I've been casually - and obsessively - checking out craigslist for months, waiting for the perfect rig to put itself in front of me. I see a lot of them that look great and would work for me but none that make me excited ... until 2 days ago when an old Class C listed just 1/2 hour from where I'm currently camping. I got all googly-eyed when I saw the pictures. Here, let me show you:
Was it love at first sight? Heart racing, sweaty palms, butterflies in the stomach, googly eyes. It was either love or the chili I had for dinner.
It's a 26' Mobile Traveler, with low mileage, new tires, new fuel pump, new fridge, new cooktop, and new flooring. I can see myself in this rig. I can see the critters in this rig. It's all fabulous ... except the year. It's a 1981 and that's what gives me pause. The Bounder is a late 90's model and I'd been saying I don't want anything older than that. But this, holy cow, this rig is lickable.
I'd love to hear your thoughts, positive and not so positive. If you're driving and living in an old rig, tell me the things I should hear. I know all about checking for leaks and roof condition and systems but what am I not thinking of?
You may remember that Roxanne and I had a Geo Tracker, which was a super fun car to drive and towed like a dream but I discovered that finding parts unique to that model was a bear. When Chevy bought out Geo and then discontinued the line, they stopped making parts for it and availability of parts are drying up. It sat in the shop for 6 long weeks while they tried to find the transmission parts I needed to get her back on the road. Working on the Tracker was easy, any mechanic could do it and I could do some of it myself, but finding parts was not. So when it finally was fixed, I sold it.
Would I need to have the same worries with an old Ford? Ford is obviously still in business and I know there are a ton of old Fords still on the road so it seems likely that parts are easily available. Right?
Anyone out there with a 26' rig without a toad? I have a Honda CR-V now and I like it a lot but would rather have just the one vehicle. If I were to buy, say, this rig, I'd keep the Honda for a while until I was confident I could do without it, but your real world experience would help me up front. I'd have to give up fast food drive-thrus but that doesn't seem like a bad thing.
Your turn!
Oh Annie there you are begging for advice and I have none to give. 26' seems cool although I've decided I may do the 18' casita if I just can't Winnona for all the reasons you've given. My only problem there is the half size refrig.
ReplyDeleteIf your heart strings are pulling my advice is GO FOR IT! It's an old rig but you are a great fixer. The seller will probably have to pretty much give it away because it is so old so you should get a great deal. Can you move all the towing stuff on the tracker to the new rig without incurring any new expense.
Life is short. What's the worst that can happen. Is that really that bad? Fear gets us no where and everything always turns out ok when we look back. So just dive in and if it doesn't work, dive out just like the tracker.
I'm spoiled with the big double door fridge in this rig so moving to a smaller one will take some adjustment but I know it will be fine.
DeleteI like GO FOR IT! :) You're right that I can fix lots of things and I wouldn't worry about any of the motorhome systems. I just never learned much about engines and transmissions other than the basics. You're also right that the price of the rig is quite low, another plus. I'd put solar on it and change out the toilet for a composting one but I've got experience with that so at least there wouldn't be any labor costs.
There would be no new expense of towing the Honda behind another rig. If there were any wiring to be done, I'd do it myself.
Things always work out, you're right, even when they don't work out the way we've planned.
You have a lot of the same questions I do on buying an older rig. The comments here will be fun to follow.
ReplyDeleteTerrific! Hopefully we'll both get some good info.
DeleteI'm not an rv'er but it did cross my mind that not all cities or even towns have parking locally for even 26' ers. Also if the motorhome is in the shop, you would be wheel less. But like Sherry says, if you love it go for it!
ReplyDeleteYou're right that some municipalities restrict RV parking but I don't worry about that since I'm a boondocker and only go into towns long enough to stock up on supplies.
DeleteI would have to find shops that allow me to stay on-site but you make a good point, I'd be without wheels until it was ready.
When it's in the shop, I wait. Usually inside The Palms. If they want to keep it overnight, I stay in it, usually on their lot. Sometimes with free hookups. And as far as restricting parking, you're much longer now, and with a car, so this smaller RV without a car would be easier. Think how easy it would be to break camp. 1. TV antenna down. 2. Bring in the chair. 3. Check that all cabinets are closed. 4. Start engine. LOL Easy peasy.
DeleteThose are some good points.
DeleteBarbara, do you ever wish you had a toad? How long is your rig?
DeleteA smaller rig, with or without a toad, would be easier all around, I'm sure.
