Advice for the inexperienced

judyj1023 wrote:
2002 Gulf Stream BT Cruiser 5230
I am, for the first time going south for the winter. I need to buy a small rv, Class b or b+. I have found a 2002 Gulf Stream BT Cruiser 5230 for just under 20K, 37k miles. It looks very nice, needs tires in the near future. Anyone know of any major issues with this rv. Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a small rv for one? Thanks

I am guessing from your username you are a woman. Me too. I am driving south to Florida from Wisconsin for the second time to stay a month or or so. I drive alone (well with 3 dogs) in winter as my husband still works. I got a conversion van that I re-purposed into an RV. I bought my 1992 GMC van in 2011. I do have a very good mechanic, a hellacious alarm system and AAA insurance (just in case). My mechanic understands my need for dependability, but I also gave him a complete checklist and he goes over my van with a fine tooth comb. So far it has not left me by the side of the road. I dont have the "inside stuff" that a typical b or c has, but I do have an RV place that checks my roof mounted heater/AC. No matter what you get, you need a dependable mechanic for the van part which is most important, and an RV place that will check out all equipment and make sure they all are functional and/or suggest replacement. I would have those checks done before handing over the money for a used RV.
I need "little" since I park my RVAn right outside my house and the city does not allow people to curb park RVs. But I guess I would look for one of those little Roadtrek or Pleasureway RVs if I could park it in the city. They have the generator on board and a bathroom not to mention more room. Everyone I've met love their Treks or PWs.