daverich
Northwest Missouri
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Joined: 09/14/2006
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I am not trying to be negative. There is not a lot you can ask them that you would really want to trust unless you have someone you know recommend them personally.
I would have them show me all systems working. I don't care if it is 90 degrees outside, I still would want them to start up the furnace and the same goes for the air conditioner.
You definitely want them to start the generator and run it with a load.
That is one thing that I had to get repaired. The private owner that I bought from told me that they had never used it since they always stayed at campgrounds with hookups. A lack of use on the part of a generator is worse than a lot of usage.
If they have them, have them show receipts of things that have had done or put on the motorhome.
These are just some of the things I will do prior to my next purchase.
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bingoldsby
Oregon State Parks - somewhere
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Joined: 10/22/2006
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It would be really great - and helpful forever - to be able to establish a relationship with the previous owner(s). If they are willing, and had been good and competent owners, providing good care to the unit, you would be able to ask them many questions about this and that which you will otherwise never know.
Knowing how they are now - before buying their rig - might help you to avoid a lot of problems that they might never have had the ambition, money, or good sense to tend to. But that's not likely to happen.
I'm sure you get my point. Meticulous records would be great, but not all good people are good records keepers. (Who... me?)
Brian K7ZRZ
Campgrounding hosting - Oregon State Parks
1987 30' Holiday Rambler Class A
GL1800 Goldwing - Honda Scooter Mounted
2000 Silver Miata LS Toad
Picture taken at Salem, Oregon
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The Dunks
Madera, Ca.
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Joined: 08/06/2003
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You might ask if this RV was a previous rental RV. You know like part of a rental fleet/chain. Some of those get used pretty hard. Just a thot.
The Dunks - Terry and Steve
'05 Endeavor - The Oasis
'05 Jeep Grand Cherokee
In God We Trust
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Loving God's Country!
ohio
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Joined: 03/19/2003
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Never thought about that one!! I would like to think that people would treat something that is not theirs really good but that always isn't the case. Sometimes it's worse!! I'll definitely add this one to my list!!
God Bless and Happy Camping!!! 
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catkins
Washington
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Joined: 10/27/2003
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1. Cargo Carrying Capacity - how much does the rig weigh empty and how much including fluids and people can it carry. Getting close/over to the limits is NOT a good thing for safety reasons.
2. How much weight can it safely tow if you want to pull a toad?(towed car) Also check the hitch rating.
3. Check inside and outside storage accessibility. Plan on NOT filling it all up just because it is there. (see item #1 above.) Kitchen cabinets tend to be very shallow and will not hold as much as you think!
4. Tank capacity - fresh water, grey(shower/sink) and black(toilet.
5. For me, how accessible is the bed? - I want a free standing bed I can leave made up and not have to crawl up into................. A corner bed is almost impossible make up properly.
LOTS to think about before buying. I encourage you to look and keep narrowing down to the items that are important or essential to your use as well as finding a safe/easy handling rig. There can be great difference between manufacturers.
Good luck and enjoy the adventure of defining and finding the perfect RV for you!
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closed
Denver ,Colo
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Joined: 07/18/2001
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The Dunks wrote:You might ask if this RV was a previous rental RV. You know like part of a rental fleet/chain. Some of those get used pretty hard. Just a thot.
In most states the titles are "tattooed" in other words indellibly marked that the unit was once used as a rental.
Check the tires age dates to see if they are within age spec as well as tread depth etc. If they are approaching 5yrs on the road get new ones out of the dealer as part of the deal. RV tires are very expensive.
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fcooper
Richmond Hill, Georgia
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Joined: 09/23/2003
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A lot of good advice posted above. I did not see these items mentioned.
1. We used the rv consumers group info, and found it helpful TO ELIMINATE motorhomes we thought we were interested in looking at. Why drive 100 miles to look at a motorhome to find that it has a net carrying capacity of 3 toothbrushes and a bar of soap. This saved us a lot of leg work. Their publications have a lot of info on the various models.
2. Drive, Drive, & Drive every motorhome you can. The are not all created equal. I've driven some that were white knuckle experiences. Drive them at highway speeds with a crosswind, or having an 18 wheeler pass you to see how it handles in wind or a pressure wave. You want to discover that the coach is a white knuckle experience before you own it.
Good luck. You have lots of fun ahead of you.....Fred
Fred & Vicki
Richmond Hill, Ga
2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor/330 Cat
2000 Honda Odyssey toad w SMI Silent Partner braking system
Tire Sentry monitoring system
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bsinmich
Holland, MI
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Joined: 11/18/2000
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I'm another one who has little confidence in RV consumer group. They don't drive the MHs or even see most of them but only look at the spec sheets. I would definitely check weight of the empty RV and then estimate what you will be carrying in people and stuff.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, & 2002 PT Cruiser w/Remco lube pump, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
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Loving God's Country!
ohio
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Joined: 03/19/2003
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I'm hearing more and more that weight is an important item to pay attention to. I know for me it would be too tempting to fill all those storage compartments up when, right now, storage is at a premium in our TT!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to all who have posted their information for us!! We will definitely use all of it!!
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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bsinmich wrote:I'm another one who has little confidence in RV consumer group. They don't drive the MHs or even see most of them but only look at the spec sheets. I would definitely check weight of the empty RV and then estimate what you will be carrying in people and stuff. I have to agree with bsinmich! Just how can a "consumer group" evaluate a motorhome when they have never driven or even been in a particular motorhome? I'm sure that they gave failing grades to my motorhome considering the wheelbase to overall ratio, but it handles very well thank you.
Going further, just who is this RV Consumer Group, dare I question it? Are they incorporated? Are they a Not For Profit organization? They web site does not tell you a lot about them. Certainly they do not have the credentials that Consumer's Union has. And Consumer's Union does go out a buy and drive the cars that they test.
* This post was
edited 08/19/08 10:55am by wny_pat *
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