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 > Not Mechanically Inclined...

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roatan

Vancouver

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Posted: 05/12/08 03:33am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

We are thinking of going the RV route either with a Class C or A when we retire next year but as I am not very "mechanically inclined (MI)" my wife thinks this may not be a good idea. Do you have to be MI to enjoy Rving as a life style or does it just get expensive if you can't fix things yourself? We are planning on buying a newer model not an older one.

nelson

Clio,Mi USA

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Posted: 05/12/08 04:21am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

No but anything you can fix or check yourself will save you money. There is lots of help here if you need it. Do your research, Decide what you want. Then ask more questions. Good Luck


2002 Damon Challenger 348 Ford V10
Blue Ox Auto Stop and Aventa II Tow Bar
2001 Ford Sport Trac with Remco Driveshaft Disconnect

rockhillmanor

On the Road

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Posted: 05/12/08 05:03am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

If you have sucessfully owned and car/truck in your lifetime you can own and operate a MH.

Fellow seasoned campers at the CG's are 'always' around and willing to help out if you do have a problem.

As far as all the appliances, etc 'inside' the MH, it's common sense and they all come with an owners manual for instruction on how to operate them and troubleshoot.

**P.S. if you buy 'used' make sure and insist that the previous owner leaves the manuals for all of them, or the dealership provide them for you before you sign on the dotted line. AND that all the alarms for smoke, propane and carbon monoxide, are in working order.

My only important advice to a first time MH owner is to know and understand the use and safety of Propane before heading out.

Happy Camping!


31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 BlueOx Aventa LX
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.



camping man

Central Fla.

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Posted: 05/12/08 06:48am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

rockhillmanor wrote:



Fellow seasoned campers at the CG's are 'always' around and willing to help out if you do have a problem.

I agree, last time out I locked my keys in my truck at the campground, and in less then 15 minutes I had 5 fellow Rvers, and 4 of those slim jims to try and pick the door with. Ends up my wife found an extra set of keys buried in her purse. Actually having a problem is a good way to make friends in the park. Most folks are just kicking back waiting for something to do in the parks.


05 Dodge 2500 Quadcab CTD NV5600/3.73rears
97 27ft.Sprinter 5er
Website

Dick_B

Palos Heights, IL USA

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Posted: 05/12/08 06:50am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Class C's seem to be easier to handle both on and off the road. Class A's ask the question what car do I tow behind? Class C's don't ask that question as much.


Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)

lv2rom

Kansas City, Missouri

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Posted: 05/12/08 07:09am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I agree with the prior posters, don't let your own mechanical ability stop you. In any given park or campsite, just grab a pair of pliers and a screwdriver and be visible. I guaranttee within minutes you will be beating off other Mr. Fixits with a stick. Over time you will learn the tricks...if not, just post here.....Brian


2005 F350 Dually -AFE air/MRSP exhaust/Bags/Bilsteins/Energy Susp.
2002 Hitchhiker Fiver 29.5 RLBG - Moryde Pin/Gas shocks/Michelin XPS Ribs
1996 Layton Fiver 21ft. Totally reconditioned..Love it!!


donn0128

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Posted: 05/12/08 07:27am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

The other thing you can do is enroll in some basic fixit classes. Clark Community College offers night classes in basic auto repairs. Might find it fun. Also you can always find someone willing to teach you some of the basics about the appliances. Heck, for a cold Coke and a sandwich I have been known to help others.


Donn


raydf_1

Miami FL

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Posted: 05/12/08 07:31am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Hi!

Mark & Dawn Polk also produce a series of highly instructional videos about many RV topics, and they also cover basic RV maintenance. If interested, please check their web page at the following URL:

http://rveducation101.com/

Cheers!

donn0128 wrote:

The other thing you can do is enroll in some basic fixit classes. Clark Community College offers night classes in basic auto repairs. Might find it fun. Also you can always find someone willing to teach you some of the basics about the appliances. Heck, for a cold Coke and a sandwich I have been known to help others.



Ray
2009 Fleetwood Pulse 24A
Miami FL


wa8yxm

Wherever I happen to park

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Posted: 05/12/08 07:46am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

As with all things automotive or all things "house" there are Two kinds of RVers when it comes to Mechanical inclination.

Them that are DIYers and can do anything from tighten a loose screw (I'm fond of saying many RVers have a few screws loose.... The kind you tighten with a #2 square bit usually) To a major overhaul of a V-10 engine.

And there are those who can't change a light bulb.

Don't matter.. If you can't do it, there is someone who will be more than glad to do it for you and present a bill.


Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377


CactusJohn

Scottsdale, AZ

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Posted: 05/12/08 08:02am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Go for it! Most things that go wrong can be fixed with a little common sense. For everything else, there's lots of resources for help. Don't let that stand in your way of experiencing the blast that RVing is!


2007 Ameri-Camp Summit Ridge SF27RK 5er
2008 F250 Lariat SuperCab, 6.4L PSD
Reese 16K Kwik-Slide with BedSaver


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