new gal on the road...almost

[AlmostThere]

Oh, boy! You got Liz's juices flowing now. She's a RT lover thru and thru. Yours is out there just waiting for you.
I, too, wanted a class B but they are even harder to find in the NW. After over a year I found a small Class C (B+) 23 ft. At first I felt like I'd "settled" and wasn't all that happy with my purchase, but after doing some modifications to the steering and putting in a flat screen TV and making it mine, I feel much better about her. Yep, her. I call her Little Missy. Don't ask why. Just popped into my head and stuck.
Welcome and post often!

[newtreker]

Hi again ladies!
Thanks for all the encouragement. I'm leaning toward a 2004 RT 170P that has 33k miles and from pics appears to be in excellent condition. I've emailed/spoken with the owner & if we can come to terms, I may be heading to Alabama from KY to see if it's a fit for me. I really liked the suggestion (was it Liz?) about making a 'permanent' twin across the back & using the front table for eating. I can see where that would make it a lot easier on my middle-aged back Vs putting up the bed. I had thought I could sleep on the side cushions, but now realize they're too short...even for a hobbit like me

Ok, so I'm hanging on the edge of commitment to purchase...so...if it's in good shape (and I feel like the seller is being very honest with me and it is)...what can you tell me to allay my fears? What's the worst that could happen? I guess I'm a bit afraid that I won't love it and have made a mistake. I've already found a group of supporters, so how wrong could it go, right?

I've come to understand that the good ones come & go fast...so that's probably part of it. It's so different from buying a new car where you can take all the time you want.

........whew! I'll let you know what happens. Somebody's gonna have to explain to me about the maps. Do yall recommend any particular insurance company or special suggestions on that?

Thanks again,
Saretta

[Bethers]

Hi Saretta,
Where in AL is it? I'm in AL right now - will be leaving for FL next week. If it's where I could go take a look, ask questions, take pics for you, etc - would be glad to do so. Let me know/ And if I'm not in range of it someone else might be. So, let us help if we can.

[bikerchic777]

I have State Farm ins. and mine is pretty reasonable.

[Colliemom]

Welcome aboard,

I'm still catching up on new welcomes herer. Sounds like you have your dreams lined up. I have a Rockwood Mini Lite, 18 ft. TT. My first. But am already thinking about the 2nd and a RT may be just what I am looking for. But that's at least a year away.

I've reaearched too, till I saw so many and looked at so many, I had to back off for a bit and let it all sink in. Then I found this one and it called home and my second home it's been. Now it sits in my drive, all wrapped up in it's cover whle the snow flies here in Northern Michigan. But won't be long and adventures will start up again.

You are going to love this site. Lots of fun, information, caring and sharing going on here. I've been on this site since last April I think it was and have reallly enjoyed all the wonderful advice, caring and sharing every does here. So come along and travel with us. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures and seeing pictures. Love pictures!

[Liz]

Ok, so I'm hanging on the edge of commitment to purchase...so...if it's in good shape (and I feel like the seller is being very honest with me and it is)...what can you tell me to allay my fears? What's the worst that could happen? I guess I'm a bit afraid that I won't love it and have made a mistake. I've already found a group of supporters, so how wrong could it go, right?

I've come to understand that the good ones come & go fast...so that's probably part of it. It's so different from buying a new car where you can take all the time you want.

........whew! I'll let you know what happens. Somebody's gonna have to explain to me about the maps. Do yall recommend any particular insurance company or special suggestions on that?

Thanks again,
Saretta

Roadtreks are well made, and unless there are obvious signs of damage, neglect, or abuse, you should be ok. When I bought my '99 RT 170 in 2004, there were a few things that needed taking care of. It had been parked unused for several months. The dump hose was "dry-rotted?" and split apart on my very first use. So had that replaced with a heavy-duty one, which lasted well until I sold it 4 years later. The fresh water fill plastic hose in the rear also had a leak, so that was replaced as well. The previous owner had recently put new Michelin tires on it, so that was a plus. If yours still have original tires, they may need to be replaced just due to age. Check the fiberglass roof for signs of cracks or crazing. A good marine type wax twice a year will keep it looking like new. Good luck!

[mtngal]

Hi! welcome to the forum! The gals have shared lots of good info all ready, but I will just add, look at many rigs before you buy, maybe even ones that are not for you because they will help you know your rig when you find it. Also, keep an eye on Craigslist. That's where I eventually found mine. And don't forget to have fun!

[mtngal]

uhoh, sorry, I missed the second page when I posted! good luck with the rig you are looking at!

[newtreker]

'From Liz'
Roadtreks are well made, and unless there are obvious signs of damage, neglect, or abuse, you should be ok. When I bought my '99 RT 170 in 2004, there were a few things that needed taking care of. It had been parked unused for several months. The dump hose was "dry-rotted?" and split apart on my very first use. So had that replaced with a heavy-duty one, which lasted well until I sold it 4 years later. The fresh water fill plastic hose in the rear also had a leak, so that was replaced as well. The previous owner had recently put new Michelin tires on it, so that was a plus. If yours still have original tires, they may need to be replaced just due to age. Check the fiberglass roof for signs of cracks or crazing. A good marine type wax twice a year will keep it looking like new. Good luck!

