First timer - diving in

[gccch]

Hi all,

We are new to this, but have shopped for RVs off and on for many years (when kids were kids) never pulled the trigger. Recently our lifestyle is under significant change. We now have the freedom to travel and make our own schedules. So we are going ahead with a purchase. After reading the new buyer thread I think we are on the right track with a 34 ft. Motor Home. We have rented one in the past (Luxury MH) and also rented a small travel trailer (other end of the spectrum). Both were good experiences and have given us a feel for what is involved. It is just me and the wife. Two grown kids are on their own (mostly).

After leaving my corporate job, we are now full time landlords, and are used to making repairs of all types on our own, with some limitations. We're not afraid to take on anything with regard to the MH. I have restored an old Corvette ground up, rehabbed multiple buildings, built one, and do mostly all my own home/auto repair and maintenance. So we feel we can handle this. We can weld, woodwork, plumb, some electrical, most mechanical, etc.

We are planning to purchase this week from a private seller. The MH is a 2010 Winnebago class A and has just 11000 miles. We had our choice locally between a couple of the same model and are happy with the floor plan. This one has less use, while the other was a lived in during winter. We need to do a complete operations and condition check now that we are ready to make a deposit. We plan to go through the manual, and look for signs of trouble throughout.

Our interest is driven by: (1) we like to travel with our dog, (2) are always concerned about hotel cleanliness and quality (wife tears them apart to find bed bugs), and (3) are generally thrifty. This is a huge move for us and comes with a lot of anxiety. To reduce that, we are choosing something we think will be adequate for as long as we are interested in having one. We are also buying used, but not worn out.

We are getting into this just below NADA low retail, but it seems the value is easily overstated using the NADA tool. For example, this model comes standard with three slides, so if you add those to the list as options the price gets inflated. I took the approach to add nothing to the list of options, even though there are several listed on the original invoice. Still we are below low retail. Both sellers we approached were in sync on price level and we pushed them both, so we feel as though we are at the right price point.

After reading this, please raise other red flags we should look for. Our first trip will begin immediately heading from New England to Denver, then touring around the west until we get homesick. Some form of checklist to verify everything would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance for any and all inputs!
G & C

[mama_sylvia]

> I don't yet have an outdoor power hook up at home, and had thought I could use a standard outlet for lights while parked

I have done this numerous times, the key is to not let your demand exceed what the house outlet can supply. If you are plugged into an outside outlet on a 15A circuit that only supplies other outside sockets that are not currently (ha!) in use, you can run more stuff than if you plug into an outside socket that is on your 10A bedroom circuit and already powering lights, computer, TV, and an occasional hairdryer. You sound like you have common sense so you have probably already thought of this and will be fine.

However, you might think about installing a dedicated RV outlet. When we built our house 6 years ago, one extra I added was a 50A outlet on a dedicated breaker where I typically park the MH. Very convenient and a plus when a coworker of my husband's came through and parked for the night, they were surprised that they could plug in.

[4x4van]

Wow, this is refreshing! New-to-RVers actually doing homework, listening to the collective wisdom available, and doing things right! I applaud you! Sadly, I see too many posts from people who, for lack of a better explanation, really have no business owning a large RV.

It's perfectly acceptable to plug in to a standard 15A outlet at home (with an adapter) for lights, refrigerator, furnace...that should also charge the house batteries. The only things that you won't be able to use is the roof A/C and possibly the microwave.

You seem to have everything well thought out and planned for...just remember, owning an RV is constant attention/maintenance. Don't sweat the small stuff.

[gccch]

Well we took her home this week! Registered, insured, Mass safety inspection, all done with no issues. I took it to a truck tire shop for tire balance where they checked the condition of the tires and gave us a thumbs up. Also brought it to a different truck repair center for alignment and had them give them a look. They do a ton of MH work and also gave us a good report.

One thing I missed was a leak around the drivers window. I will get on this quickly along with the j channel sealant. Otherwise we are finding everything to be in order. Still getting familiar with the unit. Checked the oil in the generator, which has 188 hours on it. Not sure if this is a lot or a little, but will plan to do an oil change on that as well. Looks simple enough I can do it while the girls are showering or getting dressed along the way.

