Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Is it time to throw in the towel? (Read 2153 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #25 –
That is not a bad idea. There is an inordinate number of people in this area with way more money than sense.  I will see what happens this summer (if I keep it that long), and if I just can't justify it any longer, I'll start marketing it in July for the Burning Man crowd. Or maybe in April for those that have dreams of summer RVing along the coast.
With my current luck, the person I sell it to will probably drive it to Machu Picchu and back without a single problem AND get miraculous gas mileage.
1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #26 –
To be honest I have to wonder what Lisa is complaining about. When you buy a motor Home of that vintage you pretty much have to expect all of the above that happened to her. When I bought mine in San Diego I brought it into an RV shop there and had much of what she had done before I even drove it home. If you wanted something that wouldn't need work you should have been prepared to spend at least 30k and even then you'll likely have many of the same issues. The other alternative is buy new which not all of us can afford or would do even if we could afford to do so. When I bought mine for 11k I assumed I could easily have 20k into it before all was said and done but I've been lucky so far and that number seems way out in the future. I originally budgeted 30k to do this motor home thing so even at my worst case scenario of 20k I feel like I'm way ahead. Don't buy something on the cheap and then whine because it doesn't perform like brand new.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #27 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
To be honest I have to wonder what Lisa is complaining about. When you buy a motor Home of that vintage you pretty much have to expect all of the above that happened to her. When I bought mine in San Diego I brought it into an RV shop there and had much of what she had done before I even drove it home. If you wanted something that wouldn't need work you should have been prepared to spend at least 30k and even then you'll likely have many of the same issues. The other alternative is buy new which not all of us can afford or would do even if we could afford to do so. When I bought mine for 11k I assumed I could easily have 20k into it before all was said and done but I've been lucky so far and that number seems way out in the future. I originally budgeted 30k to do this motor home thing so even at my worst case scenario of 20k I feel like I'm way ahead. Don't buy something on the cheap and then whine because it doesn't perform like brand new.
Mike, I don't think Lisa needs to be chastised for her ill-advised LD purchase, a fact she now knows. 

Lisa, perhaps it would be wise for you to give your plans to unload your mechanically challenged LD to unsuspecting buyers a rest. Our members don't need to know that. If you continue to have bona fide problems that you think we can help you with, we are here to help as best we can.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #28 –
I wouldn't actually sell a vehicle I know to have major problems without disclosing that to the potential buyers. Thing is, I know that there are many people where I live that would buy something they like even if they know it will cost a lot in work because they either have the disposable income or think they can DIY.

As for my LD- just spoke with the shop and it seems there is finally some good news.  The dead battery/inoperable speedometer/gas gauge/dashboard monitors, and likely the problem with acceleration on the freeway, were all due to a bad alternator fuse and a bad something or other fuse. Once replaced, all the electrical is working again. They also sanded the contacts and  alternator now charging the battery fine. Apparently the dead fuse is what was causing the alternator not to charge the battery. So I was driving on just the battery the other day- it was not charging at all, which is why it just up and died again.  I wonder if the shop that just replaced my alternator knew about that fuse? I'm betting that the alternator did not need replacement after all, just the fuses. 

My house battery was totally dead, so they replaced it with two new batteries, and with everything now fixed, the solar panels are now charging the house battery like they should.  Solenoid on hot water heater has been fixed, too, so the propane leak/smell should no longer be an issue.  Total is at $745, which compared to other work that's been done, seems like a great deal.

In addition, the guy at the shop is setting aside time to do a walk through of the vehicle to educate me on the various systems and how to use them properly.

He did recommend getting a kill switch for the house batteries to avoid draining them when vehicle not in use. Price is about $45. That is doable but I'm not clear on why you would need a kill switch if everything is turned off. Is it just in case you have forgotten to turn something off?

At this point I'm not going to get too excited, but he did say that everything appeared to be working as it should. I will be cautious upon pick up and will try it out before attempting to drive home.  But if it really finally works right, I'll be quite psyched. I'm having him look at the roof, too. So far I've had no leaks, but with all the "atmospheric rivers" we've been having in recent months, it would not be surprising to find a leak.

