how difficult is it to get older roadtrek parts

[Zwillingsmama]

My husband and I are looking into buying a class B. Since our budget is under 50k only older models are in our price range. In a different thread someone pointed out that it might be difficult to find replacement parts for older roadtreks. Just want to get opinions if that is really an issue and if that affects only RT 190, 210, 200 or also the newer models like simplicity, zion, play, agile....

[hbn7hj]

Depends what you need. If you need replacement Roadtrek Specific body parts or tanks it is nearly impossible. Appliance repair parts are all available including the Dometic Coolcat A/C unit.

[N147JK]

Vehicle parts or camper parts? The vehicle is a run-of-the-mill van so parts are cheap and plentiful. A lot of the camper parts (refrigerator, cooktop, furnace, water pump, etc) were not made by Roadtrek, so they are easily replaceable as well. BTW, be sure check out the dozens of makes other than Roadtrek. You might find something you like better.

[mkguitar]

there can be real issues getting parts for older Dodge vans- specifically the computer for the engine. the dodge brand bought and sold multiple times.


my B is on a chev, parts available anywhere


as mentioned above the dometic or suburban appliances are common to many makes and models

[tarp]

A tire shop crushed the black tank even after warning them not to lift the vehicle. It took a few months and tire shop money to replace it. They had to do a little fabrication work to get it secured. I believe they got it out of Canada.

[jjrbus]

I have had a 02 Chevy 200 for about a year, I am on several forums and do not see difficulty finding parts for Chevy. Some things, such as LP tanks, holding tanks and other specialty parts will be hard if not impossible to source but that applies to all RV that I know of. Because of the size service may be difficult to find, again applies to all RV.

The 200 and 210 models have a fiberglass blistering issue on the body that no one talks about. Only shows up on hot sunny days so do not inspect one on a cool day. Mine is being painted as I type to eliminate the issue.

If I had a budget of $50k I would spend no more than $35k and tuck the rest away for unforeseen repairs. They are older vehicles and things can and do go wrong! In hindsight I would buy one built on a 2003 and up chassis which was the model change year, making parts available for decades.

[SeabeckStan]

We have an '06 Roadtrek which was built on an '05 Sprinter chassis. So far we've had to replace several things, but finding the parts has never been an issue. If you have a budget of $50K you can buy newer than an '06 RT.

So as for camper parts, it's pretty much a non-issue. You can't necessarily find an exact replacement, but a current-year replacement IS out there, so you'll be fine.

The main problem we've had with our unit is that in '05 Dodge was selling the Sprinters and they made several modifications to them for the North American market and those changes are not documented anywhere in you vehicle manuals. But that information is available on various forums. For example, the '05 thru '07 Sprinter RTs were all on the same chassis, so there is actually a Facebook forum just for those models. It is needless to say extremely useful to me and others with those same models.

Sop bottom line here is that you'll probably be just fine!

[andrewtschneider]

Originally Posted by Zwillingsmama

My husband and I are looking into buying a class B. Since our budget is under 50k only older models are in our price range. In a different thread someone pointed out that it might be difficult to find replacement parts for older roadtreks. Just want to get opinions if that is really an issue and if that affects only RT 190, 210, 200 or also the newer models like simplicity, zion, play, agile....

I own a 2014 Pleasureway
I previously owned a 2007 Roadtrek 210.
I recently discovered that old Toyota RVs have a cult following. The make me nostagilc for my college days.
A renovated one is around 25000.
I discovered some even have a stick shift.
Not everyone’s cup of tea, but it could be a real hoot.

PS Pleasureway is a much nicer RV than Roadtrek and the company is still in business.

Have fun!

[jjrbus]

Originally Posted by andrewtschneider

I own a 2014 Pleasureway
I previously owned a 2007 Roadtrek 210.
I recently discovered that old Toyota RVs have a cult following. The make me nostagilc for my college days.
A renovated one is around 25000.
I discovered some even have a stick shift.
Not everyone’s cup of tea, but it could be a real hoot.

PS Pleasureway is a much nicer RV than Roadtrek and the company is still in business.

Have fun!