We had a 91 Ford Jamboree. We ran into several problems due to the age. One was the cruise control. The cable that made the control work broke. No new ones available. We had dealerships try all over the country. A mechanically minded guy figured out a way to remedy the problem. In less than a year, it broke again. This time another "brain " had a bright idea. He went to a bicycle shop & got a cable he could use that made it work. Our 1300 mile each way was so much more tiring without that gizmo! Another problem developed with the brakes. The brake light came on. It was decided that the brake master cylinder was at fault. The part was unavailable. We ended up taking the part out and shipping it hundreds of miles away to be reworked. When we sold the RV, the brake light was still on. When my husband would call asking about parts for a '91, the usual response was that he was foolish to be even asking! I was the one responsible for our buying the Jamboree in the first place. I loved the floor plan. Believe me, I rued the day long afterward. So, my advice is to be careful.
ReplyDeleteWhoowee, yes, your experience definitely plays into my fears of buying an old rig. I wouldn't care about cruise control but the brakes are kind of a big deal.
DeleteThanks for giving us your experience!
My son restores 1967-68-69 Camaros. He buys them in horrible shape and totally reworks them, always with the most original parts he can get. They are gorgeous when he's done and he sells them all over the world. I'd think a Ford engine would be the same. Sometimes you might have to get parts from an wrecking yard, or put an ad on Craig's list, but if the rig is perfect, you'll find a way. Get a good, low price, though, just in case you need to put more money into it. Or... keep looking and you'll find something a bit newer that you love just as much. :)
DeleteThat is interesting about how hard it is to get parts. A few years ago when I was buying and selling VW Buses older than 1967, I had not problem getting any part, engine or body.
DeleteSomeone told me about rockauto.com when I was trying to find parts for the Tracker. I just looked there for old Ford parts and they have them for much much older than an '81. A source like that is probably a better shot than going through a dealer for parts.
DeleteVery cool what your son does, Barbara. I love those old Camaros. When each of us kids were graduating from high school, my Gram ponied up some cash for our first car. I had my eye on a Camaro but my dad would have none of it. My best friend's dad bought that car for her. It was a beauty.
It was a question we wrestled with too when we decided we needed to make a change recently. We are dropping back 8 years to a 2003 from a 2011. Not the normal way most folks go. My biggest worry, like yours was/is mechanical & parts although we should be alright for a bunch of years yet. Key was the condition of the vehicle we were looking for. A mechanic could check out that Class C your looking at & put his stamp of approval on but it's like RunNRose said, what about hard to find parts. You don't want to find yourself stranded somewhere with an unfixable vehicle. And with no toad to go for help or transport an injured pet......Unfortunately it's a harsh reality. I know well the feeling of wanting a vehicle real bad even knowing it might not be in my best interest. I've had a lot of vehicles like that. Some worked out well & some didn't. Tough decision for you & one which is going to require a clear head.with a wary eye to the future.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I was afraid someone was going to mention needing a clear head. :)
DeleteYou're so right about being stranded without another set of wheels, especially way out in the boonies like I like. Maybe I should rethink the idea of a toad, whether or not I buy this particular rig.
Upkeep and maintenance on a rig is probably more important than age but it's not very often that people keep all their service records. Hard to tell just what you're getting sometimes.
I really liked the size and layout of your Winnebago and have been thinking more and more about downsizing since being inside it. See? This is all your fault. :)
Lovely to see ya blogging Annie! You know I've been wanting to downsize for ages. It's hard to give up the space, but the freedom of travel and finding boondocking sites would be huge. I have no doubt I that if It were just me, I'd certainly downsize. As to buying an older rig, I don't have much advice. Certainly a tough decision, but I know you're a very handy gal.
ReplyDeleteNina
Great to see you here Nina! It is hard giving up all the great space but I know it will be worth it, and I'll be a happier traveler.
Delete1. Talk to All at The Bayfield Bunch about going to a Class C from a Class A. Don't do it. Especially with the crowd you have.
ReplyDelete2. Tracker parts aren't that hard to find if YOU'RE the one doing the looking and are in a Tracker Club or have contacts with other Tracker owners. At least that's what my Tracker owner buddies tell me. But that's histroy now.
Al, Kelly and I had a decent discussion about the pros and cons of downsizing when we met in Sedona. And there are definitely pros and cons. I think it makes much more of a difference if there are 2 people jockeying for space in a smaller rig. For me, I know smaller is what I want, it's not a matter of if but when.
DeleteI don't really care if I have a Class A or Class C, or even a truck or van and a camper (ala RVSue), just smaller than what I have now. If I didn't have cats, I'd be comfortable in a truck camper or van.
