NorthernMarshPanda wrote:
Excellent points about low miles not always being a plus. So much to consider!!
valhalla360 wrote:
call up an independent mobile RV tech and see if they will to an inspection for a couple hundred bucks and walk you thru the issues. Then when you find what you think is a good deal, make an offer contingent upon an independent inspection.
Yes! We were looking into this when we got serious about the majestic. Only got a quote from one company, but check out the prices they quoted us:
rvproseal.com wrote:
- Virtual consultation (images): $199 plus tax.
- Leak detection and water damage inspection: $479 plus tax
- Water damage only inspection: $340 plus tax
- Additional Pre purchase inspection of the following each priced at $240 plus tax: Appliances & Life Safety, Fresh water system, Electrical system
It would be more than $1000 to get everything inspected. It's less to get an actual house inspection! Do you think it's really possible to do one for a couple hundred $?
Gdetrailer wrote:
If you have a vehicle with enough towing capacity you could consider looking at a small travel trailer. A bit less convenient than a motor home but also a much less costly way to start RV'n..
Ah this is a whole other story. We initially planned to tow a small trailer with our 2007 Toyota Highlander (3000 lbs towing capacity), which is in pretty great shape, EXCEPT: the undercarriage is incredibly rusty. Visited a few trailer hitch places and a mechanic, all of them said that there's too much rust for a hitch... Called around to autobody shops and talked about reinforcing the frame... Started to sound complicated, which is when we switched to searching for a motorhome. Now we're back to wondering if we should look into reinforcing the undercarriage or buying a different used vehicle + trailer... We just want to get on the road while there's some summer left, but it's looking more complicated than we ever realized. On top of that, we've been hearing that starlink RV might not be as reliable as we hoped, so I don't know where this dream of living & working on the road is heading.
I would look for an independent guy. The website you listed looks like they are prepared to milk it for all it's worth. I had a mobile guy do some work on a prior rig a few years back. Spent 2 hours and some parts and total cost was around $300. Of course, there might be some translation differences as your signature indicates Ontario...so prices might be different locally.
As far as trailers, an old vehicle that was marginal when new isn't a great option for full timing. At a bare minimum move up to a 1/2 ton pickup or even better a 3/4 ton. They won't cost much different and are easy to drive. The difference is with a truck really well suited to towing, it will be far more comfortable. With a 3/4 ton, you can move up into the 6-8k lb range and get a trailer much better suited to full timing. You can likely get a truck and trailer for the same as the MH you were looking at.
