Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #25 – July 20, 2017, 11:27:28 pm Hmmm.. as I am sure you guys already know, looking for a used rv is as much about reading people as inspecting everything. Quote Selected 2 Likes
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #26 – July 21, 2017, 10:01:58 am Quote from: Paully – July 20, 2017, 11:27:28 pmHmmm.. as I am sure you guys already know, looking for a used rv is as much about reading people as inspecting everything. I thought about not commenting, but having done mechanical inspections on DP's for two decades, there are a number of owners (and even some of the better ones) who "desire" to do what is needed to keep their coach in top condition. But, that desire does not always translate into action. Some due to lack of knowledge-- lack of air dryer service resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to the air suspension and air brake systems comes to mind.Some from lack of "analness". Have inspected 3 coaches over the years where the rear bulkhead was destroyed by a leak at a 5 cent washer. Ya, water leaking into the wet bay for a long time will do that.And, the vast majority of owners could care less about maintenance. Same applies to their cars, houses, etc. It used to shock me the few number of owners who have ever even done an internet search on a technical issue with their coach. Ya, as moderator of three RV websites (this one, the Diesel RV Club Technical Website and the FMCA Forum), when I do seminars on motorhome maintenance at the FMCA conventions and someone asks about a problem on their coach, I DO ask-- what research have you done on the problem. Suspect you already know the answer.Stepping off soap box now. Quote Selected 13 Likes
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #27 – July 21, 2017, 10:15:29 am Quote from: wolfe10 – July 21, 2017, 10:01:58 am lack of air dryer service resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to the air suspension and air brake systems comes to mind.Thanks for the bonk on the head, the AD is at the top of my list! Quote Selected
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #28 – July 21, 2017, 10:48:13 am Quote from: wolfe10 – July 21, 2017, 10:01:58 amAnd, the vast majority of owners could care less about maintenance. Same applies to their cars, houses, etc. It used to shock me the few number of owners who have ever even done an internet search on a technical issue with their coach. Sad but true. I remember when I was a kid, everyone would wash their cars on Saturday. People had more time to take weekend rides. As a nation, we only take 8 days of vacation a year and must constantly keep our noses to the grindstone with up to three jobs to try and pay down monumental credit card debt, college loans, insurance, rent, home loans and property taxes, etc. Is it any wonder we never lift the hood of our vehicles? Ever notice how many businesses are open on "holidays"?In Germany, we could not mow lawns, go shopping or do most anything after 2pm on Saturday. Better have it together before the weekend comes around. Sundays were for relaxing with only a few designated service stations open and most restaurants. Lots of holidays and long vacations. No one would think about not taking their full vacation. And then we have the French...Brett, it's not that we would not like to do the right thing but most of us are too burned out from being stuck in the passing lane. As an avid Mexican traveler, you know exactly what I mean.Pierce Quote Selected 1 Likes
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #29 – July 21, 2017, 11:14:43 am Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – July 21, 2017, 10:48:13 am it's not that we would not like to do the right thing but most of us are too burned out from being stuck in the passing lane Very true, when I had my business, it was 24-7 and the DW would ORDER me to take a break. When we looked at our second Airstream, it had been completely restored, perfect! I had to ask the salesman why anyone would sell this coach. He looked down and told me it was owned by a guy who was getting ready for retirement and going to follow his dreams. Two weeks before "the big moment", he had a heart attack and passed-on. That comment changed my life! Quote Selected 1 Likes
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #30 – July 21, 2017, 09:19:11 pm Quote from: wolfe10 link=msg=280287 [quote author=wolfe10 – July 21, 2017, 10:01:58 am Some due to lack of knowledge-- lack of air dryer service resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to the air suspension and air brake systems comes to mind.Some from lack of "analness". Have inspected 3 coaches over the years where the rear bulkhead was destroyed by a leak at a 5 cent washer. Ya, water leaking into the wet bay for a long time will do that.Stepping off soap box now.Thanks wolfe..I need more help. I have searched bulkhead.. lots of verbal but few good pics so far. I am still not sure what the bulkhead is. I am looking at an ungaraged, lightly used Foretravel. Any small leak could have gone bad. And what is an air dryer? Not stupid questions... just stupid people. Quote Selected
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #31 – July 21, 2017, 11:19:21 pm With these questions I would humbly suggest you do as Brett said and use Google to find and learn about these basic items.If you do not, these "basic items" can cost you a small fortune. I allways like to do a search and read the technical side of the items and look at the diagrams etc. You can also do a "You tube" video of just about anything and that will give you a really good idea of what is needed and how to do it. I would also suggest reading every item on the Beamalarm site relating to your coach ( or one you would like)JohnH Quote Selected 2 Likes
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #32 – July 22, 2017, 12:09:50 am Buying a well maintained coach from a forum member is your best option, second option get a member to do an inspection but be prepared to waste time and money looking for the right one Good luck Quote Selected 2 Likes
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #33 – July 22, 2017, 08:08:40 am I spent just over a year learning enough to feel comfortable to start looking for a FT. This forum is an incredible resource, mostly due to the generosity of its members and their willingness to share knowledge and experience. I'd suggest you spend some time digging through old threads to learn as much as you can. It will be worth it. When you find a good coach be sure to get a thorough pre purchase inspection by an experienced third party inspector.We used Brett Wolfe and are glad that we did. Quote Selected 3 Likes
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #34 – July 23, 2017, 06:32:34 pm I've looked at 2 Foretravels so far... a 1991 with 330k miles that's probably worth 10k asking 29k. And a 1986 that's got 70k on the non working odometer that's maybe worth 15k asking 28k.I know people love these machines, but you can't tack 15k onto the sale price because you love it. Just keep it...Thanks to Pierce, I've got a lead on another one... a 1995 with 47k and a motivated seller that's not in love with the memories.. Fingers crossed! Quote Selected
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #35 – July 23, 2017, 06:54:52 pm Quote from: Paully – July 23, 2017, 06:32:34 pmI've looked at 2 Foretravels so far... a 1991 with 330k miles that's probably worth 10k asking 29k. And a 1986 that's got 70k on the non working odometer that's maybe worth 15k asking 28k.I know people love these machines, but you can't tack 15k onto the sale price because you love it. Just keep it...Thanks to Pierce, I've got a lead on another one... a 1995 with 47k and a motivated seller that's not in love with the memories.. Fingers crossed!Saw this on the San Antonio Craigslist... Foretravel Motorhome - rvs - by owner - vehicle automotive sale, this: https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/rvs/d/foretravel/6203632870.html, this 1996 295 40' Foretravel - rvs - by owner - vehicle automotive sale, and.... lastly, this: 1998 40ft Foretravel U320 - rvs - by owner - vehicle automotive sale. Quote Selected
Re: Shorten the learning curve.. Reply #36 – July 23, 2017, 07:04:56 pm Quote from: Paully link=msg=280621 date=1500849154 1995 with 47k and a motivated seller that's not in love with the memories.. Fingers crossed
Topic: Shorten the learning curve..