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Lookin' for the next ONE

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JKConey

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Jan 20, 2013, 11:40:42 PM1/20/13
to
To refresh, we lost our almost brand new trailer to the flood. A
blessing in disguise I guess, because we had our trouble with trailer
driving issues, (managed to get most of our money back via insurance),
and thus a brand new start as far as finding the right RV. We had a
blast on our 4 trips last summer, but the northeast meant lots of road
issues and very slow going. Backing up, and parking weren't fun either.
We're not the park in one place and sit in beach chair types, and need
more mobility. The B's we're seeing are obscenely expensive at
$90-$135k. Way too much for weekend warriors like us. We saw a smallish
C made by Coachman that seems to fit the bill. MSRP is $75k, show
special sounds cheap at $53k. It's about 22', very comfy inside, and
compared to trailer pulling here in the northeast, it seems like a good
fit. A big issue is that we have no dealers closer than 100 miles, and
other than the internet we don't know what the other companies making
these C's are? We are planning retirement to Las Vegas by next year when
RVing will change for us. Just having a generator will be a huge plus
for us this time around. We're not big on do it yourself automotive
issues, so a 3 year Chevy or Ford warranty sounds right too. I'm told
that we can expect 8-10 mpg from the 350 or 4500. Advice on all things
C will be appreciated. Many thanks!

--
JK Sinrod
www.MyConeyIslandMemories.com
www.facebook.com/MyConeyIslandMemories

Hunter Hampton

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Jan 21, 2013, 1:42:12 AM1/21/13
to
On 1/20/2013 8:40 PM, JKConey wrote:
> To refresh, we lost our almost brand new trailer to the flood. A
> blessing in disguise I guess, because we had our trouble with trailer
> driving issues, (managed to get most of our money back via insurance),
> and thus a brand new start as far as finding the right RV.

What issues?

Hunter

Hank

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Jan 21, 2013, 5:28:55 AM1/21/13
to
Buying an RV is a "give and take" situation. Only you can make the decisions. One of the biggest decisions is "how much do I want to spend?". After you make that decision, make a list of the things that you want. Such as a regular microwave or a microwave that is also a convection oven, and etc. Then the things you need. Such as a generator or just an inverter.

If you are a weekend warrior with a couple longer trips during the year, you probably don't need a huge RV. If you plan on staying in it a couple months at a time, you want a larger RV. But no matter what you choose, I guarantee it won't be perfect. :-)

Good luck,
Hank

Hank

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Jan 21, 2013, 5:32:25 AM1/21/13
to
On Sunday, January 20, 2013 11:40:42 PM UTC-5, JKConey wrote:

What model Coachman are you looking at? Someone on here may be able to give you a little insight about it.

Hank

Ron

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Jan 21, 2013, 7:16:41 AM1/21/13
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"JKConey" wrote in message news:kdigsa$4pc$1...@dont-email.me...
+++++++++
I have no experience with a class C, they like all other RVs have one big
issue, quality! Some RVs look really great, but it is all cosmetic and
underneath is cheap and/or botched construction. Check around in the
internet for info on what brands are standing up to actual use and which
ones look great but fail miserably when actually used.

With your upcoming move you probably should wait and purchase your RV in the
area you are moving to. Out there you may have a very different set of
criteria. For instance, at your present location it probably doesn't take
much air conditioning to keep an RV comfortable in the summer, but you may
need lots of heating capacity for cool nights in fall and Spring. In the
Las Vegas area you will need lots of air conditioning capacity especially in
the summer.

After having 5th wheel trailers for over ten years and using them 7-8 months
a year we did a little brand investigation before we started looking at
motor homes. When we got our 5th wheel we started using a RV service center
that was recommended by a relative. This service center doesn't sell RVs
they just work on them, all brands. Since the owner had given me good
advice on RV maintenance and repair issues in the past, at times advising
me to take a less expensive route even though he would make less money, I
ask him which brands were best in his opinion. He didn't have to think
about it, he immediately mentioned two brands. He said these two brands had
higher quality construction than most and that should you need
parts/assistance from the manufacturer they were helpful and you could
easily obtain any needed parts.

Also remember that no matter what brand of RV you buy the appliances all
come from a handful of manufactures and one is often as good as the other or
as bad as the other depending on how you want to look at it ;-).

Ron
++++++

JerryD(upstateNY)

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Jan 21, 2013, 8:02:01 AM1/21/13
to
JKConey" wrote We are planning retirement to
Las Vegas by next year when RVing will change for us.<<<<

I would rent an RV for the few times you will use it before you retire.
That way you can rent different types/sizes and see
what you would like to own when you retire.
If you will be needing a different size/type of RV when you retire,
why take a big hit on the depreciation of one you will have
only owned for a year or less ?
--
JerryD(upstateNY)


nothermark

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Jan 21, 2013, 9:36:36 AM1/21/13
to
As I understand it you will need to find a unit and then pay to store
it as long as your are on LI. You will not be there that much longer.
That leads me to think you will be better off picking a unit you will
be happy with for years even if you miss this summer camping season.
Once you move you will have more room and more ways to deal with
things. I assume you are planning on driving accross country as part
of getting into retirement mode so I'm not going into the "buy it
there" rant. ;-) I will mention you can plan a factory stop if you
need something fixed as part of your trip.

There are not many lines left so two or 3 dealers should be able to
show you whatever you are looking for. There is no reason to be loyal
to anyone. You are not going to be around that long. OTOH you might
want to know who can give you factory service at your new home.

Go a bit bigger. A 22 ft C that has everything is possible but
everything is tight. It still takes more than 1 parking space. Open
up to a few more feet and you get a lot of potential elbow room you
will appreciate over time. Often not much time or cost. ;-)

Your milage estimates seem reasonable. Another issue is tow capacity
if you will be towing one of your cars.

Making the bed every time you want to use it becomes a pain fairly
quickly. BTDT. To get a separate bed you will end up with a rear
bedroom mid kitchen setup. There might be a front kitchen but I have
not seen one. I have heard of folks sleeping in the cab over but that
does not appeal to any older adult I know. OTOH the cab over makes
good storage for light weight bulky items like clothes.

Slides add room at the cost of possible problems and losing some
strength in the frame. OTOH I do not think that is a big issue on a
newish unit from a known brand. The folks that are left have to have
a clue. What I do worry about are the way one can use the unit with
the slide in. Some setups are almost impossible to make a meal in
without opening the slide. The sink or stove gets to be hard to
reach. We find that a problem for quick lunch stops or the occasional
nap in the Walmart/rest area type situation where one does not want to
be too obvious or do a lot of fiddling.

One of the cheats is the "shirt closet". Many are too short between
the bar and bottom to hange a shirt or short jacket. Know your
dimensions, take a tape measure, and plan accordingly. One of the
issues is closet space. Another is kitchen storage.

Outside storage can be an issue of you want big lounge chairs or a lot
of stuff. The 22 ft had little, the 28 has a huge under bed "trunk"
with access from 3 sides. Bag chairs in the 22 ft, lounge chairs in
the 28. ;-)

Floors can get interesting. Sit on the toilet and lay on the bed to
check acccess/elbow room. Close any slides and try to get from the
cab to the bathroom and bed. Pantomime making lunch. Those moves
will answer a lot.

Here is a link to Forrest River C layouts:

http://www.forestriverinc.com/ClassCMotorhomes/

Why not start with some you like and ask about them?

You might also want to look at some A layouts.

Here is Fourwinds:

http://fourwinds-classc.com/floorplans.php

We now have a 28z.

nothermark

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Jan 21, 2013, 9:46:07 AM1/21/13
to
He lives on Long Island and bought a travel trailer to pull with his
Jeep. As I recall you were part of the discussion about the vehicle.
You probably missed a couple of posts about him getting hit by Sandy.
House and the trailer flood damaged. At that point he said it was
marginal but do able to tow but he does not mind starting over with
what he has learned. He cannot go bigger without getting a serious
tow vehicle. I think that is why he is looking at a C.

For a lot of us a C or A with a toad makes more sense as we mostly
drive the toad. For full timers it is less of an issue as you are
mostly going to be driving the tow vehicle anyway.

