Purchased RV leak over cab, now what?
Hi RVers, Well, we purchased this RV 2 months ago and are now planning a trip for Oct so thought I'd go clean it out and this is where I'm at (see pics). The outside walls are loose and we were to...
Forum Discussion
I agree the bottom line reality is that MH = money pit. With older coaches it is potentially worse, as the OP (and I) found out.
I really believe the question is, how much can you realistically do yourself? My parts cost was negligible (all things considered) and now the cabover is like new. However, I had to do cabinetry, metal working, welding, plastic repair and electrical work. That is a really broad skill set and you need LOTS of specialized tools.
I also did a BUNCH of other stuff, just to get the whole thing even running right. I rebuilt the coach main fuse assembly (and replaced all relays) in the engine bay and replaced batteries. I repaired the non-running generator, replaced the toilet, replaced the fridge (residential unit), repaired exhaust manifold leaks, rebuilt the carb., bought new tires, fixed the rooftop A/C, replaced the engine voltage regulator and upgraded the battery isolator to a combiner configuration. WHEW! I am just now finishing up with repairing the in-dash A/C. I know there has been some leakage at the back and that will have to be opened up and fixed next Spring. However, the coach feels rock solid and I have no worries using it now. I also don't expect this to be a short term keeper anymore. We love the floorplan and will keep the old girl for a long time to come.
What has all that cost me in dollars? Including purchase price of $5k, I am in about another $4K, so that’s $9K or so total. I did overpay for the old girl and wish I had only paid $2k - $3K on the rig, but I see dealers with MH’s that are smaller and look to have the same sorts of issues as mine did. They don’t even have generators and the asking prices are $6K and up! However, I have kept on looking around and it seems impossible to buy a 26 ft. MH with the floorplan we have, for less thank $15K. Probably more like $20K to get something I would expect doesn't need any work done to it. So it's a case of "pick your poison". If you have the cash laying around, then maybe you can pony up the $20K to get yourself a very nice and ready to use MH. If you don’t have the cash, then you can think about buying a “fixer-upper” but you BETTER know what you are getting yourself into and have the skills to make your dream a reality.
Jose
I really believe the question is, how much can you realistically do yourself? My parts cost was negligible (all things considered) and now the cabover is like new. However, I had to do cabinetry, metal working, welding, plastic repair and electrical work. That is a really broad skill set and you need LOTS of specialized tools.
I also did a BUNCH of other stuff, just to get the whole thing even running right. I rebuilt the coach main fuse assembly (and replaced all relays) in the engine bay and replaced batteries. I repaired the non-running generator, replaced the toilet, replaced the fridge (residential unit), repaired exhaust manifold leaks, rebuilt the carb., bought new tires, fixed the rooftop A/C, replaced the engine voltage regulator and upgraded the battery isolator to a combiner configuration. WHEW! I am just now finishing up with repairing the in-dash A/C. I know there has been some leakage at the back and that will have to be opened up and fixed next Spring. However, the coach feels rock solid and I have no worries using it now. I also don't expect this to be a short term keeper anymore. We love the floorplan and will keep the old girl for a long time to come.
What has all that cost me in dollars? Including purchase price of $5k, I am in about another $4K, so that’s $9K or so total. I did overpay for the old girl and wish I had only paid $2k - $3K on the rig, but I see dealers with MH’s that are smaller and look to have the same sorts of issues as mine did. They don’t even have generators and the asking prices are $6K and up! However, I have kept on looking around and it seems impossible to buy a 26 ft. MH with the floorplan we have, for less thank $15K. Probably more like $20K to get something I would expect doesn't need any work done to it. So it's a case of "pick your poison". If you have the cash laying around, then maybe you can pony up the $20K to get yourself a very nice and ready to use MH. If you don’t have the cash, then you can think about buying a “fixer-upper” but you BETTER know what you are getting yourself into and have the skills to make your dream a reality.
Jose
