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Topic: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse (Read 2102 times) previous topic - next topic
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RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
I recently received a settlement that represents a final windfall worth counting on. Previous windfalls didn't amount to much for me, so I wanted to buy something I could always fall back on during hard times. I bought a used RV so no matter what may come I'd always have a roof, my own space, a [toilet] and a shower.

Due to other circumstances out of my control, I had to scramble and though it wasn't ideal, I bought a 92 Front Lounge Lazy Daze RV. Chevy G30. There was a single advertised issue: Roof A/C inoperable. Seller stated an estimate he received was replacement, including labor, at $700. I would discover more issues after paying $6k.

1. Driving about 55 minutes with my buddy tailing me in my car left my windshield soaked in oil. My buddy said it had been coming from the exhaust the whole trip. The exhaust is a 90-degree pipe behind the left rear tires. A trip to a parts store for spark plugs resulted in the clerks and manager refusing to sell and suggesting I instead call a lawyer and use the lemon law...I don't know why they think it applies to privately sold anything, but they said the head gasket must be blown.

2. The odometer doesn't move, it's stuck at 100001.

3. When running dash board fan for A/C, there is a loud squealing, sounds like a young elephant - Bad bearing?

4. While on highway, and sudden acceleration or torque leads to sputtering, as if the plugs are soaking wet.

5. Several of the exterior panels have broken locks and I'm unable to access them.

I have been able to turn on a few lights and I thought I heard the furnace woosh on, but felt no heat. I haven't attempted to fill the water tanks, only the fuel tank.

Seller quipped in parting, "Get it to a mechanic to check it all out... soon." Oh...? yay...

I'm a DiYer and I would like to tackle this on my own so I can enjoy my road adventure by saving money. With that in mind, I'm asking for links to cheap parts suppliers, common methods of operations and maintenance, along with upgrade tips that make things far easier. I would love links to tutorials, even for the simpler things like, "how do I make the Fridge cold"?, or "What's this thing do/What's this switch do?" or even "Where is the switch for this or that?"

My plan without any previous knowledge is to install a generator or a solar array and additional batteries to store power. I'd also like a water filtration system, such as a water softener. I plan to boondock as much as possible. I'm fine with the standard things for now, but ultimately I want replacements for appliance layouts, lights, and captain's chairs. Once I comfortable with the RV, I will then add a robust sound system  (my hope is to design an ultimate RV, self sufficient, with new features inside a vintage shell.

I see some links already and am asking for more targeted advice. Thanks for reading!
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #1 –
Honest advice - If what you say is accurate, put it on craigslist, disclose the issues you know about, and sell it as-is.

You will take a loss, probably a big one, but it will be much less than the loss you will eventually take trying to fix this thing. 

You likely made a mistake.   Trying to fix it by fixing things will be more expensive than getting out now.

Unless your state has different rules than mine, you probably won't have much luck going after the seller.  

Rich

2003 MB
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #2 –
Ouch.  
The problems you mention except for the hatches are all mechanical; you haven't started on structural. At that age water intrusion is very likely with attendant dry-rot.  Reply #1 suggests selling at a loss.  It appears you are into this at $6K. If you sell now, you are out, at most $6K, less anything you can get for it.  6K is better than the 8, 10, 12K that you will sink into it.  Think new engine, trans, AC (auto and Roof).   And tell yourself 'the next time I do that it will be a mistake'.
Now that you've found this board,  take a look at posts on how to check out an RV before purchase.
Sorry,
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #3 –
Rich and Joel are rigtht on when it come to dealing with an antique LD with serious issues due to the lack of maintenance and just being worn out. You could pour many thousand of dollars into this rig and still have an old, worn out rig.
I'm not sure why you would think a 34 year old motorhome would be a good investment without a through inspection by a knowledgble mechanic and RV tech.
Would you buy a 38 year-old car without having it inspected?

As I have said many times here, RVing is NOT a cheap lifestyle, you have got to pay to play.
Dump this rig and consider whatever the cost to you to be the cost of education.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #4 –
Quote
I'm a DiYer and I would like to tackle this on my own so I can enjoy my road adventure by saving money. With that in mind, I'm asking for links to cheap parts suppliers, common methods of operations and maintenance, along with upgrade tips that make things far easier. I would love links to tutorials, even for the simpler things like, "how do I make the Fridge cold"?, or "What's this thing do/What's this switch do?" or even "Where is the switch for this or that?"