Tom J

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Jan 21, 2013, 12:04:56 PM1/21/13
to
JKConey wrote:

> We are planning retirement to
> Las Vegas by next year when RVing will change for us. Just having a
> generator will be a huge plus for us this time around. We're not big
> on do it yourself automotive issues, so a 3 year Chevy or Ford
> warranty sounds right too. I'm told that we can expect 8-10 mpg from
> the 350 or 4500. Advice on all things C will be appreciated. Many
> thanks!

My advice has not changed. I still say you most likely will be making
another mistake in buying an RV before your move. After your move you will
have more dealers close to you stocked with rigs that are suitable for the
different climate you will be living and RVing in. If you buy new, you
certainly want the selling dealer near by. Warranties on RV's are not
carried from dealer to dealer as smoothly as it is on auto/trucks.

Tom J


nothermark

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Jan 21, 2013, 12:20:50 PM1/21/13
to
On Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:04:56 -0500, "Tom J" <tomn...@earthlink.net>
wrote:
I can buy the idea that requirements can vary a bit as it does get
hotter in some places out west than it does in the northeast. What I
do not see is any indication that they build the RV's any differently.
I don't see options for larger or second air conditioners as an
example. What are you talking about when you are talking about
different suitability?

MaxD

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Jan 21, 2013, 12:32:50 PM1/21/13
to
Northwood is known for building RVs for "all seasons"
My experience is that there can be a huge difference in brands in the
insulation of a unit and the protection of susceptible plumbing.
Cheaper brands cut costs wherever they can.

ozm...@gmail.com

unread,
Jan 21, 2013, 2:08:36 PM1/21/13
to Tom J
On Monday, January 21, 2013 11:04:56 AM UTC-6, Tom J wrote:
> JKConey wrote:
>
>
>
> > We are planning retirement to
>
> > Las Vegas by next year when RVing will change for us. Just having a
>
> > generator will be a huge plus for us this time around. We're not big
>
> > on do it yourself automotive issues, so a 3 year Chevy or Ford
>
> > warranty sounds right too. I'm told that we can expect 8-10 mpg from
>
> > the 350 or 4500. Advice on all things C will be appreciated. Many
>
> > thanks!
>
>
>
> My advice has not changed. I still say you most likely will be making
>
> another mistake in buying an RV before your move.

Completely agree.

You have to know where you are before you know what you want.

Maybe your condo, mobile park, McMansion area, etc. won't even ALLOW an RV parked nearby.

And.......the west has a culture vastly different from that in LINY.

Move.....settle in.....look around......then buy (but NEW...not me...)

Hunter Hampton

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Jan 21, 2013, 2:49:59 PM1/21/13
to
On 1/21/2013 6:46 AM, nothermark wrote:
> He lives on Long Island and bought a travel trailer to pull with his
> Jeep. As I recall you were part of the discussion about the vehicle.

I was, which is why I asked *him*

Hunter

Tom J

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Jan 21, 2013, 3:15:15 PM1/21/13
to
Not all models of all manufacturers shipped all over the country. That
simple.

Tom J


nothermark

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Jan 21, 2013, 6:47:08 PM1/21/13
to
Both the Coachmen I had and the Four Winds I have now are set up to
handle some below freezing temperatures. Both would take some heat
tape and insulation to winter over in. Neither are high end units.

In fact I am not sure there are any folks left making cheap units as
opposed to low cost. Either way the structure seems solid. Insulation
is mostly the same inch or two of foam. The big diffrence seems to be
formica vs corian and design issues that take a lot of work for little
gain. That is why I wonder what the big deal is about buying out
west. If anything new units should cost more as they have farther to
be transported.

nothermark

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Jan 21, 2013, 6:47:08 PM1/21/13
to
If you want to own an RV and you plan on moving to a new place why
would you get new lodgings in a place that banned them????

nothermark

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Jan 21, 2013, 6:47:27 PM1/21/13
to
And I pointed out he told us while you were taking a break.

Janet Wilder

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Jan 21, 2013, 7:36:18 PM1/21/13
to
It sounds like our Class C. We have a 2011 Coachmen 21QB on the Chevy
chassis. We drove the Ford and the Chevy and the Chevy drove better and
had a better designed cockpit. We are Ford truck people, yet we went for
the Chevy and have never regretted it.

We get an average of 12 mpg. We don't overload and only carry enough
water for our needs. Water is heavy.

We were astounded by the fit and finish of this unit for an entry level
model. We paid less than $50,000 for ours but that was October 2010.
What I did was to search the internet for one and printed every screen
with a good price and brought them to our local dealer who had brought
the unit down from his Corpus Christi store as the local store had none.

The nice thing about the 21QB is that it has a roomy bathroom and a
queen sized bed. No slides to worry about but they aren't needed as the
layout is so open and airy that you never feel cramped and I'm
claustrophobic! It's also a great family camper so it will hold its
value and be easy to sell if your "lifestyle" changes. (That's polite
geezer-speak for getting too old or too sick to RV)

We have been using it without a towed and it's been great. We plan our
sightseeing during the day and just go from one campground to the next.
The Coachmen 21QB fits in a normal parking spot. It comes with a
backup camera that is also helpful for parking. My husband wants a tow
car now so we are getting one, but I would be fine without one.

If you are really interested in this unit, my email address is valid and
I'd be happy to answer any questions.

--
Janet Wilder
Way-the-heck-south Texas
Spelling doesn't count. Cooking does.

Janet Wilder

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Jan 21, 2013, 7:48:58 PM1/21/13
to
On 1/21/2013 8:36 AM, nothermark wrote:
> On Sun, 20 Jan 2013 23:40:42 -0500, JKConey

> Go a bit bigger. A 22 ft C that has everything is possible but
> everything is tight. It still takes more than 1 parking space. Open
> up to a few more feet and you get a lot of potential elbow room you
> will appreciate over time. Often not much time or cost. ;-)

OUr 21QB is actually 23' from bumper to bumper and it's just perfect for
two people. Plenty of elbow room. Cover we bought for the stove top
now affords sufficient counter space. It takes up one parking space.
Look for a space near the grass or an island and back in. The overhang
goes over the grass.

> Your milage estimates seem reasonable. Another issue is tow capacity
> if you will be towing one of your cars.


My Coachmen 21QB on the Chevy chassis is rated to tow 5,000#. I'll be
towing less than half of that.

> Making the bed every time you want to use it becomes a pain fairly
> quickly. BTDT. To get a separate bed you will end up with a rear
> bedroom mid kitchen setup. There might be a front kitchen but I have
> not seen one. I have heard of folks sleeping in the cab over but that
> does not appeal to any older adult I know. OTOH the cab over makes
> good storage for light weight bulky items like clothes.

Definitely get one with an existing bed. Having to make up a bed every
night is a terrible chore. Also, most of those jack-knife beds and sofa
beds need an air mattress to be usable. Get a bed!
>
> Slides add room at the cost of possible problems and losing some
> strength in the frame. OTOH I do not think that is a big issue on a
> newish unit from a known brand. The folks that are left have to have
> a clue. What I do worry about are the way one can use the unit with
> the slide in. Some setups are almost impossible to make a meal in
> without opening the slide. The sink or stove gets to be hard to
> reach. We find that a problem for quick lunch stops or the occasional
> nap in the Walmart/rest area type situation where one does not want to
> be too obvious or do a lot of fiddling.

No slides on the 21QB and we don't miss any. Very "WalMart compatible".
Very roomy inside.
>
> One of the cheats is the "shirt closet". Many are too short between
> the bar and bottom to hange a shirt or short jacket. Know your
> dimensions, take a tape measure, and plan accordingly. One of the
> issues is closet space. Another is kitchen storage.

We took the shorter side of the shirt closet and put four plastic
drawers in it. Holds tons of stuff. The other side, we hang things in.
If you use slack hangers, shorts hangers with clips, etc. it's plenty
for clothing that isn't folded in a drawer. I have packing cubes and
folders that we take on our non-RV trips and I use them to store things
in the cabinets above the bed.

> Outside storage can be an issue of you want big lounge chairs or a lot
> of stuff. The 22 ft had little, the 28 has a huge under bed "trunk"
> with access from 3 sides. Bag chairs in the 22 ft, lounge chairs in
> the 28. ;-)

Our 21QB has a storage compartment big enough to have a party in. I have
six folding chairs stored *standing up* The storage is amazing!

