Hi, all - Newbie with a bunch of questions
Hi, everybody, I've been lurking for a couple of months and finally decided to register and post. We're tent campers who are toying with the idea of a small MH, so I'd like to tap your collectiv...
Forum Discussion
I have only been doing this for 2 years but will help where I can:
Here are the questions:
1) How do we spot evidence of leaks or dry rot?
You should see evidence - Ceiling sagging, discoloration, streaks down walls, etc. Look especially where there is a hole in exterior, windows doors slides.
2) What's the driving and gas mileage difference between something like a Chinook (no cabover bed) and a Lazy Daze with cabover?
Not sure, in following forums it seems the truthful mileage is 6 to 8 mpg depending on if you are pulling a vehicle.
3) Is a small Class C really not that different from driving a car? What do I need to know about backing or corners? I've driven a minivan before, and a smallish cabover style Uhaul w/o freaking out.
It is different than a car but the same as a midsize to large Uhaul truck in my opinion.
4) We're trying to limit our choices to the Ford 350/450 chassis. My understanding is worse mileage but far better reliability and cheaper repair costs, right? And they'll last well past 100k miles if well maintained?
Not sure
5) Are we shooting ourselves in any necessary appendages by starting out with a +/-15 year old rig? In terms of mileage, the stuff we're finding tends to have 40-70k on it. We're ruling out the rigs with 90,000 miles or more.
Mileage is usually not the problem these are a lot of the same parts as trucks that are run in excess of 100,000 and RV mileage is usually significantly below that. You still have the house type features - stove refrigerator and the like which could be issues. If you are handy you can take care of a lot of issues yourself.
6) Given the above, what should we be aware of in terms of expected maintenance, chance of breaking down in the middle of nowhere, etc.
Not sure
7) Our driveway is not level. Is that a problem when the RV is parked between trips? (If so, we've got street parking.)
My pad is not level I just finished cutting 2 x 10's to level it so I can start refrigerator before a trip and not have to use leveling system. Level is an issue with refrigerator if running.
8) Asking price vs. selling price - how flexible are most of the prices we're seeing? Would anyone like to opine on whether it's better to go with a dealer or a private seller?
That is as different as dealers, look around and offer what you want to pay.
As for son I would go for over cab bunk, drop down bed or bunk beds if possible. I would try to go as big as you think you could handle it gets awful close during a rainy few days. I would look at 31' or so.
Good Luck!!
Here are the questions:
1) How do we spot evidence of leaks or dry rot?
You should see evidence - Ceiling sagging, discoloration, streaks down walls, etc. Look especially where there is a hole in exterior, windows doors slides.
2) What's the driving and gas mileage difference between something like a Chinook (no cabover bed) and a Lazy Daze with cabover?
Not sure, in following forums it seems the truthful mileage is 6 to 8 mpg depending on if you are pulling a vehicle.
3) Is a small Class C really not that different from driving a car? What do I need to know about backing or corners? I've driven a minivan before, and a smallish cabover style Uhaul w/o freaking out.
It is different than a car but the same as a midsize to large Uhaul truck in my opinion.
4) We're trying to limit our choices to the Ford 350/450 chassis. My understanding is worse mileage but far better reliability and cheaper repair costs, right? And they'll last well past 100k miles if well maintained?
Not sure
5) Are we shooting ourselves in any necessary appendages by starting out with a +/-15 year old rig? In terms of mileage, the stuff we're finding tends to have 40-70k on it. We're ruling out the rigs with 90,000 miles or more.
Mileage is usually not the problem these are a lot of the same parts as trucks that are run in excess of 100,000 and RV mileage is usually significantly below that. You still have the house type features - stove refrigerator and the like which could be issues. If you are handy you can take care of a lot of issues yourself.
6) Given the above, what should we be aware of in terms of expected maintenance, chance of breaking down in the middle of nowhere, etc.
Not sure
7) Our driveway is not level. Is that a problem when the RV is parked between trips? (If so, we've got street parking.)
My pad is not level I just finished cutting 2 x 10's to level it so I can start refrigerator before a trip and not have to use leveling system. Level is an issue with refrigerator if running.
8) Asking price vs. selling price - how flexible are most of the prices we're seeing? Would anyone like to opine on whether it's better to go with a dealer or a private seller?
That is as different as dealers, look around and offer what you want to pay.
As for son I would go for over cab bunk, drop down bed or bunk beds if possible. I would try to go as big as you think you could handle it gets awful close during a rainy few days. I would look at 31' or so.
Good Luck!!
