Another point of contention: some folks have said I couldn't get more than
$3000 for the '80 camper if I tried to re-sell it.  Others have said to buy
this one  immediately, given its condition,  as these sometimes go for
$7000-$8000.  That's quite a range!  (I know some of it depends on the area
of the country.)

I haven't made the seller an offer yet.  I was thinking I'd offer $3500.
 Now I'm thinking $4000.  Both of these amounts will obviously be based on
the maintenance inspection and may go down (or, up) given what they find.
  Any more opinions on price?

BTW - wanted to say again how much I appreciate everyone who has taken the
time to respond.  I'm a VERY wary buyer and have to check out every option
beforehand.  It's just been great to learn from so many voices of
experience.  I wish I'd had a list like this when I was buying my
acoustic/electric bass a few months back!  Would have saved me a huge
amount of time and hassle...

Thanks, JJ