I looked all over the place for Tracker parts, as did my mechanic and some Tracker/Samurai friends. I kept finding possible sources and giving them to my mechanic but it took 6 weeks to find the part I needed. At one point I was even told that it would have to come from Japan and that it was on backorder there. Crazy stuff.
Sure wish I had some answers for you. I too think of downsizing, especially lately when this '04 Keystone is starting to require a lot of maintenance. But I guess every home does whether it's mobile or not. I like this layout you're looking at with a smaller size. But having had a 27' motorhome and no toad I didn't like having to take my home everywhere I went. But then I also didn't like the idea of dealing with two engines. I assume you went and checked it out?
ReplyDeleteLife is certainly a work in progress and there are pros and cons to just about every decision. Dealing with two engines and the insurance and registration and maintenance sometimes feels like overkill. It's delicate balance figuring out wants versus needs.
DeleteThis particular rig may already be sold. The seller said he will call me if the deal falls through.
I can't address your particular situation... except that I started with a camper van and now have a vintage trailer and fairly new and reliable truck. One thing I always have had is a tent and basic camping necessities so if I faced a period of time I where the trailer needed shop time without me...I would have an option. I also maintain a small fund for car rental in case of being grounded. That seems prudent anytime when dealing with mechanical issues. I always ask my self What would it take to make me feel comfortable rather than let fear take root. Good Luck finding what works for you!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've got a good system set up. I have things like roadside assistance and fulltimers insurance and an emergency fund so I'm pretty comfortable and confident that whatever happens I can deal with it. Peace of mind is so important.
DeleteHi Annie..We've had a 1982 Tioga Class C 24' Chevy powered for 3 years and now we have a 1984 Champion 28' Titan Class A Chevy powered too. Got inspired by a group called www.tincantourists.com . Always seem to find parts. We're fulltiming.
ReplyDeleteI've got a few recent stories about fixin' on our blog http://www.cmhl09.blogspot.com Rolling Earthquake.. good luck with your decision.
Glad you haven't had a problem finding parts! Thanks for the link, I'll check it out!
DeleteWhen we were looking for parts, we were informed more than once that "wrecking yards" as we used to know them, no longer exist. It seems older vehicles are routinely destroyed. We tried that avenue ourselves. Did not just rely on dealers. Of course the first place we looked was Ebay. No luck. A frustrating experience, to say the least.
ReplyDeleteI know the frustration well and feel your pain; couldn't believe how hard it was to find the part I needed. I certainly don't want to go through that again
DeleteAmazing how we tend to create our own tough decisions. I have a 40' Winnie and tow a full size SUV. Boondock often. The view through the front window is great in the Class A. Wasted space over the cab in a Class C unless you like being a climber... worry about the falling part and being alone in the boondocks lying with a broken hip (as we age, body parts break too.) The older Class C's versus new is the gas mileage and all that. Some old ones only make 8 to 10, I get 10 sometimes 12 in the Class A BUT, I go to CAT dealer and get the engine updates yearly which took me from 3.5 gallons per mile to 12 miles per gallon!!!! The wind, it can be a bear when driving the Class C versus the A because of the over cab part. As for a toad... I would NEVER want to be without that security of an extra set of wheels. Last but not least... to me... I feel more like I am living in an "real" home in a Class A. Follow your heart..... but keep safety in mind and for me, I think of worse case and cover myself for that and then I never have to deal with it.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about the light in a Class A, and I have the big living room windows besides in this rig.
DeleteMy rig is a gasser with just a V8 engine. I'm lucky to get 7 mpg.
If I end up with a Class C, I would not be using the overcab bed for anything but storage and a cat perch. A dedicated bed on the floor is a must.
Is the engine big enough to get it up a mountain if you need to climb a mountain. I had 2 Class C's, a 1986 and 1992 and neither one had enough power for the load.
ReplyDeleteGood question, especially if I end up keeping the toad. My current rig struggles with steep grades, too.
DeleteWe have a 23' Class C Coachman Freelander. I can only speak from my perspective, but I have a nice size fridge, 3 burner stove, wish I had double sinks sometimes, but only have one, a nice size table..... Joe is very happy with the Ford E-350 V-10. We tow because we are "goer's and seers" and it is just more convenient for us when we have the Malibu with us. I was wanting him to take the MH to the city park this weekend where he was in a horseshoe tournament, but alas, there was no room to park even a 23' rig. We aren't full timers but we spend a lot of time in our little "truck house" and it works for us. By the way. We don't have slides, but it is a wide body rig.