It’d be very difficult to try to answer your questions in a single post without something like an encyclopedia for RVs.  This Forum has a search feature, which should be of some help for some of your questions since they’ve come up many times in the past. On the front page of this forum, there is a resource called The Companion.  This resource has a very comprehensive index, which should also be of help to you.

I’d suggest that as you move forward on this project and run into information dead ends, this forum is more than willing to help.

Best of luck.
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #5 –
Quote from: joel wiley  - 
Ouch.  
The problems you mention except for the hatches are all mechanical; you haven't started on structural. At that age water intrusion is very likely with attendant dry-rot.  Reply #1 suggests selling at a loss.  It appears you are into this at $6K. If you sell now, you are out, at most $6K, less anything you can get for it.  6K is better than the 8, 10, 12K that you will sink into it.  Think new engine, trans, AC (auto and Roof).   And tell yourself 'the next time I do that it will be a mistake'.
Now that you've found this board,  take a look at posts on how to check out an RV before purchase.
Sorry,
Joel

After looking through the records the seller provided at length, I believe the issues were mostly created when they upgraded converters...I caught a forum print-off where the owner was trying to troubleshoot why they couldn't power 12V appliances from the batteries, but once connected to shore power could...The print off was incomplete, but it seems this was right after the converter upgrade and then there was another owner a few years later that did another converter upgrade and then sold to the guy I bought from. So, I think the original owner felt the initial power change introduced too many problems, decided he couldn't work it out and sold for pennies to a flipper who didn't bother fixing and just had someone upgrade it again, then resold for profit to who I bought from. I believe he experienced the weird issues too, but the RV still served its purpose after all if you're only doing a weekend trip, some minor annoyances aren't a big deal. I think the RV then became a liability after non use and no motivation to address the ongoing problems which appear to be electrical and affecting the entire unit.

I'm going to sell, but I have to time things carefully as I gave up any residential life except for hotels to live in this. Being that I don't know RV structure and wiring, I'm going to mention those problems, but I believe I can tackle the engine's issues for relatively cheaply and this would make the purchase much more attractive. I could save the expense and just follow suit however, it will depend on how my first few showings go and how obvious the RV will be versus how oblivious the buyer.

I had limited options since I was having to move out of my place in 48 hours, that means packing it all too, while shopping for an RV, and then coordinating a helper to go retrieve it. Incredibly I got it accomplished, but as would be expected my shopping research fell by the wayside.

Although I would imagine any dealer will instantly recognize the problems and be unwilling to lose money on a trade-in, perhaps some would be kinder and work out a deal maybe for a smaller and simpler camper van? Anyone ever hear of such a trade? Problematic Old Class C with vintage quality for an old, sound but declining, bare minimum Campervan?

While I don't relish the idea of pushing the "vintage" as the value here, without a sympathetic deal, I'll have no choice.
JD Power rang this particular RV in at $2710, but I'd need at the very least 1.5x that or I'd be a homeless person with plenty of spending money...and before anyone asks, No. I will not go back to renting, I can't buy a home, and I still aim to make RVing my next adventure in life. Sure, I got screwed bad, but even from this position I'm way closer to my goals than I would be if I took over a 50% loss on this deal. even 40% would be pushing it...
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Rich and Joel are rigtht on when it come to dealing with an antique LD with serious issues due to the lack of maintenance and just being worn out. You could pour many thousand of dollars into this rig and still have an old, worn out rig.
I'm not sure why you would think a 34 year old motorhome would be a good investment without a through inspection by a knowledgble mechanic and RV tech.
Would you buy a 38 year-old car without having it inspected?

As I have said many times here, RVing is NOT a cheap lifestyle, you have got to pay to play.
Dump this rig and consider whatever the cost to you to be the cost of education.

