From nothing to a double whammy

[Tom Robinson]

I went from having no camper to becoming a Good Ol' RV member times two.  A close friend asked that I find a cheap camper for him to live in while he was restoring an old oyster house in Virginia. I found a 1978 camper in below average condition for $500.  My buddy promised to pay me the next week. While waiting for my payment I decided to spruce up the little camper a bit and placed an ad in the local "Trash to Treasures" Facebook page, asking if anyone had any extra camper parts for sale.  My request was immediately answered with..."I have an old camper but I want to sell it as a whole and not parts.  I'll take $500 for it.  I was very skeptical, knowing that my wife would raise HELL if I brought another junk camper home to further clutter the yard.  Then I thought..."What if this camper is better than the one I already bought?  Maybe I should take a look at it".  What I found, a few miles down the road, was not a camper but a Good Ol' RV, a 1982 Chevy/Jamee.  Although it had been sitting idle for a few years she looked to be in remarkable condition.  I asked the owner if it was a chance that I could get it running.  His answer was..."Yes..If you turn the key in the ignition. She has two new batteries, six new tires and a perfectly reliable Kohler generator.  Just start her up and drive her home."...and I did just that.  72,000 miles, great transmission, and a wonderful, non-smoking 350 Chevy engine.  I had no intention of keeping the beast but, a day after a quick inspection by my wife, she told me that she had already booked two, one-week excursions with the Grandchildren to Nags Head and the Great Smokey Mountains. The next day, my buddy informed me that his contract fell through and I was stuck with the camper...NOT.  I sold it the next day for a $300 profit, bringing the cost of the RV down to $200.  The story doesn't end there, however.  The next day I once again took a look at the local Trash to Treasure site.  The reason for doing so escapes me.  My ADD was raging as I looked at an ad for a 1965 Little Dipper camper that was available for $100.  How could I NOT call the owner and take a look.  The owner let me know that, although he wanted $100, if I could remove it within five days, I could have it for $1.00.  The adventure begins anew.  What I found was a camper that was parked in the woods, completely engulfed in Poison Ivy and briars, and blocked by at least twelve small trees which had to be removed before it could be dragged close enough to hook up a tow vehicle. Although she was buried up to the axles, and the wheels and tires were rotten (She had been sitting for 12 years), I was able to install new tires and wheels and tow her home with no problems.  I am now the proud owner of two classic campers and plan to use them on a regular basis.  The Grandchildren couldn't be happier.  I hope to see some of you along the way.  Happy Camping, Tom

[Dawn Michelle]

OMGosh, now that's a story!

[M K Wilkie]

I read this to my husband even though I had some reservations knowing he might get that look in his eyes that said "hey, that's a great way to make a buck". I think I can control his impulses in that direction..for now. Lol!! Great luck, great story.

[Pat]

Love the can do and will do attitude.... Never boring at your house.