I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks,

Lisa

1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #29 –
That's good news, Lisa. I still think you would greatly benefit if you could get your rig down to the Morro Bay GTG in March, or perhaps to the Live Oak gathering later this year. You would learn a lot more about your LD from a group of experienced LD'ers than any RV shop tech.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #30 –
I will have to see how it's running and where i'm at with finding my next place to live, but the Morro Bay meet up is in the back of my mind.  Though if the rain keeps up, I'm not driving anywhere!
1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #31 –
Congratulations Lisa. You hung in there. Sounds like you are through phase one of buying an older motorhome. Expect more problems to crop up and take them on one at a time. When we bought ours I told my wife to be mentally prepared to face the fact that we just bought a money pit and that will have to be weighed and balanced with the fun factor. It's all part of the game when you buy any motorhome but especially so when you buy an older one. From this point on you will be dealing with one issue after another as age takes its toll. Took mine in yesterday to get looked over before our upcoming trip and found out I have a carrier bearing cracking up and a small oil leak. It's always going to be something and if that's more than you want to deal with right now would be a good time to sell when everything is working.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #32 –
I second the suggestion to meet up with a Lazy Daze owners get together.  Lots to learn there.

I bought an older LD knowing I can tackle most things (even new things I never saw before).  I wanted to learn and make mistakes on an old one and not a brand new one - seeing what falls apart over time and how to make sure things re done right to fix it up is a great learning curve so that I will take care of a new LD so it will last a long time.

I am learning tons and I am much much smarter a year later at what to look for in buying a used LD than I was before, even after having read tons of posts.  And yes, there was more things that needed attention (repairing, upgrading, etc.) than I originally guessed, but I expected that.  It will be much improved when I am done for the next owner.

 We are taking our first long trip to Morro Bay - we have only done a couple hour away trips so far and Morro Bay is more like 10 hours away, so our first real test of the engine.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #33 –
Lisa, that does sound like good news.  Hopefully the big problems are resolved.  If you don't make it to Morro Bay this year,  it happens on the weekend of daylight savings time happens.
Bring the dogs.

Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #34 –
Hey all!

 Just spent the afternoon at San Leandro RV. It appears they really did fix the electrical problems and the propane issue!  All gauges now functioning AND everything in my RV seems to finally work! That includes a ceiling light and vent/fan that were previously inoperable even on shore power.  They said the house battery had probably been so bad that it wasn't powering things correctly even when it was still charging. My dad thinks the two previously nonworking items may be connected to a different circuit, one affected by the bad fuses. Whatever the case, it all works, there is no propane smell, I now know much more about how to operate things in the RV, and I even got my porch light working! (Interesting, however, to find that the switch marked "porch" lights the step" and the one marked "entry" lights the porch. Hmm).

Dan the Man also showed me how to operate the awning (which appears functional), how to empty and fill the tanks, and other stuff. 

Diagnosis, new fuses, cleaning.sanding battery /alternator contacts, replacing leaking hot water heater valve, two new house batteries, a house battery kill switch, new porch LED battery, and checking the roof and general state of the vehicle was right around $760.  I drove it home in rush hour traffic on city streets and it was fine. The only hiccup was when I was parking and once again grazed a telephone pole. This time along awning. So maybe it's no longer functioning. I don't have the energy or heart to check.  I really see why having a vehicle like this is NOT fun in the city. Between the traffic and the trees planted in the median, and no parking, it's a drag to drive. 

I did not take it on the freeway, but everyone seems certain that the drag/noise/inability to accelerate was due to the battery not charging at all.

That said, Dan the Man suggested I take it for a night to a local park with RV facilities to try everything out. That was what I wanted to do, but didn't even know that the park he suggested allowed camping, let alone RVs.  Now I'm really psyched!

Not sure I'm up for a drive to Morro Bay this soon, especially with yet another atmospheric river forecast for the coming week (no way am I ready to drive this on the freeway in driving rain!), but hopefully I can do something similar soon.  I still have to get the seals on the windshield replaced (San Leandro RV doesn't do windows).

Oh, and Dan said a couple was in his shop the other day with a 2001 LD, blue and white. They commented on mine looking like it was in nice condition, and mentioned something about a Lazy Daze Club and Morro Bay! So who here saw my LD?!!

