Chinook RV

Hello,

I have been reading the forum and educating myself. I have seen a 1994 Chinook Premier for sale with high miles 187K. Configuration is 460 ford and the layout is with the dinette. I need to drive about 200 miles to see it in person but wanted to get some advice here.

I can see the rear door has been replaced from the photos and the current owner seems to have picked it up to resell it so I am still trying to gather information on it. Can you run a carfax on an RV and get any information? Seems to be complete with ladder, spare and AC on the roof.

Everything else seems of the era including the refrigerator (no separate freezer) but a freezer compartment in the fridge. Two burner stove and a built in coffee maker. It has some form of integrated lites over the front seats and under the front storage unit. I can't tell what it is (perhaps an aftermarket flipdown TV or perhaps some original light control?) Cabinet covers have been replaced. Only other non-standard mod is a CB bolted to the front of the engine cover.

Asking price is just below $10K and the generator has not been tested (again, not sure on how long this person has owned it).

My use would be mostly "weekend" get-away and to tow a 1980s era 16 foot I/O fiberglass Glastron boat which is around 2400lbs. Never owned an RV, but concerned that engine and transmission might be "tired" and the steering components and suspension would need replacement. Size of the vehicle and if used in the midwest "rust" is also a concern.

Here are some pictures from the ad -















What should I check or double check and how do I evaluate the condition of the systems? Also, are the floors on Chinook built similar to a boat where they "rot" or get soft spots?

Thank you - Bob

Just my thoughts since I'm on my fourth Chinook. At the age you're looking at, you are correct in assessing the upcoming issues you are likely to address in the next few years. You can get a reman 460 motor for about 2500, and if you're creative can probably get it installed for about the same. Tranny will cost 2500. Front end, which many have done here by going to a newer version, will run you about 1500. Throw some shocks in, fluids and misc parts and you're easily in it 10 grand. If everything in the coach checks out and you plan on keeping it for awhile, the numbers work.

Just to let you know, my 1987 6.9 IDI diesel with 90k miles and rebuilt C6 transmission, I'm in it 10k and still have the whole interior yet to remodel. If that's any clue I'm probably going to be close to 20 when I'm done. This one is to be my keeper

If you have the time and the means, getting that to a shop or rv place to have a pre-purchase inspection done could save you alot down the road. I would want to function test appliances and test drive it. With that mileage and unknown maintenance history everything is fair game.

Thank you for the guidance.

Knowing the rough costs of the repairs to the major systems puts the overall price in perspective. $10K high mileage could end up at $20K for a highly reliable and rebuilt version, and likely pre 97, step up to a $20K rig and be at 100K mileage and perhaps a post 97 and $30K plus gets into the lower mileage, newer systems and ready to roll.

I will just watch how long that one sits for but take a look. See how willing they are to do a pre inspection.

I will also have to look up what upgrades are typically done to the front end components to update.

Appreciate the insights.

Bob