Community Forums

PaulAllen · 09-30-2013, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Manufacturers websites show how the walls are constructed.
.

For prior models from 5 to 10 years prior??? I've never seen that. Where do you find those? (Keep in mind that I'm shopping for used models, not new ones. And I grew up in RV factory country and spent time on the production lines. Production procedures/materials are not necessarily consistent year to year.)

jesilvas · 09-30-2013, 11:07 AM

Well I just meant to get an idea, but you're right, that's for new.

PaulAllen · 09-30-2013, 11:53 AM

Jesilvas wrote:
>Manufacturers websites show how the walls are constructed.

I did try the Internet "Wayback Machine" archives for looking at manufacturer websites for old model years. It proved less hit than miss, unfortunately. Did you have some other website in mind?

LokiGT · 09-30-2013, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hjsdds

Simple answer, if you don't change the air in it, bad things will start happening, particularly if it's "somewhat insulated" or "well insulated" and especially if it sits in an area of any humidity. Common problem for people who "store their units" for extended period of time, they go into it 11 months later to take it "on the vacation" open the door and it stinks to high heaven. Worse if you store it in area of high humidity (like Florida), but will happen if you store it in the north too.
You have to open the doors and windows occasionally and air them out, even it they just sit. People who have winter houses in Florida know that they have to leave the air conditioning on during the summer (when they are not there) at minimum of 78 degrees, or the house will not be livable when they come back for the winter.
I stored my rig in Florida this summer in Florida, stored it in a campground so I could have power to it and run the air in it all summer long.

hjs

This is mentioned In every manual for each rig I have owned. They mention how much water vapor animals and humans put into the air when living in an RV and it can be over 3 gallons a day. No matter if I have the furnace or AC on I have the fantastic fan vents open (how much depends on outside temps) and moving air out of the rig.

PaulAllen · 09-30-2013, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Honestly, you're way too hung up on mold/condensation in the walls. I don't see that as an issue, and I've had a lot taken apart.
The issues are water getting into the roof/walls. Cover it and seal it well, and you'll be fine.

I am thrilled to get this kind of reassurance!

Based on the kinds of answers I've been getting on various questions, it sounds like I don't necessarily have to pay a lot extra for a comfortable full-time RV for placement at a stay-at-one-permanent-site in east Texas (like I might have to do if I were to be living much farther north.) I'm certainly willing to be vigilant about roof and wall issues (and avoid window condensation dripping) so all of this certainly sounds encouraging.

It is sounding like winterizing probably won't be difficult without exceptional measures for my first winter even if I get a unit not renowned for "four season" use. (Yes, I realize those designations are questionable in any case.) But I had originally thought that for a long-term investment I might have to focus on the best known full-timer brands. Yet, I've been getting feedback that many east Texans have done well even with "economy" units.

I'm considering a $9,000 2004 32' New Vision 3-slider [why do so many ads leave out the model designation/number?] which despite the low price has 2 ACs with central ducting, 50amp power, washer/dryer, and many amenities---and I figure there must be a catch somewhere in there for that price. It is a few hours away but I have to head in that direction anyway on other matters so I'll be taking a look at it soon. I play to use a professional RV inspector no matter what I get. But based on my market research so far, that seems like a low price even for a private seller. Any reactions to the price? I see that the NADA guides take prices down to around $12,000 or so and I assume that autumn pricing is my best time of year to buy but the price just seems extra-low to me. But I'm not very familiar with the brand's reputation. Comments??

jesilvas · 09-30-2013, 06:11 PM

Where's the link to the ad?

