norfla71
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Re: Observations from recent searches
CopilotCompanion wrote: What Dan said in the first paragraph. It sounds like our criteria are very simlar. I'm finding it difficult to locate these used models in the South, however? Would you believe that I contacted Oliver about a price matrix & they emailed me one... including options? That was refreshing. I can't seem to get over their stove but in the larger scheme of things, I guess that's minor? I also got a quick response from Anita at Oliver. If price were no object, it would be Oliver over Airstream every time. It's still too early to use price as a factor; something may change financially between now and purchase. For me, price isn't as important as layout; the Oliver is on the small side, and we would like more space inside. However, I don't believe there is a longer lasting trailer currently made. And I hear good things about their customer support. Same with Lance.654Views0likes0CommentsRe: Observations from recent searches
Alabama Jim wrote: We toured the Riverside factory in Lagrange, In. and found they do a great job trying to build in quality. You can review what they have at Riverside dot com. Just browsed their site. The local CW gets so many of the retro style trailers now I can't recall seeing an actual Retro there or not, definitely not a Mt McKinley. Looks nice.654Views0likes0CommentsRe: Observations from recent searches
Naio wrote: The trick with houses is to buy pre-1970. That's where you get quality. Too many potential issues if it hasn't been updated, most of which have nothing to do with structure. And, here in Florida, insurance can double the payment. Somehow I keep getting sucked into off-topic discussions. Blame the AADD.654Views0likes0CommentsRe: Observations from recent searches
qtla9111 wrote: The rv industry is highly unregulated. I would trade bling, bells and whistles for a rig that didn't leak and lasted for a few years. For what we pay, be it 30K or some ridiculous price of 500K quality shouldn't be built into the price. It should be the same for everyone. People talk a lot about buying American. Where's the beef? It's heartbreaking. I can't believe the number of bad posts about rigs falling apart, catching fire or becoming unusable because of poor build quality, malfunctioning appliances or lack of customer support. I saw a $500k Grand Tour near me in the service bay with multiple slides that had come off track. When I asked the sales guy helping me, he told me the coach was 6 months old and it happened on first use. Once you're money is gone, so is the concern.656Views0likes0CommentsRe: Observations from recent searches
mds1 wrote: Norfla71, Some buy the trailer with all the construction options they want up front. Some buy a used or new unit and drag it around the country having it upgraded to get there. Still searching but hope to get there. Good luck in your search. We're planning on finding the best build quality in the floorplan we like, then upgrade as time goes on. Some are cosmetic, others more involved; none too expensive.655Views0likes0CommentsRe: Observations from recent searches
Grit dog wrote: Ever live in a house over 10 years old? $100,000s for a house and they need work as they age too. Broke my cardinal rule of not buying a "used" house last time around. All previous homes were 0-2 ears old and we put another 2-5 years on them relatively maintenance free. Last one was built in 2000 and going on 17 hrs in a wet climate. Admittedly it's not the Best build quality either. It's builder grade materials in a custom home look, lol. It's a constant maintenance and repair project. A camper will be no different. Good luck finding that maintenance free lifetime RV. 26 years old this fall; T1-11 siding near the gulf. Yes, I'm intimately familiar with old homes in humid areas. over 200sqft of siding replaced and counting.654Views0likes0CommentsRe: Observations from recent searches
Everyone, If you re-read what I posted, at no time did I say we were looking for a "maintenance free lifetime rv", or the fact we started out looking at mega buck campers not intending to buy; please stop putting words into my post. If you look again, I explained the intentions, and was disappointed by the result. Again, we know very well the downfalls of buying a money pit, but want as few issues as possible, or the ability to correct them without having to rely on a dealer to haggle with someone at the factory to get work approved; warranties are a joke if the manufacturer doesn't stand behind them. I've dealt with the he said/she said concerning manufacturers v. dealers placing blame on warranty denial. I depend on my skill set to fix most things, and usually do a better job than repair facilities I've dealt with. We'll only be able to do this for so long, but don't want the payment to last beyond the trailer, either. And considering most warranties are limited to begin with, it's not something we're overly concerned about. There is an Oliver in my area I may check out. I also like the fact it's built like a boat. As stated, however, it may be beyond our budget; starts at $50k, but approaches $70 with options.654Views0likes0CommentsObservations from recent searches