Lisa

1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #35 –
Quote
I really see why having a vehicle like this is NOT fun in the city. Between the traffic and the trees planted in the median, and no parking, it's a drag to drive. 
Lisa,  I have never had any problem with my 31  IB in your city as it has never been there and never will.  That's one solution.
I'm sure you looking for a new home that will fit yours in a wide side yard. Hope you find it soon.

Glad to hear things are looking up.

Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #36 –
Lisa,

Now that everything is up and running, you may want to spend some time with a RV Driving instructor. I’m not sure of where you can find one in your area but they can do wonders on increasing your self confidence.

Personally I find our LD a breeze to drive in all kinds of traffic but I also spent several years driving a similarly sized Bob-Tail truck transporting pallets/skids of printed material through Los Angeles traffic at all times of the day. The LD is a piece of cake.

Congratulations on your successful repairs.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #37 –

Lisa,
May I suggest a set of traffic cones.   You can place them in any place you plan to park then you can aim at them.  They are cheaper to replace then rebuilding your RV when a tree or mail box jumps into your path.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunnyglade-Collapsible-Traffic-Purpose-Reflective/

glen

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #38 –
Sounds like you finally found a RV tech that’s a keeper, hallelujah!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #39 –
Lisa,

We were all pulling for you, even those of us that didn't post but followed your thread with interest.  You received many excellent suggestions and are finally ready to take an adventure.  Several wise people suggested shorter trips in known areas before venturing to Mexico, etc.  Take their advice.

Gary
2007 30' TB
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #40 –
Thanks everyone.

I've become much more comfortable driving. Not sure if the cones would help as the main problem I have is understanding where the top part is in relation to objects around me. I've actually been parallel parking this thing pretty darn good. But I am usually so busy looking behind and next to the vehicle, that I forget to look up in the side view mirrors to see where I am in relation to trees and telephone poles.  Some of the poles are not straight (like the one I brushed yesterday), and the street slopes down towards the curb, so even with my wheels 6-8" from the curb, the top of my RV can (and did) touch a telephone pole due to the incline and awning sticking out. In addition, many of the medians on some of the larger streets have trees growing on them that don't seem to be kept up, so just staying in my lane without getting brushed by a tree is not always possible. Then there are the many trees all around that are not trimmed that I can't park near, is most of the block where I'm currently residing.

I love trees and greenery, but it sure is a pain when it comes to driving this vehicle.

Anyway, new mystery- the ceiling fan and light that worked fine at the shop while not on shore power, stopped working again. I tried the light last night a while after i got home and did not turn on. Just went out and checked the kill switch and it was not on, so that is not the issue. Other lights work, and the panel shows the house battery charge as "good."  I started the vehicle with no problem, and tried the light with engine running, but that made no difference.

Why are the light and ceiling fan (the light is near the ceiling fan FWIW), working only sporadically? And should I be concerned that the battery is going to die on me again?

Thanks,
Lisa
1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #41 –
"...the main problem I have is understanding where the top part is in relation to objects around me."

Lisa

Have you ever heard the expression; GOAL?

In RV parlance it means "Get Out and Look"!

Try it, works for a lot of us.   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #42 –
It sounds to me that you might have a short somewhere in the 12 volt system; most likely the line that powers the two things that intermittently lose power.  The previous owner(s) might have drilled a hold somewhere damaging the 12 volt line leading to your devices that don't work.  An experienced tech should be able to find the problem; intermittent ones are tricky to find.  I shorted one myself in a boat I used to own.  I didn't realize it at the time, but the symptoms were similar to yours until I remembered that I had mounted a cup holder months earlier.  Mea culpa!

Gary


2007 30' TB
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #43 –
HEYYYYY!!!

I just wanted to write about a success - the other day I not only drove my LD on the freeway at 65mph without much anxiety, but today when I went to pick it up (got a new windshield, all underlying rust removed, etc.), I drove that baby home on the freeway, in the rain, during rush hour traffic! And not bumper to bumper rush hour traffic, but the worst, most dangerous kind where there are gaps to get up to speed, and then sudden, awful slowdowns. I did it all with my more anxious dog in the LD, and she not only curled up between the seats and slept, but I didn't even have much anxiety!  I figure if I can drive this thing in one of the most congested, road rage areas of the country, in the rain, in rush hour, I should be pretty good to go anywhere (I witnessed two road rage incidents today).

