not to fear...

[carolb]

I'm still here, although I haven't spent much time on the "general talk" forum...I'm a bit timid/intimidated by large groups (even online!), so I've been communicating via PMs with a couple of you (thanks so much!). I'm much more comfortable with one-on-one conversations...But this morning, I took a big breath and decided to brave the crowd! And now, to find you are such a wonderful, caring FAMILY of women, and yes, I too am not alone...

My progress: I've been shopping online for about three weeks now--still looking for my rig. I've checked out so many RV dealers and private sales hoping for a good buy in the NE/MidWest area. Unfortunately, there aren't many used class b's up here (I'm in central NY), and what there is seems awfully pricey. I've been in about 4-5 of them, so between that and looking at the pix, I know the class b is more than enough for me. The bottom line: I'm heading to FL on Monday, where there seems to be quite a selection at various dealers. I've decided buying from a dealer would be the safest way of getting my used rig, in order to get the extended warranty (I've been told the Star Warranty is the best.) I've also been given great info on what to look for in a used RV to insure as much as possible that it's in good shape...

So now, I'm asking my new "forum family" for any suggestions on what I'm about to do! Kick the tires, look under the hood, run that gennie! and so on. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know there's more to it than that, but just trying to be funny which is what I do when I get nervous in big crowds!

In advance, thanks to all who can help. Hope you're all having a good summer, and considering the excessive heat in 60-80% of the country, I hope you're all staying cool! Have a good weekend, and please, if you can help in anyway, I am extremely grateful!!!!!

[rvgrammy1953]

Sounds like you've been busy with research and shopping.... and yes, FL does has alot of RV dealers...Don't know when you'll be going to there, but if you get a chance, next month is the BIG RV Show in Hershey, PA.....not only do they show the newest RVs, but many dealers bring photos of their "cleanest" used ones to the show....just a thought... In the mean time, am sending continuing good thoughts and the best of luck in your shopping quest....

[Carolinagal]

Carolb, you described yourself dealing with big crowds or even small ones, much as some of us felt before getting our nerve up to join in here, so please know you are not alone there. Just try each day to join in a wee bit more with a comment here or there and it will get easier as you go along. Hey, look at me, I usually can't shut up, on here or at our GTG's, and I was really worse then you describe yourself !!!!! I still have to take a deep breathe and say I can do this, at times, I think down deep we all have these feelings. So join in to a group of women who can understand most any situation or feelings the other is having .

When looking for an R.V. I never kicked the tires,(some do) but did try to see date on them as to how old they were. They might look great, but be rotten.
We have quite a few ladies with B's that I'm sure if they see this will speak up and have advice for you as to what to look for or beware of.

Good luck and keep us posted as to your progress, after finding ours, one of our greatest pleasures here is to join in the fun with another Sistah looking and finding hers, no matter how long it takes, there is one with your name on it somewhere, so don't get discouraged.

Another Carol,

CArol

[retiredhappy]

I just downsized from a 30' class C in which I fulltimed for three years to a 20' Class B and I love it. Just got back from a trip with a friend to South Dakota. Loved the ability of the B (her name is Rosie) to go anywhere I could take a big truck. As for which unit for you, you take the one that whispers in your ear, "I'm yours, take me home."

No need to be shy in this group. You don't have to make long posts, jump in anywhere with just a few words.

[PeggyinCT]

Hi
I don't post much either, but I read everybody's posts.
Please do not buy a rig at Gore's RV which is in Jacksonville, FL I think.
I won't comment further here, but know that a single woman from PA got taken royally by that dealership.
Peggy

[Redwahine]

I too am doing research and looking, but not quit ready to write the check. Hang in there, the right rig is out there for you. You'll know when you see it

[Liz]

I am from FL, but when I bought my last B, a Roadtrek 210, I had to go to TX to get that good deal. So don't rule out other places in your search...it'll be worth it in the long run.

Start and run:
the generator,
the AC,
the heater,
The hot water heater,
the microwave.

Make sure the refrigerator works on both elec. and propane.

Check the water lines under pressure.

Don't expect perfect in a used unit, but know what you might have to have serviced or repaired.

Have the dealer demonstrate that the dump valves are working.

Look inside along ceiling, walls, and inside cabinets for signs of previous leaks.

Look for crazing (cracks) on the fiberglass roof and other areas.

Open and check all cabinet doors and drawers and check for good tight hardware.

And as Carolinagal said, check the date code on the tires....also batteries.

Look up the NADA book value before you start to negotiate. You'll know if they have overpriced it and by how much.

Ok, that'll get you started.

[Acadianmom]

Liz's list would be good to copy and keep with you when you look.

I have a 23' Coach House motorhome and I think they are well built. I guess mine would be considered a B+. Probably a little taller than the van ones. The Coach House factory is in Florida. They are pricy but most of the B's are.

Martha

[Bethers]

Personally, unless you have a reason to be in FL, I wouldn't head there just to look at rigs. You can do that from the comfort of your home via the internet. And I wouldn't rule out private parties. I know one lady from the NE found her rig in NV, I believe. I think that was a private party, sale, though. And you CAN buy extended warranties on rigs you get from private parties. Personally, I don't believe in those extended warranties. Read the fine print. They may or may not cover what you think they do. And know what the deductible is, also. I save money for the things that go wrong - but this is a personal choice. Many believe in the warranties - and if you feel better with one, of course, you should go with it.

Glad to have you posting - and not going to say anything more about what to check - Liz's list is a good one!

[Excel]

Bought mine online from a private party & went to Oklahoma to see it, buy it & drive it home to CA....Was one of the best choices I've made. Just saying....don't necessarily rule out private party listings....just do your homework, get lots of pics & talk to the owners before you make your choice....sometimes you just find the right one for you that way. Just my 2 cents...

[avalen]

I'm just plain excited for you to start shopping for real. I've done lots of shopping over the last couple years so I know what I want when the time comes.
My real shopping won't be for a couple more years yet.

[ellenw]

My real shopping isn't supposed to be for a couple more years yet, but once I've rented once or maybe twice, I have a feeling I'll jump when the right one calls my name.

[carolb]

Okay ladies! I'm feeling so much better about posting, although I do say stupid things at times, so beware! And I'm feeling so much better about my search! As someone asked, do I have another reason to go to FL other than for the intent purpose of buying? Well, yes! Of course it's the worst time to year to vacation in FL, but I'll stay at my sis's winter farm/home--my first visit there--and she's setting me up to meet several of her neighbors. So even if I don't find "the one," I'll be meeting new friends! I have been in FL in the summer--ugh, yes, very humid! WOW, thanks for the Hershey PA info! That's close to me, so that's good to know if I come home empty-handed. And excellent info re private sellers, warranties, and I'll avoid Gore!!!! I'll definitely be taking the "LIZ LIST" with me! Seems you all agree with her advice, which agrees with the advice I got from my PM friend!!!! ...You know, I have a degree in psych, but here I am, almost 62, and still struggling with insecurities!!! You'd think I could figure myself out by now!!!! Feeling very welcomed by all of you though, so a world of THANKS!!!! Have a great weekend!

[Dawn309]

Carolb, having a degree in Psych does not absolve you from insecurities. Believe me we all have them. They just manifest in different ways. My mantra right now now is "I CAN do this". Believe me, I have days when I just want to bury my head under the covers and avoid the day, then my mantra kicks in. You are doing great and I am cheering you on!

[MsJane]

I agree about not ruling out private sales completely. If nothing else you will get a better understanding of what you are really searching for. You also get some practice with buyer to seller communications. How many of us have said I wished I had done xyz differently?

Good luck and take care,
MsJane