BrewMeister
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Re: washing detergent
dad2aprincess wrote: What kind of washing detergent do you guys use, and where do you buy it? We have a Splendide washer/dryer combo, and my wife insists we need to use their detergent, which is quite pricey once you have it shipped. Is there a good reason to use the Splendide brand, and if so, have you ever found it in a store? We have used Charlie Soap for the last 12-15 years in our sticks and bricks home. It is HE. Works great, you use less than a tablespoon per load. Works great in the Splendide.487Views0likes0CommentsRe: Full Time
Jean S wrote: ...Have it checked out by a good mechanic and technician... This is advice we often received during our search. It sounds reasonable, however, it proved to be very problematic. We struggled finding anyone that we trusted to perform a comprehensive inspection on a Class A coach. This may be less problematic on a simpler RV, however, finding a qualified independent "Good Mechanic" or "RV Technician" virtually impossible. Also consider that the coach is often remote from our location, perhaps the other side of the country, you really have no idea what might be the motivation of the "inspector", particularly if you don't spend the time and money to perform the inspection with them. Here is what we ultimately decided and why. After a couple years of searching we found ourselves in the final steps of purchasing a used motorhome. After contacting several “RV Inspectors” and receiving quotes of $400 - $1300 to perform an inspection. Our thought process is: OK, so they come and look at the rig, they basically do a functional check of a number (between 40-160) items. Let’s assume he/she checks everything and it functions as best he/she can determine. And we buy the coach. If I go directly behind him a day later after the money for the inspection and the coach has been spent and the item doesn’t work, what is my recourse? Nothing. I’ve spent $1300 for “a moment in time” functional check and I have no real lasting value from that expenditure other than the “RV Inspector” had said it worked. That is to say - the previous owner isn’t going to make good on the defective item, nor the “RV Inspector”. Neither has any skin in the game. So here is what we decided. I researched a number of exclusionary extended warranties/service contracts. In that research I learned, that for used motorhomes, they require an inspection before they will concluded the extended warranty/service contract. And that inspection can be done prior to you committing to the purchase of the service contract. They only require that you prepay for the inspection. In our case that was $250 (which is credited to the cost of the contract, if you go forward with the deal). Now perhaps the same inspector will inspect the motorhome, although at a much better price, he is to perform a test drive, and a full photo documentation of the condition and functionality of the systems and components covered in the service contract, which is extensive. If at the conclusion the service contract company concludes the coach has no pre-existing defects, we can purchase the service contract if we like or forego the $250 and walk away. If however, we spend the money on the service contract, the inspector and the company he represents has some “skin in the game”, so to me they have every reason to do a proper inspection and identify real problems. And at the same time I have only spent $250 and have the option to proceed or not with the service contract. For us, it is the best solution we have found to the “have someone you trust inspect the RV” suggestion. YMMV Tim 2009 American Coach Tradition 42P315Views0likes0CommentsRe: Braking System for Tow Vehicle
wa8yxm wrote: ... Now we get to electrically operated systems. US-Gear Unified Brake Decelerator offers the most control over the towed brakes of any system made, This system the only visible part is the bracket like on the top listing. There is also a solenoid system but it is normally under the driver's seat (I put mine elsewhere but still out of sight). This system eats battery power, but gets it from the motor home. ... Just an FYI. The US-Gear Unified braking system is no longer manufactured. Supposedly some legal dispute over who exactly held the rights to manufacture the system, so US GEAR seized production. They still support the system and the systems are still available from stock that exists. The person who won the legal dispute now makes a very similar system, called- SMARTBRAKE.273Views0likes0CommentsRe: Full Time
dmcgiffin wrote: Appreciate all the replies. Those with a coach that has been pretty trouble free and support from manufacturer is a great recommendation. I certainly don't expect a warranty on an older coach....just want reliability with the power train and workmanship. We have owned numerous RV's over the years...some certainly better than others. The Gulf Stream we presently own, while it was an entry level coach it has been great. Gasser with good power....until we climb a 6% grade, but...since we are retired, not in any hurry. But we are now seriously considering selling the house and doing a lot more travel and believe it is time for a diesel pusher and a better floor plan with four slides. Top budget is $130,000 and we have seen on the internet a pretty good choice to choose from. Will head down to the Las Vegas area and Phoenix area in the spring to trade....seems like a big selection in these two areas. Good luck on your search - we went through a similar evaluation of USED DPs, we narrowed our search to the following three manufacturers: American Coach Newmar Foretravel We felt uncomfortable buying a manufacturer that was no longer in business, so we generally stayed clear of those. We decided we'd rather buy from a private seller, than a dealer. Our dealer experiences were disappointing to say the least. And in my opinion they add very little to a used DP purchase. We also decided there would be no payments, buy only what we could afford to "pay for in full". BOTTOM-LINE the recommendation we received, most consistently, from other long-time MH owners, was this: "Set your budget, and buy the highest QUALITY coach you can afford." So far we are very happy with the rig we bought to eventually begin our full-time adventure - counting down the days.315Views0likes0Comments
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