UPDATE Would like your opinion on what to do with RV

[Wanderer2]

I just wanted to mention a good kindle book that I read. Good tips on negotiation. $2.99 on Amazon or Kindle unlimited for free.

http://www.amazon.com/Buying-Used-Motor ... B007OV4TBY

[Olive6001]

Just ordered it and more. A few RV books on Kindle Unlimited. Thanks!
Nikki

[gingerK]

Nikki good advice here. Ultimately it's down to your decision what you really want to do with your life. I can only add that if you do want to keep your present RV, the decals can be replaced and the outside, whether fiberglas or metal, can be refurbished by a professional body shop. Might be it just needs buffing out to bring back the shine and make it look nice again. But you have to decide at what point you feel you have spent enough on it. I'd do as someone else suggested and make a "pro and con" list. Helps me to actually put things down on paper to see the situation clearly. {{Hugs}} to you.

Nikki, I'm not sure what area of the country you are in. If you were close to the Midwest, my shop would be happy to take a look at your RV's exterior.

[Liz]

Nicki, I have my RV treated annually with Polyglow, which is used for Fiberglass restoration on boats and RVs. The first time, it took several coats to restore the shine, but only 2 or 3 coats annually now to keep it looking like new. I hire it done, but you can get a kit and do it yourself. Here's a link:
http://www.poliglow-int.com

[Olive6001]

Ginger, I'm just north of San Antonio, Texas. Thanks for your encouragement. I had some pitting on the hood and a front fender. My RV guy said $1,000 to repaint just those two places. I can't imagine what it would cost to remove decals and paint the whole thing. Still, it is an option to keep in mind. One possible scenario s is is that I sell my house and all my earthly belongings and start full timing in this rig. Under those circumstances, I might just drive to IL and pay you a visit. And yes, I realize the decision is up to me.

Liz, this is great info. You posted just as I was going to respond to Ginger. What kind of shop would I go to?

I love asking this forum for input. One comment builds on another until, voila! All is made clear....clearer....well at least I'm starting to see the forest for the trees.

[Liz]

Liz, this is great info. You posted just as I was going to respond to Ginger. What kind of shop would I go to?

I have this done when I'm in the Ocala, Florida area. The company was recommended by Tri-Am RV where I have my RV service done. The company's name is CAM Dynamic Auto Shine. They have a Facebook Page, but no website. Tel. (352) 427-0092. They come to your campsite and do a great job. It cost about $300 for the annual maintenance, but I can't remember how much it was the first time.

From their FB page: CAM Dynamic Auto Shine is a mobile (on-site) detailing company. We detail RV's Boats, and Cars in Central Florida. We Specialize in the application of Poli-Glow fiberglass sealant, and Dicor Rubber Roof sealant.
Phone
+1 352-427-0092
Email
chuck.miner@camdynamic.com

Perhaps you can find someone locally that does it by googling or asking around.

[avalen]

I'm impressed with that Poli glow, would love to get a kit and do my rv, maybe when the weather gets a little warmer I'll tackle that job.

[Acadianmom]

Thanks for the link, Liz. I might order the kit. My son does a web site for a guy that details RV's and boats but I think he is more into the Diesel Pushers and big boats and people with deep pockets. That's not me.

Martha

[BarbaraRose]

I look at everything as a learning experience rather than a mistake. As cute as that popup camper was that I bought last spring, it wasn't right for me. But I learned a lot in the process for next time.

Here is another thought...can you trade your little car in for something that can be used as a tow vehicle and then buy a little trailer for smaller camping trips? Trailers are a lot cheaper than RV's and cheaper to insure since there is no engine. Obviously you will pay more for the bigger vehicle tho. I am looking for a 2006+ Jeep Grand Cherokee for around $10K or less and those are rated to pull over 6000lbs which is plenty to pull a smaller trailer. That way you can keep your home and have something to do some camping with too.

Just another idea. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Good luck!

[Olive6001]

Thanks, Barbie. Certainly something to consider. I admire your philosophy; it must be very comforting.

Nikki

[gingerK]

Nikki, if your rig's fiberglas, it might not need repainting. Just buffing out. Your RV guy is a bit high on that estimate unless you have rot that goes all the way through the fender or hood. If that's the case, I think you could replace the fender and hood and paint it for less, using used parts. I'll ask my DH what all would be involved in removing decals but I think it's pretty easy and you might be able to do it yourself. And if you want to take a road trip, we'd be happy to look over your RV.

[Olive6001]

Hi Ginger, thanks for replying. The hood and fender weren't rotted, no holes, just spots where the paint had chipped off. I ended up giving it a light sanding and using white spray paint. I put a "who rescued who" paw magnet over the worst spot. Thanks for the offer to research decal removal. I'm grateful for any info you can pass along. I do a lot of daydreaming and one of my favorite fantasies is to have Betsy painted in polka dots and "I drive 55" stenciled on the back. How fun would that be!

