Good day to everyone! I thought I would take the time to introduce myself and give a little back story. So without further delay. My name is Andre. I am 37 yrs old with a wife and 3 children. 12 yr old girl, 3 yr old girl, 1.5 yr old son. We all have been born and raised in Michigan our entire life's. The wife works as a Home cleaner (Kinda Like Molly Maid). I work in hotels as a night auditor/front desk manager for the last 10 yrs. At the present moment We live in a 1998 super single Skyline Manufactured home paid off. We own 1 vehicle, My 1998 Mercury mountaineer with 160k miles also paid off. The area we live in is awesome but very expensive. I choose to live here in this area for the schools and the education they offer. Oakland county is the richest county in Michigan and has the best school district. At the time when I moved out here the job market was good. But when the BIG 3 decided to pack up and pull out the area I live in was impacted really hard. We had the Ford Lincoln Mercury Plant here that made the Lincoln town cars. Well needless to say the plant closed and was tore down. When that happened the job market here crashed and jobs became basically extinct. As of righting this letter I am making $9.00 an hour and wifey is making a little more. Our total monthly income is about $3,000.00 a month give or take a few bucks. With a total of 5 mouths to feed along with lot rent,utilities, gas in truck and insurance,ect.ect.. We have little to no money each month. We are playing the rob Peter to pay Piper game and we are starting to lose. The house is worth about 10k-13k. My truck I will run into the ground before I sell it. LOL gotta have my truck. =) Anyways now on to the plan and the part where all of your input is need and welcomed. As stated before We are playing a game with our finances which I don't like but I am doing everything I can and then some. Our Plan (My Plan) Is to sell basically everything. The house and other items that I can't bring along. I am keeping my truck no if and or butts about it. I am currently Looking at a few Class "A" R.V.'s ranging from 32 to 35 ft long. I do Have a few R.V.'s in mind. I am in love with the 1986 and 1988 Holiday Rambler Imperial Class A R.V.'s. I need help and advice on either year model as in what to look for and questions I need to ask the previous owners. The plan is to live in the R.V. with 3 kids while we move from Michigan to a state that has good employment with good wages. I know I am forgetting some stuff but I am sure your eyes are hurting from the wall of text I have just wrote. Please ask me questions and give me all your insight. This is a completely new thing for me and my family and we just want to do it right with little to no extra costs. I look forward to hearing from you all and hopefully grow a great friendship and learn from you. Cheers!!

Welcome 'neighbor', I'm right up the road from you in the Holly area. Sorry to hear of your troubles, I know first hand the impact on our state with the Big 3 as we are in the manufacturing industry ourselves.I can offer no advice for you but I do wish you the best of luck with your search for both the MH and better work.

Thank-you :) that is why I'm here I'm new to this and I just wanted to make sure I do everything right for my family sake and my sake because this could be a financial gain or financial devastation.

With a total of 5 mouths to feed along with lot rent,utilities, gas in truck and insurance,ect.ect.. We have little to no money each month. We are playing the rob Peter to pay Piper game and we are starting to lose.I am currently Looking at a few Class "A" R.V.'s ranging from 32 to 35 ft long. I do Have a few R.V.'s in mind. I am in love with the 1986 and 1988 Holiday Rambler Imperial Class A R.V.'s.The plan is to live in the R.V. with 3 kids while we move from Michigan to a state that has good employment with good wages.The hard cold facts here is, by what you have stated, that you are not financially able to purchase an RV AND have money to travel in it. I.E. gas and CG's etc. While you are moving out of Michigan traveling in an RV in search of a job you will have no income.Using the equity from your house to put into a used MH and it is not a good move. That leaves you with squat for savings and living expenses. When you finally find a job in another state what money will you have to buy a home for your family?You will STILL have insurance, CG fees, gas bills, etc to pay if you buy a MH. Plus maintenance and repairs. In actuality you will dig yourself into an even bigger financial hole.Contrary to what most people think, owning a MH and RV'ing in it is NOT a cheaper way to live.Sorry if that is not what you wanted to hear but sadly it is the truth. Good Luck in your endeavors and hope you find the job you are looking for.