> Floors can get interesting. Sit on the toilet and lay on the bed to
> check acccess/elbow room. Close any slides and try to get from the
> cab to the bathroom and bed. Pantomime making lunch. Those moves
> will answer a lot.
>
> Here is a link to Forrest River C layouts:
>
> http://www.forestriverinc.com/ClassCMotorhomes/
>
> Why not start with some you like and ask about them?
>
> You might also want to look at some A layouts.
>
> Here is Fourwinds:
>
> http://fourwinds-classc.com/floorplans.php
>
> We now have a 28z.
>

We've had a converted school bus, an 18' mini, an 8' slide-in truck
camper, a 37' fifth wheel pulled by a one-ton Diesel dually, a 40' fifth
wheel pulled by a Freightliner MDT RV hauler, a 37' gas powered class A
and now this little class C. I love my Coachman 21QB. I would not
want anything larger for our RV travel. The most we are out is a month
at a time and it's been perfect.

Bob

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Jan 21, 2013, 10:05:18 PM1/21/13
to
In article <50fce34a$0$39021$c3e8da3$dbd...@news.astraweb.com>,
airstrea...@geemail.com says...
Hi Hunter!

Bob

Hunter Hampton

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Jan 22, 2013, 12:15:55 AM1/22/13
to
On 1/21/2013 7:05 PM, Bob wrote:
> Hi Hunter!
>
> Bob

Hi Bob!

Hunter

Neon John

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Jan 22, 2013, 12:23:28 PM1/22/13
to
On Sun, 20 Jan 2013 23:40:42 -0500, JKConey
<TheConey...@gmail.com> wrote:

> We saw a smallish
>C made by Coachman that seems to fit the bill.

Don't walk, RUN away from that Coachmen. That brand is one of the
lowest end units on the market. If you want to see an example, just
lift the cushion and base of the dinette seat and look at how the
framing is done. No notching or dovetailing. Just wood butted up
against each other and stapled a couple of times.

I base this advice on working on RVs as a second hobby job for about
10 years.

Another one to stay away from is Four Winds. Another very low end
unit. I know this because my Mom had the unfortunate occasion to buy
one, a 24 footer. I think that I spent about as much time working on
the thing as camping in it.

The high end, of course, is Lazy Daze. Itasca is Winnebago's premium
brand and is also good. That's what mine was. The Winnebago brand is
quite good too.

Whatever brand you get, I strongly suggest that you get a few year old
used one. That is because by then the previous owner will have worked
out all the problems, yet the unit is new enough not to show much
wear. Most RVs are like a stick-built house. Think: punchlist at the
end of construction. Let someone else work through the punchlist and
then buy the unit.

Another reason to buy a couple year old unit is that you'll not only
save a lot of money but if you decide that you just don't like that
style of camping, you can get much more of your money back when you
sell it.

John
John DeArmond
http://www.neon-john.com
http://www.fluxeon.com
Tellico Plains, Occupied TN
See website for email address

JKConey

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Jan 22, 2013, 2:32:37 PM1/22/13
to
Yes Janet that's the one we saw and are considering. It seems
perfect for us. Bigger than a B at half the price. Has a queen bed,
enclosed bath, and U shaped dinette. I'm tickled to hear your
endorsement! Also glad that you agreed with my guess that it could fit
in a parking spot. The price is about the same as you paid. You're
doing FT with it? Do you see any reason why we shouldn't buy it in
Buffalo, drive it 400 miles home, use it all summer here in the NE, and
take it to Vegas next year? Where do you get it serviced when on the
road? Please keep in touch with my email, we'll have some questions if
we do take the plunge.

nothermark

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Jan 22, 2013, 2:47:01 PM1/22/13
to
And Janet told me our Four Winds was high end because it has a
fiberglass roof...

I'm not going to argue qualty other than to say you will find several
here who own or did own Coachmen and we now have a Four Winds. I can
see where they cut costs in how they designed the unit but the quality
is reasonable for the price. In short, I am not worried about it
falling apart, yet. ;-) I also travel with some basic tools.

In the northeast one is hard pressed to find anything other than
Forest River, Jayco, Four Wiinds or Coachmen all under Berkshire
Hathaway since aroung 2008. It seems Warren Buffett picked up Thor
around 2008. I suspect that made a difference in quality.

Winnebago fell in love with the mercedes diesel so their upgraded
chassis adds significantly in cost to their upgraded price if you find
a layout you like. I see they now are back to "normal" chassis as
well.

Lazy Daze does not have a decent floor plan but does carry a steep
price because it come out of California and may only sell direct these
days.

http://www.lazydaze.com/flrplans.htm


I will toss this in. The only repairs I made to the house on our
Coachmen was a broken bracket for a drawer, replacing the sink faucet
and a freeze cracked valve. The big box stores now carry crimpless
PEX fittings that cost a bit extra but work well and are cheaper than
buying a crimper. I did the drawer slide with a piece of in can and
some air driven staples but screws and a hardware store bracket would
have done as well. I translate that to having along a saw that cuts
wood, a pair of snips and a battery drill along with regular twist
bits as well as screw driver bits ans some assorted drywall screws.
That covers a lot of simple repairs and installations of things like
coat hooks.

nothermark

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Jan 22, 2013, 3:22:01 PM1/22/13
to
Janet is wrong about the "one parking space". Use a tape measure and
you will see that you will feed two meters curbside or learn to use 4
on a diagonal or the end of the row at Walmart. Our old one was a
different layout but that size.

Unless you have a reason to go to Buffalo the dealers in Bath are a
lot closer and better to do business with. If you know the model you
want they will get it there. I'm from Buffalo, in Rochester and have
dealt with all 3 areas.

Hank

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Jan 22, 2013, 3:54:37 PM1/22/13
to
I've had my 04 Coachmen Concord 235S since it was new. I've even taken it on some back township roads and into the woods. It seems to be holding up pretty well. I had to replace the plastic PVC pipe that holds the sewer hose, but Coachmen sent me a new one at no charge. I did have to put in a new fuel pump last year, but I doubt that had anything to do with Coachmen Industries. I can't remember exactly how the seats are assembled, but all the cabinetry seems to be holding up well.

You have your opinion, but my experience has been nothing but postiive.

Hank

MaxD

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Jan 22, 2013, 3:35:22 PM1/22/13
to
You do *not* want the 6L engine. It is adequate for the unit but if you
intend to tow a car you will find it underpowered. I don't know whether
they offer it with a the Ford V-10.

Hunter Hampton

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Jan 22, 2013, 4:36:32 PM1/22/13
to
On 1/22/2013 12:22 PM, nothermark wrote:
> Janet is wrong about the "one parking space". Use a tape measure and
> you will see that you will feed two meters curbside or learn to use 4
> on a diagonal or the end of the row at Walmart. Our old one was a
> different layout but that size.

21 feet is the same length as my pick up and I only use one parking
meter.....

21 feet, is 21 feet.... whether its a pick up or a class C.

Hunter

nothermark

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Jan 22, 2013, 8:04:00 PM1/22/13
to
I'm not playing "mean girl. I'm trying to set reasonable
expectations. I also know Janet spent time as an over the road truck
driver and has more training and experience than I think the target
consumer does from what he has said.

The average garage is 20 ft deep. Cars are shorter than that. At
least where I live and have been lately parking lots reflect that.

Her unit is over 21 ft. 23 as I recall. It's within a ft of the one
we traded. I drove that one for 5 or 6 years in some very interesting
places and parked about every way it can be done. I'm not a super
driver but I am better than average from a lot of time in the city
doing service calls in my car or truck. Same techniques, different
sizes.


She can park it with the back overhanging the curb in a parking lot
like she says but getting out of the space can be tricky if it's not
pointing straight up an aisle. A lot of lots are striped close enough
that she won't be able to make the turn if there are cars on either
side of her and accross from her. I would not bet on whether or not
you could but your box is not 8 ft wide at the bumper.

Both of you will get ticketed in NY at parking meters if you don't pay
for two spaces. The meters are less than 20 ft apart where I parked.
Leave a couple of ft in front to get out and you will be seriously
into the space behind.

