RV names

[dpf]

I tend to agree with Martha....would be a little afraid of having to replace a refrigerator and tires on something that age and the possible cost of future repairs under the hood! But then who am I to talk...we bought a '99 5er! But the price was good enough, the tires were new and everything else was pretty much mint condition..that I figured that I'd still have the $$$ in savings for a new refrigerator when it bites the dust. Winter in the midwest is definitely a good time to deal on a rig. We've had four different rigs and have bought all of them off season from private sellers. Do you have a tow vehicle by any chance? I'm just assuming that in MN it seems that most people have some sort of 4X4 as we do in SD. If so, you might want to consider a small pull type travel trailer to start. You could probably get more bang for your buck and not have to worry about mechanic bills on another set of wheels. Plus probably have a better resale value when you decide to trade up. JMHO Plus if you plan to be a weekend camper to start you have to consider with a Class B or C if you're not towing a toad you're going to have to unplug everytime you want to go somewhere...then level again when you return. Maybe I'm just terribly unorganized but it seems that I'm always running to buy something when we're camping. Although purchasing the ice maker did eliminate quite a few trips last summer.

[retiredhappy]

It's Birdie here with RetiredHappy in a cool dreary morning in Kerrville, TX - We discussed the B and decided it is a Mary Kay award . Our questions were refrigerator, a/c, propane, stool connections. Would the ferrets be caged or loose? Some times they like to look for holes and they might not find any hidey places. The miles, well that only means about 5K a year. That's not bad. Probably close to new tires - they don't sell well with old tires.

Usually the saying is buy your 3rd rig first. We are both on our second rig. I had my first one 1 1/2 years and RetiredHappy had hers less than 1 year, but then we were both retired. The small rig might fit you - especially if someone else is buying. Look at a 24' Class C with separate bedroom. Happy shopping - lots of RV's in AZ and TX.

[Pooker]

Hunt, hunt, hunt. If you look at rigs long enough, you will get a picture of exactly what you need and will know what is a good buy. Don't jump on the first one you see. This is not the time of year. I know from experience! Years back, bought a small "A" in Feb. - in New England - and by the time we were south enough to use the water system, we had leaks everywhere! That wasn't the only thing wrong! Spent more days in RV repair shops than on the road for that cross-country trip!

RE: Ovens. I HAD to have an oven in every rig we ever had, including this little "C". Haven't used it yet and it's been 2 1/2 years! Things don't bake like they do in a house oven - especially cookies require constant supervision. However, after seeing how so many of my friends are happy with their convection/micro ovens, that would probably be my choice now. Or maybe not even that. I use a small George Forman grill, toaster/oven/broiler, and small crockpot. I can make just about anything with those. But you may want to keep the oven on your "must have" list and then see how often you use it. It's all about getting what is best for YOU.

Pooker

[Acadianmom]

Liz has a great list of things to check. Two of my motorhomes had ovens and the only time I tried to use one I couldn't get it lit. My current motorhome has a microwave/convection and I didn't like the convection until I quit whining and started trying different things in it. I am getting along better with it. If I want to take a casserole I make it at home and freeze it. I use a crock pot a lot for camp outs.

Martha

[oregontocal]

My class C originally had a combo convection/microwave. However, the thing never worked and I asked the dealer to replace it. Took forever until finally they presumably received the new one. It was three days before I was leaving San Diego for my first workamping job in Kanab, Utah. So, I drove the rig down there and they promised it wouldn't take long at all to install it. I went out to lunch with a friend. While we were eating, I got a phone call from the dealer letting me know they'd made a mistake and had ordered a microwave only. What did I want them to do? Duh! Install the microwave, dummies. I don't have good feelings about La Mesa RV.

I don't miss the convection oven at all, and do just fine with the microwave and a good toaster oven, combined with a crockpot, electric wok, rice cooker, and one-burner hot plate. Never even have to use the propane stove inside. That's good, because it doubles my counter space from none to some. I bought a good propane camp stove for outside that I use all the time - just takes the little bottles of propane.