NW Arkansas is still in a boom with jobs available. Walmart, JB Hunt, Tyson, UofA, etc. Houses being built. Hotels/Motels being built. Highways and other infrastructure being built and repaired. You name it, we have lot's going on. Not cheap to live here though, but not California prices either.

Well Robo, You have three issues to deal with as I see it. 1 - You feel you have to get out of the state.2 - You are hoping to use an affordable mobile residence to make this feasible.3 - You need a mobile residence that will work were jobs are. As to line one: I can't argue this at all. Go Some Place else. Even though Michigan is now a "Right to Work" state, that will take another three years (at least) to have an effect. We are now retired and the house we have lived in for over 20 years is just now getting up to what we paid for it. About line two: Living in an RV is more expensive than you might believe. You need to be someplace that you can access electric power, potable water and a sewer dump. This typically means a real RV park. These can be more "reasonable" at a monthly rate, but they still are not free. 4~500$ per month is pretty common and may not include the electric cost. Southern is usually lower. Then residence issues kick in. Check out the costs before you uproot. More about line three: Your mobile residence can be a trailer (what can your truck tow?) or a motorhome. Both have some of the same problems. The Cheap ones aren't free and a Free one isn't cheap.A - If anything you look at shows signs of water damage and it is not an all metal unit, walk away. Repair is complex and expensive. If it has square corners on the roof, it is stick and staple. If the wood rots (this can happen fast) is will loose integrity and it is toast.B - Very few are insulated enough to be "4-Season". This means if you go to North Dakota (Unemployment is 3%) you will either spend a fortune heating or freeze you butt right off. C - If it has not been run at least 1000 miles in the last year, be cautious. Sitting still is not good for running gear.Michigan did take it in the ear when two of three were forced into bankruptcy. The state is coming back and the election will determine how fast. I got cut loose in the Chrysler purge of 2001, I was a highly respected but old member of the automotive development community. I did a lot of work on pleasure boats before the depression, but that is all gone now. Over two thousand uniquely prepared resumes and cover letters yielded about a dozen interviews over 10 years. So, I worked little low income jobs until I could hook SS. My investments for retirement were "redistributed", so any possibility of comfortable life is squashed. What ever you choose to do, I do wish you and your family the very best.Matt

New to site. | Good Sam Community

Ramair
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
Just looked at the two RV's you posted a link to and the 86 IMO looks to be taken care of more by the pictures, and everything has been looked at by a service center. One thing you can do is have a complete inspection done by a independent individual then go by that. May also have the owner pay half if all works out, he could pay for it completely with a conformation of you purchasing it depending on the results of the inspection.
RobotechMaster
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
Yea I haven't set anything in stone yet with either R.V. I am still doing research and shopping around more on the internet. After reading other posts from other newbie R.V. people I most deffinitly get someone to come with me to look at what ever it is I am interested in. I am vehicle smart as in i know how to work on cars and trucks but this is a mobile home and a very different creature all together.

With all the engine work the one had I am very cautious cause those parts that were replaced are internal parts and those parts just don't go bad on their own. Either the engine blew a valve or worse. Anytime I see major engine work done I tend to stay away.

May I add you as a bubby?
Ramair
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
yes I added you to my list. Again good luck hope all goes your way and your family.
J_R2
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
Before going anywhere, what job skills do you have. Or what employment are you looking for?
clayway
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
My 2 cents worth. I have spent my entire career in the hospitality business, based on what you have done the last 10 years & taking into consideration what your wife does I would look at Central Florida. World Class Hotels, some very nice inexpensive RV Parks & great schools. I speak from personal knowledge & have raised a family & supported public schools in the central Florida area.

