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Topic: New here (Read 11 times) previous topic - next topic
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New here
Yahoo Message Number: 147786
I'm looking at getting into RVing. I'm running into issues.

I just looked at some RVs and some campers and my problem is thus...

The RVs that I can afford look a bit claustrophobic and I wonder where I'll get all my stuff in.

The RV I liked was a 1996 Ford Econoline base and it was about 21 feet. The shower and toilet were good. Not sure there was enough storage. Mind, I reckon I probably have a ton of sheer junk that needs to vanish.

The RV will pull a maximum of 5500LBS. My Xterra weighs 4300LBS and has to go on a trailer because it's automatic, apparently. My Xterra will pull a maximum of 5500LBS too which makes pulling a camper almost impossible. I like my Xterra and don't want to part with it.

I'm going to be moving most likely to Charlotte on a 3 month contract and figured an RV would serve well as a base for those 3 months.

My budget is a little elastic but I'm trying to keep under about 2 - 6 K and preferably as low as possible. Ideally, I'd like the whole RV to be electric inside with solar panels powering it. Bonus if the RV propulsion is electric too but I doubt that'll happen yet.
Re: New here
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147802
The age and configuration of the RV should match the amount of time you plan to spend traveling as opposed to parking. The more you want to move around, the more I'd recommend spending on a newer rig. If it's mostly going to stay in one place for an extended time, you can risk a little more in the way of a tired engine/trans and go with something older and less expensive.
 As for the stuff, living in an RV teaches discipline. You'll quickly figure out how much (little) "stuff" you actually need. If you were to lose it all tomorrow in a fire or a flood, how much would you really miss?
 No doubt you can find something out there in the price range you're looking for, but you will probably have to compromise on options -- storage space vs solar vs reliable power train vs repairs needed to make it weather tight. ALL RVs need maintenance and repairs to prevent water damage and mold, especially in areas with a warm, humid climate. Even a Lazy Daze in that price range will be far from perfect but still better most likely than any other brands.
 For $2000 to $6000 and a 3 month gig, you may be just as well off at one of those "extended stay" hotels, and you probably won't have to worry about heating and cooling, leaks, maintenance, insurance, or break-ins. You may or may not be as safe or comfortable in an RV park that will admit you with an older rig -- many draw the line at 10 years old.
 Not to discourage you from the RV lifestyle -- I wouldn't trade it for a second, but it's a good idea to ease into it, especially if your first experience will be full-timing in an older rig.
Re: New here
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147803
I'm looking at a whole host of options. I did see one on Craigslist. I suspect it's probably not worth a quarter of the asking price. So many of these CL RVs have been so obviously clocked.

http://columbia.craigslist.org/rvs/4599634058.html This looks like there could be serious issues - that's my gut feeling. What's your opinion?

I looked at a few RVs and campers today and came away feeling rather confused as though I've been dropped in at the deep end.
Re: New here
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147804
I bought my Lazy Daze from Craig's List.

Even though it was 22 years old with 130,000 miles it is as perfect as one could expect and came with the generator, two solar panels and new 6v house batteries.  Everything works - even the factory installed CB radio.

All I have had to do so far is put on a new tv antenna, change the oil and replace the tires.  I will do all the brakes this winter.

I did have to pay $8,000 but considering all the follow-on expenses I did NOT have, it was a real bargain.

After all I've learned, I would recommend a 1990 or newer LDz but mostly because of the one piece roof and the elimination of the front window.

Good luck in your search.
Re: New here
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147807
Bill, you were exceptionally lucky not to have to put several thousand dollars into an rig that old. (Well, not counting the money it will cost you to fix the cab air conditioner. Mine came to $1,100, and that was twelve years ago.) Your case was definitely not typical.

Most buyers of older/lower priced motorhomes can expect to put $2,000-$3,000 into the coach before it's safely drivable... and livable. For example, tires alone will run well over a thousand, and they're almost always needed on these older rigs.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: New here
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147809
There are scams aplenty on Craigslist. And a few genuine deals. Buyer beware. Check out RV dealers and used car lots, and whatever spots around town people park their "for sale" vehicles together too.
 If by "clocked" you mean its had the odometer rolled back, this is actually not all that likely with motorhomes -- they typically spend a lot more time parked than they do being driven and even 30 year old rigs can be genuinely "low mileage". That is not always a good thing -- the tires and hoses still rot, the gas gets "old" and nasty, generators won't start, grease dries out, batteries die, brakes rust ... not to mention the effect of constant weather on the coach body.
 High mileage is not necessarily a deal breaker for the commercial van chassis on which these are built. Consider that these are built for a variety of commercial use including U-Haul type trucks, shuttle buses, delivery vans, and so on, and none of those get babied -- people beat the hell out of them, especially rental vehicles. http://www.millionmilevan.com/ is an entertaining read.
 You can get an estimate of the used value of a typical "Some Other Brand" RV from here: http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs
 There's a price guide for used Lazy Daze motorhomes in the Files section of this group -- resale value tends to be higher for LD because they are better built to begin with, and owners usually take good care of them.
 There's a substantial gap between your budget and your proposed application, unfortunately. If you opt for reasonably priced short term accommodation during your contract, and watch your spending, you may be able to afford a more suitable rig by the time the job is done.
Re: New here
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147820
I don't have much money. My job ended here in SC then unemployment insurance ended. I'm medical office staff but can't get a job here in SC at all. Sure - I could probably spend less of my own money by working for some miserable little fast food joint but I certainly wouldn't earn a living off it.

It has become very clear that I'm not going to get another job here in SC. I'm not sure what the deal is but I do know in many cases it's just sheer sexism. As an example, three jobs I got turned down because I'm not a woman. The first I had my ladyfriend call after I called to book the interview and was told there were no jobs and that they knew nothing of the email. They told my ladyfriend to come on down - there were loads of jobs. Interesting! I had the same kind of thing off a few other employers. It just seems if you're not black and female, you don't get a job in SC.

Thus, I am wanting to up-sticks and go someplace else chasing work. I can't very well go for jobs in NC living in SC. I need to be able to move around fluidly. I can't wait to get the Hell out of this absolutely miserable state that I've been trapped in for the last 10 years.
Re: New here
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147822
We are almost destitute too. Living in our LD in an RV park in  Washington state. At least it's not cold yet, what with the big windows &  crummy insulation.
Re: New here
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147826
Not spam; merely expressing my frustration with my situation.

I'm actively looking to get a travel trailer or an RV so that I can get the heck out of South Carolina.

I think there's far more chance of getting work outside SC. Certainly I had some calls from an agency in NC - I get nothing from any SC agency.