gabriela
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Should I leave my battery plugged into shore power in cold
Dear RVers: My 30' Class C 2007 FR Sun Seeker is parked outdoors on my lot in Poconos PA, where lately we're averaging 5 degrees during the day. I had it professionally winterized in October, and that RV tech told me "do not leave your house battery just plugged in, it will dry up your battery." So I obeyed that, and come every week and plug it in to the house 110-volt outside plug and leave it that way 24-48 hours, and that gets the house battery charged up. I also start the truck engine, which I've read is NOT getting cross-charged just by plugging in the house battery to the outdoor shore 110-volt shore power. I am noticing that my house battery is going down to 30% every 4 days or so (unplugged) in the cold, and being as we're in the coldest part of winter, with average this week and next in 5 degree range, I am very tempted to plug the RV into my 110 volt outside electrical outlet and leave for warmer climes for at next 2 weeks or so. I will leave the RV volt systems turned "on," as I've been instructed, otherwise the charging process is futile (I've been told). I understand that this will charge up my house battery, but not the truck battery. All fine. What I am worried about is that I'll "fry" dry my house battery by doing this for two weeks. Any ideas, folk? Is this likely in 5 degree average temps? If it's true, that means I have to go back and forth, back to Poconos, coming from NYC, plugging and unplugging, which I am finding unpleasant and is like babysitting hens in a hen house. Thanks for any advice. I want to plug it in and leave it for 2 weeks. Sincerely, Gabriela5.2KViews0likes12Comments2002 Forrest River Georgetown 346 S Ford 35' Gas
Hello RVers: I am considering the purchase of a 2002 FR Georgetown 346 S Class A, which has lowish miles (24K) and has a Ford V-10 Triton engine (I assume on a Ford chassis). Does anyone own this RV, and if so, what has been your experience with it? I will see it soon. Don't want to jinx it by giving away too many details. Any comments welcome. I am a newbie but have been studying RV life as a hobby since around May and want to jump in. I've driven a 16' rental truck in the past and lived in a trailer once for 4 months--did fine (but my parents were taking care of details on the trailer). I would get help in evaluating the vehicle, of course, from professionals (not just the seller!) Going to Hershey 2014, can't wait! I may get wrecked there, tho', because those vehicles (Dutch Star, etc.) are very beautiful, but that's not in the budget, just gawking and learning. They're getting too big, those new ones. This is about as big as my lot can take with 35'6" length and it may be a few inches over 8' wide, too. A bit scary driving something that size and I'm sure once I get the hang of it, I'll get a dinghy, too--so now I'd be about 50' long! Wow, real scarey the thought of that. I intend to take professional driving lessons if I am so fortunate to buy the Georgetown. Sincerely, Gabriela gabriela is online now Report Post1.3KViews0likes3Comments2007 Crossroads Cruiser M-32SB
Hello TTers: I am considering the purchase of a 2007 Crossroads Cruiser M-32SB which is in mint condition (was hardly used) with 2 slides (has the slide toppers). I would buy a truck for it--thinking a used Dodge Ram 2500 SD, Chevy Silverado 2500 SD or a Ford 250F SD. Here are my questions: 1. Is this a high-quality travel trailer? I've read the threads, and what I can find is owners seem pretty happy with it. They have found some leaking issues on the outside around the window (one person), but generally, no internal leaks. One person said the A/C is really loud and the TV too soft. Other than that, very minor issues. 2. I have been told that as a solo woman traveller, I will find it nearly impossible to park this thing unaided. I think they may be right on that. Now I can practice (I have access to big empty parking lots in my community where I could practice), but if there are trees on every side of me in a trailer park, yeah, I want some helpers. I have been advised to carry a walky-talky so the helper can hear me and visa versa (in case we can't get a cell phone signal, for instance). In general, I will always make sure to arrive at my destination before dark. Still, I think I would need assistance to park. Now I'd try to arrange that in advance as I book the trailer park (make sure there's someone who can help me) or network enough to know someone is there to assist (I'd join Good Sam's, for instance). So, are any women doing this solo? Surely there are some out there. 3. As far as hitch and unhitch, I'd get all the gizmos like the i-ball and add a back-up camera (I am assuming that can be done). I'd get anti-sway bars and weight-distribution bars and special new fangled hitches and the tool that lets you hand crank the trailer toward the hitch. Even with all that special equipment, is this a pipe dream? I am going to the RV show in Hershey and will be stopping by all the vendors booths to get "instructed" on these special devices. So, is this do-able, folks? I am highly motivated. Any advice appreciated. Sincerely, Gabriela930Views0likes2CommentsRe: Smoothest Ride under 35k
