We bought a 2003 190 Popular 3 years ago. The seller drove 3 hours for us to see it. We made an offer conditional on passing inspection. We bought it. And we LOVE it! We are in Canada where they are even more scarce! Took me 18 months to find one. Don’t give up! Happy Trekking!
I'm so glad I kept my '97 RT 170 popular. Almost sold it in 2020. It would be nice to have a 190 but I'll sit tight and be happy with my little 'Moxie.' She goes into the custom shop tomorrow for a face life and a few needed repairs...like the fallen cargo door. I've found all the replacement parts except for the striping along the sides and above the doors. I'm keeping it original. Thanks for your insight, Rich. Enjoy your vlogs.
Thanks for your wisdom! I have been looking for a Roadtrek myself for months and these prices are way too high. Even one in the range of the years 98-2001 😩
I was very lucky. I brought my RT 2 yrs ago. I was searching Craigslist for months. I was looking for a Versatile, with a hitch & a working generator, 98-03. I saw a add on Craigslist & sent a email. The dealer called me at 8am. I said I was interested, but I lived in LA Cal. I said I would fly in that day if I can get a flight to Portland OR. He said he would hold it for me, if I got my flight in today. By 8:30 I booked my flight & arrived at 2pm. I test drove it. Went to the bank for a cashiers check & drove it back to LA. He told me he had 13 inquiries to the ad on Craigslist. Also I paid about $10G more than pre-pandemic. RT’s were very sought after during & after the pandemic. I don’t regret my decision.
They still are sought after. I get notes left on mine all the time. People who haven’t researched don’t have any idea what these are worth. I never have regretted this one lat spring/ summer it became home to someone who desperately needed a place to reorder their life. I felt good about being able to help. This year me and RT are going to have some fun.
Yes, pretty much my experience to a tee. Like you, I don't regret what I did. It has been a wonderful thing to own and share. Last summer, it became someones domicile for several months while they reorganized their life. Before that, it was my home away from the home I wasn't too sure would still be there after wildfires devoured our area. While people are buying bug out bags, flashlights, power banks, all sorts of prepper gear, I look out at the Roadtrek and and think, I'm "prepared"...it's a good feeling. I'm thankful to have found it.
You’re so right my friend. I’m a lucky owner of a 1995 Roadtrek 190 versitile. I love it and people knock on my door all the time asking me if I would sell it. It makes me feel safe knowing I have my ultimate bug out vehicle ready to go any time.
@@regularguyreviews3048 Last summer my 1995 Popular became a "bug in" vehicle for a homeless friend. He needed a base of operation to restart his life "back into" society. Years earlier, I became "homeless" during the wildifires here, not knowing if I would have a home base to return to when I packed the Roadtrek to flee to safety. Unless a person has "walked a mile" in those "homeless shoes", it's hard for them to understand how valuable possessing such a vehicle is to its owner, who has.
Former Santa Cruzan here (and current RV owner). It is definitely a seller's market right now. However, the supply "crunch" may not last as long as you suggest. The cure for high prices is high prices, as they say. I personally know people who simply refuse to pay inflated prices for cars/RVs/real estate and are waiting until things normalize. Production capacity is sure to resume to pre-Covid levels and discretionary income will diminish when the markets correct (as they must). When that happens, the supply and demand distortions we're currently witnessing will be corrected and we'll likely see an oversupply of used vehicles hitting the market. Of course, anything can happen at this point, so who knows...
You’re right about “anything”. It’s been 32 years since there has been a one-term president. Lots of similarities currently. Interest rates hit about 20% on vehicles. Inflation was running amuck. The difference back then is they were wringing their hands. This time, their rubbing their hands together. The supply of these elder class b’s “crunched” about 4 years ago. Admission price + bringing one of them back to 100% is a less than a third of a new one. Still a great bargain right now, if one can be found.
Well stated, Rich! We bought our 1996C210P last year and are really happy it worked out like it did...we had been looking for something newer or fewer miles and just finally decided we couldn't wait any longer.
Rich,I bought my 00D190V , 80k miles,eighteen months ago,the owner has passed And the Family didn’t know what they have in hands.I bought for a bargain of 15k.Im from ct and I always have in my windshield offers.Im very happy with it.
