et_cetera
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Enhancing RV security
First of all, I am not retired and not even close to retirement age, I both work and full-time and thus leave my RV unattended for 8-10 hours at a time. This makes it a considerably easier target than a RV that is occupied by someone and the schedule is not predictable. Thus security is the most serious concern. Not that I have anything really valuable, nothing beyond a computer and similar hardware but I would hate to lose the few things I have. I am in the process of buying something and when the deal is finalized, when I finally take possession, I am going to take a number of steps to harden the security profile. First thing that comes to mind, beyond an alarm, is a motion camera, IP-based. Then a kill switch so the whole thing does not get stolen. There has to be a lot more one can do to harden the target, multiple layers of security. Investing several thousand in it seems like a smart idea. One of these GPS trackers is not out of the question, in case it does get stolen. It's the age we live in, crime seems to go up everywhere, economic times are uncertain.4.8KViews0likes18CommentsRe: 14 Reasons You Will Regret an RV in Retirement
Most of these are captain obvious click-bait type BS. But: I think *my* biggest concern is security. I am not retired, not close to it, I work and thus leave my RV unattended for most of the day. It is a relatively easy target. The type of security RVs offer is not of the same caliber as household security. Break-ins even stealing the whole thing is not out of the question. I am in the process of buying something and when I do, I will do my best to upgrade security. Go above and beyond. Possibly install a kill switch, etc. I have to deal with issues that most retired full-timers just do not encounter. I don't keep anything valuable in it but it's not really a solution either.1.4KViews0likes0CommentsRe: 14 Reasons You Will Regret an RV in Retirement
JimK-NY wrote: This kind of sad journalism is called click bait. I doubt the professional writer who cranks out this nonsense has ever even owned an RV. Here is my experience on the 14 points. 1. My RV was not expensive. 2. Even years later we have changed none of the decor. 3. Depreciation was a plus for us. We bought used. 4. I spent less on fuel while traveling than when I commuted for work. 5. Insurance costs on our RV were really, really low. 6. We had no issues with healthcare or finding providers. 7. Waste is a nuisance not much worse than taking out the trash. 8. Space is tight indoors but we lived in the great wide outdoors. 9. My RV is easy too drive and park. We did not overdo the size. 10. We never had an issue finding parking and rarely make reservations. 11. In over 10 years, we only had one simple repair performed by a shop. 12. We downsized but also stored much of our stuff. Storage was cheap. 13. Loneliness was not an issue and we visited friends and relatives. 14. We did not need to prep by renting first. We bought our RV and never used it until we started as full timers. There were no surprises or setbacks. Excellent response, *applause*1.4KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Class C that's easy to fix?
4x4van wrote: . . . I've owned 2 class C's, both on E350 chassis, and they were both a nightmare to work on. . . . . Working on MY class A (Workhorse chassis) on the other hand, is like stretching out in a large open air garage. The easily removed doghouse (one quarter-turn allen bolt) exposes the entire top of the engine from just behind the radiator to the trans, and both sides are fully accessible from the large wheel wells without even removing a tire; all sparkplugs and coils are easily visible and accessible, as are all of the exhaust manifold studs. The entire floor is above the engine, not at the mid-engine level. Oil change? I can literally sit nearly upright underneath with full access to the drain plug and filter, as there is no other "stuff" closely surrounding the engine/trans and the floor is higher than the C. Belts and hoses are a bit of a pain, but certainly not much worse than my class Cs. Obviously, some class A's may be worse, but all class C's have tight working space around the drivetrain. The same blanket statement cannot be made about class A's. Do you have any pics or a link? Tried searching and none came up. I want to visualize this. As I am considering that model based on your description.561Views0likes0CommentsRe: The importance of a TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System
pics - wow. I had a wheel come off on a regular pickup. I borrowed it. Not sure why, maybe the owner didn't tighten all the lug nuts correctly. I did drive on 3 wheels for at least 100-200 yards, it was the rear wheel and not immediately noticeable, especially with the trailer hitch that was kind of propping up the rear. The axle dragged on the ground towards the end, I felt the grind and stopped. Could not find the wheel anywhere.546Views0likes0CommentsRe: F550 based class C?
n0arp wrote: There are the Dynamax (Ram 5500 based) and Thor (F-550 based), but you won't find either at that price. The cheapest they seem to run on RVTrader is mid 80s, with very slim pickings at that price. I found a few 2007 models, one for $48K, one for 62K, both 30' models with slides. Dynamax Isata. I am specifically looking for Isata F-series IF-255, which is the smallest one they made, with no slides. I think finding it for between 40-50K is totally doable in that range. Ebay is even cheaper but you can get zero warranty. That is, if it ever shows up there.566Views0likes0CommentsDynamax Isata F-series
I realize they don't make it anymore, it seems to have been superseded by the Isata 5 and others but I am interested in the older Isata IF-255, it's a class C with a F550 front and no slides. It's the cheapest luxury they made, hopefully their price will reflect that. Rvtrader has nothing.. how does one find this specific model? Interested in one about 7-10 years old.950Views0likes1Comment
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