I'm getting there, guys. I am getting there.  Good thing, too, because I have 9 days to find a new home or I'll be living in my LD once the sale of my house closes (by April 15!)

Zoinks!

Lisa G.
1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #44 –
Maybe time to rewrite the Topic as "Throw the towel in and head out"!
Congrats, and see you down the road.
Pat the dogs,
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #45 –
Lisa, a few suggestions:

Even though your rig is only 22', you might want to look into driving lessons: RV School  The closest location to the Bay Area is with an instructor in Auburn.  Not cheap, but you will get behind-the-wheel instruction, practice, and many tips.

Know the dimensions of your rig; if you can't remember them, write these on a sticky or card and tape it to the dash. Pay particular attention to the total height of the rig.

Learn to use your mirrors; you're essentially blind without these, so if they're poorly adjusted to show what's to the sides and behind you, or they are coming 'un-silvered' (black spots) or there are other issues, replace them. Don't ignore the right side mirror; it is as critical as the left, particularly for spotting drivers who don't know how to merge, motorcycles who use the shoulder to pass you on the right, and drivers who are jonesin' to drive the right shoulder to cut into the traffic line to get to an exit before the other people.

Pay particular attention your speed and lane position when driving in construction zones, especially when there are trucks 'sharing' the space; some truck drivers are skilled, safety-conscious, and professional, but some are not.

As Steve suggested, GOAL is the mantra; when parking and/or maneuvering, getting out and looking to see the position of the rig in relation to obstacles will save the need for a lot of 'band-aids'.

Learn to drive '15 seconds' ahead (and to the sides and behind) to be always aware of what's around you, what's coming up alongside or from behind or in front of you. Constant vigilance and anticipation are the watchwords!

'Own' your lane; learn to position your rig with equal space between the center line and the shoulder. On a two-lane road, do not 'lane share', i.e., move to the far right of the lane to allow somebody to use part of your lane to pass you. This move creates a big risk of getting cut off or catching a wheel on the shoulder and losing control of the rig!

Obviously, pull over to allow following traffic to pass when it's safe; you should have adequate space and clear vision to pull off and get back on the road; never endanger yourself, your rig, or your pets by making a dumb move trying to be a 'nice guy'.

Check out unfamiliar roads or routes on Google maps, and inquire locally about conditions. Don't blindly follow a GPS, particularly if its software is not updated.

Keep the rig nose pointed to a clear exit when you park, overnight, and/or camp; never park in a position or location that would prevent a fast getaway in case of an emergency.

There are lots more 'tips', but you've experienced a lot of 'head poppers' over the months, so it's enough for now.  ;)

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #46 –
Those are all great things to do and remember when operating your RV. Thanks for posting them Joan😁🚐
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #47 –
Keep the rig nose pointed to a clear exit when you park, overnight, and/or camp; never park in a position or location that would prevent a fast getaway in case of an emergency.

May I add before you drive in made sure you have a clear exit.    

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
 
Re: Is it time to throw in the towel?
Reply #48 –
I second Gary, there is something off in your 12v system.  With good batteries they should be consistent.
We have an older rig and a lot of the electricity was not solidly connected - it got rattled around over the years and the wire connections were no longer solid, so it had intermittent shorts with a couple light fixtures/switches.

I would suggest opening up that one light and fan to look for the wires coming to the fixture (connected to the wires on the fixtures). And make sure they are solidly connected.  If they are connected with a wire connector, what originally was put on for ours so likely yours, pull hard on the wires and confirm they don't move inside that wire connector, they are solid in there.  If they move, replace the wire nut.  Some, like Larry that works on trucks a lot,  strongly suggests soldering the wires together before putting the new wire nut back on.

The fixture itself might be coming loose and not snug and tight anymore - wiggling the innards of the light slightly should tell you that - things should not wiggle.  Some of ours were older and had too much wiggle and we have replaced them.

We didn't have any problems with loose fuses, but we did have loose breakers causing problems - again there should be no wiggle.

And as Gary said someone could have nicked a wire - we found one wire while working on our heater that had been bent back on itself tightly and left hanging in the cabinet and I think a drawer being pulled in and out had nicked it.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.