My point is that yes, the 22 ft long units are easier to park than the
30 ft one's but they are not a 12-14 ft car. What I have pointed out
is from the experience of driving and getting trapped or moving to a
different location to avoid it. I have also lived in a unit like
that. It works for Janet but it does not work for us for a long trip.
Probably because of different expectations of what do do when parked
and the way we fit. That is why I point out what to test instead of
saying "it's no problem". There are problems but it's a matter of
what folks are willing to work around with minimal frustration.

Debbie

unread,
Jan 22, 2013, 8:45:35 PM1/22/13
to
I think the specs say that the unit is 23'3".

Hunter Hampton

unread,
Jan 22, 2013, 9:45:14 PM1/22/13
to
On 1/22/2013 5:04 PM, nothermark wrote:
> I'm trying to set reasonable
> expectations. I also know Janet spent time as an over the road truck
> driver and has more training and experience than I think the target
> consumer does from what he has said.


Janet wrote, "We have been using it without a towed and it's been great.
We plan our sightseeing during the day and just go from one campground
to the
next. The Coachmen 21QB fits in a normal parking spot."


Mark, the woman has the RV in question and says it parks in a normal
space.... then you come along and say it won't.


Then you come up with a million reasons why you don't think he can do
it.Why do you need to insert your opinion into every thread when the
person's opinion who counts here is Janet's...

Hunter


nothermark

unread,
Jan 22, 2013, 10:37:01 PM1/22/13
to
I offered you some information because the OP does not respond to
every post. If I though he was going to respond to you I would not
have bothered.

I posted that he had to watch his length then Janet posted over that
and said it was no problem. It might not be for her but it will be
for everyone else for the reasons I pointed out. As I said, use a
tape measure and look. Janet likes her unit and defends it. I liked
our old one but pointed out the warts. Different points of view.
Anything else I say will look like I am trying to create a problem I
have no wish to create.

Hunter Hampton

unread,
Jan 22, 2013, 11:03:46 PM1/22/13
to
On 1/22/2013 7:37 PM, nothermark wrote:
> I offered you some information because the OP does not respond to
> every post. If I though he was going to respond to you I would not
> have bothered.
>
> I posted that he had to watch his length then Janet posted over that
> and said it was no problem. It might not be for her but it will be
> for everyone else for the reasons I pointed out.

Its the size of a long bed crew cab pickup....

Hunter

bill horne

unread,
Jan 22, 2013, 11:10:28 PM1/22/13
to
Sure took you a long time. Must've been the sabbatical that refreshed
your mind.

--
bill
Theory don't mean squat if it don't work.

K Miller

unread,
Jan 22, 2013, 11:54:02 PM1/22/13
to
"Hunter Hampton" <airstrea...@geemail.com> wrote in message
news:50ff4ec1$0$11639$c3e8da3$6901...@news.astraweb.com
Please don't gang up on nothermark... :-)


Propwash

unread,
Jan 22, 2013, 11:56:57 PM1/22/13
to
Janet Wilder wrote:
>The Coachmen 21QB fits in a normal parking spot.
> --
> Janet Wilder


Janet, I'm a little curious of what type of parking spot you are
referring to. If you are talking about a standard "parking "lot",
you would have a tough time finding many spots that are larger than
8.5 x 18. Some city codes may allow as high as 9 x 20. I have a
Class C that is 8' x 21' 9". If I tried to squeeze in a normal spot,
the length may be ok, but it would be very difficult for me (or the
people next to me) to get in or out.

Whenever I have to use a parking lot, I try to find a near empty one,
and an area far away from other cars, so I can use two spaces!

Paul

Hank

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 5:23:35 AM1/23/13
to
On Tuesday, January 22, 2013 11:56:57 PM UTC-5, Propwash wrote:

>
> Janet, I'm a little curious of what type of parking spot you are
>
> referring to. If you are talking about a standard "parking "lot",
>
> you would have a tough time finding many spots that are larger than
>
> 8.5 x 18. Some city codes may allow as high as 9 x 20. I have a
>
> Class C that is 8' x 21' 9". If I tried to squeeze in a normal spot,
>
> the length may be ok, but it would be very difficult for me (or the
>
> people next to me) to get in or out.
>
>
>
> Whenever I have to use a parking lot, I try to find a near empty one,
>
> and an area far away from other cars, so I can use two spaces!
>
>
>
> Paul

I also have a small RV. Here is how I fixed the parking problem...
If there isn't plenty of room to park, I go to another store, rec. area, and etc. I like to have too much space.

Hank

nothermark

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 7:23:21 AM1/23/13
to
Yes. You will have problems in the northeast with that truck. I see
them around all the time. A long bed dually will not fit into what is
currently "normal" for a parking space. They are too long. Parallel
park it where there are meters and you will feed 2 meters or get
ticketed. If you perfectly center if you might not but you will not
exit the space if the there is a car in the adjacent spaces. Parking
is tight and it is a money maker.

The trend is to replace meters with posts and a central metering
station where one buys time and leaves the slip on the dash in plain
sight for the reader. I'.m not sure how they will deal with 2 spaces.
I'd leave a note as I suspect the fine for improper partking exceeds
the fine for being over time or not paying for a space. The reason
they did that was to charge a dollar for what used to cost a quarter.

Ron

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 7:35:28 AM1/23/13
to
"Debbie" wrote in message
news:d6mdnS4obuSr32LN...@giganews.com...
++++++
We had Chevy long bed crew cab duallies for over ten years. Our duallies
were 22' 6" long and we parked in one regular size parking slot everywhere
except parallel parking which was next to impossible to get in and out of.
The parking problem with big vehicles is that in many places they are using
smaller parking spaces because of all the compact and mid size vehicles.
Some of those smaller spaces just aren't wide enough for a dually or class
C.
Ron
++++++


Will Sill

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 8:13:00 AM1/23/13
to
On 1/22/13 2:32 PM, JKConey wrote in part:

> Do you [Janet] see any reason why we shouldn't buy it in
> Buffalo, drive it 400 miles home, use it all summer here in the NE, and
> take it to Vegas next year?

Janet won't see any reason to disagree with you, because her rig is The
Absolute Best. Her ideas are always the best, and you dare not disagree.
Never mind that she's changed her mind repeatedly.

But IMO you're . . . umm, unwise to ignore the otherwise near-unanimous
advice to wait until you get west before buying. You've already proved
you don't know what you want, and your needs/wants WILL BE DIFFERENT
once you've escaped to the west..

Will

ozm...@gmail.com

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 11:17:43 AM1/23/13
to
I guess this really is an on line senior center......

The simplest little things get stretched out and talked to death.

Ya park where it is convenient.......you don't where it ain't.

...next...

JerryD(upstateNY)

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 11:44:51 AM1/23/13
to
JKConey wrote Do you [Janet] see any reason why we shouldn't buy it in
Buffalo, drive it 400 miles home, use it all summer here in the NE, and
take it to Vegas next year?

Let's see.......
1....brand new MH's ALWAYS need things fixed
that weren't done right at the factory and you will "only"
be 800 miles (round trip) from the dealer where you bought it.
2...You are paying $53,000.00 for a new MH, that will
be worth about $25,000.00 next year when you trade
it for something to suit your needs better.

Sounds like an excellent plan to me.
I don't see any reason you shouldn't do that.



--
JerryD(upstateNY)

Hank

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 12:05:00 PM1/23/13
to
Reason 3. I buy new because I am reasonally certain who slept in it, no cat/dog hair/dandruff/piss/shit stains, I don't have to pay/fix anything that goes wrong in the first 1 to 3 years, etc.

Reason 2. If he waits until he moves west, he loses a year of use and there is probably a better selection available to view in the east.

And the number 1 reason is...If we didn't buy new ones, you wouldn't have any used ones to buy.

Just because something doesn't make sense to you, doesn't mean that it doesn't make sense to others. But I know you can't comprehend that concept.

Hank

Tom J

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 12:23:52 PM1/23/13
to
Reason 3 shot down - He is going to be 400 miles from the SELLING DEALER!
Unlike automobiles, The SELLING DEALER is the place that covers the warranty
on new RVs!!

Reason 2 shot down - There is no way he will have to travel 400 miles from
his new location to buy most any RV. He can rent this year for the few
times he will use an RV in his current area a lot cheaper than owning an RV
that most likely is not going to suit his needs after he moves!!

