the extra videos. Love to watch make overs.

[@rdrindy]

Im excited. Going to love this series.

[@terrirogers1918]

Fun Fun Fun

[@JacquelynHoward-iq7wg]

I can't imagine sleeping in the bunk! Good luck and I cannot wait to see the renovation!

[@jarkmann3977]

I would imagine making new cabinets would be simple. Just remove the original cabinets and use them as a template. Easy peasy

[@gloria_kg]

Can’t wait to see your vision..I love that you’re making it your own! Best and Blessings to you

[@bakermancoquitlam]

Life is too short. Do the craziest, wildest things while you still can. Congratulations and looking forward to the renovations.

[@kdsailorgirl]

Reminds me a little of our ‘82 Minnie Winnie. So solid!! But that overhead cab area was a sieve. Y’all will take it down to studs and go from there. I know you can do it. Those oldies are solid! Congrats ❤❤❤

[@peggyely4356]

Lots of luck it will look amazing

[@Fam4Moore]

Surprised to see you guys today, but it was a good suprise! Looking forward to watching the renovation and the epic trip! Craig you know we are going to side with Victoria! LOL We girls have to stick together.

[@ClarenceBillHolden]

I bought a 25 ft 81 ford class c for 2200 Canadian. It had a 460 that had 45,000 km(probably 145,000. Changed all of the fluids to synthetic and drove to from Ontario to Vancouver and back. I replaced all of the spark plugs, coolant lines, the water pump, the belts, alternator, 6 new tires and brakes. There was so much rot in the walls that I gutted the whole thing and rebuilt the inside. I replaced all of the 2x2s and built a second 2x2 wall around the whole interior and added foam insulation. Used 1/4 floor underlay cause I'm cheap. Painted it all white, added fantastic ceiling vent and ripped out the air conditioner. Was only half there so it was useless. Don't need one in Canada. When i rebuilt the dinette area I made it only 2 feet deep. Gave us lots of floor room. Gave it to my son and bought an 89 for 10,000. Put new tires and brakes. Alternator, changed oils to synthetic, cabin propane heater for 2,000 and wheel-bearing. Drove from BC to Ontario and loving it. But the 81 was easier to heat. Oddly the 81 got 4.5 mpg but the 89 gets 10mpg.

[@rongray4847]

Hi guys, looking forward to this renovation and seeing the end product. Take care. 👍👍❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@maxhicksarmor21]

Hey guys, I think there was an excellent deal on that 91 RV. Yeah it’s gonna take a lot of work and hopefully you don’t find a bunch of water damage. I will say that I did see a video the other day on something called RV armor, which supposedly is something that goes on your roof and gives you a lifetime Guarantee that you’ll never need to mess with the roof again lol. It looked really cool and I think that once me and my wife find an RV that’ll be one of the first things that we do is get the roof coated with this stuff. Anyway, just a suggestion. From what I understand it is guaranteed never to leak and to always protect your roof for a lifetime. Which I think lol could be a long long time, let’s hope.😂 anyway really looking forward to watching you guys remodel this thing. Should be fun.

[@jlokey56]

I think you are both nuts 😂!! (J/K) But seriously, I can't wait to see what you both do with this old dude! My parents had 2 different Class C's, (after I was grown and married with kids, and luckily we were allowed to borrow for family vacations, yay!!) one a Dodge that the carborator never failed to cease up just out of town every time! The hub loved that, NOT!! The second was much bigger, an Allegro. I couldn't tell you what years on either. God memories in both. But I have a 31 ft Freedom Express tow behind with my new man, and I have only done some rather minor renovations so far, still planning what I/we want to redo. Bought it 5 years old just like new early this year and 3 great long trips already until we discovered furnace broken in Colorado couple weeks ago. Got that going again except for some air flow anomaly that keeps it at a hit or miss. He has added many bells and whistles and not done yet. You guys, a total gut and rebuild in the insides, WOW 😮!! It does need it and I hope you can meet your timeline goals, but you know it will be one of those "money pit" experiences where the deeper you dig, the more need fixing or replacing. 🎉 I'm rooting for ya'll, have fun, take breaks, and keep your energy up! Loved following your Alaska your!!❤

