Looking to buy an RV and need advice

[callbob]

Nice looking rig. One thing I would do, is pop one of the covers off the overhead lights and check to see if they are the 12 volt bayonet type bulbs and is there any discoloration from heat inside. Those bulbs get HOT. You can get led replacements or what I did was buy flat replacement fixtures that are LED, 3 light settings and dimmer. Easy to switch out, better light and no heat. The old fixtures were starting to crumble from the heat.

 

[lf2]

No issues with backup into sink/ garbage disposal? Is it coming out low pressure? No smell? Never seen this done before. I have seen them used, just not like this.

That cleanout is actually the laundry room. But no there is no issue with backup or smell. The macerator grinds up everything before pumping it through the garden hose so its just liquid at that point, and the amount of liquid running through a 3/4” garden hose into a 2” drain isnt going to cause a backup and with the cleanout on the other side of the p-trap no smell is going make it inside the house.

 

[lbhsbz]

Exactly what i do.
View attachment 1429974
View attachment 1429975

Just don’t mix up the fresh water hose and the macerater hose….

 

[callbob]

That’s a shitty comment

 

[Flying_Lavey]

There is a free dump in Corona if you can't dump at a campground before you leave.

Corona, CA 92879 · Corona, California

maps.app.goo.gl

If you are going East on the 10, the RV dump at Morongo is AWESOME! When I used it in February it was $5 to dump and fill the 100 gallon water tank in the trailer we rented. Super easy in and out with MUCH cheaper fuel than anywhere else at that time.

 

[Badchoices03]

If you are going East on the 10, the RV dump at Morongo is AWESOME! When I used it in February it was $5 to dump and fill the 100 gallon water tank in the trailer we rented. Super easy in and out with MUCH cheaper fuel than anywhere else at that time.

I got lucky, my neighbor has a dump right at the curb that I can use anytime....if he has no one parked in front of his house I can pull my trailer right up...there has been a few times that someone was parked there and I had to use a few hoses hooked together to reach...but super convenient not having to stop on the way home...

 

[BHC Vic]

I got lucky, my neighbor has a dump right at the curb that I can use anytime....if he has no one parked in front of his house I can pull my trailer right up...there has been a few times that someone was parked there and I had to use a few hoses hooked together to reach...but super convenient not having to stop on the way home...

I feel like there might be one in the box by my mailbox. I’ll look later today. There has to be one somewhere

 

[lbhsbz]

I feel like there might be one in the box by my mailbox. I’ll look later today. There has to be one somewhere

neighbor's mailbox?

 

[HNL2LHC]

neighbor's mailbox?

Or as @Ace in the Hole rolls maybe thier cooler?

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok I finally had some time. I found it.

 

[JL95]

Did you end up buying the rig?

 

[69hondo]

What he said?

 

[BHC Vic]

Did you end up buying the rig?

Im just waiting for him to call me to come get it. He’s replacing the motor for the big slide. The part was 2-3 weeks and 2 days labor

 

[HCP3]

Im just waiting for him to call me to come get it. He’s replacing the motor for the big slide. The part was 2-3 weeks and 2 days labor

RV union?

 

[BHC Vic]

RV union?

I was mad that his brother took it out but maybe it was a good thing because the slide was acting up on their trip. He’s fixing it so hopefully I got lucky. Lord knows I could use a little luck

 

[12vMan]

Our builder had the foresight to set each house up with RV space, a future panel for power and a dump. All except the houses at the end of the cul-de-sac (like mine) for sone reason.
I was lucky that my sewer was right next to where I back it in. I just added an upright extension for the dump hose. Super simple when you don't have to bring it somewhere. I let my neighbor that's also at the end dump here too. His is on the opposite side of the house.

 

[callbob]

This thread has gone to shit.

