Islander Supreme Dodge Camper Van

[markopolo]

A new member, Marion, is interested in what anyone here had to say about an Islander Supreme Dodge Camper Van.

She says it has 160,000 clicks on the odometer. She's a senior who would be camping with her 14 year old grand daughter.

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Does anyone here have any advice for Marion?

[markopolo]

Marion - does it look like this one:

[marion Weir]

yes the 1990 is one i'm very interested in. at one time (and still in the family) i drove a 1982 dodge extended camper, bought new in Van. i found it a little top heavy on corners.gave it to my son and camped with 5th wheel and truck ,those days are over gave the 5th wheel to my gaughter and am now looking for something a little smaller and by far I do not want a new one. happy camping Marion

[markopolo]

I'd be worried about the high mileage.

Fluids, filters, belts, hoses, plugs etc. might all need changing.

Definitely have it checked out by a mechanic. If the tires are more than 5 years old they might need replacing. Have the brakes and suspension checked out. Check for rust as well. Transmission might need to be rebuilt.

Last thing you want is to get hit with a huge repair bill. If I were buying an older high mileage van I'd make sure to allow $2,000 or $3,000 in the budget for repairs.

A test drive is a must.

[g1g]

I'll double what Marco Polo says and add to have bearings and driveshaft (U joints) checked. Without knowing the service record also try to see if it is burning oil and have a mechanic check it too. I feel the chasie is the most important because that can get you home but also how is everything inside too like ref, AC etc.

[markopolo]

Update from Marion:

Hi Mark;

Just a note to let you know I'm still enjoying my 89 van. I spent a month on Tchesinkut lake with 2 grandsons, they are looking forward to next year.

I do have leak problems ,but carry a caulking gun with me , hopefully one day they will all be gone, only one showed up this year.

Happy camping.
Marion

I like Marion's attitude!

[lefty]

Hey Marion, the leaks I had were from the windows . I've replaced all the vents, resealed all running lights and had the windows removed and resealed, but that thing still leaked ! So out came the windows again, laid them flat on a bucket and poured water on them. Sure enough the 2 windows on the driver's side leaked about as fast as the water was poured, so we permanently siliconed the bottoms where the rubber meets the glass , and '' fixed'' the problem !

[dan wilson]

A test drive is a must and defo get the van checked out by a mechanic - Last thing you want is to get hit with a huge repair bill

[debenn]

I have a 1998 Islander van motorhome. it is 19" complete with bathroom / stove / microwave / fridge / roof air / rear bed that makes into table or king bed or table with bunks. it has 95,000 km or about 55,000 miles on the 318 on dodge 3500 frame with air shocks
I want to sell it, but have no idea what it is worth. if anyone has an idea, i would appreciate their input
debennn@hotmail.com

[lefty]

It's a good year , first year of the magnum engines.
Pictures would help, up in Canada that model can fetch 22 grand .
Receipts for continuous servicing , maintenance , paint condition may boost the price.
Good luck !