That said, some people just seem to make 1 mistake after the other!!

Tom J


Debbie

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 12:46:06 PM1/23/13
to
On 1/23/2013 12:23 PM, Tom J wrote:

>
> Reason 3 shot down - He is going to be 400 miles from the SELLING DEALER!
> Unlike automobiles, The SELLING DEALER is the place that covers the warranty
> on new RVs!!
>

>
> Tom J
>
>
I don't know about Coachman, but we bought our trailer from a dealer 3
hours away. We had some warranty work done by a dealer 4 hours away who
was near where we were going to be camping. They set us up the next
morning and took care of everything in a very short time. The trailer
before that we got from a dealer over 500 miles away. Same thing. We
didn't need to go back to the dealer we purchased from.

Technobarbarian

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 12:56:19 PM1/23/13
to


"Tom J" <tomn...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:51001cdf$0$64325$c3e8da3$5e5e...@news.astraweb.com...

> Reason 3 shot down - He is going to be 400 miles from the SELLING DEALER!
> Unlike automobiles, The SELLING DEALER is the place that covers the
> warranty on new RVs!!

This is only partially true, at best. If you're talking about
motorhomes many dealers are not equipped to handle warranty issues for the
chassis. This is often handled by any authorized dealer who sells trucks for
that manufacturer. The propane appliances would be covered by the companies
that made them and they can be repaired at any authorized service center.
The same thing would be true for air conditioning equipment and generators.
Depending on the company that made the RV in the first place warranty
coverage is often available other places for other parts of the RV.

If you're buying new and moving 400 miles it would probably be a good
idea to ask the company that made the RV about warranty coverage before
making a purchase.

TB



nothermark

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 1:03:07 PM1/23/13
to
On Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:23:52 -0500, "Tom J" <tomn...@earthlink.net>
wrote:
While I think he may end up wanting a bigger unit I still do not see
why there will be better one's out west.

OTOH I can see why he likes the idea of buying here and taking his
time to get there. He might even decide there is not the spot as he
looks around from a comfortable situation. He will not be comfortable
in a motel looking for a place to live that will probably want a years
lease.

For grins I started looking some more. Here is an interesting site
with a list of manufacturers:

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-manufacturers-type-c.shtml


Outside of Lazy Daze I can find one manufacturer in Alberta. The rest
are van coversions or made in Indiana or Iowa.

BTW, the site looks good for a lot of things. It seems to be set up
for folks moving to an RV lifestyle.

Hank

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 3:55:29 PM1/23/13
to Tom J
On Wednesday, January 23, 2013 12:23:52 PM UTC-5, Tom J wrote:

>
> > Reason 3. I buy new because I am reasonally certain who slept in it,
>
> > no cat/dog hair/dandruff/piss/shit stains, I don't have to pay/fix
>
> > anything that goes wrong in the first 1 to 3 years, etc.
>
> >
>
> > Reason 2. If he waits until he moves west, he loses a year of use and
>
> > there is probably a better selection available to view in the east.
>
> >
>
> > And the number 1 reason is...If we didn't buy new ones, you wouldn't
>
> > have any used ones to buy.
>
> >
>
> > Just because something doesn't make sense to you, doesn't mean that
>
> > it doesn't make sense to others. But I know you can't comprehend that
>
> > concept.
>
> >
>
> > Hank
>
>
>
> Reason 3 shot down - He is going to be 400 miles from the SELLING DEALER!
>
> Unlike automobiles, The SELLING DEALER is the place that covers the warranty
>
> on new RVs!!
>
>
>
> Reason 2 shot down - There is no way he will have to travel 400 miles from
>
> his new location to buy most any RV. He can rent this year for the few
>
> times he will use an RV in his current area a lot cheaper than owning an RV
>
> that most likely is not going to suit his needs after he moves!!
>
>
>
> That said, some people just seem to make 1 mistake after the other!!
>
>
>
> Tom J

Number 1 really has 2 parts. So in reality, you only shot down half of it.

But then there is the post from Debbie that shoots down your shoot down which makes the original a postive internet fact.

Hank :-)

Ron

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 5:38:31 PM1/23/13
to
"Tom J" wrote in message
news:51001cdf$0$64325$c3e8da3$5e5e...@news.astraweb.com...
+++++
That may be true for your RV, but our first 5er was purchased over 200 miles
from where we lived and although we had warranty issues we never had to take
it back to the selling dealer. We actually had all our warranty work done
at an RV service center that didn't sell any RVs. Our second 5er we bought
from a dealer over 250 miles away and did have to take it back to the dealer
to get a wood floor replaced. All other warranty work we could get done
locally at an RV service center. Our current RV was purchased at a dealer 7
miles from home. Within six months that dealership was bought by CW and
nine months later they were no longer a dealer for the brand we bought.
Ron
+++++

<snip>

Tom J



Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:00:09 PM1/23/13
to
On 1/22/2013 11:23 AM, Neon John wrote:
> On Sun, 20 Jan 2013 23:40:42 -0500, JKConey
> <TheConey...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> We saw a smallish
>> C made by Coachman that seems to fit the bill.
>
> Don't walk, RUN away from that Coachmen. That brand is one of the
> lowest end units on the market. If you want to see an example, just
> lift the cushion and base of the dinette seat and look at how the
> framing is done. No notching or dovetailing. Just wood butted up
> against each other and stapled a couple of times.


I am going to disagree with John. We were very surprised by the fit and
finish of our Coachmen Freelander. We've been using it for over two
years and did have a broken drawer support which the factory fixed.
That's it. One small wooden support for the runner of a kitchen
drawer. The drawer itself was fine.

Our dinette seems to have held up extremely well for such "junk". The
cabinets above the dinette are too high for us to reach without the
stool and many times we are too lazy to fetch it so we are both guilty
of standing on the dinette seat to get something out of the cabinet. If
the seats can take that kind of abuse and still be fine, then there is
no substance to John's argument.

We were pleasantly surprised when there were two minor issues needing
attention for warranty repair after taking delivery. I've owned very,
very expensive RVs and having only two little warranty issues on
delivery is virtually unheard of.

As for dovetailed drawers, John, you have to be kidding! It's rare to
find a unit built in this century that has that kind of detail.

I don't know when you've owned a Coachmen, John, but since Warren Buffet
took over Forest River, there have been a lot of changes to quality
control for the better.

--
Janet Wilder
Way-the-heck-south Texas
Spelling doesn't count. Cooking does.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:06:27 PM1/23/13
to
>> We have been using it without a towed and it's been great. We plan
>> our sightseeing during the day and just go from one campground to the
>> next. The Coachmen 21QB fits in a normal parking spot. It comes with
>> a backup camera that is also helpful for parking. My husband wants a
>> tow car now so we are getting one, but I would be fine without one.
>>
>> If you are really interested in this unit, my email address is valid
>> and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
>>
>
> Yes Janet that's the one we saw and are considering. It seems
> perfect for us. Bigger than a B at half the price. Has a queen bed,
> enclosed bath, and U shaped dinette. I'm tickled to hear your
> endorsement! Also glad that you agreed with my guess that it could fit
> in a parking spot. The price is about the same as you paid. You're
> doing FT with it?

We are NOT full timing in it. We4 take it out on trips about a week or
two long mostly and a couple of times a year on month-long trips. It's
been a great little unit. We are extremely happy with it.

>Do you see any reason why we shouldn't buy it in
> Buffalo, drive it 400 miles home, use it all summer here in the NE, and
> take it to Vegas next year? Where do you get it serviced when on the
> road? Please keep in touch with my email, we'll have some questions if
> we do take the plunge.
>

If you are going to use it in the NE, then buy it. Ours is on the Chevy
chassis and hasn't needed any service other than oil changes and they
can do them at Midas. We took it to the local dealer to have the
generator serviced as it was due for an oil change, etc.

Do I have your email? I know you have mine as it's on this post.

Tom J

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:05:44 PM1/23/13
to
Ron wrote:

> RVs. Our second 5er we bought from a dealer over 250 miles away and
> did have to take it back to the dealer to get a wood floor replaced.