Hi Rich, You inspired me last year to seek out a Roadtrek and I was fortunate to get a 2001 Dodge 190P in very nice condition, original interior, no rust underneath which is one of the more important criteria for me. Because of family illness and other such circumstances, we didn't get to use the RT last summer and fall, and it's now sitting under a cover and a fair bit of snow in my driveway (Eastern Ontario winter). I look forward to taking the cover off in the Spring, and getting it ready for the road. There might be an issue with the engine to sort out. I'm seriously thinking about putting in a dry toilet, as many have done. I thought I had paid a rather high price for mine, but sounds like the market is still a bit crazy for these camping vans, in Southern US anyway. Take care and thanks for all your sharing on this channel. Robert
Been here since your video on how to select the right class b van. Narrowed mine to the rare 04 c200v roadtrek. Drove from Portland to Vermont to get it in a rental.
Wow that's about as far as you can go to get one! I admire your patience, fortitude and determination to decide what you want and go get it ! I'll look forward to hear more about it.
Rich Is right... It's ALL on you. Get your ducks in a row. I've flown across America on 1 Day's notice to Get my hands on some of these older cars that people don't know much about. and yes, I've come up empty handed a few times.... lessons learned and fantastic trips nonetheless. It is well worth it.
I'm actually going to sell my '93 in the spring in Ohio. It needs some work and I feel horrible but just don't have the time to put in to it right now. It's not running but I suppose it won't matter to the right buyer.
Hi Rich! good video and so true, seems this advice applies to anything these days. Will it ever change? I have serious doubts. Great to see you back take care, stay safe!
Hello Rich, I see this video is several months old but a lot of things have changed in that time. Looks like RV sales have peaked in part to people going back to work but also gas prices hit the industry pretty hard, especially the larger RV's. I'm part of several class b groups on Facebook and I'm seeing a lot of class b's come up for sale. I'm looking to upgrade my 05 to a newer 190 Roadtrek built after 2010 with the 6 speed transmission for better fuel economy. I'll just sit here and wait for a deal, I'm in no hurry. Take care
Going to sell our 1988 on a B250 Dodge chasis 100,000 runs great good condition $$?? Had some front suspension brakes and steering done mainly dried bushings
2024! Roadtrek between 1980-1999 are rare to find and STILL EXPENSIVE over $10, 000. on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. A person can find class A, C, van, , minivan, SUV, regular car ,travel trailer, 5th wheeler,Truck campers BEFORE 1999 under $10,000. When it comes to class B like Roadtrek ,VW campervan between 1980 - 2010 ,the price will not go down seller market or buyer market the last 10 years.
Hi. Yes the prices of these is going up, way up. I get notes on the van and offers to purchase mine regularly. And with the thousands of dollars and hours of time spent in restoration, updating and maintenance that has been performed on mine, the selling price I would place on it is commensurate. It does everything it did new and some things better ! Heck, I even replaced the windshield with a brand new one !
The Lemon Squad has a prepuchase inspection it’s not cheap it’s in the hundreds of dollars, there may be a local technician that’s cheaper but since this is nationwide and they have their reputation to uphold and they come out to the vehicle. I know AAA has a 140 point inspection and some oil change places do but they may be for cars only and you have to get sellers permission to take it to be checked, but it’s a good idea to get ALL checked. Seeing a Carfax is a good idea, also. With the internet most dealers will try to be fair,but for the thousands you spend for an RV, spend a few hundred to get it checked,ESPECIALLY from private parties. Rick you made this two years ago, since then it has been discovered that during Covid, major well known brands fired a lot of workers not knowing the demand for Class Bs would go up and many inexperienced people were hired, having to turn out a lot of vans many used drugs to keep going, and the build quality for vehicles were so bad, that the DEALERS who had to deal with irate customers were quite upset with the manufacturers.
Thanks for the comment. It's gonig to be the subject of a new video on this topic. It's been a couple years since I talked about this. And it's good timing as people are beginning to think about the spring and summer activities and the idea of looking for and maybe buying an RV to have fun with. Yes, during that period many other problems were created that we are now experiencing. The vehicle this Roadtrek is based on, the Dodge 3500 van, was built in Canada, all of them were. Canada takes great pride in the build quality of the vehicles they build. So overall, this era of Roadtrek starts with a very good foundation. The Roadtrek company at that time was operated by the creator of the vehicle not some big corporation. The workers that built it were highly skilled and dedicated to building a quality RV. Of course there have been technological improvements, like solar panels, lithium batteries, inverters, better refrigerators, etc. And over time, I have updated this Roadtrek to more modern items than it came with. I kept the original parts which all still work. In case whoever owns this one next wants an "original" Roadtrek of the era. It had one owner for about 22 years and I am the second owner and have had it for 8 years. A person could buy a new one for around 100 to 200K or they could search for one of these vintage ones for a much lower entry price that has the same "bells" and "whistles" the new ones have or spend a little to add those things. When they go to the gas pump and fill the tank, they will find the vintage one gets almost the same mileage the new one gets so operating costs are about the same. Thanks again for your comment.