 

[BHC Vic]

So to update this thread. We did find the RV we wanted. It’s a 2008 Winnebago itasca sunova 35j. We went to see it we liked it and we made a deal. His brother had just gotten back from a trip with it and he was honest and said the slide was acting up on the trip. We discussed a couple options and decided he would get it fixed and then I would buy it at the price we settled on. Honestly I’m really busy and I want something turn key we can just start using. I didn’t want to buy it and take it to a shop and all that. We agreed to make it a cash deal so while it was getting fixed it gave me a few days to get the cash. It was originally going to be 2-3 weeks and I would go pick it up. I’m not entirely sure what happened but after I sent a text to see where we were at he let me know the guy got the wrong part and sounds like he decided to go a different route. The RV is now at camping world getting repaired. I should be able to pick it up end of the month. To be perfectly honest I’ve been so busy lately that none of this really bothered me. Had I picked it up 2 weeks ago it would just be parked in my backyard anyways. I did a lot of research and a lot of looking and the sunova 35j fits is pretty well. Bunks, larger tanks, king bed etc. I plan to take it out around thanksgiving and again around Christmas. If it were you guys would you take it to McBrides and just do a major service first or would you take it out and see how it goes? I know he did oil changes on engine and genny in May, I’m thinking more like that 45 point inspection service where the check everything. Or take it out a couple times and then after the new year do a major service. I don’t know what do you guys recommend

 

[BHC Vic]

Here’s my other thought. It’s at camping world right now. They charge like 350 for that 45 point inspection. Would it be out of line for me to call them and I pay them to do that aside from what they are doing already? I don’t want to piss anyone off but I’m trying to make my life a little easier. And it’s not even like a if it needs this and this deal is off I just don’t want any headaches when we use it

 

[BHC Vic]

 

[JFMFG]

So to update this thread. We did find the RV we wanted. It’s a 2008 Winnebago itasca sunova 35j. We went to see it we liked it and we made a deal. His brother had just gotten back from a trip with it and he was honest and said the slide was acting up on the trip. We discussed a couple options and decided he would get it fixed and then I would buy it at the price we settled on. Honestly I’m really busy and I want something turn key we can just start using. I didn’t want to buy it and take it to a shop and all that. We agreed to make it a cash deal so while it was getting fixed it gave me a few days to get the cash. It was originally going to be 2-3 weeks and I would go pick it up. I’m not entirely sure what happened but after I sent a text to see where we were at he let me know the guy got the wrong part and sounds like he decided to go a different route. The RV is now at camping world getting repaired. I should be able to pick it up end of the month. To be perfectly honest I’ve been so busy lately that none of this really bothered me. Had I picked it up 2 weeks ago it would just be parked in my backyard anyways. I did a lot of research and a lot of looking and the sunova 35j fits is pretty well. Bunks, larger tanks, king bed etc. I plan to take it out around thanksgiving and again around Christmas. If it were you guys would you take it to McBrides and just do a major service first or would you take it out and see how it goes? I know he did oil changes on engine and genny in May, I’m thinking more like that 45 point inspection service where the check everything. Or take it out a couple times and then after the new year do a major service. I don’t know what do you guys recommend

Hey Vic for what it’s worth I store and have MCbrides service my coach. They’ve made me feel like family from the front desk girl to the service advisor. I think you pay a little more at Mcbrides to be honest but you get what you pay for. I would personally service it and have it gone through for the 2k it’ll prob cost as long as nothing else is found. With that said. Just fix the damn beach rash on the cobra

 

[Done-it-again]

So to update this thread. We did find the RV we wanted. It’s a 2008 Winnebago itasca sunova 35j. We went to see it we liked it and we made a deal. His brother had just gotten back from a trip with it and he was honest and said the slide was acting up on the trip. We discussed a couple options and decided he would get it fixed and then I would buy it at the price we settled on. Honestly I’m really busy and I want something turn key we can just start using. I didn’t want to buy it and take it to a shop and all that. We agreed to make it a cash deal so while it was getting fixed it gave me a few days to get the cash. It was originally going to be 2-3 weeks and I would go pick it up. I’m not entirely sure what happened but after I sent a text to see where we were at he let me know the guy got the wrong part and sounds like he decided to go a different route. The RV is now at camping world getting repaired. I should be able to pick it up end of the month. To be perfectly honest I’ve been so busy lately that none of this really bothered me. Had I picked it up 2 weeks ago it would just be parked in my backyard anyways. I did a lot of research and a lot of looking and the sunova 35j fits is pretty well. Bunks, larger tanks, king bed etc. I plan to take it out around thanksgiving and again around Christmas. If it were you guys would you take it to McBrides and just do a major service first or would you take it out and see how it goes? I know he did oil changes on engine and genny in May, I’m thinking more like that 45 point inspection service where the check everything. Or take it out a couple times and then after the new year do a major service. I don’t know what do you guys recommend

At this rate I would pay for a survey it’s money well spent to make sure you know what you might be getting.