I read up on weight distribution and maximums and will get this checked before we get on the road. We're finally making plans for our route and are thinking a northern tour might be good before it gets too cold, then head back on southern roads.

I don't yet have an outdoor power hook up at home, and had thought I could use a standard outlet for lights while parked, but the manual says not to do this. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks again everyone!

[Lwiddis]

"If you are completely set on this trip, I would suggest you have a backup plan ready in case the motorhome becomes undrivable for any reason."

Why, mama? If the MH can't make the RV trip why would they go? It's an RV trip!

[Lwiddis]

" a truck weighing location and weight each wheel independently to see if any corner is overloaded."

First you would need to determine the maximum weight....for each corner...which is more difficult than determining whether you have a two or three speed transmission.

[gccch]

Great advice! We did our walk through this afternoon and came back much more comfortable with our decision. The issue of tires lead us to ask many more questions about how much it was driven. Thankfully, the seller explained there were many short trips to the local casino for overnights in the parking lot, many weekend drives just to get it out on the road plus a few extended trips to local attractions/campgrounds. So it was not just sitting in the sun. They appear to be very solid, albeit original to the MH. When we have our required state inspection I will also check with the garage for their opinion. Will also have it weighed with the gear. The kid does not have a house full of things, but surely it will add up so will keep an eye on that.

Mechanically, everything we tested worked as it should. we made good use of the check list posted here so this site has been very helpful in many ways. I'm glad we found you all. I did notice the J channel caulking is ready to be touched up. I went over every inch of this on the roof and found a few spots where it is beginning to separate from the fiberglass. I checked every inch of the inside for signs of water and found nothing. So glad I read about that as well. I am very impressed with the overall condition and cleanliness.

We may have a chance to do a day trip before we set out. If we can get the transaction done mid week we can do this.

I'll be researching road side assistance options and insurance tomorrow.

[mama_sylvia]

If you are completely set on this trip, I would suggest you have a backup plan ready in case the motorhome becomes undrivable for any reason. I'm still working on getting one I bought in July ready for a shakedown trip to a state park 10 miles away! Also, moving "stuff" as well as your travel needs in the MH may put you over the recommended weight. I read a suggestion elsewhere to take the loaded MH to a truck weighing location and weight each wheel independently to see if any corner is overloaded. Even if she is not taking furniture, clothes and kitchen items can add up. And have a great trip!

[RLS7201]

When you are packing, remember that there are stores on the road and you can buy any thing that you need. Harbor freight will have that SPECIAL tool you may need. GRIN

Richard

[BigRabbitMan]

Do not leave without Roadside Assistance insurance. Coach Net, FMCA, or Good Sam but do it and also join FMCA.

[gccch]

Thanks again Busskipper! Nice recommendations for the trip!

We will use a two wheel tow dolly and remove the rear drive shaft so the back wheels spin free. Daughter is moving to try working in Denver. She was there last week getting a place set up and has one job offer so far. Hopefully she will be back, but it's a good time for her to try something like this being out of school for only a couple years.

I'll have my landlording tools with me. I can handle a good variety of tasks but again, hopeful we won't need too much for the first week or two. We'll keep you updated!

Best,
G & C

[Busskipper]

gccch wrote:
Thanks for the tips, Busskipper. We are moving our daughter to Denver and will use the RV, tow her Subaru to Denver then go off on an adventure. Points unknown. Yes, I imagine this will be exciting and a huge learning experience, but we are diving into the deep end.

We plan to leave on the 10th, after picking up the new rig on the 6th. It gives us some tome to take a day trip locally and also learn how to pack and operate everything. We can delay if necessary and are in no rush to get there.

It's a 2010 Winnebago Sunseeker 33C

Not just the Deep End but the Ocean:B - be sure to wear a life jacket.:S

You are Brave, but route - Hannibal to Denver - RT 36 to Denver - easier drive - less stress - fewer trucks.

Using a tow dolly for the Subaru? Please refer to your owner's manual for additional important information on towing vehicles with all four wheels on the ground.
AWD Subaru vehicles with automatic transmission can only be towed with all four wheels OFF of the ground. Therefore, if you are interested in towing a Subaru behind your motorhome, we would suggest purchasing a manual transmission Subaru. means it will need to be all four wheels on a trailer if Automatic.

Today is the 4th!:R

With the trailer you will want to keep the speed reasonable.

