Thoughts on Brave 29RQ w/6.5 GM turbo diesel

Froggi Donna · 07-27-2007, 04:28 AM

There is a local 1997 Winnebago Brave 29RQ for sale locally, excellent condition and in my price range at $25k. It has the 6.5 GM turbo diesel engine/Chevy chassis and I wondered if anyone has any input on this.

I am a 60 y/o widow, newer RVer (full-timed for two years but my husband did all the driving, mechanical stuff). Plan to pull a small pickup with my 400# BMW in the back of that.

All input greatly appreciated!!!!

Froggi Donna · 07-27-2007, 04:28 AM

There is a local 1997 Winnebago Brave 29RQ for sale locally, excellent condition and in my price range at $25k. It has the 6.5 GM turbo diesel engine/Chevy chassis and I wondered if anyone has any input on this.

I am a 60 y/o widow, newer RVer (full-timed for two years but my husband did all the driving, mechanical stuff). Plan to pull a small pickup with my 400# BMW in the back of that.

All input greatly appreciated!!!!

gunny · 07-27-2007, 03:56 PM

Personally, I'd take a pass on that one. The 6.5 isn't a bad diesel but the Cummins 5.9 and the Ford 7.3 are far better. That engine doesn't make much power to begin with and if you strain it, it won't hang with you. They are noteable for failing injection pumps around the 125,000 mile mark. Chevy will replace it with a new one for $4500. If you are mechanically inclined, you can do it your self for about $900 using a rebuilt pump. That diesel engine is OK for a 3/4 pu that won't be called on to do a lot of heavy pulling but in a MH of that size and you planing on towing, I'd think you would be dissappointed.

Route 66 · 07-27-2007, 04:01 PM

I agree with Gunny.

Froggi Donna · 07-27-2007, 04:12 PM

Thanks, Gunny. That's the kind of input I need. I appreciate it (and this almost 60 y/o Nana to 15 may ride a motorcycle but definitely doesn't do the mechanical stuff...<g&gt

.

Froggi Donna · 07-27-2007, 04:12 PM

Thanks, Dirk!

Adventurous · 07-29-2007, 07:05 AM

We had a 28 ft. Safari Trek MH with that same 6.5 diesel engine. It was seriously under powered and with only 60K miles the glow plugs were rusted, stuck, etc and we had great problems starting the engine. It never liked cold weather!!
We loved the Trek but not the engine!!

Froggi Donna · 07-29-2007, 07:45 AM

After reading the replies here, I took the diesel Trek off my list, too. Hate it since I can find some good buys. Beginning to think I'm going to have to go larger then 30' to stick to my budget. So many more rigs to choose from in the 32-34' range.