Did you check the roof out?

 

[BHC Vic]

Hey Vic for what it’s worth I store and have MCbrides service my coach. They’ve made me feel like family from the front desk girl to the service advisor. I think you pay a little more at Mcbrides to be honest but you get what you pay for. I would personally service it and have it gone through for the 2k it’ll prob cost as long as nothing else is found. With that said. Just fix the damn beach rash on the cobra

Problem with the beach rash is we are in bhc. I have to get it to havasu and then Get it home from havasu. My dad is retired but he can’t back it into the garage 1st world problems

He also used the video I made for one of my Penn state classes to hook it up

I’ve got one for changing the prop too

 

[BHC Vic]

At this rate I would pay for a survey it’s money well spent to make sure you know what you might be getting.

Did you check the roof out?

The roof is good. It’s a fiberglass which I liked. Winnebago makes a pretty stout roof is something I also learned while researching. What would a survey cost? I’m thinking that’s kind of like the 45 point inspection?

 

[Icky]

First time motor home/ trailer owner? Try camping in your backyard for a weekend to see what you're missing or somewhere with a store near by.

 

[Done-it-again]

The roof is good. It’s a fiberglass which I liked. Winnebago makes a pretty stout roof is something I also learned while researching. What would a survey cost? I’m thinking that’s kind of like the 45 point inspection?

It’s a different unit. But same MFG.

I would have an independent survey done and nothing at camping world. Guess around 5-800

 

[BHC Vic]

First time motor home/ trailer owner? Try camping in your backyard for a weekend to see what you're missing or somewhere with a store near by.

We had a trailer before but it’s been a while and we are by no means experts. My wife grew up with a rvs I grew up with tents

 

[callbob]

The problem with the Winnebago roof is how it is layed on. It wraps over and tucks in behind the rib. It is sealed with whatever rv sealant they used from the factory. I noticed a little drip over the dining area soon after we bought it. It was a pretty good rainstorm so lots of war we. No water damage from before so this was something new. When I got home to Colorado I started researching. Plenty of YouTube videos on repairing it. I started the way this one guy was doing it but felt it was too labor intensive so I modified. He was using a razor knife to remove the old sealant and scraping out the rest with a putty knife. I used a dremel tool with one of those non metal wire wheels. Take the razor knife and score the old sealant then use the wheel to remove . The wheel fits almost perfectly in the groove. Clean it with paint thinner or something similar, let it dry then I recaulked it with flex seal adhesive in clear. Problem solved. Another area you might want to look at is the marker lights on top of coach. The sealant on those dry up also. I had to reseal one of mine while back in Kentucky so when got back home did them all. Easy fixes but roof one is time consuming but necessary if roof hasn’t been done already.
edit, just saw that video after I posted. At 2:34 or so he shows the place where you reseal. That video is a worst case. He also has a video just resealing that seam.

 

[Singleton]

Here’s my other thought. It’s at camping world right now. They charge like 350 for that 45 point inspection. Would it be out of line for me to call them and I pay them to do that aside from what they are doing already? I don’t want to piss anyone off but I’m trying to make my life a little easier. And it’s not even like a if it needs this and this deal is off I just don’t want any headaches when we use it

I would avoid CampingWorld. Only the owner can authorize additional work on the coach anyways.
Spend the extra money and have McBrides look it over.

Also as mentioned above, before you take it out for a camping trip. Do a weekend camp in the backyard where you test everything.

 

[BHC Vic]

It’s a different unit. But same MFG.