Roadside assistance on this first year might be smart - Coach Net - FMCA - Good Sam in that order.

Gloves and a few tools/tool box - just what you are comfy with - flashlight - electric screwdriver - multimeter - 12 volt tester - electrical tape...........long list but at least these.

Check the CCC on the Coach - most of the time they are already close to max weight from the factory with fuel and water and 4 passengers - so just check before you overload it.

Good News - Last week of September the Aspen Change and it is a great time to be in Colorado.

Aspen

Daughter going to Work or School? Denver or Boulder - totally different towns.

Son split the difference lives in Superior - between - the two.

Golden, just minutes from downtown Denver think you might enjoy it if you can get in (ask to be facing the Creek if Possible) - in town but on the Creek lots to do from here. (Community center - Library - sports fields - Welcome center - Coors - In town restaurants - just great)

I could go on and on but you have plenty to worry about without me adding to the list.

Best of luck, will be happy to help if I can.

[gccch]

Thanks for the tips, Busskipper. We are moving our daughter to Denver and will use the RV, tow her Subaru to Denver then go off on an adventure. Points unknown. Yes, I imagine this will be exciting and a huge learning experience, but we are diving into the deep end.

We plan to leave on the 10th, after picking up the new rig on the 6th. It gives us some tome to take a day trip locally and also learn how to pack and operate everything. We can delay if necessary and are in no rush to get there.

It's a 2010 Winnebago Sightseer 33C

[Busskipper]

chuckftboy wrote:
2 weeks after I bought my first Class A, we left on a 4,000 mile trip. The coach had 18,000 miles on it and was 12 years old then. I never was afraid of vehicles with low use and mileage and its worked out fine for me.

Dick

I think you just need a few tires for your Dump Truck 😉

Just kidding look long and hard at the tires, more because they have been sitting, Dick speaks very wisely.

Just having Fun,

[Busskipper]

gccch wrote:
Thank you all for the excellent advice and kind comments. Many of you recommend short distance before making the trip we have planned. Well, that is really good advice and we would be doing this however we have a commitment to make the trip either with or without the RV, so we will roll the dice on this and give it a try. We will expect problems, and will mostly make this first leg about getting there rather than camping. We may even use hotels until we get to Denver then start venturing more.

We will need to take a close look at the tires. Kind of figured they would be ok, but as many pointed out the limited use could be an issue. Will also request more details of the local use by previous owner so we can better understand if this is a significant worry.

Thanks again for all the great inputs!! Keep them coming! We will give updates as we make progress on our new adventure.

Will not add anything to the advice given, as it - or at least most of it - comes from real life experiences.

we have a commitment to make the trip either with or without the RV, so we will roll the dice on this and give it a try. We will expect problems, and will mostly make this first leg about getting there rather than camping. We may even use hotels until we get to Denver then start venturing more.

Don't put yourself in a box - go ahead and get your tickets on Southwest, just in case, as you can put them in the bank to use later, we fly out often, sometimes with the Coach here sometimes there, so it is an option, for now or for later. (Just a thought)

Few things I'll mention - the generator is there to be used - but in a gas unit it is hard to sleep with it on. (Just the voice of experience, one more reason for a diesel)

Wal*Mart is your friend - good for more than you can Imagine as you travel.

When might you start the Drive/Adventure to Denver?

I always suggest to travelers/RV'er to try to get to Hannibal and drive out on RT 36 - Great road (at least till you get to Colorado) lot less Traffic - Fewer trucks - great people along the way - just easy.

As has been suggested tires - at least front - but surprised no one mentioned Batteries - Might be something that you use to seal the deal - "New tires and new Batteries" as just need to have with something 7 years old.

Toad - you have not mentioned what you plan to Tow - or do you plan to tow?

One more thought - if this is for more than just seasonal times, a long look at a few Longer than 34' Coaches - you will be amazed at how much difference there is in 300 sq ft vs 450 sq ft.

Last, Colorado is my Second Home - so would love to clue you into a few great travel destinations - Denver is not full of RV parks, my Favorite ( Clear Creek RV Park ) ............

Keep us in the loop, give the Model of the unit you are looking at and you will get a wealth of Info. Last - also look to Irv2.com as another source of great info.

Best of Luck,