John S. wrote: For two or three short local trips a DP is overkill. It will cost you more in the long run. A tag along is better for those. I have two Motorhomes and use then over half the year. Last year I was in them over 260 days. I also put on over 30k mikes a year plus. The kids wanted to get one and they go out three or four times a year and never more then 200 miles. I look at the cost difference between then and said wow. I. Know this is not what you want to here but if you are worried about a good deal on a DP and are so concerned on price the fridge on a 99 is beating the end of its life. That is 3k the tires will be another 3 and you will have to start watching your fuel lines for leaks. The radiators are another area of concern and that is about 6 k. The airbags are bearing the end of their service life too. You might get another few years as well. There is a reason it is cheaper but owning a DP is not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. I have a highline coach. I have just replaced all but the airbags but are watching those. I try to do the big jobs before failure but at the end of the service life. The radiator was failing and needed to be recorded or replaced. I noticed it was running to warm and not cooling down fast enough. So, you can watch and read and research but it will not change the fact that running these machines costs money. My 24 foot class c has nowhere near the expenses that my diesel has had. It us not as comfortable or driven as far but if I could only have one I would still take the DP as I put on too many mikes for a gas motorhome. If I add the gas milage to my DP milage I am well over 400,000 miles. Hello: Yes, I'm coming to the same conclusion. Thinking trailer now. I can put guests in it and let the grands play there (what grands? oh, well, one can always hope). I will be looking at trailers at the show (now) and also trying to learn up inverters, solar panels, adding lithium batteries to boon-dock. There are issues with pulling a trailer--swaying, braking--I've been warned. I'd need to get a big truck (wouldn't mind that one bit). I can drive slowly and carefully. You have been so kind and helpful! Hope to see you at one of the shows! Can't wait for Hershey. I'm wrecked because I'm looking at the Dutch Star and the Aspire !!! Wow! And only $350K. Now all I've got to do is win that Powerball! I'm now scourin' for trailers. I know what I want -- a 38 foot bunkhouse with 2 doors. Must have two doors. And would like 2006 or newer. If anyone out there has one I want (extreme weather a big plus--I'm in the Poconos and it gets quite cold), please contact me. I am willing to pay to ship something. There was one in Elkhart, IN (a 2006 Keystone Sprinter 38 foot bunkhouse is back--a little worn around the edges), for $11.5K, but it sold. I wish the RV dealers would pull down those ads when the item sells. Sincerely, Gabriela572Views0likes0CommentsRe: Smoothest Ride under 35k
glamisorbust wrote: When is the RV show? The rv you're looking at may be gone by the time you want to buy it. Usually, if it's a good deal and a clean unit, it will sell fast. When I saw mine, I knew almost immediately that I wanted to buy it. I spent several hours looking it over and found no problems. The older man I bought it from had no problem running me through every single system on board. It was a lot of fun learning how everything works. Even funner driving it for the first time. I just remember thinking to myself "I can't belive I got this good of a deal on this" as I was driving away! The Hershey show is Sept 10th-14th. I plan on being there Sept 10th and part of Sept 11th. The HR Ambassador DP 34' has an odd interior layout--I don't think it is going to sell that quickly. It has an odd color-scheme too. I generally try not to get too set on any one vehicle since I'm new to this and not sure I can handle it. I am in no rush. I have decided to also go see the 1999 HR Endeavor 36' gasser (which has only 27K miles and is in very good condition--mint condition). But that RV is probably sold. I called the owner today and he said it may be sold. That's okay. There's a buyer very interested--so you're right about good ones flying off the shelf. I've got plenty of time. I'm seeing lots of models I like on RV trader, the show brochure (of course, those are all brand new models) and some other sites that show used RVs. I will not buy a new one. The newer models are so nice that I am tempted to wait 2-3 years and try to pick up a used one (like a Dutch Star or Entegra). Man, those are beautiful! Way out of my range and purpose (which will be 2 or 3 short local trips a year). I'll keep you posted. Gabriela572Views0likes0Comments2001 Holiday Rambler DP 34' with 80K miles