Larry

I had a budget to change my life and a used RV fit it quite well, even including some for repairs and the initial voyage costs. I still trust in the common man to be honest and regardless of the times that trust has screwed me, I will continue to give trust initially because it's foolish to think anyone can earn your trust if you approach them as dishonest initially. You are lecturing from a position that doesn't exist in reality or practicality. The mistake was made by not being able to do enough specific market research and have a position of leverage for haggling. In fact the seller didn't even need to sell this to me, he just had to show up because I had this one shot and no one else responded in time. Had I done the research I probably could have saved some money, but then I would have been quicker to put that towards fixing these issues. So, in response to your preachy analogies I simply say hindsight is 20/20 and none of the suggestions to be a smarter RV shopper would have made a difference in the end, actually had I avoided certain listings because of a higher knowledge, I would have secured nothing in time.

I'm aware you didn't know about my time limit, so it's forgivable that you chose to preach and lecture, but without that your posts contributes nothing. It does give clues about who you are, though. Nice to meet you, sir. Knowing now the full scope of my situation, what would your experience and wisdom suggest is the best action? Take the huge loss and squander what's left of my life (which would be largely reduced), approach the market with the same or more dishonesty as the last seller? Or accept the expensive junk that still has some use and nurture more use from it over time?
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #7 –
I have a different opinion than some on here. You could get that RV working great for tons less than most people on here paid for theirs. It is that simple. People easily spent 40K to 100K for theirs, oh and they still spent more money after they bought it.
I typically when buying an older vehicle just did what had to be done and didn't look back. To sell and take a loss leaves you with a loss of money and no RV.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #8 –
It sounds like you did the best you could with the situation you were in, and there is more to the story than in your initial post.
If you decide to keep it,  keep posting to the forum and you will get responses, mostly helpful.  My initial comment did not have the information you posted later.  Good luck and keep posting.
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #9 –
Quote from: GypsyMickey  - 
Knowing now the full scope of my situation, what would your experience and wisdom suggest is the best action? Take the huge loss and squander what's left of my life (which would be largely reduced), approach the market with the same or more dishonesty as the last seller? Or accept the expensive junk that still has some use and nurture more use from it over time?

I would give the same advice to a friend or family member or anyone I know and care about.   It's based on the age and condition of the vehicle, and the cost of repairs.  None of that changes because you find yourself in a tough spot. 

If you don't want to sell the rig at a loss, I would suggest finding a place to drive it to and park it long term.   I would also caution against putting much money into repairs.   Only do DIY repairs, and learn to live without anything that would cost more than a small amount.   

I know that's not what you want to hear, but it's the best I got given the situation you find yourself in.  There no magic way to take a very old worn out RV and make it into a reliable travel vessel without spending more money than the rig is worth.   If you really have a blown head gasket, it would probably cost $10,000 minimum to get this RV going reliably down the road.  

Rich
2003 MB
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #10 –
Quote from: StevenJill  - 
I have a different opinion than some on here. You could get that RV working great for tons less than most people on here paid for theirs. It is that simple.


I'm sorry the OP bought this rig in a moment of dispair and panic. I wish we coud help but we were cosulted after the purchase, not before. There is nothing we can say or do to help retifiy the situation other than give advice..

An engine that spits enough oil to cover the windshield of a car in a back of it is not something that can be cheaply fixed, it needs a engine replacement, not a cheap repair.  These engine cannot be rebuilt or repaired  with removing them, a BIG project for an exerienced mechanic in well equipped shop. Worn piston rigns or a blown head gasket fall into his category.

This is a rig that could live on the streets of a big city, parked in commercial zones, if allowed. If the OP is happy with this, great, but it isn't a rig that can be driven distances for living in the boonies. There is no way to cheaply turn this LD into a dependable rig.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #11 –
Hi GypsyMickey;  It could just be that there is too much oil in the engine.  The whoosh of the heater means the fan is working, but it won't get hot if the propane tank is turned off (or empty).  Battery and converter issues could be as simple as on misplaced (connected in the wrong location) wire. Or even just a a loose screw at a critical connector.
   If the roof and windows are in good enough shape, and it doesn't leak, there is still hope for living in it.
   You didn't say what state you are located in. In California a sale isn't complete until the vehicle passes a smog check.  No pass, no sale!  The previous owner is 'on the hook' for all the repairs needed to pass a smog check. Until they are done, you are just test driving it. The previous registered owner generally would have it 'pass smog' (good for 90 days) before trying to sell it. All smog devices have to be there, and in working shape. Additionally the engine exhaust can't emit any visible smoke upon startup. A new wrinkle that was added to the test about 2019.  Other states may have different requirements.
   The knowledge and experience levels required, go up with the age and condition of the rig. Engines, running gear and electrical, plumbing specific to trailers/slide in campers and motorhomes range anywhere from simple to very complex.  Lazy Daze's are sort of in the middle of that.     RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #12 –
Few replies here I wanted to post a reply to generally address everyone who has given input. First off, Thank you. Advice or simply stating realistic facts is greatly appreciated and exactly why I came here. Please keep this coming.