Good luck
bigred1cav
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
At 37 you're young. We are old geezers. Put your kids through college before you venture to making payments on anything you don't have to have. You'll find better employment just ask your current employer about education plans for employees.

You have time we old farts don't. Any of us would trade our MH for your youth and health.

RobotechMaster wrote:
Good day to everyone!

I thought I would take the time to introduce myself and give a little back story. So without further delay.

My name is Andre. I am 37 yrs old with a wife and 3 children. 12 yr old girl, 3 yr old girl, 1.5 yr old son. We all have been born and raised in Michigan our entire life's. The wife works as a Home cleaner (Kinda Like Molly Maid). I work in hotels as a night auditor/front desk manager for the last 10 yrs.

At the present moment We live in a 1998 super single Skyline Manufactured home paid off. We own 1 vehicle, My 1998 Mercury mountaineer with 160k miles also paid off. The area we live in is awesome but very expensive. I choose to live here in this area for the schools and the education they offer. Oakland county is the richest county in Michigan and has the best school district. At the time when I moved out here the job market was good. But when the BIG 3 decided to pack up and pull out the area I live in was impacted really hard. We had the Ford Lincoln Mercury Plant here that made the Lincoln town cars. Well needless to say the plant closed and was tore down. When that happened the job market here crashed and jobs became basically extinct. As of righting this letter I am making $9.00 an hour and wifey is making a little more. Our total monthly income is about $3,000.00 a month give or take a few bucks.

With a total of 5 mouths to feed along with lot rent,utilities, gas in truck and insurance,ect.ect.. We have little to no money each month. We are playing the rob Peter to pay Piper game and we are starting to lose. The house is worth about 10k-13k. My truck I will run into the ground before I sell it. LOL gotta have my truck. =)

Anyways now on to the plan and the part where all of your input is need and welcomed.

As stated before We are playing a game with our finances which I don't like but I am doing everything I can and then some. Our Plan (My Plan) Is to sell basically everything. The house and other items that I can't bring along. I am keeping my truck no if and or butts about it.

I am currently Looking at a few Class "A" R.V.'s ranging from 32 to 35 ft long. I do Have a few R.V.'s in mind. I am in love with the 1986 and 1988 Holiday Rambler Imperial Class A R.V.'s.

I need help and advice on either year model as in what to look for and questions I need to ask the previous owners. The plan is to live in the R.V. with 3 kids while we move from Michigan to a state that has good employment with good wages.

I know I am forgetting some stuff but I am sure your eyes are hurting from the wall of text I have just wrote.

Please ask me questions and give me all your insight. This is a completely new thing for me and my family and we just want to do it right with little to no extra costs.

I look forward to hearing from you all and hopefully grow a great friendship and learn from you. Cheers!!
2bzy2c
Explorer II
Nov 02, 2014
I can appreciate your ambition, but that is about where it stops. First off, buying an RV of that vintage, thinking you are going to be able to turn the key and go is far from reality. Just tires alone will cost you 2K. Who's to say what will happen to a 20 year old RV while you are on the road. New transmission, 4K. New engine, 10K and the list goes on and on. You would be one thrown rod from being homeless. Not a good plan by any stretch of the imagination. If it were just you, then I say go for it. But you have your entire family at risk, not a good plan at all.

Keep thinking, but think in terms of renting something (house) in your new area. Far cheaper and safer.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
Welcome to RV.Net! Washington State is known to be a State with well paying jobs. In Washington State just a few of our companies that were born in Washington State, United Parcel Service, Boeing, Weyerhaeuser, Microsoft, Costco, Nordstorm, Amazon, Food Services of America just to name a few. Minimum wage will soon be $15.00 per hour. Seattle is a major Rail and Port on the West Coast. Very good high paying Union high paying jobs with the Inland Boatman's Union, Longshoremen Union, Aerospace Union, Woodworkers Union and the Teamsters Union just to name a few. Almost all City, County and State jobs pay well along with Federal Jobs especially in the military areas Fort Lewis, McCord AFB, Naval Station Bangor and Naval Station Bremerton the largest Military Dry Dock in the Western World! Lots of people are hired in the shipyards in Seattle and Bremerton. Your new job is awaiting you!
RobotechMaster
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
I love waking up and seeing my mailbox explode letting me know I have messages from here. I get all excited. =)

Just going to update everything real quick so we are all on the same page.