That is exactly what I was referring to - the structure!! Sure, you can get
appliances, chassis, tires serviced by service shops that are licensed to
service those parts, BUT you are hard pressed to find someone that will do
replair to the structure/box that the manufacturer made, except the dealer.

Tom J


Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:08:54 PM1/23/13
to
On 1/22/2013 1:47 PM, nothermark wrote:

> And Janet told me our Four Winds was high end because it has a
> fiberglass roof...

I did? I think I might have said that I thought fiberglass roofs were
more apt to be on high end units as that was the way it was in the past.
I wouldn't consider a Four Winds any higher-end than a Coachmen.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:11:12 PM1/23/13
to
On 1/22/2013 2:22 PM, nothermark wrote:
>> doing FT with it? Do you see any reason why we shouldn't buy it in
>> Buffalo, drive it 400 miles home, use it all summer here in the NE, and
>> take it to Vegas next year? Where do you get it serviced when on the
>> road? Please keep in touch with my email, we'll have some questions if
>> we do take the plunge.
>
> Janet is wrong about the "one parking space". Use a tape measure and
> you will see that you will feed two meters curbside or learn to use 4
> on a diagonal or the end of the row at Walmart. Our old one was a
> different layout but that size.

We parked in two cities near capitol buildings last summer on the street
by a parking meter and only paid one meter. We did *NOT* have to pay two
meters.

Somewhere I have a photo of the camper parked in a lot. I'll dig it up
and post it.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:14:02 PM1/23/13
to
On 1/22/2013 2:35 PM, MaxD wrote:
> You do *not* want the 6L engine. It is adequate for the unit but if you
> intend to tow a car you will find it underpowered. I don't know whether
> they offer it with a the Ford V-10.

We intend to tow a tiny car. I called Chevrolet and they had someone
call us back and we talked about towing the Spark (also a Chevrolet
product) Chevy felt that the Spark was a great match for the engine and
chassis. We have found no problems with power at all and decent mileage.
I expect we'll drop a mile or two per gallon at most towing the Spark
but I don't see any problem with power. We climb mountains easily.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:28:01 PM1/23/13
to
We parallel parked it on city streets in several capitol cities last
summer when we went to see the capitol buildings. We also parked it in
lots mostly taking a space where we could back it over some grass either
at the side of the lot or by an island. We parked in a metered spot a
couple of times and did not take up more than one space and one meter.
We did not park it in NYC. We are not crazy people.

We parked it on the street in East Windsor, NJ where we could see it
from our son's town house. It was there for 3 days while we stayed with
our son and his family. No problems.

Both of us grew up in the NY Metro area parallel parking most of the
time. We may be a little better at parking than some others who did not
grow up with that kind of parking.

As for putting it in a regular parking slot in a lot, the camper is
about the same size as our Freightliner RV Hauler, Valentine, was and we
never had a problem parking her if we avoided indoor lots.

The Chevy Express chassis has a very good turning radius that I find a
lot better than the Ford One-ton duallie we used to have.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:37:28 PM1/23/13
to
On 1/23/2013 7:13 AM, Will Sill wrote:
> On 1/22/13 2:32 PM, JKConey wrote in part:
>
>> Do you [Janet] see any reason why we shouldn't buy it in
>> Buffalo, drive it 400 miles home, use it all summer here in the NE, and
>> take it to Vegas next year?
>
> Janet won't see any reason to disagree with you, because her rig is The
> Absolute Best. Her ideas are always the best, and you dare not disagree.
> Never mind that she's changed her mind repeatedly.
>

At least I have an RV. You don't and the last one you had you built
yourself so you have no knowledge or information about current RVs
whatsoever.

It so typical of you to blather on about stuff you have no knowledge
about trying to cloak your obsession with me with something *you* think
is a valid contribution. Get yourself a life and get out of mine, please.

As for my opinion, the OP asked about a unit that he saw that seemed
very similar to mine so I responded. Yes, I'm happy with my unit. I
have stated that repeatedly here. I have never claimed it to be more
than an entry level unit that, for the price, is decently fabricated.

I am no more a cheerleader for my RV than you are for that homemade
class B you no longer own that you seem to think is the cat's meow. How
many, many times you have you told posters to get a B like yours???

We all know.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:39:51 PM1/23/13
to
There are plenty of dealers selling Coachmen products all over the US
and Canada. I think even Camping World sells them. As a former full
timer, I can tell you with authority that you do not have to use the
dealer where you purchased the unit for warranty work.

If worrying about being away from home with your RV were a valid point,
why would anyone buy one and travel in it?

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:42:39 PM1/23/13
to
Shooting down "shot down" reason 3. Any dealer with a franchise for the
manufacturer can service the warranty issues. When there are delivery
items, the selling dealer takes care of them, but if you are on the
road, you most certainly do not have to have your unit towed to the
selling dealer to fix it if it's under warranty.

> Reason 2 shot down - There is no way he will have to travel 400 miles from
> his new location to buy most any RV. He can rent this year for the few
> times he will use an RV in his current area a lot cheaper than owning an RV
> that most likely is not going to suit his needs after he moves!!
>
> That said, some people just seem to make 1 mistake after the other!!
>
> Tom J
>
>


Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 10:46:03 PM1/23/13
to
I believe all manufacturers operate this way. We were full timers and
were never near the selling dealer of our King of the Road. When
something needed fixing, we found a dealer near wherever we were and
took it in. Same thing with the Newmar Kountry Aire.

There is also the factory which, even if it's out of warranty, will fix
things for a price that is usually less than a dealer charges.

ozm...@gmail.com

unread,
Jan 23, 2013, 11:32:48 PM1/23/13
to
I had an '89 Real-Lite 23 ft Class C on Ford chassis with a 460.

POWERFUL, but a gas hog.

Pulled a Blazer with it.

The MH had a tighter turning circle than the blazer........wound up dragging it around tight turns, if I wasn't watching closely.


Abused hell out of it. Tore both rear corners up boondocking on the WY-CO border. Off-roading is hell on motorhomes.....you sometimes get stuck between trees.

Wound up donating it to the Boy Scouts.

...then there was the time in '07 that I took a 32 ft Class A W-beggo, towing a tracker, through a Taco Bell drive through in Hermiston, OR.....

...bastards didn't have but ONE entry/exit, other than the drive through, and I wasn't about to unhook just to turn around.

nothermark

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 8:00:51 AM1/24/13
to
>http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2013/jan/22/rick-scott/rick-scott-says-his-plan-would-expand-early-voting/On Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:08:54 -0600, Janet Wilder <kellie...@yahoo.com> wrote:

>On 1/22/2013 1:47 PM, nothermark wrote:
>
>> And Janet told me our Four Winds was high end because it has a
>> fiberglass roof...
>
>I did? I think I might have said that I thought fiberglass roofs were
>more apt to be on high end units as that was the way it was in the past.
>I wouldn't consider a Four Winds any higher-end than a Coachmen.

We agree on the quality pecking order. I think we also agree on the
quality.

I was refering to the roof comment. ;-) I can show a lot of ways
they designed out production costs. Start with the front overhead
window and power steps. Two failure points that am happy not to have.
;-)

nothermark

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 8:19:20 AM1/24/13
to
I am not saying it cannot be done anywhere. I will say it cannot be
done everywhere.

Since the OP lives on LI and wants to travel in the tight corner of
the country he will have problems parking. BTDT. As someone pointed
out, a parking space is 18.5 ft long.

I quite agree that he can figure out how to park in most places in a
way that he can both get into the place and get out without waiting
for somebody to move. It's certainly easier than a 40 ft DP. OTOH it
is not a VW bug. ;-)

Ron

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 7:44:03 AM1/24/13
to
"Tom J" wrote in message
news:IJKdnbaGbM6DOJ3M...@earthlink.com...
++++++
OK, how about getting the shock mounts redone so the shocks had a longer
stroke. Never had a need to have a side panel, front/rear cap or roof
replaced, but have had windows removed, new sealant put on and the window
reinstalled. Some of the things you seem to be thinking about may require
the rig to go back to the factory rather than repaired at a dealer. The
only time we needed anything done to a sidewall the 5er went to a body shop
where they fixed a small (a little larger than a silver dollar) irregularity
in the sidewall.
This has been my experience and may be subject to brands and regional
differences in availability of RV service centers.

