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Elain Moria · 09-06-2015, 11:44 PM

Hello everyone, I'm Elain. A cpl days ago I came across a 1988 Holiday Rambler Imperial (I am not sure if the length is 34' or 35' as I have seen both referenced for this vehicle) for sale for $6000. I talked the owners down to $3500 because the Onan Generator doesn't work, the leveling jacks don't work and there are a cpl VERY minor interior issues. But other than those two major problems everything seems to be in working order.

The tanks were all winterized according to the owners and I have not yet flushed and set them up for travel (The RV will be a full time home for me as well, but most of my time will be traveling around the lower 48). The storage batteries were disconnected and I need to get those put back online as well.

I had looked at several other RV's and all of them were in worse condition, and they all had difficulty in starting etc. My HR fired right up and drives like a dream. I am very pleased with it so far.

Anyway. I am totally new to RVing, this is the first RV I have ever owned and I have been enjoying getting to know my new home away from home. I will probably have a few questions here and there but for now, that's the basics.

About me. I am 50, retired/disabled. Widow. Self sufficient and ornery. Enjoy life as much as possible. Love the outdoors and can't wait to go tooling around the country and visiting friends once I have this Lady set up and rdy to go. Everything else is subject to change without notice.

~Elain

adamfolger · 09-07-2015, 12:17 AM

WELCOME, nothing like jumping in with both feet. All motorhomes have issues. Elbow grease and perseverance is all it takes ( and some $ ). Hope you love it as much as we do....see ya out there!

HighwayStar · 09-07-2015, 12:53 AM

Congrats on your new wheels, Elain. Sounds like you got a good deal!

I'm brand new here too, still camping in my pickup truck with cap, but hoping to find a good deal on a used Class C in the near future.

Good luck.

JT

ArmandV · 09-07-2015, 01:58 AM

Bruce C · 09-07-2015, 05:08 AM

beamisl · 09-07-2015, 08:05 AM

Hi Elaine,

Welcome to the forum. This is a great place to learn everything you need to learn. YouTube also has just about every video out there to learn from. Just enter what you are wanting to check into and both will give you endless opportunities.

There's a Solo RVers thread if you want to arrange to meet up with other solo people. Some travel together in there own rigs but down the road together. Also at a CG, if you see someone with something similar to what you have (or just any kind of rig) tell them you are new to this Rving thing and ask if they have pointers. Most RVers are a helpful lot.

There is also a "Vintage RVs" under forums that may give you a lot of info. People who redo these old beauties and have a lot of knowledge and skills. I think you will love this lifestyle. I look forward to retirement in 15 months or so so I can be on the road too.

Great to meet you, Lynne

MSHappyCampers · 09-07-2015, 08:06 AM

Hi Elain! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Elain Moria · 09-08-2015, 08:30 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. Some minor updates on the RV. I've found a ton of information on winterizing but virtually nothing on setting up an RV to live in DURING the winter. I live in Spokane, Wa so winters here can be brutal and though I do intend to do a lot of traveling in the RV... most of that will likely be during the spring/summer/fall and then over wintering in Spokane.

As the water and waste tanks are visible under the RV I am going to assume that freezing will be a major issue and I would love to get some advice on how to help prevent this from happening. Short of driving to Florida every winter that is... though that does sound like fun.

The Onan Generator may have a major issue now that I have had the time to really inspect it. The electronics are partially melted and burned. I am going to have to take the RV in and see if it can be repaired because I really don't want to have to cart around a portable generator if it can be fixed. But other than that. Things are nice. I am very happy with it.

~Elain