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CookieTraveller's avatar
CookieTraveller
Explorer
Jul 17, 2016

New to rv's and the forum

Hello guys and girls. Newb here to rv's and the forum. I have a 1993 Avion fleetwood35' pull behind Tt'. It's actually in great shape for its age. No slides,30amp service,2 a/c units 10 gal water heater lp/gas. You have to switch between microwave and water heater for 120v and main/rear AC. They tell me it was top of line in its day. Here's the issues I have: it was wired to 220vac and the converter is shot. My water heater tank is busted& the refrigerator isn't working but the freezer is working. I have the lp shutoff to waterheater and running fridge off lp. I'm using a battery charger to keep 12v battery up for lights and whatever. I haven't taken the converter out yet but it's a boondocker and not sure the amp on it. It needs a roof installed. The camper dealer down the road said 1000$ he would put a new 1 piece rubber roof. I paid 3500$ for Rv with WD hitch and friction sway bar and also front mount hitch for my Ford F-250. I've only spent 500$ for new tires and 120$ for a battery. I'm looking at another 1500-2000$ for repairs and upgrades plus a paint job. I'll end up with 6k in it to make it like new again. It already has cork floor. I'm already experiencing difficulty getting into age restricted campgrounds. I use this to live in while working out of town. What's some advice?
  • CookieTraveller's avatar
    CookieTraveller
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2016
    Well looks like the fridge is working. I've read somewhere about the vent may be clogged so I'll check that out today. Found a couple converters on Craigslist for @55-60$. Also found replacement 10 gal water heater tanks on eBay 200$ range. Was concise ring a 10 gal residential from Home Depot but I like having gas and electric. I really like this old Rv. It's really perfect for just me but I asked my gf to come along on this trip and if she or we decide it's all good I'm definitely going to upgrade to a nice fifth wheel. There's a lot of good deals out there on used ones.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2016
    I found a water heater on ebay for $350. Local dealer wanted $700. It seems the rv plug is often confused and connected to 220. Get a good converter that will do 14.4 volts. Maybe not a wfco.
  • CookieTraveller's avatar
    CookieTraveller
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2016
    Thanks for the reply! It's been sitting all winter in Lafayette Indiana. I went and picked it up back in March and hauled it back east in NC. I've been working at home and I knew the battery was shot so I just left it unhooked till 2 weeks ago. That's when I found out a friend of mine plugged it up to 220 vac plug. Fried the 2 tv's and blew the converter and charger. I used it for a year and a half with no issues except fixing the water heater. The guy at the Rv place said he would put a one piece rubber roof with some kind of really strong tape. That's still including removing units and vents. I'm mediocre at body work and I'm sure I can prep it for paint and gel coat. I'm guessing 150$ for converter and 300$ for water heater tank. Haven't even looked about fridges. I just hauled it 2 hours south of San Jose CA from NC through the Colorado Rockies to Salt Lake and then here. Very nice ride. Hopefully I can stay here in this park and money up enough and purchase a newer 5er. I'll just sell this one or loan it out to union bros who may need a place for a bit. Maybe auction it off for our suck and needy bros and sisters.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2016
    So you are plugged in all the time or as much as possible? If so and the frig is shot it may be time for a residential. As far as the age, make it look as good as possible. I know my 16 year old FW looks a whole lot better when all the black edges are cleaned up. $1,0000 seems very cheap, in fact how can they do it that cheap? Isn't the epdm about $600? It seems common to hear of $3000 to $5,000 prices. My son was quoted $5,000 to replace a panel and new epdm on a 26 ft TT $3,200 if he wanted them to do an open heart cut down the center and replace the bad wood then seal it up. We did the same cobble job for $200. Welcome aboard. There is a ton of good reading in here. Enjoy your rig.

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