I would have an independent survey done and nothing at camping world. Guess around 5-800

That was a good watch. From the brochure picture i assumed there was aluminum framing in the roof like he’s adding in the repair. I guess not though

 

[BHC Vic]

I would avoid CampingWorld. Only the owner can authorize additional work on the coach anyways.
Spend the extra money and have McBrides look it over.

Also as mentioned above, before you take it out for a camping trip. Do a weekend camp in the backyard where you test everything.

That makes sense I didn’t think about that.

 

[callbob]

Mine is a 2011 Sightseer 33c but the roofs are pretty much the same I think. In one of that guys other videos about resealing that seam he shows in pretty good detail how to. I just used the dremel where he used a putty knife or something to remove the sealant. I think my way was faster and did a better job. Oh and a quick way to tell, and I think he shows it in the video, is to push on the bottom of that radius above the sealant and if it has dried out, you will see it even if it looks “ok” by itself it will show cracking when you push on the aluminum radius. Just part of owning an rv just like a boat or a woman. They all need attention, some more than others.

 

[BHC Vic]

Mine is a 2011 Sightseer 33c but the roofs are pretty much the same I think. In one of that guys other videos about resealing that seam he shows in pretty good detail how to. I just used the dremel where he used a putty knife or something to remove the sealant. I think my way was faster and did a better job.

Yes from my understanding the sunova and sightseer are the same only difference is colors. One Winnebago one itasca. It’s a little confusing

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I wouldn't do backyard camping for the shakedown trip. You want everybody to use the motorhome only and rely on the systems in it and the stuff you figure on bringing with you. Its too easy to use things at the house when you are in your backyard and then just not notate it or what not.

I would go to a local campground for the first trip. Something about 30 to 45 mins from your house would be ideal. Something with full hook-ups so you can test all the systems. Use it for a day, dry not hooked up at all, then another day hooked up.

Seeing how your boys interact, play, and socialize for the weekend is something to pay attention to as well. Easier to establish where they can put things and how much they can take with them when you are close but not at home.

 

[v6toy4x]

Use it and fix what breaks when it breaks, if you have fun this will NOT be your last RV, happy trails as they say!

 

[RVRKID]

I wouldn't do backyard camping for the shakedown trip. You want everybody to use the motorhome only and rely on the systems in it and the stuff you figure on bringing with you. Its too easy to use things at the house when you are in your backyard and then just not notate it or what not.

I would go to a local campground for the first trip. Something about 30 to 45 mins from your house would be ideal. Something with full hook-ups so you can test all the systems. Use it for a dry not hooked up at all, then another day hooked up.

Seeing how your boys interact, play, and socialize for the weekend is something to pay attention to as well. Easier to establish where they can put things and how much they can take with them when you are close but not at home.

I agree, hit up https://bonellibluffsrv.com/ at Lake Puddingstone people seem to like it but I haven't camped there or a weekend at Vail Lake would be good too.

 

[Bigbore500r]

View attachment 1440679 View attachment 1440680

That list of what they check / how they check is pretty lame. IMHO not worth the 350...assuming you saw all the appliances working (both on propane and 120v power) when you looked at the rig. Whatever they can see, you can see with your eyes.

Heater blow hot and stay hot without shutting down prematurely? AC blow cold continously? Does fridge get cold on propane, and an electric? Does generator power both AC's and microwave at same time without stumbling or shutting down?
Does generator stay running without issue?

 

[Bigbore500r]

That was a good watch. From the brochure picture i assumed there was aluminum framing in the roof like he’s adding in the repair. I guess not though View attachment 1440685

If the rig doesn't have water stains on ceiling inside, it's not leaking. Both of my buddies have this same year rig and haven't had roof issues

 

[69hondo]

I had to have a survey/inspection done on my DP before buying it. Part of the requirement by the lender.
I had no part of picking the surveying company. Lender did.
They contacted me right away and gave the good to go and told me I would receive a copy of the survey/inspection report.
I later in the day got their report and this is where I realized they knew nothing and where just getting a paycheck from me/lender.
Under generator fuel type they checked gasoline.
Under fuel for the coach fuel type they also checked gasoline.
Under jacks/leveling system they checked no.

In the end not a big deal. wasted some money but I got what I wanted.

