Gale_Hawkins
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Re: First Time Buyer...Updated 03/06/2006
melvonnar wrote: thead wrote: Buy an older (Pre computer controlled), road proven, quality, diesel pusher.[AND HAVE DEEP POCKETS/quote] You make a good point. We made out ok buying a 1993 GBM (32') with the 454 gas engine (91K miles) and a 5 year old factory rebuild transmission back in 2007 for $7995 after the kids age 9 asked for a MH. We did change spark plugs and the transmission fluid and worked on the house in the driveway and made several trips before our 8K mile (30 day) trip from KY to the Pacific coast in 2011 and the kids on their 14th birthday got to learn how to get up on a surf board in Carlsbad, CA. Now that the kids are 22 and getting on with life I need to get it out of the driveway I guess. The wife home schooled the kids and I used the old MH to teach home and auto repair so the MH worked out well for us. $20K should get a nice gas motor home and not have any $20K repair bills like is possible with an old DP. While the MH never left us on the side of the road my plan was to rent a PU or van and load up the stuff and kids and sign over the title to someone and head back to KY if we had serious problems or an accident. Everyone is different so there is no advice that works for others. New or old motor homes are basically money pits but that is not a concern for some but it was in our case. With that being said I would do it over again for the sake of the kids. I read that COVID-19 is driving up the demand for RV's in general.1.4KViews0likes0CommentsRe: First Time Buyer...Updated 03/06/2006
ajacobs1112 wrote: The information was abundant and informative. Thanks. I have never owned an RV and am contemplating going out full time with my wife and two teen aged kids. As much as I think a fifth wheel would possibly give us the most living space, I feel the cost of a truck and suitable sized rig(both used) would be prohibitive, as compared to a used class a. I've seen units ranging up to 50K which is around where I would like to be, but I'm afraid to lay out that money when there are usually no warranties on used vehicles. Are there ways to protect myself from this through insurance or private warranty companies. Any advice on any of what I have shared would be appreciated. $50K will buy a lot of MH. The newer the better typically. 10 year/100K miles can be a sweet spot for some people. Diesel engine/transmission rebuild costs can be $10K-$20K in worse case which would be very rare I expect. Gas MH's cost less but come with less bells and less $$$ for repairs typically. RV living is full of risks so getting over worrying about what can go wrong ASAP is key for many. Warranty companies sell the policies to make money so I would never support their cause but some do. As long as you do not go new no mistake should cost over $20K in the first year or two to correct or get out of RV'ing. Best of success.675Views0likes0CommentsRe: Wish I could save this one...
J-Rooster wrote: I'm familiar with this RV! My next door neighbor in Port Orchard, WA. owned it for many years and never went camping in it! He sold it to a young couple in Port Angeles, WA. I had to lend them my battery charger so they could get it started so they could take it to Port Angeles. If the roof is good based on what you stated it could be an OK project. The club house idea is valid. When we bought our 1993 GBM in 2007 when the kids were 9 years old that was what I was going to do with it had it had serious drive train issues. Turned out to be a fine MH drive train wise but the house part was OK for an old MH. I guess the doors are locked too?414Views0likes0CommentsRe: Exceeding GVWR
I agree on getting a quality set of tires that can carry the real load weight with some margin of safety. Weighting each corner and each axle might help give you a better picture as to how to manage the over weight issue. Best of luck and know you are not alone with this issue.383Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hurricane Matthew
I started watching Matthew this morning for the first time because we provide PC and web based property claims handling solutions. My early thoughts this storm as the potential to become like the 1992 Andrew another election year hurricane. I like the suggestion to head west first from the east coast. Having been over 10 years since the last major hurricane I am concerned that adverse weather is not on the top of the minds of everyone. A last minute blow out or breakdown in a MH could be fatal so I agree moving too soon and too far is the safe way to go. IF things were to go PANIC stage that might be more dangerous than the hurricane. Best to the safety of all and may it turn back to sea before land fall then NOT circle back to make landfall a few days later.550Views0likes0CommentsRe: Rent a House/Duplex Rather than RV??
5thwheeleroldman wrote: We like to spend a couple of months each winter in the Mesa/Apache Junction area in our RV. Towing the 5th wheel out and back each year is getting to be a chore as we age. Depressing, yeah. Have any of you considered renting a house, flying out and back? I know the logistics and economics would be so different. Have to find a house to rent, rent a car, rent storage for kitchen utensils, etc. Any experiences/advice in this area? Like they say time changes all things. The excitement RV'ing brought the kids was a big motivator in my case it seems now. RV'ing is not going away however.463Views0likes0CommentsRe: 98 34' Allegro - Chevrolet - Runs great and then just dies
Brian in Michigan wrote: had something similar with mine even though it's a older unit. Ignition switch was getting very warm and cutting out. Since it always restarts without anything having to cool down this is a strong possibility. I have never seen this with a fuel filter personally.342Views0likes0Comments
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