Hello RVers: I am a first-time RV buyer who is planning on attending 2014 Hershey RV show. I am also looking at a 2001 HR Ambassador DP 34' with 2 slides and 80K miles from a private seller. Haven't seen it yet, but the photos and description sound good. Does anyone own this and how do you like it? I am looking at all recall issues, some of which are serious involving tranny, refrig fires, etc. How does one know if the recall notice was acted upon? Would it be on the CARFAX report? I don't just want to take seller's word for it--I want it officially recorded somewhere that such-and-such work was done to address the recall issue. Second, I understand that Monaco is no longer in existence. Has this caused problems with parts, support, etc., for HR owners? Thanks for any advice. I am watching a lot of videos on how to drive an RV on youtube. Also have watched and read many things about RVs since about May when I got the RV bug. Sincerely, Gabriela840Views0likes2CommentsRe: Smoothest Ride under 35k
glamisorbust wrote: Also, don't buy one without at least one slide. Makes it much nicer to use and much easier to sell if you want to. The HR endeavor is about the best deal around. Very well built. Feels very solid driving it. The inside amenities are very nice too. Check the tire date codes(google it to find out how to read the numbers). If the tires are at all questionable either by age or wear, that is a negotiation tool. Tires are anywhere from $2500-3500 and they need to be replaced every 7 years. Hope you get it! Glam, I've eliminated the 1999 HR Endeavor because it's gas. I'm now zeroing in on a 2001 HR Ambassador DP 34' with 2 slides (covered) and 80K miles. For one thing, it's local, and it's very nice--the 1999 HR Endeavor was less local--it was about one hour away. This is real near, and the seller is willing to give me a few driving lessons and winterize it for me if I buy it. It is in good condition (from the verbal description and the pictures) but I actually see it tomorrow. The tires on it are 1 1/2 years old, according to the seller. I will not make an offer until I go to the RV show in Hershey and consult a lot of RV specialists and run through printed check-lists off the rv forums, etc--and of course, I'll pay to have it thoroughly checked out by a truck company and an RV company. Also, I want to test drive a really big rig at the show to make sure I can handle it psychologically (I think I can). Thanks for all the advice. Gabriela573Views0likes0CommentsRe: Smoothest Ride under 35k
Deano56 wrote: 2bzy2c wrote: Below is a 2000 Monaco Diplomat on auction. The reserve has been met at 12K Monaco Diplomat lots of repair to be done on this one My sense is the Diplomat auction is over and the thing is sold. On Cranky Ape, I cannot observe the price the item actually sold it (the way one can on Ebay), so it's a little frustrating to try to use as a market gauge and point of reference. Also, I'm a bit alarmed by the lack of bidding on the Cranky Ape site in general--makes me think these RVs sure don't have much draw if I ever go to sell something I've bought myself down the road. I have a HR DP in my sights off local Craigslist--just waiting like the Cheshire cat for the sellers to come down on the price. And if I don't get it, that's okay, too. I've learned in life not to get too set on any purchase, or one will get taken. Gabriela572Views0likes0CommentsRe: Smoothest Ride under 35k
Thanks, Glam: You have convinced me to go diesel. I have one in my cross-hairs (oldish, but not too old HR diesel), local, a real gem. I'll spare you the details (also, don't want to jinx it), but I know in my heart it will be mine, and in the not-too-distant. It's destiny, I just know it. Are you going to the Hershey show? I am so looking forward to that. Sincerely, Gabriela573Views0likes0CommentsRe: Smoothest Ride under 35k
glamisorbust wrote: Even though you like the gas motorhome you are looking at, I would hold off and keep looking. I had literally been looking on craigslist every day for two months for a deal to present itself. I had a 1994 georgie boy pursuit 28' chevy 454 gas engine and a 4kw kohler generator. It ran ok but definitely did not have enough power. The generator was underneath the kitchen so you still heard it but not too loud. The engine roaring and getting hot between the two passengers is one part I did not like. In the DP, you can literally talk in a low voice, with the generator running and be able to hear each other clearly. Much, much different from a gas engine. Also, the heat and exhaust are all out back, behind you. Now, there are drawbacks to the diesel. Like if someone wants to sleep on the back bed going down the highway, the engine is right underneath you and producing quite a bit of noise and heat. I have slept on one and didn't get much sleep going down the road. Too bouncy back there anyways, on either the gas or diesel version. Now, my dad bought a 2001 HR endeavor about 4 years ago. It came all setup to tow and also came with a 2001 jeep liberty. His has a larger cat 350, larger tires, 10 lug wheels and an extra slide out back. But he also paid $55k for his package, and I paid $32k for mine. I would look at ebay but be sure you can look the unit over in person before you buy it. Craigslist is where the best deals can be found. The people I sold my '94 georgie boy to were clueless to RV's so I spent about half the day running them through every system on it. They were very grateful for me doing that. Make sure the seller is not rushing you through anything. If they do that probably means they are hiding something. Helps to take a friend with you to maybe see things you don't.572Views0likes0Comments
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