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!

[@marty6055]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@jarkmann3977]

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

[@sharoncandace7122]

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

[@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!!!

[@CliffordOliveiraJr]

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

[@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. 🤩

[@melissameyer9981]

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

[@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 .

[@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!

[@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.

[@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😊

[@johnhenry8424]

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

[@BethAnctil]

Great tip!

[@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!

[@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.

[@danettehead7353]

I'm excited. I love watching rv makeovers

[@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!

[@pcb1313]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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! ❤😊

[@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!!❤

[@kevinhwcrabbe-mr3dy]

I’m watching you from Southern Alberta Canada and I think your husband will have a good taste of furniture in there

[@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.

[@BTimmer]

We had a '94 Ford Class C with only cab over sleeping. It got old very quick.

[@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 ❤❤❤

[@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.

[@1hasbeen531]

460s were pretty good. Weak point was cracking exhaust manifolds.

[@MP2Tablet]

And 6-9 mpg😢

[@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!

[@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.

[@johnsandell4501]

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

[@bakermancoquitlam]

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

[@jeffmedlin9020]

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

[@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.

[@damonrussel9354]

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

[@lorajohnson3898]

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

[@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!

[@rondiferrin3266]

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

[@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.

[@JacquelynHoward-iq7wg]

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

[@peggyely4356]

Lots of luck it will look amazing

[@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.

[@dwightelliott6073]

Just found you two on KZbin and watched the last two videos. So nice to find a fun, nice couple to watch your adventure. God Bless you and I'll be watching. Dwight in Sweet Home Alabama! John 10:10

[@ValerieIVanorden]

Love this!! My hubby really hates all Ford's. We r living in a 2000 Savana. I bought off fb marketplace in South bend in..for $500. Only had to swap out fuel pump.

[@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!

[@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".

[@ohioclassCcamper]

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

[@PedroPerex]

I see a lot of old Gulf Streams, they must be well made. You might have trouble filling that propane tank. I don't think you'll pass inspection🤔

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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 !

[@scottcraig4091]

I wish you luck I think that once you start demo you will find lots of rot I sure did in my 91 Glendale 28 footer and just know that the cabinets are structural .

[@rongray4847]

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

[@renodowns5256]

I just found you guys and joined your channel. I’m no expert, I think you guys will have a very successful channel.

[@bludoe1]

Ouch ... finding extra water damage, add another week! Looking forward to watching your project.

[@arethasouth8637]

Can't wait to see the finished product

[@1957ShutterBug]

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

[@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

[@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

[@PaulCutting]

More! Feed me MORE! Thank you.

[@gabrieluribe1852]

Definitely looking like a $5,500.°° Dll, Coach, you got what you paid for, You should have bought mine it's in way better condition.

[@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.

[@darlamahoney7596]

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

[@josephyoung5395]

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

[@2156cynthia]

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

[@bobk18]

You have your work cut out. I’ll be watching . Might not be needed for where you live but a wood stove would be a nice touch. You have the room and they make wood stoves to fit RVs. I’m thinking of putting one in my 19 foot class C. Curious of what kind of rig you’re going to pull. I guess I’ll just have to keep watching. 👍

[@dhillman7522]

on cabinets I would just change the doors and handles, unless your chnaging the floor plan drastically. If you do move stuff you may have to reframe.

[@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.❤️

[@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.

[@chartreks]

along for the ride, looking forward to this transformation :)

[@juanitanielsen6776]

I just love your enthusiasm, makes me smile

[@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.

[@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?

[@gloria_kg]

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

[@Ackharrystowing]

She makes the videos good the old camper cool

[@irenehinojosa6629]

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

[@suzannmetallaoui6167]

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

[@TheSupernaturalWolf41]

Well, at least it's powered by Ford. Good luck with the rest. I'm sure you guys will make it a nice home. Good luck.

[@claira-janehardwick866]

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

[@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. 🙂🙂🙂

[@bobbobobob5100]

look in junk yards maybe facebook marketplace for the sheet metal. you only need a patch.

[@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 ❤

[@JimSeymour-g9v]

Can’t wait to see what you do with it! Enjoyed watching your journey and getting that retro class C RV! It sucks some of them weren’t “as advertised” but well now you have some good stories to tell about it. Let me know if you need an extra pair of hands. I think I’m somewhat close to you. I live in North Georgia as well.👍🏻😁 would love to chat with y’all sometime the wife and I go back-and-forth between getting a fifth wheel or a class C when we hit the road on our camping adventure when we retire in about a year. good luck in your adventures.👍🏻

[@janicebritt8418]

I can't wait to see you begin the renovation! This is going to be so exciting!! 🤗🤗

[@vegastheboston6977]

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

[@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 ❤

[@dannachel6980]

I think your expectations are a little high with the six weeks, but good luck. Looking forward to your progress

[@EverythingHomeTheater]

I smell a Ford motorhome giveaway in the next year

[@JoseOrtiz-zb7gq]

That's messed up. But funny ❤😂

[@fabiolaosuna3201]

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

[@Bunny-cz5wo]

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

[@raoulroberts2024]

I say have one of those EPIC Craig vs Victoria competitions to determine whose vision wins for Phase 6.👍🏾

[@theheartoftexas]

I don’t know what the weights are for this, but it would be great if you could put bigger tanks in. You said there’s nothing under the bed.

[@ChillsTV]

I would of paid 3500 for that Rv can’t wait to see the fix up

[@maggie8339]

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

[@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!

[@williamhaynes1367]

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