I find "much nicer" interesting. I have found some things on my RT to be a very poor idea. Such as no screen door. Been making RV for decades and no screen door? Must be they do not have insects in Canada. Care to elaborate a bit on nicer.

[Pam G]

Originally Posted by Zwillingsmama

My husband and I are looking into buying a class B. Since our budget is under 50k only older models are in our price range. In a different thread someone pointed out that it might be difficult to find replacement parts for older roadtreks. Just want to get opinions if that is really an issue and if that affects only RT 190, 210, 200 or also the newer models like simplicity, zion, play, agile....

I own a 1999 Roadtrek 190 Popular on the Dodge chassis and have had it for about 10 years. The only body part I've had to have replaced was the fiberglass trim at the bottom on the sides after the right rear tire blew out. Roadtrek was still in business at the time, and my mechanic was able to get that piece from them. There is a company that bought most of Roadtrek's parts inventory after Roadtrek went out of business a few years ago. I believe there is also a company that can manufacture the fiberglass pieces. There is a Facebook group for people who own the older Roadtreks between 1974 and 2003, and you can find a lot of information on there for sources. Most of the repairs I've done on my Roadtrek are just basic mechanical things, like engine battery, tires, shocks, ball joints, etc. It might be easier to get replacement parts for the 1990's Roadtreks if you're needing things for van body. I even got a replacement hinge for the back window from a Dodge dealer a few years ago. BTW, I paid $20,000 for mine.

[Zwillingsmama]

We are still looking for a van - we did not like the Lexor and although we like the interior of the Excel, driving the Ford 350 is awful for us. We are both short people and can barley look over the steering wheel. We like the RT 190 and 210 but are hesitant because of the part issue - we are looking at 2006 and younger on a Chevy engine - are those younger ones also having the part issue? The other one we like is the Pleasure Way Plateau on the Sprinter/Dodge - any thoughts ? Thank you

[Pam G]

Originally Posted by Zwillingsmama

We are still looking for a van - we did not like the Lexor and although we like the interior of the Excel, driving the Ford 350 is awful for us. We are both short people and can barley look over the steering wheel. We like the RT 190 and 210 but are hesitant because of the part issue - we are looking at 2006 and younger on a Chevy engine - are those younger ones also having the part issue? The other one we like is the Pleasure Way Plateau on the Sprinter/Dodge - any thoughts ? Thank you

There is a Facebook group for the Roadtreks on the Chevy chassis, and a group for Roadtreks 2004 and newer. You could get a lot of info from them regarding any issues. I have seen some complaints about the Sprinter chassis. Sounds like people like the Dodge Promaster better.

I happen to see my records from when I bought my 1999 Roadtrek 190 Popular, and I've actually had it 12 years, not 10, and have put 65,000 miles on it. I haven't had any issues with having mechanical repairs done on the Dodge engine or other normal vehicle things, like brakes, shocks, etc. I just had Bilstein shocks put on and a steering stabilizer, which helps with handling on the older Dodges. What sort of parts are you concerned with? Body parts, interior parts, mechanical parts? I haven't had to replace any of the interior house things, other than the A/C, which was easy because they were able to just put a window air conditioner in. Everything else in mine - fridge, microwave, cabinets, toilet, etc. are all original. These can all be upgraded, and people on the Facebook group are quite willing to share what has worked for them.

[Zwillingsmama]

I know I can get parts for the engine/motor etc. but I heard that getting replacements for rv specific parts (like water tanks, LP tank or the exterior fiberglass doors) are problematic . The appliances I believe are easy to replace.

[jjrbus]

I have an 02 Chevy 200. Chevy and RV parts are not an issue. Fiberglass body parts are difficult to find but that is true of most older RV. The LP tanks are available but $$$$$$$

[tla73]

Roadtrek Versatile on a Dodge chassis. Need the splined cast aluminum piece that is behind the recliner lever. Driver side.

[Sensfan]

Originally Posted by Zwillingsmama

My husband and I are looking into buying a class B. Since our budget is under 50k only older models are in our price range. In a different thread someone pointed out that it might be difficult to find replacement parts for older roadtreks. Just want to get opinions if that is really an issue and if that affects only RT 190, 210, 200 or also the newer models like simplicity, zion, play, agile....