To clarify a few details: I am in Florida and my only priority destination is Atlanta so a state away would be the farthest I'd have to go though I would want to go further, but if I'd need to sink a lot more money first, I'm fine with just Atlanta.

Currently the RV isn't starting so I'm trying to figure that out. It has fresh gas and was starting. The battery died from a cold snap here, But I wasn't able to jump it off. I'll most likely yield to a mobile
mechanic since my mechanical expertise isn't well versed in electrical and it would appear this RV is chock full of those. Structurally it's in great shape, there's not a great deal of rust (minimal for its age) on the chassis, but the engine surely needs an overhaul. I'm thinking a mobile mechanic that can get it started is much cheaper than a tow and a generator and Id prefer to be mobile with it but it's a catch-22 since mobility means I need to tow
my compact sedan that is my primary errand runner and the RV is meant to be a home that won't evict me while I seek to treat my lifelong undiagnosed mental issues that have ruined my professional career.

I think my decision to make my life mobile was a wise one, but I surely didn't prepare well
enough and honestly I didn't have time to adequately prepare due to circumstances. If I can work out the electrical issues, I think I'll be OK.
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #13 –
Hi GypsyMickey;  That cold snap would be pretty tough on the engine staring battery. (Florida).  The standard key for external compartment doors is a CH751 key. Those can be obtained easily, since almost all RV locks use that key.  I forgot to mention that issue that you had.
   Towing is a vehicle is a great complicator. That Chevy 350 engine was never great at pulling that much extra weight, and most vehicles can't be towed '4 down' anymore. I hope this all works for you eventually.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #14 –
UPDATE:

Got it running and had had a chance to read through the manual and I think my issues are the built in safeties...From what I gathered the living space electrical are limited if the engine is running because it shouldn't be lived in while traveling which makes sense, Someone watching TV while traveling would be certain death if a bad accident occurred. Problem is the outlets don't work with the engine off either and they should because the house batteries are charged now. I'm having an electrician come check things as a favor so hopefully they can shed some light on this. Again, with the obvious engine issues the fact it's a 92 chevy seems to suggest it will still run even with problems. As I learn and with each new eureka I'm uncovering what's really an issue and what's by design.

I'll look into getting the compartment key because I do want to install that specific generator eventually. Without reading into it a lot will it connect into the vehicles gas supply and the electrical as?
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #15 –
The 110 outlets only have power if you are hooked up to shore power, running a generator, or an inverter converting the house battery power.   The 12V cigarette style outlets run off the house batteries

Not sure about the steps required to add a generator to a LD that never had one.  Are you thinking of plumbing a regular generator in the generator compartment or just getting a stand alone gas generator?

But it might be cheaper to simply add a solar generator (stupid name, as it generates nothing on its own) with a couple solar panels.   Really depends on what items you want to run on AC current (the 110 outlets only)
Dave

2017 TK
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #16 –
I was thinking of adding generator that goes in the compartment. I need the 110 outlets. But cheaper might be better. This roof is pretty cluttered however so Idk if solar is the answer. i can't even find the house batteries though. The compartment locks are in bad shape, some have keys broke off in them, others seem carved out, so I think even with the right key I'd still
need to pop them open and either bungee shut or replace the latch...
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #17 –
I hate to be the bearer of bad news again....but.... 

Adding a generator like an Onan 4000 (what most of us have) would easily cost in the $6000+ range IF you can find the parts and pieces. 

Old thread discussing the topic:
Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?

Rich
2003 MB
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #18 –
Quote from: rich  - 
I hate to be the bearer of bad news again....but.... 

Adding a generator like an Onan 4000 (what most of us have) would easily cost in the $6000+ range IF you can find the parts and pieces. 
Old thread discussing the topic:
Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?