ReplyDeleteA double sink is a must have for me. Doing dishes is not my favorite but the double sink makes it so much easier.
DeleteI don't have slides, either, and don't want them. I know I'm in the minority there and it's getting harder and harder to find rigs without slides.
wow Annie.....really interesting comments here. I like the layout of that C. Did the owner tow anything.? I think it is too big to take for laundry, vet office etc.. Bin storage will be much smaller. space for adding solar... having said that....price is what it is sometimes....I'd definetly be going to look at it ..
ReplyDeleteA 26' rig is definitely on the long side to be without a toad. I would keep my Honda until I could determine if I could live without it.
DeleteIt has a hitch receiver but I don't know what, if anything, has been towed. There's tons of space on the roof for solar panels but finding the space for the batteries, charge controller and inverter is always tricky. I would probably have the generator removed and then repurpose that space.
Annie, have you actually seen this RV up close and personal yet? Driven it a few miles maybe? If not, I wouldn't let my heart get all in a dither until you have actually walked in it, visualized your critters in it and drive it for at least 20 miles! THEN if love for it is still making your heart go pitter pat... you can make an honest decision!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Geri, I wouldn't make a final decision before I spent some decent time in it poking around and driving. It may be a moot point now, anyway. The seller has a tentative deal and will call me if that falls through.
DeleteI can't offer any experience in class A versus class C motorhomes or pulling a vehicle with one as we always camped in a camper van with a high top. That's an awesome motorhome you are looking at, and I would be excited to own it because of the space I never had in a camper van! There's a couple of things that immediately caught my attention and I thought I'd mention it even though you will do what you think is best in the end. I'm just mentioning these things in case you do decide to purchase that beautiful rv....
ReplyDeleteThat bed/mattress being so close to that kitchen sink would be disaster for me, with seven (yes seven) cats my bed would stay wet from me turning something over, or more likely several of my cats playing in the water in the sink then jumping onto that mattress! You are talented enough to put up and seal a sheet of plexiglass to avoid any spill-overs or cat antics. You'd want to keep the open-ness of the motorhome by allowing yourself to still see through that area, and with a plexiglass divider daylight would still be able to pass through and lighten up the interior from that over the bed window..
Call me a scare-dee-cat if you will, but I'm also not too excited to see that microwave high up like it is as I'd be scared to reach up and grab a hot bowl of food and have it tilt over onto my head! When we get into our 'advanced years' we tend to tilt bowls and plates so much easier than we used to, and if you are boondocking you can't always get perfectly level, adding to that danger. That countertop across from the bed would be a better place for me to have a microwave I think. Moving that microwave would also open up an area for a bigger fridge if you chose to to have one later on. Other folks may not have a problem with a microwave high up like that, it's just my kinky way of thinking.
With no knowledge of pulling another vehicle I have to admit to agreeing with a couple of commenters that you would need something small in case of pet emergencies, etc.
Consider everything, such as.....
If it's paid for sometimes it's best to just keep what you already have, at least a while longer. You 'know it', how to work on it and parts are still available, etc. Only you know the current condition of the motor, etc. in your current rv.
Unless you already have, or plan to one day own a sticks and bricks home you may want the size of a larger rv so you would be able to park it and live in it permanently later in life.
Not being a member of the $$$$ club, I can only offer you thoughts and ideas that come to mind this morning. I'm glad it's you making the final decision on this and not me, ha.. I hope the decision to buy it, or not, will be the right choice for you! Listen to everything people tell you, but follow your own heart in your final decision...Just keep us updated!
~Pam in Louisiana~
Welcome to blog land!
You make a lot of good points, Pam. I've traveled with 6 cats and now 3, they do tend to do things that make life interesting. I hadn't thought about the risks to the bed by having it so close to the sink and counter.
DeleteThe microwave wouldn't be an issue, it would come out immediately and be sold or given away then that space used for storage. I haven't used a microwave for three years and don't miss it.
There is comfort in knowing the rig you have, and that it's paid for. I wouldn't be making payments on whatever I buy but because of the $$, or the lack of $$, it will have to be an older rig.
The advantage of having the freedom for a person to make their own decision/s is that the decision will always be RIGHT.
ReplyDeleteI agree, nice point!
DeleteGood luck with your decision, but you will have a much older coach and possible problems getting parts.
ReplyDeletePlus your storage, fresh water and sewage tanks will be smaller too.
The toad I think should be with you just in case, you don't want to be stranded, out in the middle of nowhere.
