First post

[Paul Nichols]

I'm not sure how you have this all set up here. But, I just thought I had better say

HOWDY from MONTANA!!!

I am looking around for a used RV that I can hopefully get running and use by August. I have experience with RV's but, I have a hard time remembering things ever since surgeries. And anyhow, never hurts to see what others think.

I need to start looking through all the stuff here and see what's up.

So, Later,

Paul

[So ska noname]

I looked into getting a Winnebago rv at first. But engine repair, on my penny pinching budget, was not for me. So I looked at trailer I could haul,with my well maintained truck. Is yours a full size van? Could you take out seats, put in mattress and box springs; add a porta potty? You can make a porta potty "enclosure" for privacy out of PVC pipe and shower curtains fairly inexpensive.

Even if a smaller minivan you can put a double sized mattress in to make travel easier. If you made a wooden frame you could store things underneat. Or add a rack on top? Small trailer behind (even a utility or travel trailer in rough shape) to put all your belongings in.

[Paul Nichols]

Thanks Rich and Howdy! Very good info and reminders. We just saw one of those popups yesterday and were reminiscing about our first "tent trailer". LOL We almost went into a "bottomless lake" on one of our outings on the peninsula! Never had a lot of luck with bumper-pull stuff. But, I am rethinking the option. The 86 chevy Uplander that we would be using has not been tested for hauling but, it does have a receiver.

My wife really needs a toilet of some sort and a bed. The more I think of it, the more interested I become. Going to craigslist right now. ;)

Paul

[Rich Thomas]

Hi Paul, just an Idea, have you given any thought to a small pop up or camper trailer? It may be an option for you if your van is suited for pulling. Pop ups can be found cheaply and are very easy to set up and maintain. I have had one for years and they tow very well. A motor Home is nice as well and I don't want to discourage you but if you are like a lot of us here and money and time are a factor this may be the way for you to compromise. Motor Homes bought on the cheap most likely need hundreds if not thousands of dollars investment just to make them road worthy let alone safe and usable. My experience is a good example. I bought my M.H. last fall it had brand new looking tires on it and had just passed an Ohio Patrol safety inspection just a few hours before I got into it to drive home. 20 miles out I blew a tire and ended up having to replace all 7 because they was all out of date and the tire shop would not work on my camper other wise. I was pi$$ed to say the least but after reading a whole lot of horror stories I came to the conclusion they probably saved my life. LOL. that was about 1,700 dollars and, all but doubled my investment just in the first 20 miles. all in all I like my M.H. but after fixing the furnace, sealing the roof, repairing water lines, chasing an electrical problem that left me stranded on the side of the road I sometimes wonder if it was worth it. The answer is obviously yes but it's been almost a year for me to get it in the go out and get in and go mode. Money + Time = a big investment;  if either of these are an issue Id go a different rout. MHO.

[Paul Nichols]

Just a follow up if anyone is following this. :D We have looked at a couple in our price range (close to zero) but, haven't found THE one yet. One was interesting but, would need gutted due to rain intrusion with mold. So, that wasn't happening anytime soon. But, it did have really good tires on it. :D

We are hoping to look at an '83 dodge tomorrow. Sounds very promising. We'll see. Anyhow, this project may have to wait a while. My wife is getting worse and worse so may have to just take her over to see her relatives in the van. 1000 miles one way but, she says she can handle it.

Later,

Paul

[Paul Nichols]

Thanks for the replies. I am looking for a MH to be more precise. I am going to go look at one today. It's a '72 Dodge Superior. Owner says it runs and drives well. Needs interior work etc. I will take some pics and post with some details later. $600 OBO . Will have to do some creative financing etc. but, we'll see.

Paul

[So ska noname]

Hello from Michigan!!! Rich is right. Take your time looking. I went to wyoming for mine. There is a page on this website with used ones for sale. My old one was too small for me, grandkids (5) and two dogs. Are you looking for an rv or trailer? Happy hunting!!

[Rich Thomas]

Welcome Paul, sorry so long for someone to reply, I found my old Travel Craft on Craig's List of all places. I had searched for quite  while and, had looked at the add many times before I called the owner. I went and looked at it and decided to buy it. I will caution you about Craig's List though there are a lot of scammers out there that will suck the life out of a dying grandma for her last penny. So, do the leg work and finger work if your an internet junkie but research, research, research. If that's not your thing then buyer be ware. That goes for what ever source you choose to use, even adds posted here, not saying any of them are bad you just need to make sure to right unit fits your needs and ability to make it worth your time and investment. Hope this helps and good luck