My experience with dealers is that their prime goal is to get you and your
rig off their lot! Fixing something properly is NOT a goal. I have talked
to a lot of RVers that have the same impression that I do.

Ron
++++++


Tom J



Hank

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 8:59:53 AM1/24/13
to
On Thursday, January 24, 2013 7:44:03 AM UTC-5, Ron wrote:

> ++++++
>
> OK, how about getting the shock mounts redone so the shocks had a longer
>
> stroke. >
> Ron
>
> ++++++

Maybe I'm missing something, but why would you have the shock mounts redone? What does "redone' mean?

Hank

Will Sill

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 9:01:04 AM1/24/13
to
On 1/23/13 10:37 PM, Janet Wilder wrote:

> At least I have an RV. You don't and the last one you had you built
> yourself so you have no knowledge or information about current RVs
> whatsoever.
>
> It so typical of you to blather on about stuff you have no knowledge
> about trying to cloak your obsession with me with something *you* think
> is a valid contribution. Get yourself a life and get out of mine, please.
>
> As for my opinion, the OP asked about a unit that he saw that seemed
> very similar to mine so I responded. Yes, I'm happy with my unit. I
> have stated that repeatedly here. I have never claimed it to be more
> than an entry level unit that, for the price, is decently fabricated.
>
> I am no more a cheerleader for my RV than you are for that homemade
> class B you no longer own that you seem to think is the cat's meow. How
> many, many times you have you told posters to get a B like yours???
>
> We all know.

Quick, Janet!! Call yer doctor before you have a stroke.

Sorry I keep forgetting that you have an apoplectic fit whenever someone
questions your vast wisdom.

Will



MaxD

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 10:25:39 AM1/24/13
to
On 1/24/2013 7:01 AM, Will Sill wrote:

>
> Quick, Janet!! Call yer doctor before you have a stroke.
>
> Sorry I keep forgetting that you have an apoplectic fit whenever someone
> questions your vast wisdom.
>
> Will

ROFL. I love irony. ROFLMAO

Ron

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 7:44:03 AM1/24/13
to
"Tom J" wrote in message
news:IJKdnbaGbM6DOJ3M...@earthlink.com...
++++++
OK, how about getting the shock mounts redone so the shocks had a longer

Ron

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 4:17:25 PM1/24/13
to
"Hank" wrote in message
news:eb204be6-578e-4696...@googlegroups.com...
++++++
They were installed so that they could only have a very short stroke.
Periodically I had hit potholes/rough spots/etc that caused a shock to
bottom out and break the mount. All six of the mounts were redone so the
shock could have a longer stroke and I never broke another shock mount! By
"redone" I mean they moved the shock mount, removed it from the frame and
reattached it in another spot.
Ron
+++++

Hank


Hank

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 5:40:14 PM1/24/13
to
We use to change the shock mount to give more up and down wheel travel, which in turn gave a better overall ride. But it didn't change the "stroke" of the shock. I would think that increasing wheel travel on a RV would be a MAJOR undertaking, whereas I can now understand why you did what you did.

Hank

Ron

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 7:06:47 PM1/24/13
to
"Hank" wrote in message
news:53a89d14-072d-4b1a...@googlegroups.com...
+++++++++
I probably used poor terminology. The way the shocks were mounted they
couldn't fully extend and had a very short movement causing the shock to
bottom out thus breaking the mount. Once they changed the location of the
upper shock mount allowing for more shock movement the problem of breaking
shock mounts went away.
Ron
+++++++++

Hank


Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 9:07:36 PM1/24/13
to
I had a 2000 Newmar Kountry Aire, purchased brand new, that had a
problem from delivery with a Corian stove cover. It came cracked, was
replaced with the wrong color, then replaced with the right color which
cracked again and had to be replaced with another. We were at 3
different dealers in 3 different areas of the country.

I'm sorry, but unless it's such a huge defect that it has to go back to
the manufacturer, any licensed dealer will do the work.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 9:15:02 PM1/24/13
to
I don't have a front cabover window, just one on the left side. There
are no power steps in my rig. The steps are inside. The fist one is a
might high, so we put a folding step by the door. I do like the inside
steps so much better than outside ones that have to fold and ofetn rust
or iffy 12V ones.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 9:17:51 PM1/24/13
to
You are the one who strokes out whenever I post *anything*.

You may not ever question my "wisdom" as you have no knowledge of the
subject at hand, you just have an obsession with me that you can't
control. Frankly, old man, it creeps me out. I wish you'd get some therapy.

nothermark

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 11:07:52 PM1/24/13
to
On Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:15:02 -0600, Janet Wilder
<kellie...@yahoo.com> wrote:

>On 1/24/2013 7:00 AM, nothermark wrote:
>>> http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2013/jan/22/rick-scott/rick-scott-says-his-plan-would-expand-early-voting/On Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:08:54 -0600, Janet Wilder <kellie...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>> On 1/22/2013 1:47 PM, nothermark wrote:
>>>
>>>> And Janet told me our Four Winds was high end because it has a
>>>> fiberglass roof...
>>>
>>> I did? I think I might have said that I thought fiberglass roofs were
>>> more apt to be on high end units as that was the way it was in the past.
>>> I wouldn't consider a Four Winds any higher-end than a Coachmen.
>>
>> We agree on the quality pecking order. I think we also agree on the
>> quality.
>>
>> I was refering to the roof comment. ;-) I can show a lot of ways
>> they designed out production costs. Start with the front overhead
>> window and power steps. Two failure points that am happy not to have.
>> ;-)
>>
>I don't have a front cabover window, just one on the left side. There
>are no power steps in my rig. The steps are inside. The fist one is a
>might high, so we put a folding step by the door. I do like the inside
>steps so much better than outside ones that have to fold and ofetn rust
>or iffy 12V ones.

I know the step problem so I was going to make a step to sit on the
ground. What did you use for a folding step? Sounds interesting.

nothermark

unread,
Jan 24, 2013, 11:08:51 PM1/24/13
to
He would never find a competent one. ;-)

Hank

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 5:37:35 AM1/25/13
to
On Thursday, January 24, 2013 9:15:02 PM UTC-5, Janet wrote:

>
> I don't have a front cabover window, just one on the left side. There
>
> are no power steps in my rig. The steps are inside. The fist one is a
>
> might high, so we put a folding step by the door. I do like the inside
>
> steps so much better than outside ones that have to fold and ofetn rust
>
> or iffy 12V ones.
>
>
>
> --
>
> Janet Wilder

The worse thing they ever did on class C's was put in a front cab-over window. Damn near all of them leaked and the wood rotted out. It's hard to stop water that has a force of 90+ MPH (70mph travel speed into a 20mph headwind). That was one of the reasons I went with my model.

My RV must sit higher than yours. I have one step inside and 2 steps outside (motorized). I haven't had any problems with them. It's just a matter of a little preventive maintenance.

Hank

nothermark

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 8:50:15 AM1/25/13
to
On Fri, 25 Jan 2013 02:37:35 -0800 (PST), Hank <nineb...@aol.com>
wrote:
Ours has a couple inch drop in the side where the steps are and two
steps inside. No outside step. Battery box is still under the steps.
No outside step.

Agreed that it is not a big deal but the electric step was something
else to maintain. Our old one needed paint and one needed to be
carefull about lubrication because anything sticky picked up grit.

The only issue with the two inside steps is the first one up from the
ground can be a bit of a reach. This is aggravated by leveling
blocks. I think my answer is to make a wood step about 4 in high that
stores inside the step well.

The grab bar also ends up inside. I am looking at putting a second
one in on the other side so we get a two handed or either handed
entrance. Geezer bits. ;-)

Hank

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 10:08:45 AM1/25/13
to
On Friday, January 25, 2013 8:50:15 AM UTC-5, nothermark wrote:

> Agreed that it is not a big deal but the electric step was something
>
> else to maintain. Our old one needed paint and one needed to be
>
> carefull about lubrication because anything sticky picked up grit.

Actually, I just hose mine off when I wash teh RV. I do spray a little WD40 on the hinge parts, but not every time. WD40 doesn't hold dirt and grime as much as other lubes. Besides, the tolerances aren't very close, and its not being used like 40,000 times a year, so it's not a big deal, just keep the hinges clean.