Watch out for Roadtrek for sale scams. I've been looking a roadtreks on craigslist and facebook and had two responses from sellers that "had to take it off the market for two weeks - but they can let me know when it's going to be available". Both were mid 2000s priced in the low 30's. I'm guessing the scam is to get the buyer to put a deposit down immediately.
Love my 1999 RT 200 versatile. Getting her a check up / repairs in 2 weeks. I may possibly sell her. Outrageous gas prices and inflation. Traveling isn't as appealing to me as it once was
Hi I agree with your observations about gas prices, traveling, inflation...things are more expensive. The Roadtrek for me has not been as much about traveling, as it is about expanding on the way I live. By virtue of what it is, a 19 foot self contained living environment, it imposes constraints and limitations. It places me in an environment where I think about things on a different scale. What it enables me to do is transfer what I learn and create for its environment to the rest of my living space. Having this experience to draw from has changed dramatically how I live and thrive. What I did to "offset" the cost of driving it was to buy a second vehicle, a Toyota Prius. Where I was using the Roadtrek to travel for my job, I use the Prius. It takes about one-third of the amount of fuel to travel the same distance. So for example, if I used the Roadtrek to commute 45 miles, it would take 3 gallons of fuel at say the recent prices here of around $5 per gallon, that would be $15. In the Prius, the same 45 miles cost $5, or $10 less. Over time, even with the cost to register and insure the Prius, I am ahead costwise and can still enjoy the Roadtrek. I also outfitted the Prius for sleeping, meal prep, and "clean up", hygiene, etc. I think at this point, I could probably get by without the Roadtrek. Would I sell it? Like the house I live in, in the part of the country I live in, if I did decide to do that, there is no going back. So, as decisions go, that one would require a great deal of thought and consideration.
Very similar experience to when I bought my 1997 Roadtrek! Love the video subscribed!
We bought a 2003 190 Popular 3 years ago. The seller drove 3 hours for us to see it. We made an offer conditional on passing inspection. We bought it. And we LOVE it! We are in Canada where they are even more scarce! Took me 18 months to find one. Don’t give up! Happy Trekking!
I'm so glad I kept my '97 RT 170 popular. Almost sold it in 2020. It would be nice to have a 190 but I'll sit tight and be happy with my little 'Moxie.' She goes into the custom shop tomorrow for a face life and a few needed repairs...like the fallen cargo door. I've found all the replacement parts except for the striping along the sides and above the doors. I'm keeping it original. Thanks for your insight, Rich. Enjoy your vlogs.
Thanks for your wisdom! I have been looking for a Roadtrek myself for months and these prices are way too high. Even one in the range of the years 98-2001 😩
I love my Class B - put away for the winter at the moment, but looking forward to spring!
I was very lucky. I brought my RT 2 yrs ago. I was searching Craigslist for months. I was looking for a Versatile, with a hitch & a working generator, 98-03. I saw a add on Craigslist & sent a email. The dealer called me at 8am. I said I was interested, but I lived in LA Cal. I said I would fly in that day if I can get a flight to Portland OR. He said he would hold it for me, if I got my flight in today. By 8:30 I booked my flight & arrived at 2pm. I test drove it. Went to the bank for a cashiers check & drove it back to LA. He told me he had 13 inquiries to the ad on Craigslist. Also I paid about $10G more than pre-pandemic. RT’s were very sought after during & after the pandemic. I don’t regret my decision.
They still are sought after. I get notes left on mine all the time. People who haven’t researched don’t have any idea what these are worth. I never have regretted this one lat spring/ summer it became home to someone who desperately needed a place to reorder their life. I felt good about being able to help. This year me and RT are going to have some fun.
Yes, pretty much my experience to a tee. Like you, I don't regret what I did. It has been a wonderful thing to own and share. Last summer, it became someones domicile for several months while they reorganized their life. Before that, it was my home away from the home I wasn't too sure would still be there after wildfires devoured our area. While people are buying bug out bags, flashlights, power banks, all sorts of prepper gear, I look out at the Roadtrek and and think, I'm "prepared"...it's a good feeling.
I'm thankful to have found it.
You’re so right my friend. I’m a lucky owner of a 1995 Roadtrek 190 versitile. I love it and people knock on my door all the time asking me if I would sell it. It makes me feel safe knowing I have my ultimate bug out vehicle ready to go any time.
