Can anyone give me general information about Eldorado motorhomes. We have recently purchased one and I have had a hard time finding information on them. There doesn't seem to be too many out there. I would like to know if they are reliable. How long they will typically go on original engine? If there are any clubs specific to this brand and anything else you would like to mention. Thanks.
El Dorado made both Class A and C motor homes. From the age of yours, I would guess it's a Class A.
The condition of the engine and how long it will last really depends on the care and the use or lack of use it's received. I would guess that you have a Chevy 454 engine, gleened from doing a search on traderonline, most of them seemed to be built on a Chevy chassis at that time.
Your engine, if properly maintained, should be good for well over 100,000 miles. Take care to not overheat the engine. Of course, you have no idea as to the care it's received over the last 17 years.
The good thing is parts are readily available for the 454 and Ford 460 engines and transmissions. As far as the coach goes, most items are pretty close from one make to another. If you blow a water heater, for example, a new one can be obtained at various places including Camping World.
Besure to check everything over before hitting the road, including the brakes and tires. If the tires are over 5 years old, consider replacing them. At least look 'em over very carefully for cracks.
I have a 1984 El Dorado, Encore. Have had it for 2 years now. When I have been out in the R.V. parks you will see other ones also. I have seen at least 5 others so far. If you go to R.V. Classics by yahoo you will find some there. Mine is a Class A 27 footer, 454. I bought it cheap enough to leave enough room for upgrades and repair. Had to rebuild the engine, replace water pump, alt., and misc. items. Most of the problems is from not being used enough. Mine had 45K miles on it. Good luck and let me know if you need any info...
Jeanninew
I bought an Eldorado new (class C) in 1985,& it was a very well built unit with only one or two problems which were quickly taken care of by my dealer. It was on the Ford chassis with all the regular Ford problems, but nothing out of the ordinary. The company is still in business I believe, but now it is called Honor Built or something similar. They were located in, I think, Minneapolis, Kansas. The only mistake I made was trading it in for a Gulfstream, but thats a whole other story!! I hope you enjoy your Eldorado, I sure enjoyed mine.
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