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Topic: Looking for 1st motorhome (Read 1505 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Looking for 1st motorhome

Reply #25 –
Agree with Caflashbob 100% on previous post.  I too was a rv sales manager, knew the risks, jumped in, with now no regrets.  Have had a great time.  I will continue until I can no longer.

The sooner the better, you'll have such great memories and genuine fun.

Three years ago, not living in shakey town, (Eugene Oregon), our plan B was called on.  Ice storm, freezing rain, bringing down trees and power lines, causing transformers to fail until replaced, with power out over one week on our block.  Temps outside in the 20's, could only heat house to 35, went thru cord of wood first week.

We homebase now in Oregon as continuous travelers, splitting our time between the rv and being with family in Brasil.

Happy wife of 20 years, happy life.  She is from Brasil, coldest it gets in winter is 75, hottest in summer 85.  She was not happy.

Plan B, go get the motorhome, park in front of house, problem solved.  Not so easy, no access to our street for an rv, trees partially down, all the way down, no work crews to remove, only neighbors so we could pass with our cars.  Next tried local parks, all were closed, with frozen water pipes. 3rd and neccessary move, into a motel, and I hate motels, for 3 days, until power  was restored.

That being said, TV is always stored ready to go, full fuel and propane, solar and big diesel gen add to feeling of confidence in the rv for a plan B.  Also I believe with the rv I can now get to a friends house, a true prepper, an hour away.

We now are continuous travelers, homebase in Oregon, splitting time between rv and with family in Brasil. 
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Looking for 1st motorhome

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
Giant enjoyable money pit.  We stumbled across a mid entry U320.  Doubled our original investment.  How bad do you want this.  You may get lucky and spend pennies.  Or lots of dollars. 

After the dollars are spent in total you should get a lot of long term use and enjoyment.

We are preppers sort of in shaky town(la) so our choices are different from most. 

No way out of here after a disaster.  Long term off grid is likely. 

But a mid entry 40' U320 non tag no slide has the most storage made up to and including 45's and is a pleasure to drive.

As a former Foretravel sales manager I knew what I could be getting into but did it anyway. 

Not for the faint of wallet. 

 But the unicoaches  bigger front windows  really add a being out of doors feeling.  The 2,000 pound heavier  unicoach adds considerable structural reinforcement. 

Like riding and driving  in a specially made tour bus around the best Disneyland ever made.  The USA

"You pay for every pleasure. If you did not pay as much you probably did not have as much fun."

My comment to hundreds of fancy rv customers and owners.

Go for it


"Not for the faint of wallet".....LOL

May I add, There are no pockets in caskets
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Looking for 1st motorhome

Reply #27 –
Quote from: hawkxp –
Lots of good information to process.  After more research and talking to my wife we are going with the philosophy of simpler is better.  We defiantly want propane on board and an electric water heater if I can find one and a residential fridge.  All of these systems I'm capable of repairing and maintaining myself.  I know there is probably some opinions about solar systems( any thoughts)? With living close to the factory and having several friends that have worked there over the years, they have all told me they would be willing to help show us how to operate and maintain the systems of the coach.  Do most of these seem reasonable?
We settled on a 36' 1992 U225 model.  Mid entry, propane generator, water heater, furnace(s), stove, oven, refrigerator.  No air bags, but if you need to replace the torsion bars, the Torsilastic suspension, same money as air bags without the complications. Mechanical Cummins 5.9 diesel driving through a 4-speed Allison automatic transmission. Air brakes.  Best of all it's a Unihome!  Sports car frame, sports car handling.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.
 

Re: Looking for 1st motorhome

Reply #28 –
We have owned our 1994 36' U280 for a little less than a year and it has been one of our best purchases to date.  This forum has been amazing for people new like us.  I have been able to find most answers through the well documented posts on this forum to bring our new rig up to speed without setting foot in a shop. 

We have the 8.3 with Allison 6 speed.  Very simple motor to work on and inexpensive if you are fairly handy.  We have been traveling all year with our 4 kids on multiple camping trips throughout CA.  Once you get comfortable with the coach and up to speed with the systems you will really enjoy it. Good luck on your search.

David
David & Jenn
1994 U280 3600