@@regularguyreviews3048 Last summer my 1995 Popular became a "bug in" vehicle for a homeless friend. He needed a base of operation to restart his life "back into" society. Years earlier, I became "homeless" during the wildifires here, not knowing if I would have a home base to return to when I packed the Roadtrek to flee to safety. Unless a person has "walked a mile" in those "homeless shoes", it's hard for them to understand how valuable possessing such a vehicle is to its owner, who has.
Former Santa Cruzan here (and current RV owner). It is definitely a seller's market right now. However, the supply "crunch" may not last as long as you suggest. The cure for high prices is high prices, as they say. I personally know people who simply refuse to pay inflated prices for cars/RVs/real estate and are waiting until things normalize. Production capacity is sure to resume to pre-Covid levels and discretionary income will diminish when the markets correct (as they must). When that happens, the supply and demand distortions we're currently witnessing will be corrected and we'll likely see an oversupply of used vehicles hitting the market. Of course, anything can happen at this point, so who knows...
You’re right about “anything”.
It’s been 32 years since there has been a one-term president. Lots of similarities currently. Interest rates hit about 20% on vehicles. Inflation was running amuck. The difference back then is they were wringing their hands. This time, their rubbing their hands together. The supply of these elder class b’s “crunched” about 4 years ago. Admission price + bringing one of them back to 100% is a less than a third of a new one. Still a great bargain right now, if one can be found.
Well stated, Rich! We bought our 1996C210P last year and are really happy it worked out like it did...we had been looking for something newer or fewer miles and just finally decided we couldn't wait any longer.
Rich,I bought my 00D190V , 80k miles,eighteen months ago,the owner has passed And the Family didn’t know what they have in hands.I bought for a bargain of 15k.Im from ct and I always have in my windshield offers.Im very happy with it.
Hi Rich, You inspired me last year to seek out a Roadtrek and I was fortunate to get a 2001 Dodge 190P in very nice condition, original interior, no rust underneath which is one of the more important criteria for me. Because of family illness and other such circumstances, we didn't get to use the RT last summer and fall, and it's now sitting under a cover and a fair bit of snow in my driveway (Eastern Ontario winter). I look forward to taking the cover off in the Spring, and getting it ready for the road. There might be an issue with the engine to sort out. I'm seriously thinking about putting in a dry toilet, as many have done. I thought I had paid a rather high price for mine, but sounds like the market is still a bit crazy for these camping vans, in Southern US anyway. Take care and thanks for all your sharing on this channel. Robert
Great points Rich! You’re always a good source of knowledge and info…keep up the great work 👍🏼👏🏼
Been here since your video on how to select the right class b van. Narrowed mine to the rare 04 c200v roadtrek. Drove from Portland to Vermont to get it in a rental.
Wow that's about as far as you can go to get one! I admire your patience, fortitude and determination to decide what you want and go get it ! I'll look forward to hear more about it.
Rich Is right... It's ALL on you.
Get your ducks in a row.
I've flown across America on 1 Day's notice to Get my hands on some of these older cars that people don't know much about.
and yes, I've come up empty handed a few times.... lessons learned and fantastic trips nonetheless.
It is well worth it.
I'm actually going to sell my '93 in the spring in Ohio. It needs some work and I feel horrible but just don't have the time to put in to it right now. It's not running but I suppose it won't matter to the right buyer.
Hi Rich! good video and so true, seems this advice applies to anything these days. Will it ever change? I have serious doubts. Great to see you back take care, stay safe!
Hello Rich, I see this video is several months old but a lot of things have changed in that time. Looks like RV sales have peaked in part to people going back to work but also gas prices hit the industry pretty hard, especially the larger RV's. I'm part of several class b groups on Facebook and I'm seeing a lot of class b's come up for sale. I'm looking to upgrade my 05 to a newer 190 Roadtrek built after 2010 with the 6 speed transmission for better fuel economy. I'll just sit here and wait for a deal, I'm in no hurry. Take care
I thought your comment rated a video, here's the link to my reply ua-cam.com/video/Bc5LHTEQR7Y/v-deo.html
Going to sell our 1988 on a B250 Dodge chasis 100,000 runs great good condition $$?? Had some front suspension brakes and steering done mainly dried bushings
2024! Roadtrek between 1980-1999 are rare to find and STILL EXPENSIVE over $10, 000. on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. A person can find class A, C, van, , minivan, SUV, regular car ,travel trailer, 5th wheeler,Truck campers BEFORE 1999 under $10,000. When it comes to class B like Roadtrek ,VW campervan between 1980 - 2010 ,the price will not go down seller market or buyer market the last 10 years.