If you are going to get an inspection, do some research and find someone who actually knows what they are looking at.
You've had a trailer so you know what to look for. You also have cars and a boat so you are not new to engines/ drive trains and working on shit.
Dont go back to over thinking it and pick it up once the slide is fixed and take the family camping.

 

[240Hallett]

I think an inspection at camping world would be somewhat of a fishing exercise for them.

 

[RiverDave]

Motorhomes can be complicated Vic.. go through each process and right then down step by step!!

Auto level.. either get everyone out or everyone sits still until it is done. Slides next.. make sure there is clearance outside. “Clear the slides”. Swiffer and vacuum floor!! Make sure there are no interruptions pebbles etc..

Before you drive away walk around the whole motorhome..

When filling the water tanks sit there and stare at it until it’s done.. if you get side tracked you will overfill and possibly have a tank burst.. set timers on your phone for black tank flush etc..


Whatever works for you let’s stick to a routine.

I would goto an Rv park near your house for a weekend that way if you have a problem you are close.. I have 50 amp and dumps at my house so we can run on and off grid etc for testing.. just staying on the motorhome for a weekend will teach you a lot. Like how long you can go off grid teach the wife and kids how to take showers and do dishes without filling up all the tanks, etc..

 

[RiverDave]

True story.. I thought I had mine mastered.. one time we went to Glamis and I’m ready to go and the fucking awning wouldn’t go in. I tried everything.. I was getting ready to rip the awning off the side of it when my buddy says “you have to turn off the engine”. I’m thinking no way this thing is that smart that it knows that shit..

Sure as shit the awning won’t power out OR IN if the engine is running. lol.

RD

 

[wzuber]

I think an inspection at camping world would be somewhat of a fishing exercise for them.

Isn't that kind of the idea when buying used? To find all the possible gremlins before taking ownership? I mean you don't want them creating problems but if they can spot issues potentially before they happen that could be beneficial.
Example: cracked/rotted fuel filler hose to tank. Cracked/rotted fuel lines, brake lines, brittle air bag hoses, leaking air bags etc. Before I sold my parents coach I had to replace and repair some of these items. Neo-agled skylight over the shower was brittle and cracked. Items one doesn't always think about when searching for an r.v. We found about the bad fuel filler hose at the gas station when filling up for a trip to big bear they were taking. That was a m'fr to replace due to the very limited access in the wall not to mention finding that particular size and type hose on Saturday morning. Just something else to consider.

 

[EmpirE231]

If your first trip is gonna be semi local - within 100 miles or so, I'd run it and bring a pen and pad to write down issues you find along the way. If your first trip is some cross country adventure, definitely go through the whole thing first.

Otherwise make sure you have some decent roadside assistance and if the tires are over 5 years old, replace them no matter how good they look.

 

[wzuber]

One of the crazy and frustrating things w/ these older rv's is that with age things will start to fail intermittently, typically electrical items. I've had refers work on/off over a 4 day trip dry camping @ rincon. Propane tank solenoids fail intermittently, generator over fueling....after.... it had been 'professionally serviced with new carb" etc. Point here is
you can do everything under the sun to check these out before hand but it's still basically a crap shoot, shit will still hickup, fail etc. If you can be cool with that your good to go. Hold some funds in reserve to help absorb the incidentals and go for it.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Find out where the master power switch is inside. Someone is going to bump it or turn it off at some point. You’ll be a mad SOB if you don’t know wtf is going on. One of mine was at the entry stairs, other in bathroom. Both got turned off regularly.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Vic do you own a coach yet?

 

[ChumpChange]

Just wrapped up a 3,500 mile triip in mine. Always be prepared to fix on the fly.

 

[BHC Vic]

Vic do you own a coach yet?

Last update was Wed but I had been out of town a few weeks so I wasn’t in a hurry. I’m back in town for a few weeks though so timing is better for me now. I’m really hoping this week

 

[callbob]

3500 mil

Just wrapped up a 3,500 mile triip in mine. Always be prepared to fix on the fly.

3500 miles last month as well. Now on my winter warm tour in Arizona. Always something to fix especially on all the rough roads out there now. Something always shaking loose.