[Bethers]

OK, you haven't looked at any yet. You aren't going to want to hear me say this - but I feel you have to look at MANY - and find out what you have to have, what you can live without. For example, in something like this Chinook, you'll be sleeping on a sofa made into a bed. Is that ok with you? Wouldn't be for me, is for others.

Yes, you can do lots in a toaster oven - or you can replace the microwave with a microwave convection oven (I did that even though I have an oven).

I'm not as worried about the age of the fridge - as I've seen rigs out there with 20+ year old fridges - UNLESS it's a Dometic with the recall and the recall hasn't been done. Then it needs to be taken care of. (That said, my fridge went out in 9 years!)

Tires - you want them to be less than 4 years old according to the tire - not according to when they replaced them. I'm not a stickler on replacing in 4 years, will probably go 5 if my wear is good - but many rvers are sticklers on that - the extra weight, etc makes these tires more prone to blowouts if not kept within that age timeframe.

If you look at a unit with a generator, it's important the generator was used regularly. (This was a big problem I have had - mine was not used, I was naive at that time, thought it was a good thing - wrong!) If it was not used regularly, it'll probably nickle and dime you to death (and those are big nickles and dimes - spoken from experience).

Most important for me, is for you to get out there to some rv dealer or show - I believe MN has an rv show in January - and really LOOK at FLOORPLANS and discover what will work for YOU. Not for me or the others here - but for you. You'll have to live with that. Then look at the things that are important for you. I could live without the regular oven, but then would want the microwave/convection oven. However, the regular oven will work when I'm not plugged in and not running the generator - and there are times you wouldn't want to run the generator just to bake something for an hour +.

Anyway, I looked for serveral months before I bought, and like you was in the north (Wisconsin) in the winter. But after I ruled out lots of things and had my priorities, I started looking nationwide. Then got lucky and found my cute little baby in southern IL - not too far away, anyway!

That said there are at leat 2 rv shows I find for MN for this winter - Jan 8-10th is the boat, sport and rv show in Maple Grove and then Feb 11-14 in Mpls is the RV Vacation and Camping Show at the Mpls Convention Center.

Now, yes, these will be all new rigs - but it can give you ideas - and if you're looking for small and already know you want a B or C - I wouldn't look at lots of the big guys - but concentrate on looking at the small ones - to find your must haves and want to haves, etc.

It's not a race to buy because there's one for sale.

Good luck - and happy shopping.

[Echo]

Before jumping into buying a B there are also a lot of small used class C's out there for sale too. And for a decent price. Just goofing around I did a search for class C's in your area and found this one that you can look at and get an idea. I'm not really sure if the color of the rug and furniture is blue or gray? A lot of times gray will show as blue. Could ask them about that.

http://www.rvtraderonline.com/find/list ... E-95659905
http://www.rvtraderonline.com/find/list ... /95659905/

Kelly and I are still up in the air on what we will end up with. But for sure will be a trailer or class C. If I were to find a small 4x4 pickup for a good price that I like I will go with a C and tow the truck. We have got to have two separate sleeping areas. And like you I want an oven.

But it's an idea for ya. So don't completely rule out a C.

ps. found this sweet looking C too but it's in the state of Washington

http://www.rvtraderonline.com/find/list ... T-96156517

[BarbaraRose]

I am starting to think that this isn't a good time of year to look for an RV since they will be buried in snow up here and difficult to check things out on them. I suppose there are a lot of RV's that are put away for the winter and won't be put up for sale until spring, too. Not much to pick from right now. In February, there is an RV and Camping Expo in Minneapolis that I want to go to, so I can get some more ideas of what I want/don't want, etc. That is why I am on here, so I can get some good advice from you gals, so I don't make any (or too many) impulsive and/or ignorant mistakes. I appreciate all your input!

Barbie

[Cedar518]

Barb,
It looks like everything that can be said has already been said,...but I want to 2nd the post by Liz. She has a great list. And also Beth's remarks on tire age. Look for the imprint on the sidewall showing the week/month the tire was manufactured.