1 I am Looking for work in a state that is warm Somewhere south of Michigan or West.
2 I have my home which is worth 10-13k.
3 Plan on selling house when a Job is secured.
4 Use money from house to purchase R.V. and supplies.
5 Plan on living full time in R.V.
6 Live in r.v. make money and save money upgrade to better R.V. or buy a house. Depending on if the wife and I enjoy the full time R.V. life.

Wife works as a home to home cleaner
I work in hotels as Auditor & Front desk Manager
3 kids 12 yr old girl, 3 yr old girl, 1.5 yr old son.
R.V.'s that I am interested in are Late 1980's High end Holiday Rambler Class A Motor Homes. Price range 5k to 12k.
Current location we are looking Texas,Arizona,South Dakota,Tennessee.

Washington is a little to wet for me. I have heard that it is always raining there. Florida scares me with hurricanes. Only thing that worries me about Texas is the fact I am from the north and we all know how most Texans feel about Northerners. LOL.

RobotechMaster wrote:
Here are 2 links to the 2 R.V.'s that I would like to know more about. 1988 Holiday Rambler Imperial

1986 Holiday Rambler Imperial

I agree with most that the 1988 looks good but with the engine work that was done to it does throw up a red flag. I tend to stay away from vehicles that have had major internal work done.

The 86 is very nice haven't been to see it yet. The price is kinda steep for a 86 but it has been serviced this year and lots of things replaced and or upgraded. So if I spend 10k and not have to worry about anything for a while then I guess its worth it. rather spend 10k out right and move the second I get it then spend 5k and let it sit in a R.V. shop for 5 weeks for repairs.

I am also looking at other R.V.'s but nothing is catching my eye like the Holiday Ramblers have. I am just trying to follow the plan and what everyone is saying about buying used. Always try to buy a high end Used R.V. for your first R.V. so that money isn't wasted on 100+k loan. Also High end older model R.V.'s will most likely have all bugs taken care.
guardrail53
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
First, I would go look at both at these MH's, and would want to take them out and drive them both! Ask about the reason for the motor work on the one and ask to see the receipt's. I would want service records for both coach's! 10,900 is way too much money for the 86, period! I bought a 10 year newer HR with everything documented, everything fixed, replaced, and got all the documents to support everything that was done and all the receipts! For 11,900, came with new tires, brakes, rotors, brake fluid change, wheel bearings checked, and packed, coolant sys. tested and flushed, trans. fluid changed/w/filter, generator serviced, oil and filter changed, in the gen and the MH, new plugs, wires, dist. cap, new couch in leather, new mattress in the back, Dash air serviced and charged, new paint! All with documentation! So they are out there! Just so you know! I would look at both, and go with your gut, as it is usually the best! but remember, these are older, vintage MH's, and even in perfect shape now, tomorrow something may break! It is a older piece of equiptment, so don't let your emotions make your choice! Make them a low ball offer, you never know, with out seeing these two MH's in person, I would offer on the 86 6,000.00! And the 89 is pretty good priced where it is! offer a little less, see what they say or counter offer! Remember the less you pay, the more you have for repairs! And you will have repairs!! Just figure on that for sure! One more thing is how long have they been trying to sell these too MH's? And , do not buy right away, take a short drive, and think about it, talk it over with your wife, get her input, as she is going to be doing this too!! I wish you guys the best of luck, and with the job search, do not rule out the north west! It does rain a lot, but not enough to discount them, and it is a great place to raise a family, and get yourself a great job! I have friend's living up there, and they love it! So do not rule it out, do some research and see what you come up with! Best to you and your family! Rail!

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