One of my favorite mixed media artists is in Illinois and I've thought about taking a class from her or visiting her studio. I don't know where you are in Illinois; I'd have to look up where she is. If I ever end up near you, I'll be sure to say howdy. Thank you for your generosity.

Hope your Sunday is peaceful.

Nikki

[Birdie]

Nikki remember the outside will get more chips, scratches and boo-boos as you drive down the road. So you could make it pristine and in the first five miles you get a rock on your gorgeous new paint job! You have done a fantastic job on your remodeling! You love dry camping. You traveled lots of interesting out of the way places and had a great time. You can do anything you heart desires and you should. That is all part of your decision making process.

My cargo doors always collect water at the bottom of the door frame after rain. I don't consider that a leak because it only happens after water runs down the side of the rig. But then my other rigs did the same. As you know, when you trade in the dealer has mechanics to check out your rig and you got nobody unless they let you take it to someone and then you cannot tell about leaking unless you are looking during the rainy season.

I justified my new rig payment as a house payment. No biggie to me as I had been making a house payment or rent all of my adult life. It is true that it is difficult to be full time and spend less than $1500 a month per year. At that rate my rig/car insurance is 1 1/2 months rate and personal insurance, meds take the other 1/2 of that month. "Have to" bills like tax on my property in OK, vehicle tags, RV park fees, gas, oil changes, rig maintenance, cell phone and data card, and yes food and it all adds up. It upsets me when I see ladies wanting to hit the road on that small sum and they buy old rigs and they aren't mechanically inclined and don't have roadside service or backup money. A reality budget is a necessity when you are starting out. The school of hard knocks can be expensive and worrying over money can take the enjoyment out of traveling.

You have already been out there and you know a lot of the pitfalls and a lot of the joy. You don't have to have a campground every day/week and you know how to find those out of the way camp spots. You have seen the good, bad, ugly and gorgeous. You know jello plans with and without nuts. You know where the best blueberries are in Oregon. You will agonize over the RVing thing and make the best decision you can based on the information that you have available. Can't do more than that. I may of out rambled you! Good luck.

[Olive6001]

Hi Birdie, I was hoping you would chime in. Your no nonsense approach, combined with practicality and experience, are much appreciated.

The leak is more than seepage from run off. It's in the back of the bay and the top and sides are very wet. The weather we've had lately could account for some condensation and seepage. I don't think that the case this time, but I'll keep a closer watch and make sure. Thanks for letting me know that it could be.

I've made a lot of decisions that I won't make again now that I've learned some hard lessons. Fortunately or unfortunately, I'm learning lessons at 65 that many people learn much earlier in life. I make no apologies and have no regrets. I just get sad and a little confused. So you're right. I'll take everything I've learned and make the best decision I can with what I know.

Finally, we don't ramble, Birdie. We are thoughtful, intelligent, articulate women with genius ideas and the generosity to share them with the entire world. They don't even have to ask. I think we're fabulous.

Big hugs, Sistah!
Ollie send her love, too.

Nikki

[Olive6001]

I don't have any experience in owning an rv so I can't offer any advice on that, but I hear your frustration. I am hoping to sell my house and go full time and let the chips fall where they may. I am trying to learn as much as I can from these ladies and they have been helpful. I have worked my tail off on this old house and yard, I love my gardens that I created and the peace and quiet. But after my husband passed, I feel like I don't have anyone to share it with and that changed my thinking. I live in a remote area and find myself bored and restless. We always traveled together and I still want to go on the road again. I woke up yesterday morning with an inch of water in my basement from all of this rain. House maintenance by myself on a limited income, yard upkeep and all of the associated bills are wearing me down. So when I asked myself if I am happy, the answer was no. I need more now, and I want to see as much as I can, taste as much different food that I can, meet new people, forge new friendships and experience every little bit I can while I can. So slowly but surely, I am getting things done, researching rvs, talking to people and my first rv will be just to get me started until I get everything figured out. Don't be hard on yourself because it is not an easy decision to make. I too, probably can't afford to just go buy a house somewhere else but I know that if I don't listen to my heart, I will regret it And yes sometimes I change my mind mid stream. The important thing is to move forward with whatever you decide, whether it be baby steps or leaps and bounds. A year from now all of this worry won't matter. I wish you luck and a big hug.

I don't know how I missed this post, but I did. I am so sorry. You brought up an important point that echoes what Tina wrote: the regret of not going for it. And I hear you on the home maintenance when you're alone and on a budget. Right now some bug is devastating my huge cherry laurels and nothing I do seems to phase the little *&?!!ersl.

I think half the battle of going full time is embracing the idea that the RV is home. It's every bit as much a home as a sticks and bricks. Have you discovered rvsue's blog? If not, check it out. She has a very simple lifestyle that might not fit you, but I find her inspirational.

Nikki