Also,... don't let your SO do all the dealing,... you need to step up and take care of yourself. He's doing a great thing by offering to pay for this for you,.. most of us don't have someone else buying our rigs for us! That's neat. Give him a hug for that! But be self-sufficient in the dealing. Do your homework (you are already half way there! ) and make your own decisions.

And don't throw out the idea of TTs, a lot of 20'+ ones have great floor plans with real beds and full baths. And most of them come in less than 5000# gross.

It's an exciting time for you,... we're all going to be watching to see how your search unfolds. Most of all.... have fun!

Cheering you on......

[Shirlv]

Barb, I agree with Cedar, be involved in selecting and negoiations. I knew I wanted a Class C so read everything I could on www.rv.net. I read for months before I knew enough to ask a sensible question. You can compare the c's & b's there and then come back to us and ask questions. Good Luck

[BarbaraRose]

Some of you have asked if I would consider a TT. I own a small Ford Escort wagon that can only pull about 1000 lbs, so that option is out. My car is paid off and isn't worth much now so can't trade it in for a truck or SUV. I thought about the possibility of towing the Escort behind a B or C. Don't know how difficult that would be tho. I have looked at C's around 21' to 23' and those seem to have everything I need, but a little bigger to drive and park than a B. There are so many things to think about and consider Too bad the SO won't buy me a brand new one!

Barbie

PS> I don't plan to take the 'little guys' with me. They will stay home with a sitter. Eventually, I would like to get a dog to take along but can't have one right now

[Cedar518]

Too bad the SO won't buy me a brand new one!

I want to also warn that depending on someone else to buy your rig for you, while as nice as it sounds right now, isn't what you want to get used to. He's buying you something that won't be yours. A woman always needs to be able to control her own life. As i said earlier, it's neat, and have fun with it now, but be your OWN woman. If you have to wait until you can purchase something on your own it might come together easier and feel better.

[VickieP]

Cedar, with much respect for you and your opinion (and besides the fact that I like you ) I have to disagree with ya! Whatever she chooses will be "hers", because she chose it and he chose to provide the money for it. I see no difference in that situation and some where they purchased their rv's with money that they received as the result of death or divorce or even if a woman didn't work outside the home and they purchased a rv together, it wouldn't make it any less hers. Ya get my drift?

[Bethers]

Clicked the wrong button and lost my post

What I was saying - don't stop looking cuz it's winter - the best deals in the cold states are in the winter. I found mine and saw it first time during a snow, received it while it was snowing, and a week later drove it south OUT of a snow. Remember, it can take a long time to find the right one - it's not as simple as buying a car - it's more like buying a house - because it IS a house - just on wheels. Look, look and look - and one day, you'll step inside one in the right price range that speaks to you - and that'll be it. Oh, that's when your son comes in - to put up the money And to possibly help you check it out. Always nice to have help doing that - but it's going to be you who has to be happy with it.

[oregontocal]

I went to an RV show three years ago with no intention whatsoever of buying anything. I was just getting really tired of shelling out $$$ for apartment rent in San Diego and thought that perhaps an RV might fit the bill. More importantly, I'd wanted to simplify my life for over fifteen years. I did no research whatsoever. I didn't even know the difference between a Class A, B, or C. I DID know the difference between a TT, a MH, and a 5th Wheel, though. Wandered around the sports stadium checking things out, "just looking." Had a friend who fulltimed in a van ,so looked at those but decided they were too small. I test-drove a small Class C and loved it. Drove this Class C, one year old, and loved it even more. Thought about it. Thought about the need to sell/give away almost everything I had, including over forty boxes of books and a four-bedroom house worth of furniture. Filled out an application, thinking my credit was probably not good enough to swing it. Surprise! My credit was excellent enough for a great deal. Thought about it for another ten minutes or so. Drove the MH again. Decided where I could put things. Bought the thing, and have loved it ever since. It's home. Nope, I didn't do any research. But yes, I'm still learning as I go. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably buy one just a tiny bit smaller in order to have a separate bedroom. However, that just isn't a necessity.

The important thing is, it's MINE. I picked it out. I made the decision to buy one with very few miles on it. I made the decision to finance it. And I'm the one making the payments. It changed my life, kind of flipped it upside down. And I love it.