Donated RV

[Buster52]

I bought a used RV from a place that people donate to charity. I thought it was a good buy at the time. How that I have it, I have changed my mine. I have found that the generator, refrigerator, back driver side window and heater needs work. I know it needs new vent cover and water pump. So, buyer be ware. There is a good chance people don't donate something they could sell.

[popeyemth]

If the back side was full of wasps and mud Daubers nests how did you trouble shoot the unit and decide it needed replacement ?
There is little to be learned in just putting in new appliances and a new cooling unit is an expensive way to clean and adjust the burner and flue.
Good Luck, Mike

[Buster52]

rhagfo, The box looks like new so I have ordered the replacement coil. That has been a problem too. I bought it at a big name on line auction place. Two days after it was to be at my house, it still wasn't shipped from a north of the border business. Here it is a week after that and they maybe shipping it today. It cost $560.00. Removing it from the rig was quite a job. It is in the hallway with less then half of an inch of clearance. That is after removing doors and knobs. Now getting it back in. The back side was full of wasp and mud dobbers nest. Luckily they were old and no stingers in sight.

[popeyemth]

People that try to get something for nothing often get what they paid for.

[Geocritter]

I bought my 1994 33’ Holiday Rambler for $3,500, it ran good but was a monument to neglect and deferred maintenance. So far I’ve invested about $1,100 in rig repairs and am currently in the middle of my 5,000 mile Grand North America Tour & shake-down journey. From what I’ve learned on my shake-down journey is that I have about $1,500 in repairs left to make the rig totally right. So by this time next year I’ll have $6,100 invested in the rig, but barring some unforeseen catastrophic event, the rig will be in excellent running and camping condition. I could’ve easily paid $6,100 outright and still have had to do many of the same repairs (such as new shocks and tires). Overall I’m very happy with how it’s been playing out. I suggest the OP view his new rig the same way.

[rhagfo]

Buster52 wrote:
Yes, I did look it over on the lot. Was told by salesman he was running the generator and most likely the fuel tank was to low. I found the slip rings were dirty and cleaned them. Now I am waiting for new brushes I have ordered, then I will try to run it. Had no way to test the frig. It had not been registered sense 06 and they paid for it to be brought up to date. Yes, I made a mistake.

If the refer cabinet is in good shape a new or rebuilt cooling can be purchased for $400 to $600 in most cases.

[Mr_Beebo]

If you were willing to purchase an RV that had been donated to an organization, what were your other options? That seems to be about as bargain basement as you can get, so I'm not sure how you would be complaining that it wasn't what you expected.

[kaz442]

I MH was donated to the Purple Heart Foundation and I purchased it from the guy who bought it at the auction. Like you I looked it over but it was winterized so I couldn't check the water systems and the gen set would start but not stay running. Bought it anyway because the chassis was so clean and the house had potential.

I guess I got lucky all appliances worked except the gen set I through a few $$ at. I later realized the frig and AC had been replaced with newer units so the rig was cared for.

I guess it may depend on the charity you get it from. Some charities people use to dump vehicles in poor shape others maybe not.

JKaz

[loulou57]

We know the negative of the purchase but there could be some positive. You own it now and as long as you are okay with what you paid then look at this purchase as an educational tool.
You now own an RV that you can learn from. Having to repair it, you are going to gain a lot of knowledge. You will be more educated for your next purchase.

Good luck with your repairs.

[Bionic_Man]

Seems to be a case of you get what you pay for. Sounds like you now have the opportunity to fine tune your repair skills. Good luck with your journey.

[Buster52]

Yes, I did look it over on the lot. Was told by salesman he was running the generator and most likely the fuel tank was to low. I found the slip rings were dirty and cleaned them. Now I am waiting for new brushes I have ordered, then I will try to run it. Had no way to test the frig. It had not been registered sense 06 and they paid for it to be brought up to date. Yes, I made a mistake.

[Artum_Snowbird]

I guess you could donate it back, and get yourself a tax deduction perhaps.

[toedtoes]

There is no benefit in donating a vehicle that is in good repair. The write off will never equate to the value of the vehicle. So, it stands to reason that a donated vehicle will not be a good bargain.

The reason why the charities want the vehicles is because they can often get the repair work donated. Free vehicle, free repairs, sell it for anything = money they didn't have.

[rhagfo]

Buster52 wrote:
I bought a used RV from a place that people donate to charity. I thought it was a good buy at the time. How that I have it, I have changed my mine. I have found that the generator, refrigerator, back driver side window and heater needs work. I know it needs new vent cover and water pump. So, buyer be ware. There is a good chance people don't donate something they could sell.

REALLY????
Did you expect it to be a premium unit?? It would surely be buyer beware! Did you pay full price for it, or was it a bargain?

[Old-Biscuit]

Didn't you check it out before you bought it?

It was from a 'thrift/charity' place so you should have know up front it wasn't going to be A-#1.