Fresh water capacity could be an issue but holding tanks, no, since I would have a composting toilet. I don't put grey water down the drain and I don't shower in my rig so there's not much of it. The tank on this rig is 65 gallons and it takes me over a month to go through it.
DeleteI agree with Al and suggest that you have that Class C checked over by a mechanic. Yes it will cost you some $ but it might save you potential disaster or it might help prove that this is the rig for you.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has to find what works best for them. Personally, even once our dogs are gone, we will keep our 40' Class A, we like the space, love the huge fridge and all the basement storage. So far we have always been able to travel where we want to go.
Good luck with your decision. Looking forward to reading about it.
Yes, I agree and would have it checked out by a mechanic before closing a deal.
DeleteIt's great that you guys have the rig you want to keep long term. This rig has been good for a long time and I hope the next owner finds it to be perfect.
I am glad to see that you have a blog now as I have followed your old one in the past .I like your sarcasm and humor. At least you know what you have with the Bounder, mechanically speaking. It's unknown what expenses you could run into the Class C, but a compete mechanical assessment should be done before you purchase. I believe that old of a ford does not have fuel injection so a carburetor might need to be rebuilt if it runs rough . A compression test would probably be in order as well as a transmission check. Some questions I would have for me are: How old are the spark plugs and how many miles are on the unit? Do you know how it was used? Did the previous owner tow with it? Did it do a lot of mountain towing? How old are the tires? How long has it been since the brakes were inspected? How old is the brake and power steering fluid? Is there a lot of rust on the undercarriage? Are the motor mounts in good shape? How long has it been since there was a radiator flush? Good luck...
ReplyDeleteHi Gene, thanks for stopping in! That's a good list to have when I look at rigs, thanks. I also wondered about the carburetor, it's been a lot of years since I've had a vehicle without injectors.
DeleteHere is my sad story about a '84 Ford Econoline Conversion van I bought last year. It was low milage, looked new inside and out. Had a mechanic check it out. He gave it a green light. Ford dealer said getting parts was not a problem. So 6 months after I bought it the carburetor died, and I had a new one installed by a private mechanic because in my town the Ford garage didn't work on carburetors, so they said. Right after the new carburetor was installed, the problems started, or rather van wouldn't start on a regular basis. Took it back to the guy who installed it and he said. "Are you sure you had it in Park when you tried to start it?' Needless to say, I had a hissy fit. After taking it back several times, I gave up on this "mechanic" and took it back to the Ford garage, where I learned they had one mechanic who could work on carburetors and he turned ou to be the nephew of the guy who installed it. I'm glad I didn't say anything bad about him to the nephew. Well , after multiple trips to garage and several hundred dollars, it finally would start on a somewhat regular basis. Until winter, then it wouldn't start when the temp was below freezing. Come spring I started smelling gas fumes inside the cab when I was driving. The mechanic at the Ford place finally told me, the carburetor that came in the van was not made anymore and it had 3 vents and the newer carburetor they had to put in only had one vent and nothing could be done about the gas fumes except don't drive with the window down or the vent on. I gave up and traded it in on a newer van, but I lost several thousand on this whole sour deal. Let the the buyer beware.
ReplyDeleteOh, Tonita, what a horrible experience for you. Did the guy pat you on the head when he asked you if it was in park? You know he wouldn't have asked a man that question. I'm sorry it went so sour. You've definitely made me wary of old rigs with carburetors.
DeleteThanks for the sympathy. Annie. It is so infurating when men treat you like an idiot. After my experience I would advise against carburetors. it isn't only a matter of parts, but finding people to work on them .Hope you find the perfect rig for you. I understand about the cats since I have one cat that travels with me. I wouldn't give him up for the best RV in the world.
DeleteUnfortunately, misogyny is alive and well in lesser evolved men. Sorry you saw one up close and personal.
DeleteI think you're right and I'll stay away from carburetors, which means considering nothing older than 90's models. That works for me.
I'm arriving waaay late to the discussion. But that won't stop me from offering an opinion.
ReplyDeleteHere's my take: if I were full-timing and primarily boondocking and needed space for furballs and room to stretch out, I would get a 5th wheel. However, as you say, it's getting harder to find rigs without slides. But some of the older 5th wheels don't have them. You can't beat a 5th wheel for usable living space, IMO.
Not sure you want to mess with hitching and un-hitching even though I know you are proficient with both.
Yay! I'm glad to hear your opinion, timing be damned. :)
DeleteSo many different rigs and configurations would work well for me - that's been part of my dilemma, too many options.