IAMICHABOD wrote:
Hello Everyone, Op Here.
Well it has been a bit more than 5 years of ownership of my Former Rental and my 5th consecutive successful Thanksgiving trip, so I thought a progress report may be in order.
I have used it in many different ways, from camping in FHU RV Parks to dry camping in our state parks, casinos, boon docking, or traveling to events. From my home base here in Southern California It has been to Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon and Washington.
With my Portable Solar and a Few Mods to make it more user friendly I am confident and comfortable that I can go where I want for as long as I want.
In 5 years and close to 14000 miles I have encountered only small problems but nothing major. Just Routine Maintenance and the usual upkeep needed to make sure that all seams and openings are sealed and everything is tight and weather resistant ,washing, waxing, oil, filters, and fluid changes.
All of the appliances, refrigerator, stove top, oven, microwave, furnace, water heater, A/C, all have been trouble free and worked without fail. They are all the original ones that came with the RV when new, I have the sales packet from Fleetwood, and it contains all the warranty info with serial numbers and I have checked them all. Only 2 things that are not original, the on demand water pump, it was replaced by El Monte RV about a year before I bought it and the converter/charger that I upgraded to a 4 stage one.
All doors, cabinets and drawers are tight and working as they should, the fit and finish is still very good. Even all the tank sensors work! The Onan generator has been trouble free with over 900 hours on it, just routine maintenance and running it monthly under load if has not been used, to make sure that it stays that way.
The Chassis part has only had 2 small problems, one a slight over heating problem that was solved with the installation of a New Severe Duty Fan Clutch and the other was a small leak in the transmission tail shaft seal that was replaced at the 100000 mile checkup. Not too bad for a vehicle that is over 10 years old, being put in service as a rental for 5 years in Feb. 2006 and has over 100000 miles on it.
From what I have read in all the posts here, is that most everyone has had the same experience, the ones that have had a problem had it taken care of quickly by the dealership or warranty, and I have not seen the same track record with the ones that bought new or used.
A RV that, unlike a new unit that will take a big hit in depreciation once you drive it off the lot, not to mention the problems that some have had that arise from shoddy workmanship Like this or when buying a used unit that may not have been properly maintained or cared for.
I want to thank all the members that have contributed to this thread, not really a Club; there are no dues, rules or rallies, gatherings or get-togethers. I am sure they have helped others and maybe learned a few things along the way.
What we may have in common though is getting the most for our hard earned money and getting the best value for it. A safe, reliable, well maintained RV that suites our needs and budget and will continue to do so. I am hoping that others have had the same experience and will tell us about it.
Thanks so much IAMICHABOD for the update and for all the other posts regarding solar and more, I was looking at Renogy earlier today.
I am due to head out early in the New Year on a rental from Cruise America for ten days from the bay area to AZ and back. It will give me a better idea of what it's like living in one and help me make a final decision.
I will update as I find out and experience more.