[@laurataylor999]

Wow! That looks like a lot of work. I hope it’s going to be as much fun for you to do as it’s going to be for us to watch! Love the extra videos ❤

[@christytimmons1983]

Happy the last owner was honest with you guys on the issues he knew of. Last year prior to husband retiring I found what I thought was a great deal on a 2002 gulfstream 25 ft. Come to find out it had issues. We fixed issues and daughters came in to repaint decorate and it's now good. We thought we'd buy cheap before buying new. To see if we'd enjoy it. We have only took it out once in a year. Daughter takes it to cattle shows for grands and has enjoyed it more. Lol However its small for a couple and they girls. Thinking of selling her to get a bigger one but haven't completely decided yet. We paid 15 for her. I named her Lucille. Hopefully we can take her out more next year and then decide. The price of new ones is so high that we don't want to take the plunge to have it sit in place. Definitely want to watch yalls videos! Maybe get some ideas for Lucille!

[@rondiferrin3266]

roll up them sleeves, put on those safety glasses and get to work - proud of you both

[@kencotton4645]

You guys have a better idea of the space you need, but I would have opted for a B plus rather than a C, because I would like the extra room to install stuff. I want a washer/dryer if I buy an RV because I dislike laundromats. Of course, they probably weren't making B plus units in the years you were considering.

[@vegastheboston6977]

Can't wait to see the final results. Good luck and have fun

[@TumbleweedRvLife]

Take the generator out and put your solar batteries there. Get a portable generator instead. Don't short on Solar. A composting toilet would significantly reduced you water demand, and not have to worry about the black tank "Status".

[@jeffmedlin9020]

Let’s watch Craig play with furnishings and see what he comes out with! Should be fun!

[@timrodatz1274]

I'd gut it all out, walls, ceiling, floors and replace all insulation, you can put new wall and ceiling studs up if you do it right you can replace with aluminum studs it's lighter and stronger than wood. Probably get a new AC unit

[@ronstoner1656]

Phase One - Demo, Phase two - Repairs, Phase three - Build, Phase four - Painting, Phase five - floors and fixtures, Phase six - decoration Nice plan but be ready to redo the plan after demo. You might consider breaking it down to interior and exterior making it a 12 phase project. Eight weeks and approximately 10K should make it usable. Might be amazed at what you find under all of the siding. Hopefully Craig is up for the challenge. Thanks for coming up with a crazy project, should be fun!

[@debralawson1101]

SIX weeks?? Wow, I’m impressed. Can’t wait to follow along. She’s going to be a beauty 😊

[@donkisler3538]

Six weeks doesn't seem reasonable for that unit. I guess it depends on how many hour per day they work. I wish them the best however.

[@lyfandeth]

IIRC your propane tanks needs a hydrostatic pressure test every 10-12 years, plus more frequent testing before anyone can refill it. Fill stations may not do that, since check with a local propane supplier.

[@louisetash7118]

OMGOSH I see a lot of prayin goin on in the next 6???? weeks. You guys are such a blessing. I’m 86 a former RVer and I’m still able to travel with y’all but hubby and I would never have attempted what you’ve doing…..you’re in my daily prayers ❤

[@shawnyshellgren8090]

Six weeks is very aggressive with all that water damage, I'd double the timeline and the costs just to be safe. It took my my family and I two years to get the water damage and upgrades completed on my RV but we only worked on weekends when the shop was available. The top bunk rebuild was the hardest part since we had to remove all the metal and build a new frame. I have enjoyed many road trips with family and friends but don't use the old gal enough since it's just me.

[@dangrefrath9852]

Looking forward to your finds and choices as you "customize" this rig. I think you'll regret losing the "walk around bed" in the rear but you do you. Good luck.

[@RoyalEmpressTree]

Be sure to check the bearings in the front and rear wheels. I thought mine would be permanent more or less, nope, maintenance required😊

[@destinysisco3142]

This is going to be so much fun!

