Community Forums

poptart · 11-19-2006, 08:18 PM

Hello Yall! I just found this board tonight...My hubby and i are retired and looking to buy an older motorhome...which is all we can afford...I live in San Antonio and I found this place online in Houston that has alot of nice looking older MH's...We don't know the first thing about motor homes...but we want to be able to take our 2 chihuahua's (our babie's) to the lake and camp...My hubby has an 18' boat he wants to tow along...Is there anyplace that tells you how long you can be?? Do yall know what I mean? Is there any length restrictions in Texas? And can anyone tell me if they've ever done business with PPL RV in Houston?

Hugs, Blanche

poptart · 11-19-2006, 08:18 PM

Hello Yall! I just found this board tonight...My hubby and i are retired and looking to buy an older motorhome...which is all we can afford...I live in San Antonio and I found this place online in Houston that has alot of nice looking older MH's...We don't know the first thing about motor homes...but we want to be able to take our 2 chihuahua's (our babie's) to the lake and camp...My hubby has an 18' boat he wants to tow along...Is there anyplace that tells you how long you can be?? Do yall know what I mean? Is there any length restrictions in Texas? And can anyone tell me if they've ever done business with PPL RV in Houston?

Hugs, Blanche

BIGRED1 · 11-20-2006, 04:27 AM

Hi Blanche, welcome to IRV2! You found a great place to get help. You should have no problems with length restrictions towing a 18' boat unless you get a 45' coach and then only in a few states. You can ck with the DMV or DOT in Texas to make sure the setup you're considering would be legal. I've never done business with PPL but I know that they have been in business a long time and sell hundreds of RVs on consignment every year. Since you don't have any experience with RVs it would pay for you to have a thorough pre-delivery/purchase inspection done on any unit you want to make an offer on.

RonNBama · 11-20-2006, 05:36 AM

I have not purchased a motorhome from PPL, but have bought accessories (tow bar, etc etc) and find them very nice folks in that section.
They do carry a very nice selection of RV's.

You'll get a gazillion bits of advise on what to check out prior to purchase (furnace operation, fridge operation, ceiling leaks, etc etc) so I'll throw mine in early: look closely at the tires and read the date code. These danged things run anywhere from $200-$500 per unit!

You will have a ball with your RV. We have doggies and grandkids and the RV has proven to be the best toy we ever purchased. :-)

BIGRED1 · 11-20-2006, 07:33 AM

I totally agree with RonNBama on the tires. Another thing to check the dates on is all of the batteries. If the engine start batteries are over 3 years old they will likely need to be replaced. If the house batteries are over 5 years old they'll also need to be replaced. I would also never buy a unit with a rubber roof. Fiberglass or aluminum are o.k. Be sure to inspect the openings in the roof and around the front and rear caps carefully to make sure they've been sealed. You don't want a unit that leaks! Service records and manuals for the unit are a big plus.

poptart · 11-20-2006, 04:45 PM

Thanks Yall!! We need all the advice we can get ....as we are so new at this....I just wish I could find someone here who has dealt with PPL before...It say's on their site that you can have their mechanics test everything for $290...which isn't bad unless it turns out the rv is bad and you don't buy it.

Hugs, Blanche

Paul Heuvelhorst · 11-20-2006, 06:58 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RonNBama:
I have not purchased a motorhome from PPL, but have bought accessories (tow bar, etc etc) and find them very nice folks in that section.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Like Ron, I have bought parts from them for more than 4 years. They are a reputable firm both over the internet and by telephone. Very helpful and helped me avoid a costly problem.

If I was closer to them and in the market I would definitely look at RV's they have to offer.

Paul in Nawth Callefornia 8^)