Jimmerinwi · 09-30-2013, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulAllen

I am thrilled to get this kind of reassurance! Based on the kinds of answers I've been getting on various questions, it sounds like I don't necessarily have to pay a lot extra for a comfortable full-time RV for placement at a stay-at-one-permanent-site in east Texas (like I might have to do if I were to be living much farther north.) I'm certainly willing to be vigilant about roof and wall issues (and avoid window condensation dripping) so all of this certainly sounds encouraging. It is sounding like winterizing probably won't be difficult without exceptional measures for my first winter even if I get a unit not renowned for "four season" use. (Yes, I realize those designations are questionable in any case.) But I had originally thought that for a long-term investment I might have to focus on the best known full-timer brands. Yet, I've been getting feedback that many east Texans have done well even with "economy" units. I'm considering a $9,000 2004 32' New Vision 3-slider [why do so many ads leave out the model designation/number?] which despite the low price has 2 ACs with central ducting, 50amp power, washer/dryer, and many amenities---and I figure there must be a catch somewhere in there for that price. It is a few hours away but I have to head in that direction anyway on other matters so I'll be taking a look at it soon. I play to use a professional RV inspector no matter what I get. But based on my market research so far, that seems like a low price even for a private seller. Any reactions to the price? I see that the NADA guides take prices down to around $12,000 or so and I assume that autumn pricing is my best time of year to buy but the price just seems extra-low to me. But I'm not very familiar with the brand's reputation. Comments??

Seeing it's being offered in Craigslist, I'd be very cautious. There are a lot of scammers on Craigslist. Remember the old adage, If it sounds to good to be true ................ You know the rest.

PaulAllen · 09-30-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Where's the link to the ad?

I didn't include such a link because many forum prohibit any and all solicitations to sell, regardless as to who is the seller. I've not investigated the rules on iRV2 in that regard.

PaulAllen · 09-30-2013, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmerinwi

Seeing it's being offered in Craigslist, I'd be very cautious. There are a lot of scammers on Craigslist. Remember the old adage, If it sounds to good to be true ................ You know the rest.

Speaking generically and not with reference to any particular RV on the market:
Low prices on RV units definitely concern me. If an RV owner is anxious to sell and decides to sell quickly at the same price he might get from a dealer, some low prices are certainly possible. But frankly, my main concern in low price situations is that a casual buyer might eventually discover that there is a lien against a unit---or even that a renter goes through the motions of selling the landlord's RV! (Title searches with conventional houses help find liens but I've wondered how often people get burned with RV purchases from private sellers.)

Has anybody had any experiences with such "gotchas"?

jesilvas · 10-01-2013, 05:40 AM

I would ask a dealer to help you do the paperwork so that way it's all done cleanly.

TXiceman · 10-01-2013, 07:20 AM

A couple of points here. First is that R-Vision is not a full time trailer. It is meant for weekend use.

The less quality in the trailer, the lower the insulation values and the more problems with condensation on the inner walls. Also, the smaller the trailer, the less volume internally. Smaller volume is more subject to moisture build up and will require more venting to reduce condensation.

Ken

RustyJC · 10-01-2013, 08:03 AM

Our 5th wheel will be 10 years old in August, 2014 - we took delivery in August, 2004. When not in use it is in covered storage in Cypress, TX (NW of Houston) with 30 amp service and stays plugged in. We do not run ACs in storage in the summer and only use ceramic heaters in winter if the temps get into the mid 20s - many winters, I don't even have to winterize the unit. If I do, it's 4 miles from the S&B house, so it's easy enough to do if the forecast is for a rare "blue norther" to hit SE Texas. To date, no condensation, no water leaks and no mold problems whatsoever. I've attached a thumbnail photo below (ignore the pink flamingoes, it was "flocked" at a Texas Boomer rally) to show you its current condition - if you buy quality, it can be a better value in the long run.

Rusty

Swamp Man · 10-02-2013, 04:24 PM

I live in Louisiana approximately one half mile from the Mississippi River. I think that you are worrying about mold and condensation issues that you don't need to. Air the unit out, keep the roof and other water entry point maintained and you should not have any problems. I have been through various hurricanes, storms, 105 degrees in the summer with 90% humidity and never a mold problem. Pick the trailer you like, do what the manufacturer says for roof and other leak points and you won't have a problem. Like a house, air it out, and that's it.

JohnBoyToo · 10-07-2013, 08:25 PM

you are WAY too obsessed with the paranoia of mold

In Texas we HOPE for moisture !!!
we are in the realm of 29" below normal rainfall totals for the year...

When we built here in 2004, you could barely walk to the back of the property for the trees.... now, I'm buying trees so many died from lack of rain...