Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Full Engine Replacement / How to store a non-running RV

October 01, 2020, 01:24:30 pm

Sad sad day here. Just found out my 1987 22' LD (named "Blue") needs a full engine replacement after she overheated climbing the mountains on "The 5" outside of LA on our way camping.

She's my first RV and means the world to me (not my full-time residence). I got the estimate back and it's more than I paid for her. Couple questions, I would greatly appreciate any advice.

My thoughts are to try and store her until I can figure out whether or not it's worth the high price tag to full rebuild the engine.

I called an RV Storage place near the repair shop in Bakersfield, CA and they said that to store there, the RV has to be in running condition. Is that an issue I'm going to run into? Does anyone know of a storage option that I might be able to tow her to?

I could pay to have her towed to another repair facility to get a 2nd estimate but no guarantee it'll be any cheaper (especially because I live in LA, everything is more expensive here).

Worst case scenario, I can't pay to have her fixed and can't find a place to store her, what my options to get rid of her? (just typing that made me sick)

In very unfamiliar territory here and am very grateful to this community for all I've learned about Lazy Daze and am thankful for any advice during this tough time. Happy to provide more info about the repair, Blue or anything else that might be needed.

Thank you,
Tommy & Blue

Re: Full Engine Replacement / How to store a non-running RV

Reply #2 – October 01, 2020, 04:30:43 pm

I'd try craigslist. 

If you want a place to store it, post up a RV storage spot wanted ad. 

If you want to see what it's worth, post up a for sale ad.

You're in a tough spot.  For something that old, it's unlikely that any sort of traditional solution will pencil out financially.

If you want to keep it running, I'd be looking for a junkyard engine and planning to DIY the remove/replace.  I imagine it will be tough to find something that old in decent shape.   

You might find someone who wants a rig as a backyard AirBnB or something who can deal with no engine. 

Take some time to collect your thoughts and then think outside the box.

If I received any offer to buy it, I'd take it in a hurry.  But that's just me....

Best of luck,
Rich
 

Re: Full Engine Replacement / How to store a non-running RV

Reply #4 – October 01, 2020, 11:19:44 pm

Have you looked at new crate engines?   GM's website lists 12681430 as a new replacement for a 350 in a 1987 G30. 

$2199 for a new engine with 36 mo 100K warranty, I doubt the should could rebuild your engine for anywhere near that price.

GM Engines, GM Crate Engines, New GM Engines | 12568758 GM 5.7 Liter...

Steve

Re: Full Engine Replacement / How to store a non-running RV

Reply #6 – October 02, 2020, 02:03:28 pm

There are storage places that will allow non running vehicles - at least here in AZ.  You might also have a friend or Co-worker that has place to store it at least to give you time to figure out what to do.
Jane