Long story short wife and I are researching a future purchase, and started looking at "full time" campers, after having owned aluminum Starcraft and Salem products that fell apart after a couple of years. We looked at brands everyone should know, Redwood, Landmark, Solitude and Pinnacle, to name a few, to avoid those same issues. Keep in mind these are my observations and opinions. Use them as a tool, but don't take anything here as definitive. They all looked nice inside; the common theme seems to be bling over substance. Residential fittings, upgraded carpet, nice floor plans. However, after looking for hours, the bling becomes distracting, and they all start to blend together. I took a step back and started noticing the important details. Price does not dictate quality. All were either at or approaching 6 figures. Keep in mind these are brand new units and considered "full time". One of the Landmarks had a complete wall cover separating from the wall in the kitchen; bottom corner, about 2 feet and climbing. Was not properly stapled. Another had rust covering most of the frame (and was starting to penetrate the layers as evidenced by blistering and flaking). A Solitude had a cabinet door that flexed so much it broke the staples at the bottom edge. The Redwood had a musty smell, like there was an old leak. The Pinnacle had a bathroom door handle not installed; it was sitting on the bed. Most of them had cheap feeling "wood" trim that looked as if it would start peeling like my Salem did. Even the underbelly coverings we low quality; coated cardboard that most only attached with a few screws directly to the frame. At least the Solitude used strapping to spread out the stress. I've looked at much cheaper campers with better underbelly materials. I can't recall which, but one of them also had a cheap plastic faucet in the kitchen rather than the expected true residential unit. From my online research, there are a few true "full time" campers being made; Spacecraft, DRV, Augusta, Renegade, New Horizon and others I've forgotten. From my research you can get into one of these new for not much more than the volume models. Spacecraft, for example, has units starting well below most of those, and you can customize, something not available with dealer stock brands. And the used market attests to the quality; I find a lot of the custom brands on the used market for substantially more than a comparable volume brand. For transparency, we cannot afford those luxo liners, and are looking at smaller and lighter. We do not plan on full timing, but need something for extended stay that will also allow us full access to state parks and other areas where monster coaches won't fit. We wanted to know if spending more actually gets you better built; the answer is, sadly, no, just more expensive repairs. Our current choices are limited to about 25' (23 or less would be better) with minimal to no carpet, minimal or no slides, simple but comfortable floor plan, ease of repair and maintenance and low out the door cost (willing to spend more for better quality and durability). Airstream is out; I saw a new $50k Bambi with a bunch of dents and creases on the curb side rear 1/4 and know, from experience, that will need replacement rather than repair; it's ugly and expensive to fix. Every Airstream I've seen on the road has some sort of damage. And we don't like any of the floorplans. With that criteria current contenders are: Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1800RB Lance 2285 or 2295 Bigfoot 25B25RQ Oliver Legacy Elite II standard We know all trailers have potential issues, and Keystone is not highly rated in that area. However, if we're going to be stuck with potential issues, anyway, we're looking to spend as little as possible upfront. We like that floorplan and, with it being a basic box design, repairs and maintenance will be relatively simple. I plan on having a "lifetime" roof process done at some point, which will eliminate a large percentage of complaints.4.6KViews0likes21CommentsRe: Ram owners; Ram 1500/2500 ownership question
IdaD wrote: A 1500 Ram isn't as stout as a new F150. Not only less power but 5 lug axles versus 6. The new 3.5 Eco will be the class leader among half ton tow vehicles, imo. . Not according to a few owners I've spoken to. They all traded a previous gen 150 or traded out of a Chevy. They all have the same complaint; the lower mass, compared to the previous steel trucks, creates an issue when towing heavier loads. The weight "wags the dog", which is why trucks should be heavier; you need the extra weight to help control the load. Electronic nannies will only go so far to defy physics. Considering I wouldn't tow near what the 150 is capable of without a 2500, the Ram has a more realistic rating. Considering the Ecoboost is a gas version of the modern diesels (DI, forced induction, required emissions) I can't imagine getting a lot of years use without a lot of expensive problems. On top of that, the Fords a more expensive than Ram; I saw an XLT recently for the same price as a 1500 LH. Add the expense of aluminum repairs and, well, I can't justify it. Chevy is nice but, again, more than Ram. About your fuel mileage comment; yeah, the 2500 will suck fuel all the time, but we will not have a trailer hooked up full time, and fuel economy does come into play. At any rate, we have time to look at both options. I've had several Ford and Dodge 3/4 and 1 tons, and they were bears to live with daily, but great in their element.551Views0likes0CommentsRe: Ram owners; Ram 1500/2500 ownership question
KD4UPL wrote: I seriously question how a 1500 with the same engine as a 2500 is going to get 50% better fuel mileage. I suspect the two trucks will be extremely close in mileage towing or not. Assuming they have the same gear ratio. The engines are the same, the driver is the same, the body is basically the same. Why would the MPG be so much better? The 1500 weighs a ton less than the 2500 Mega, has a 3.92 gear v/s 4.10, an 8 speed auto v/s 6 speed, better aerodynamics and aerodynamic aids. Though lighter duty, the 1500 is still pretty stout; much more so than a new F150, which gets pushed around by larger TT much more than the 1500. I also have friends with 4x2, 6.4 bed Laramie's, and they are getting between 22 and 24 unloaded, obviously less towing. A coworker has a 3/4 CC 6.4 and rarely gets over 15 unloaded, or roughly 50% worse than a 1500. Not making numbers up here, as you can find them for yourself with a bit of research. Again, NO DISELS! Yes, I have reasons for not wanting a modern diesel. They are my reasons; you just have to believe my conviction and move on.551Views0likes0Comments
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