Newby here, thanks for the add!

My wife and I are considering purchase of a 97 Barth 8.3 diesel pusher. It has 56,000 miles, 7500 watt generator, new tires, rear brakes and batteries and it looks fairly presentable in the pics and supposedly runs and drives well.

I'd appreciate any tips on questions to ask the seller, things to look for, reasons to run away, etc.

I'm fairly handy around cars and have owned several VW and Mercedes diesel cars and a 83 Chevy diesel conversion van along with a bunch of aircooled VW's and Porsches.

Best advice I have is to query the post history. I believe you will find an inspection guide, many posts about the 8.3 and also that model as well as the "get out and get under". Once past that you will be able to ask more specific questions and get much better answers.
It's amazing what you find when you look.

The 8.3 is an excellent engine with plenty of mechanics that are familiar with them . At that mileage , it's barely broken in . Most likely has the 3000 series Allison transmission , which is a very good transmission. Check the fluids to make sure they are not contaminated , you can get an oil analysis if concerned . It should be on a Spartan chassis which still has tech support and parts .

Seller ghosted me and yanked his ad on FB. Couldn't get him to send me pics of the data plate or anything else for that matter, didn't call me on the day I waited around all day for his call, etc. Oh Well.

Looked at a 1995 Safari Serengeti 8.3 Cummins w Allison. Pics looks promising, but in person looked like it's been sitting for a decade (or two). Engine sounded good but not sure if it can even drive. Tons of deferred maintenance. Last maintenance receipt was 2008 and it's only gone 10,000 miles since then. Hard pass.

Buying a 1980 Barth 29' P30 454 instead this coming week. Wish me luck!

Hope it goes well for you , but if something doesn't feel right don't hesitate to walk away . You'll know when you find the right one .