Coachmen Viking problem & correction
Update: see end of post I could barely get my 30Amp cord stowed on my brand new 2017 Coachmen Viking 21RD. I decided to pull the sofa out to see what the problem was. Pretty clear this stupid lit...
Forum Discussion
I guess I've got a different story and a different RV buying experience than most. I went into buying a travel trailer knowing I would gut it out and restore it with a few criteria that I wished to have: a good frame, adequate running gear, the best insulation possible in the spaces available, replacement of typical RV appliances, and ability to camp away from campgrounds.
Since I knew I wouldn't have the heart to bust up a newer, mostly usable trailer, that eliminated a lot of potential choices, nothing new and nothing used in really good shape. My search started leading back in time as what I found was that vintage trailers had a lot better build quality than the newer ones. I lay this off to, mostly, the cost of materials when built and the design aspects of that age.
What I ended up with is the Starcraft in my signature line, a 1971. It has a massive fully boxed frame, torsion axles with shock absorbers, and 15" tires. The condition was poor, leaks from the roof infiltrating the wall framing and missing wheel wells from flat tires. On the drivers side, from the interior, I could stick my arm through the wall siding and also see the road through the non-existent wheel well. A perfect candidate and the price reflected the condition.
The restoration cost right around $5K, including the solar system and battery upgrades. I also dedicated almost six months of full-time work. Fortunately, my work load is mostly seasonal and I work for myself. It also helps to have nearly every construction tool needed and a few odds and ends laying around. We could discuss skill levels but the average homeowner that can build a dog house, could accomplish the same.
I just thought I'd stick my nose into this thread to relate that the RV industry hasn't always built lemons and there is an alternative to purchasing new and expecting exceptional quality at retail prices.
Since I knew I wouldn't have the heart to bust up a newer, mostly usable trailer, that eliminated a lot of potential choices, nothing new and nothing used in really good shape. My search started leading back in time as what I found was that vintage trailers had a lot better build quality than the newer ones. I lay this off to, mostly, the cost of materials when built and the design aspects of that age.
What I ended up with is the Starcraft in my signature line, a 1971. It has a massive fully boxed frame, torsion axles with shock absorbers, and 15" tires. The condition was poor, leaks from the roof infiltrating the wall framing and missing wheel wells from flat tires. On the drivers side, from the interior, I could stick my arm through the wall siding and also see the road through the non-existent wheel well. A perfect candidate and the price reflected the condition.
The restoration cost right around $5K, including the solar system and battery upgrades. I also dedicated almost six months of full-time work. Fortunately, my work load is mostly seasonal and I work for myself. It also helps to have nearly every construction tool needed and a few odds and ends laying around. We could discuss skill levels but the average homeowner that can build a dog house, could accomplish the same.
I just thought I'd stick my nose into this thread to relate that the RV industry hasn't always built lemons and there is an alternative to purchasing new and expecting exceptional quality at retail prices.
