new to RV life- should I buy this 1995 B190?

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tybaltcatulet
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Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2025 2:05 pm

new to RV life- should I buy this 1995 B190?

Post by tybaltcatulet »

Hello, I was hoping to get some advice from B190 enthusiasts! I am interested in buying this 1995 B190
https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1995-A ... sid=438473

I got the price down to 35k and will be flying in in the next few weeks to look at it. It only has 40k miles on it, but my dad says its most likely 140k miles and there's no way to tell with these older vehicles- is that true?

I fell in love with the layout of the B190. It would be perfect for me and my two cats. However, I don't know if this is a good idea. I can get a nice 2019 small class c for 45k. But there's something about the B190... My dad also thinks repairs would be costly, frequent and the whole rv could break down and I'll be stranded. I'm willing to invest in the B190 but dropping 35k, I would want a vehicle that could last at least another 10 more years?

Any advice would be appreciated. Mostly I'm curious if I'm getting ripped off with the price- I could buy a few years older rv for 8-12k off facebook marketplace.
melvan2
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Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2021 5:56 pm
B190 Year: 1996

Re: new to RV life- should I buy this 1995 B190?

Post by melvan2 »

Hi hope this can help
We have owned a 1996 b190 for about 4 years and are happy with it for the most part
Have done a few modifications to suit our needs
Things to know they made these vans for approximately 10 years
In this time there were a few body changes and even layout changes and engine changes
All in all they are gas pigs this is justified by having a comfortable place to live in at the end of the day
The one you are looking at appears clean in the photos
It is missing the top bunk side windows could have been a build request from the factory or someone modified it
40k miles is common in the RV world some people don’t venture very far from home and only use them a few times a year I have put less than 3000 miles on mine since I got it and feel I have gone on some amazing trip’s
Will a van this age last another 10 years no problem but comes down to care and maintenance every vehicle needs it
$35k for this van is on what I would consider the high side for what I have seen
It would have to be absolutely mint and all systems working and come with a decent warranty as it is a dealer
If you are just starting to look at the b190
I personally would familiarize myself with the
Vehicles and learn the differences between the
Year’s
Go to the b190 Facebook website you can see a lot of for sales there and also put up a wanted add you will be surprised at the replies
Be prepared to travel for the right van
It won’t matter what RV you land up with
They all have problems new or old it’s just a fact
If you compare a b190 to a modern sprinter van
You get good value for your $$
Also mechanically parts are still quite reasonable to come by
There is obviously more to know but this is a start
Good luck on your decision
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skater
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Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:00 am
B190 Year: 1991
WBCCI: 13270
Location: Annapolis, MD

Re: new to RV life- should I buy this 1995 B190?

Post by skater »

These are pretty reliable drivetrains, except for the transmissions - the E4OD is known to die after 100k miles.

So the one you posted in particular...I first saw that ad back in mid-November, at the same price. Just sayin'. These things usually sell pretty quickly.

Note that someone removed the three upper side windows and fiberglassed over the holes. I understand why, they have a tendency to leak. It looks well done, but I'd go over that with a fine-tooth comb, inside and out.

Where's the spare tire? That's normally mounted on the back before 1997.

It doesn't look bad at all, it looks very clean inside, and hopefully they went through everything and confirmed it working and all of that.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
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