Hi Liz & all,

thanks for the encouragement. I can relate to them ALL! I've gotten somewhat RV-itis from viewing internet listings & making pages of notes.

Beth: the RT I'm considering is in Mobile. I'm thinking of asking my sister/bro-in-law in Atlanta to go check it out but that's a 5+ hr trip; although they'd do it for me, God love 'em If you are really convenient to Mobile and wouldn't mind, let me know & I'll get the address from the private seller. I've seen bunches of pics & it looks really good, but I'm not sure if I'll end up making an offer and I certainly wouldn't want you to go to much trouble!!! I do appreciate the offer though.

Anybody have thoughts on private sellers Vs dealers? It seems to me that I'm finding lots of 170/190s at the sites I frequent (Sunshine State RV, RV trader, Roadtrekchapter). What makes the most impact on price: low mileage or newer model? I'd think this would be a pretty good time to buy with the volume I'm seeing.

Have a great evening everyone and as always, THANKS!

Saretta

[Bethers]

Unfortunately, I'm in Northern AL - heading to FL next week. I'll probably get through Mobile the end of Jan/beginning of Feb. So, if you still need a looksee at that point, I'd be happy to try to do it.

I prefer dealing with private parties, but will deal with anyone if I can get the right deal. I do know that I would have had to pay quite a bit more for the rv I have now if I'd purchased from a dealer. They have to buy it and make money on what they pay for it.

Usually winter is the best time to buy. And right now there are more people getting out rving due to the economy - at least it seems that way. This year, the rv industry actually didn't see a lessening of sales, but they did the previous 2 years. Some brands no longer exist except in used markets now.

Most important is the condition of the vehicle no matter the year. I like seeing lower miles because most vehicles should be able to go lots of miles. Make sure to look for rust, etc. (don't let anyone look on mine for that - I've spent way to much time at beaches!) One of the ladies on the forum just purchased a 1998 Class C that looked new inside (I was in it) and outside. The people obviously didn't use it much - so she got a great deal!

Look until you find the right one for you at a price you are comfortable with. You are the one who has to live with it.

[Liz]

I live not far from Sunshine State RV in Gainesville if you see one there you're interested in.

I have bought from both private seller and dealer. You may get a better price from a private seller eager to sell, but not necessarily. I got a good deal at the dealer in TX who gave me a good price on my trade....that was much easier than buying private and having to sell my rv privately as well. But if you have no trade to worry about, you could go either way.

I always check the NADA book value of any rv I'm interested in, which factors mileage too. That's the basis of my price negotiating. If a seller's sticker price is way over that, they will likely be willing to come down a lot if they are anxious to sell. When I bought the first RT 170, I had to walk away (heartbroken, because I really wanted it) because he was unwilling to come down in price. Two days later he called me with a change of heart! If the mileage is low, and the unit in great condition, I would be willing to pay more than the NADA value. Roadtreks hold their value pretty well. If you know you'll have to invest more $$ right away (tires, for instance), use that in your negotiations.

I traveled in both the 170 and now the 210 with my 45# dog (and 16# cat). Also have traveled with guest & guest's pet too. It is doable.

[newtreker]

Beth- thanks for the offer, if I'm still considering the Mobile RT at that time, I'll talk to you again about checking it out! Have a good trip to FL.

Liz- I have been talking with a salesman at SSSrv, so that's very good to know you're close to that! My habit is to check SSS, RTchapter.org, eBay mostly and then use NADA to get a range idea. Sounds like I'm on track. It helps greatly that my sis/bro-in-law had a 190 for 6 yrs & now have traded to a 210. They've been sure to educate me about winterizing if I find a southern RV and bring it back to our snowy/icy KY...hadn't occurred to me that you don't winterize in FL....can we really say newbie...duh

If I have a couple to check at sss, would you rather I post you privately or just use the forum, Liz? I'm still hoping that I'll hear from someone close that I can go visit their 170 to be sure I'm really envisioning the space logistics right.

Thanks so much...yall have a great day!

Saretta

[Birdie]

Saretta, I'll be in Mobile in about 8 or 9 days if all goes according to plan. Actually, I plan on stopping at the Escapees Park south of Mobile. Had not decided if I would stay one or two days. If I make time as planned I could see about looking at the RT for you. Liz can attest that I won't drool too very much on it.

I leave TX Friday the 14th and expect to be in Mobile the 17th. Let me know. You can PM me if you want me to look at it. We can discuss checklists and stuff.

[newtreker]

Hi Birdie & everyone,
I've learned from my research & giving some real reflection on my needs/wants that I'm going to redirect toward a RT 190P Vs the 170. So no need for a looker for Mobile, which was a 170...but a big THANK YOU to those who offered for that rig. I really think I'd be much more satisfied with the twin set up and only 3 front seats, so that's where I'm looking at this point. Would be a shame to purchase a unit thinking I'll be fine w/ the smallest size & then be frustrated because I'm cramped..especially when bringing company along. I'm used to full size regular vans, so don't think I'll have any significant driving/parking adjustments.

...the search continues! I'll keep yall posted....it IS fun looking!

Saretta

[Bethers]

Saretta, one thought - do you really need even 3 front seats? Just somthing to think about. The less seats up front, the more room to live in