You may find one of these for sale in the $50,000 US range. We have a 2012 Roadtrek 190 Ranger. It has just under 160,000 kms (100,000 miles), it has been to two of Canada’s three oceans and many points in between. We are still on our original brakes. From day one, it has had zero control or crosswind problems. Over the past 12 years, there has been no need to replace any of the RT’s “camper related" equipment. Its combination of a chevy 6.0 litre gas motor and a 6 speed Allison clone transmission gives good gas mileage and power. The electric system has been rock solid. It came with a 12,500 watt inverter. It has a two way (electric only) 2.5 gal hot water heater, which eliminates the risk of propane related equipment breakdown. Two six volt AGM batteries provide 3+ days of electricity between charges, note however that we almost never use our AC. You’d need a very large power bank to run AC offline.
Mobilelife RV Centre in Kitchener Ontario sold Roadtreks for around 30 years, and continue to service the older models (that they sold). We have had a very positive experience with their service. About 10 years ago, Mobilelife bought a a large quantity of RT parts (when the company went under).
You could call their Parts Department with your parts question.

[booster]

Originally Posted by Sensfan

You may find one of these for sale in the $50,000 US range. We have a 2012 Roadtrek 190 Ranger. It has just under 160,000 kms (100,000 miles), it has been to two of Canada’s three oceans and many points in between. We are still on our original brakes. From day one, it has had zero control or crosswind problems. Over the past 12 years, there has been no need to replace any of the RT’s “camper related" equipment. Its combination of a chevy 6.0 litre gas motor and a 6 speed Allison clone transmission gives good gas mileage and power. The electric system has been rock solid. It came with a 12,500 watt inverter. It has a two way (electric only) 2.5 gal hot water heater, which eliminates the risk of propane related equipment breakdown. Two six volt AGM batteries provide 3+ days of electricity between charges, note however that we almost never use our AC. You’d need a very large power bank to run AC offline.
Mobilelife RV Centre in Kitchener Ontario sold Roadtreks for around 30 years, and continue to service the older models (that they sold). We have had a very positive experience with their service. About 10 years ago, Mobilelife bought a a large quantity of RT parts (when the company went under).
You could call their Parts Department with your parts question.

I just looked at the Roadtrek site and they don't even show a ranger for 2012 in a 190 only a Simplicity and it has a propane frig and furnace for sure and likely a cooktop. I have never seen an all electric van on two AGMs only. Has the this been converted to get rid of the propane? 12v frig, water heater, gasoline heater? Personally, we prefer the propane but not everyone does.



At under the $50k the OP should be able to find Chevy up past 2010 even. 2010 and up have the 6 speed transmission which is a big deal IMO. Some of the older Promaster vans would also be in that price range. Be very careful with any of the older Hymer models as many of them were very poorly built. Also be very careful about units with the lithium Ecotrek systems and they had lot of issues that are expensive to fix.

[Sensfan]

[QUOTE=booster;156455]I just looked at the Roadtrek site and they don't even show a ranger for 2012 in a 190 only a Simplicity and it has a propane frig and furnace for sure and likely a cooktop. I have never seen an all electric van on two AGMs only. Has the this been converted to get rid of the propane? 12v frig, water heater, gasoline heater? Personally, we prefer the propane but not everyone does.


Thanks Booster,
I incorrectly indicated that the 2.5 gallon e-max hot water heater was two-way electric; it is actually a one way AC 120v unit. At least I got the fridge right; our Norcold is a two way AC/DC unit. And there was no conversion, the hot water heater and the fridge were factory installed in 2012. AFAIK, the unit was a prototype/demo used by the CEO that we bought indirectly through an Ottawa dealer. The door sticker describes it as a 190-Ranger. It should have been built on the 2500 chassis, and thats what we thought we had bought until it showed up at the Ottawa dealership on its 3500 chassis. We got lucky. I thought that quite a few 190-Rangers were built between 2013 and 2015.