Just Bought an '87 Pace Arrow

[Highwinder]

Hi everyone,

Just bought a 30-foot '87 Pace Arrow, really excited. I haven't picked it up yet, so it's just killing me. Kids have no idea, total surprise, I can't wait to see their reaction!

The RV is in absolutely pristine condition on the inside. The original owners bought it as a retirement toy, used it for a very short time, and then both of them tragically suffered alzheimers, so it basically sat for nearly 15 years. Get this: 45k original miles, only 300 original hours on the Onan. Aside from a little oxidization on the outside and a little interior fade (yes, it was covered the whole time, no leaks), it's like it was built last year.

My wife and I have 3 perfect-age kids for camping and adventuring in an RV (13 year old daughter, 9 year old son, 6 year old daughter). I'm really big on making memories with the kids (while video recording it all), and though we like hitting Disneyland every few years if we can, it's my own camping memories of when I was a kid that I remember the most above all else, further enhanced by the home movies my Dad took. I am doing likewise. When I get all old, fat and forgetful (ok, older, fatter, and more forgetful), I'll be able to watch all my kids grow up as many times as I want. It's like some kind of cool insurance or family "backup".

I had bought a 21-foot 1979 Itasca Sundancer Class-C back in '06, and we have literally used it up, wrung it out, and got our money's worth out of it ten-fold. When I tell my kids about the RV'ing we're about to do this summer, they have no idea I'm really referring to a 30-foot monster they haven't even seen yet - they think I'm talking about the old beater Itasca (I don't even know if I can get that thing started now, donating it to charity this month).

First modification I'm going to do is finally install the GPS stereo./reverse camera system I've been waiting to use since last year. :-)

I have much to learn about big Class-A RVs, especially maintenance and proper care of this behemoth, so I come here to this group humbly groveling and bowing down to the gurus.


- Highwinder (aka Bob Hodges)

[ka7suz]

If nothing else, it will need new tires. Otherwise, take it to a shop you trust and have everything safety checked. Enjoy!

JoAnn

[ghoststories]

Hello and welcome to iRV2. Congrats on the Class A, your kids are going to have a blast. Wishing you many happy journeys.

[SarahW]

Howdy Bob and welcome to the forum! Sounds like you found a real deal on a moho, and I hope it's a winner for you. Make sure you check out all the systems and the generator...sometimes not having many hours on the genny is not a good thing. Here's wishing you many great memories for you and your family.

[Highwinder]

Originally Posted by ka7suz

If nothing else, it will need new tires. Otherwise, take it to a shop you trust and have everything safety checked. Enjoy!

JoAnn

You're right. As luck would have it, the thing has all new tires, brand new. I'm buying it from the 2nd owner, who's only had it for 2 years, had new tires put on it last year. All checks have recently been done, including tranny, and I have the paperwork. Really excited.

[Highwinder]

Wow, thanks everyone. Certainly a great warm welcome. :-)

I have fired everything up, test drive, tested the genny, all in good order and not a puff of smoke anywhere. Amazing. It's like Indiana Jones coming across the lost ark. Only flaw on the whole RV is some exterior cleanup badly needing to take place (needs a good scrub and wax/finish) as well as the right passenger side windshield having a crack down one side (owner swears its been there for at least 10 years). Even if not, easy to deal with.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone, I've been itching for this toy for 3 decades (I'm 44).

Ok, now to get on to getting my custom signature worked out...

[ka7suz]

Originally Posted by Highwinder

You're right. As luck would have it, the thing has all new tires, brand new. I'm buying it from the 2nd owner, who's only had it for 2 years, had new tires put on it last year. All checks have recently been done, including tranny, and I have the paperwork. Really excited.

Hooray! Glad to hear it! Have a wonderful time.

JoAnn

[Highwinder]

Testing signature. Let's see if I got it right...

(And thanks everyone!)

[Senior Chief]

Check out this thread, or this one or this one for bringing the exterior back to life with Red Max Pro #3.

[Steve N Sal]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Congrats on the new to you motorhome and hope really enjoy it. I'll bet the kids are just going to be thrilled. Wishing you the best, hope you enjoy the site and enjoy making many new friends here as I'm sure you will. Be safe and Happy Motoring!!!

[Highwinder]

Originally Posted by Senior Chief

Check out this thread, or this one or this one for bringing the exterior back to life with Red Max Pro #3.

Excellent info. I've read on other forums that using finish products for boats is a good way to go. Is that what Red Max is?

Thanks again!

[Senior Chief]

Originally Posted by Highwinder

Excellent info. I've read on other forums that using finish products for boats is a good way to go. Is that what Red Max is?

Thanks again!

PoliGlow is the acrylic used on boats ($100/gal)- Red Max Pro#3 is a much cheaper version of PoliGlow at about $15/gal. Find it at Lowe's in the floor care aisle.

Not sure who started using it first, but the RMP protocol been around for several years. We are on our second year of using RMP. This is the oldest forum thread that I'm aware of.

After the initial prep and application, you can renew the gloss with a single wipe-on coat each year. No rubbing or buffing

RMP does not yellow or peel, and it will literally knock your socks off when used on oxidized fiberglass. If you own an older RV, its really amazing. Best thing since sliced bread.

[bsirby]

Hello and Welcome to IRV2! Enjoy your adventures and safe travels.

[rvjimmy]

Congrat's on the MH, we all love PIC's so send some if you can. It's not to hard once a guy figures it out, good luck and many safe miles and great memories.