[@BethAnctil]

I like it!! It's nice and clean looking on the outside. We were surprised at how people put no effort into cleaning the rigs before they tried to sell them. I can't wait to watch you do the reno. We were guessing Mexico?

[@TheDogsBox]

Hope Baja is worth the trouble. Remember when the cops are shaking you down you can just offer to drive to the local police station to pay your fine, that will probably get them to give up if you stay calm and they can see your camera in plain view.

[@adriannurse1502]

God bless you guys 🙏🙏🙏 You certainly have your work cut out for you. Do you have the skills and tools for a job like this? Personally with the overall condition of this RV I think you overpaid for it. But! I can't wait to see the transformation. 🙂 Wishing you all the best. 🙂🙂🙂

[@RJacks-is7lc]

i hv total faith in u guys!! luv what u are doin

[@rslifeafter5526]

I think Craig is making himself a toy hauler in that back room with a large door back there. That's my guess. Good luck you two.

[@richardyoung4394]

We will be praying for you all and this build! We like that you talked about your faith in a couple videos and also like the scriptures at the end. I hope you keep using this platform to glorify Jesus more! He will bless all your endeavors! Have a blessed night!

[@christinapittsley786]

Congratulations! Excited for the adventure!

[@lorajohnson3898]

Excited to see what electrical system you add so Craig can sleep well at night while boondocking.

[@debidoo1644]

Hahahahehe both are knockout funny....okay now get her started.....awwwww your dogs are so adorable lam sure it will be fantastic...keep up the great job... ❤❤❤🤪🤪 appreciate you both

[@patrickburke9764]

You can to it Craig, Advice get rid of the carpet squares and replace with Luxury Vinly Strips try to get product called Cortex the Original !

[@mocean63]

Be sure to go through the mechanics of this rig, pretty on the side of the road is no good, change all fluids, brakes, shocks and filters, make ‘er dependable!

[@josephyoung5395]

good luck with your new adventure , I hope your 6 week window will work out for you.

[@robmclaughlin420]

Excited to see what you two do with it

[@williamhaynes1367]

With some of these parks not allowing RV’s older than 10 years, I hope you don’t have any issues.

[@cherylvaverka9042]

I am excited for the final result. Even if you put 5 k in it. Will still be a low cost rig. My husband and I love traveling in our fifth wheel. We had a 2013 that was very solid with no water damage. We bought used to make sure we would love the lifestyle. We do!! We are not full time, but are retired. We get to travel a lot. I wanted to update the Rv. We had put a flat screen and fireplace in. That is as far as we got. He went and got a new Mobile Suite. The person that brought our old one fixed it up. It ended up looking great. Good luck with the repairs. I definitely like the keeping it a bit retro.

[@2156cynthia]

You are brave and it will look great! Hope you are going to make the back bedroom an office!

[@solntsevskaya2848]

If you guys have any questions or issues I am in central Florida I specialize in gulf stream class c restorations as I have my own 102 vintage Gulf Stream as well I’m excited to see someone else tackling one

[@curtmyers6273]

Oh boy! 6 weeks? Good luck, better add a week or 3 or 4. Your go getters so i know youll give your best shot. What are you going to do with the brinkley and the pickup? Im guessing theyll eventually go?

[@autotomk]

Build new cabinets. Not residential, but still very solid and light weight. You guys have lots of imagination. White cedar comes to my mind, but you guys figure it out. Look forward to next episodes. Oh also remember there may be another AK trip in the future.

[@kerrymccambry6132]

Oh my😮

[@TheDogsBox]

@6:15 show us the brake pedal, that will tell you if its 40,000 or 140,000 @10:10 looks like it is 40,000 Congrats!

[@joanmesser7829]

You will have so much fun !!! Love the extra videos

[@troycoen7349]

Keep in mind RVs go from point A to B for vacations. They are rarely used for daily drivers, therefore the 40k miles are more than likely actual. Probably not full time RV..just family summer vacations. A couple thousand miles a year....maybe.

[@dianen6638]

You got this!

[@1957ShutterBug]

Good luck. 6 weeks seems aggressive, but Craig seems pretty handy.

[@vicwong6748]

Can’t wait for final outcome