Your rig was built back in the day when Ed (one of the owners) would tell the buyer "you don't need that". Many LDs came without generators.

The pre 2000 rigs used an Onan Emerald Genest, a good but obsolete unit. The generator requires a mounting frame for hanging the generator. The frame kits are also obsolete. Some older LDs that came without a generator were pre-wired for a generator. Adding a generator will require installing a transfer-switch.
It's a big job (read expensive) for a shop equipped for this type of work. It might be possible to install a later model Onan but it is going to be custom work. $6000 may be an optimistic guess unless it's a DIY project..
It would be cheaper and easier to add a bunch of of solar and a few lithium batteries, along with a pass-through inverter, plus buying a quiet portable generator for charging during periods of rain or fog.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #19 –
Mickey, the house batteries of your midbath should be in the outside compartment below the outside refrigerator access door. Originally they were two 6 volt, 225 amp-hour flooded lead-acid batteries, wired in series for 12 volts. However, previous owners may have replaced them with other batteries in other arrangements.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #20 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
It would be cheaper and easier to add a bunch of of solar and a few lithium batteries, along with a pass-through inverter, plus buying a quiet portable generator for charging during periods of rain or fog.
Start with the portable generator gives you 110 power while it’s running and hooked up to the RV.  Actually I’d recommend going somewhere with electrical power (shore) to verify your 110 system works when plugged, before buying any generator.

Then add lithium batteries & a pass though inverter, at least 2000 watts (batteries can be charged with the above gen)

Then add solar to minimize running the generator.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #21 –
Look into inverter generators -- these are smaller and lighter than the built-in RV generators. If you are a healthy adult, you should be able to move it around yourself. They are also fairly quiet and only rev up when they have a load.

You can find these quite economically at Harbor Freight. Obviously you should ALWAYS put the generator outside when it is running, or you risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Find a way to lock it securely to your coach to prevent theft especially if you are urban camping. Store it out of sight when you're not using it.

These use gasoline or sometimes propane for fuel, so you will need to handle and store these safely OUTSIDE the coach.

To power the whole RV, you would need to plug the generator into the "shore power" socket on the outside of the coach. Really old RVs use a regular household plug, newer ones require a 30 amp RV plug that looks like a stove or dryer plug.

Be mindful of the load you place on the generator to avoid damaging it or your house wiring. Use a 10 gauge extension cord to avoid overheating the plugs and potentially starting a fire. You'll have enough juice to use a coffee maker, electric skillet, or hair dryer but not all at once. Radio and TV? Sure, these don't require much power. Microwave? Maybe, depending on the wattage on the appliance label.

The combination of an inverter generator to charge up a power bank such as a Jackery or Bluetti gives you the best of both worlds -- off grid power to charge your devices and run small appliances periodically or power the whole house when needed.

Solar power is still a heavy investment for the panels, batteries, wiring, charge controllers and inverter you would require for a complete system, and won't cope well with shade or overcast days -- you'd still need to charge your batteries either with the truck engine or a generator.

If you haven't already, I suggest joining the Home on Wheels Alliance. This is a non-profit community specifically for vehicle dwellers (cars, trucks, RVs, cargo trailers, etc. etc.) with lots of resources to help you be comfortable and safe. 
fu
2015TK
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #22 –
WOW. Yall are really delivering the goods. THANK THANK THANK YOU!!!

So much to unpack...

6k for a genny installed represents the price I paid for the RV itself (yep I got hosed), so that plan is a no-go. Inverters were installed several times...I'm going to double check the dates to find the most recent and see how you guys feel about that, but first:

I was able to access MOST of the panels, besides the ones with keys broke off inside (one) and another that I got the key in but latch is seized (it's got penetrating oil soaking it now). I located the house battery compartment and it contains a single marine battery. I looked for a voltage but didn't find one... it's an Interstate SRM-24 RV/Marine 81Ah Deep cycle.
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #23 –
If it’s a single battery, it should be 12 volts. Do you have a multimeter?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: RVing Newbie - Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and bad buyer's remorse
Reply #24 –
Solar isn't a good solution for lots of A/C usage, which most people will want in Atlanta or Florida. 

Rich
2003 MB