Hi. Yes the prices of these is going up, way up. I get notes on the van and offers to purchase mine regularly. And with the thousands of dollars and hours of time spent in restoration, updating and maintenance that has been performed on mine, the selling price I would place on it is commensurate. It does everything it did new and some things better ! Heck, I even replaced the windshield with a brand new one !
The Lemon Squad has a prepuchase inspection it’s not cheap it’s in the hundreds of dollars, there may be a local technician that’s cheaper but since this is nationwide and they have their reputation to uphold and they come out to the vehicle. I know AAA has a 140 point inspection and some oil change places do but they may be for cars only and you have to get sellers permission to take it to be checked, but it’s a good idea to get ALL checked. Seeing a Carfax is a good idea, also. With the internet most dealers will try to be fair,but for the thousands you spend for an RV, spend a few hundred to get it checked,ESPECIALLY from private parties. Rick you made this two years ago, since then it has been discovered that during Covid, major well known brands fired a lot of workers not knowing the demand for Class Bs would go up and many inexperienced people were hired, having to turn out a lot of vans many used drugs to keep going, and the build quality for vehicles were so bad, that the DEALERS who had to deal with irate customers were quite upset with the manufacturers.
Thanks for the comment. It's gonig to be the subject of a new video on this topic. It's been a couple years since I talked about this. And it's good timing as people are beginning to think about the spring and summer activities and the idea of looking for and maybe buying an RV to have fun with.
Yes, during that period many other problems were created that we are now experiencing.
The vehicle this Roadtrek is based on, the Dodge 3500 van, was built in Canada, all of them were. Canada takes great pride in the build quality of the vehicles they build. So overall, this era of Roadtrek starts with a very good foundation. The Roadtrek company at that time was operated by the creator of the vehicle not some big corporation. The workers that built it were highly skilled and dedicated to building a quality RV. Of course there have been technological improvements, like solar panels, lithium batteries, inverters, better refrigerators, etc. And over time, I have updated this Roadtrek to more modern items than it came with. I kept the original parts which all still work. In case whoever owns this one next wants an "original" Roadtrek of the era. It had one owner for about 22 years and I am the second owner and have had it for 8 years.
A person could buy a new one for around 100 to 200K or they could search for one of these vintage ones for a much lower entry price that has the same "bells" and "whistles" the new ones have or spend a little to add those things. When they go to the gas pump and fill the tank, they will find the vintage one gets almost the same mileage the new one gets so operating costs are about the same.
Thanks again for your comment.
Watch out for Roadtrek for sale scams. I've been looking a roadtreks on craigslist and facebook and had two responses from sellers that "had to take it off the market for two weeks - but they can let me know when it's going to be available". Both were mid 2000s priced in the low 30's. I'm guessing the scam is to get the buyer to put a deposit down immediately.
Love my 1999 RT 200 versatile. Getting her a check up / repairs in 2 weeks. I may possibly sell her. Outrageous gas prices and inflation. Traveling isn't as appealing to me as it once was
Hi
I agree with your observations about gas prices, traveling, inflation...things are more expensive.
The Roadtrek for me has not been as much about traveling, as it is about expanding on the way I live.
By virtue of what it is, a 19 foot self contained living environment, it imposes constraints and limitations.
It places me in an environment where I think about things on a different scale.
What it enables me to do is transfer what I learn and create for its environment to the rest of my living space.
Having this experience to draw from has changed dramatically how I live and thrive.
What I did to "offset" the cost of driving it was to buy a second vehicle, a Toyota Prius.
Where I was using the Roadtrek to travel for my job, I use the Prius. It takes about one-third of the amount of fuel to travel the same distance. So for example, if I used the Roadtrek to commute 45 miles, it would take 3 gallons of fuel at say the recent prices here of around $5 per gallon, that would be $15. In the Prius, the same 45 miles cost $5, or $10 less. Over time, even with the cost to register and insure the Prius, I am ahead costwise and can still enjoy the Roadtrek.
I also outfitted the Prius for sleeping, meal prep, and "clean up", hygiene, etc.
I think at this point, I could probably get by without the Roadtrek. Would I sell it? Like the house I live in, in the part of the country I live in, if I did decide to do that, there is no going back.
So, as decisions go, that one would require a great deal of thought and consideration.
Maybe it’s a sign in the window of America saying “your lifestyle is out of stock”.
If you don't know how to drive the RV home, you have much bigger problems. Here's a good new years resolution, learn to make friends!
🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