Hank

Tom J

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 12:41:00 PM1/25/13
to
Here is one simular to what we use at a decent price and color of your
choice that folds flat for easy storage:
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-steps/folding-step-stools.htm

Tom J


Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 2:57:09 PM1/25/13
to
I bought it from Camping World about 8 years ago as the fold-out steps
on the Allegro Bay were too high. It had that friction tape stuff on top
and is very sturdy. I think they still sell them at RV supply places.
The rubber feet covers have split but I use duct tape to keep them on.

nothermark

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 2:56:16 PM1/25/13
to
On Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:41:00 -0500, "Tom J" <tomn...@earthlink.net>
wrote:
Nice stool, thanks.

I think it is higher than I want for a step out but looks like just
what we need for getting into some of the cabinets. I really meant
the thanks.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 3:00:17 PM1/25/13
to
I have no front window to worry over in this camper, but our 1974 Mini
Winnie did and it never leaked. We traded it in for our pickup camper in
1990. That camper also had a front window in the cabover. It never
leaked either. We traded it in on a 1996 King of the Road Crown Marquis
fifth 37' fifth wheel.

Our class C has two steps inside and none outside.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 3:07:01 PM1/25/13
to
I have one of those for inside the camper. I'm short and I need help
reaching the cabinets. I picked one up for about $7 at a Steeles on a
Tuesday when there was a Geezer discount.

This is the step I have, but I didn't pay that much for it.

http://www.rvstuffusa.com/aluminumplatformstepbystrombergcarlson.html

I've also noticed that for less then $10 I can get new rubber feet for
it. I'll think on it.

Tom J

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 4:30:53 PM1/25/13
to
This is like the one that was in our Born Free when we bought it. Heavy, but
sturdy!! We only use it when parked at rallies for several days.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/folding-steel-platform-step/54594

Tom J


Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 4:46:32 PM1/25/13
to
That's a nice one. Mine is not at all heavy. I have no problem lifting
it and it is very sturdy. I like the fact that the legs have push
buttons to release them.

I have a terrible habit of getting my fingers stuck in places that hurt
a lot and the step you linked to looks like it has four such places. :-)

Ron

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 5:05:59 PM1/25/13
to
"Tom J" wrote in message
news:G-KdnVdHzOkmXp_M...@earthlink.com...
+++++++
We have one of those that we us to reach some of our overhead storage in the
RV. They work fine. You may be able to get them at Walmart.
Ron
+++++++

Tom J



Ron

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 5:11:31 PM1/25/13
to
"Janet Wilder" wrote in message
news:5102e30e$0$52000$c3e8da3$5d8f...@news.astraweb.com...
+++++
Janet, I think we have a step like you are describing. You can buy the
right size rubber feet at most hardware stores, but the sharp edges of the
legs will cut through the rubber. To keep the metal leg from cutting the
rubber I buy a metal washer that just fits inside the rubber foot and let
the metal step leg rest on the washer. About every 18 months I have to redo
the setup but in the meantime the rubber feet stay on the legs.
Ron
++++++

Hank

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 5:16:53 PM1/25/13
to
On Friday, January 25, 2013 3:00:17 PM UTC-5, Janet wrote:

>
> I have no front window to worry over in this camper, but our 1974 Mini
>
> Winnie did and it never leaked. We traded it in for our pickup camper in
>
> 1990. That camper also had a front window in the cabover. It never
>
> leaked either. We traded it in on a 1996 King of the Road Crown Marquis
>
> fifth 37' fifth wheel.
>
>
>
> Our class C has two steps inside and none outside.
>
>
>
> --
>
> Janet Wilder

They usually leaked between the wall. Many go unnoticed until the cabover wood rots out and it starts to sag. Maybe your's didn't, but maybe it did and you didn't notice. :-)

Hank

Hank

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 5:19:36 PM1/25/13
to
On Friday, January 25, 2013 5:11:31 PM UTC-5, Ron wrote:

>
> Janet, I think we have a step like you are describing. You can buy the
>
> right size rubber feet at most hardware stores, but the sharp edges of the
>
> legs will cut through the rubber. To keep the metal leg from cutting the
>
> rubber I buy a metal washer that just fits inside the rubber foot and let
>
> the metal step leg rest on the washer. About every 18 months I have to redo
>
> the setup but in the meantime the rubber feet stay on the legs.
>
> Ron
>
> ++++++
>
>
>
> --

Good info Ron. Also. tips that go on canes are a little heavier duty. Thanks for the tip. No pun intended. :-)

Hank

nothermark

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 5:53:42 PM1/25/13
to
On Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:57:09 -0600, Janet Wilder
Thanks, I'll look around.

I'm still thinking 2x4 and plywood as 4inches would do it.

nothermark

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 7:46:35 PM1/25/13
to
On Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:19:36 -0800 (PST), Hank <nineb...@aol.com>
wrote:
The washer in the cane bottom also works with the tubular steel geezer
canes. ;-)

Ron

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 8:15:57 PM1/25/13
to
"Hank" wrote in message
news:f8d2dcda-c171-402a...@googlegroups.com...
++++++
I don't think cane tips are big enough around for the legs on our step. The
rubber tip on my cane isn't nearly big enough for our step.
Ron
++++++

Hank


Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 8:52:27 PM1/25/13
to
Ron,

The rubber on the bottom of the feet is still fine. They have a
propensity to split on the sides, however, and the duct tape works fine.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 8:53:39 PM1/25/13
to
Hank,

I think we would have noticed the Winnie as we had it so long. The
camper could have, but it was so well built that I doubt it. Our
current Class C does not have wood framing.

Janet Wilder

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 8:54:07 PM1/25/13
to
If your step is like mine, Ron, the cane tips are not large enough.

nothermark

unread,
Jan 25, 2013, 11:00:15 PM1/25/13
to
I have not seen the step but I have two different sized canes from the
drug store.

Hank

unread,
Jan 26, 2013, 7:13:04 AM1/26/13
to
I'm pretty sure that cane tips come in 3/4" and 1" sizes, maybe other sizes as well. I have no idea what size your steps take.

Hank

Ron

unread,
Jan 26, 2013, 7:52:28 AM1/26/13
to
"Hank" wrote in message
news:89e04ac2-722a-4d67...@googlegroups.com...
++++++
I can't remember what size tips I use on the step legs. I am guessing they
are about one inch, but I usually take an old one to the store and match the
size and then find washers that just fit. I use new washers every time I
replace the feet as it is such a tight fit that it is difficult to get the
old washer out and washers are cheap!

I have two metal canes and the tips on them are much smaller than I need for
the step legs, but they may make cane tips in a variety of sizes.

Ron
+++++++

Hank


Larry

unread,
Jan 26, 2013, 9:51:03 AM1/26/13
to
On Sat, 26 Jan 2013 04:13:04 -0800 (PST), Hank <nineb...@aol.com>
wrote:

>On Friday, January 25, 2013 8:15:57 PM UTC-5, Ron wrote:
>> "Hank" wrote in message
>>
>> news:f8d2dcda-c171-402a...@googlegroups.com...

>> On Friday, January 25, 2013 5:11:31 PM UTC-5, Ron wrote:
>>
>> > Janet, I think we have a step like you are describing. You can buy the
>> > right size rubber feet at most hardware stores, but the sharp edges of the
>> > legs will cut through the rubber. To keep the metal leg from cutting the
>> > rubber I buy a metal washer that just fits inside the rubber foot and let
>> > the metal step leg rest on the washer. About every 18 months I have to
>> > redo the setup but in the meantime the rubber feet stay on the legs.
>> >
>> > Ron
>>
>> Good info Ron. Also. tips that go on canes are a little heavier duty. Thanks
>> for the tip. No pun intended. :-)
>>
>> I don't think cane tips are big enough around for the legs on our step. The
>> rubber tip on my cane isn't nearly big enough for our step.
>>
>> Ron
>
>I'm pretty sure that cane tips come in 3/4" and 1" sizes, maybe other sizes as well. I have no idea what size your steps take.
>
>Hank

Lots of sizes and industrial strength.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/search.shtml?searchQuery=rubber+leg+cap&op=search&Ntt=rubber+leg+cap&N=0&GlobalSearch=true&sst=subset
--
Larry
Citrus County Florida
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