Community Forums

Stuloud · 07-16-2014, 12:23 AM

Hi everybody!

I have a story to tell you.

363 days ago I bought a 1985 34 foot Winnebago Elandan for dollar from my good friend Shirley who was at that time recently widowed. This was made possible by another very good mutual friend by the name of Rob who told me in no uncertain terms to call her and tell her I wanted her late husband Zak's motorhome. Well I initially resisted because I loved both Shirley and Zak dearly and didn't want to be perceived as opportunistic at such a distressful time. I finally called her and expressed my interest. I offered her $2000.00 and she said we would talk about it. Well when the time came for the actual transaction she told me she was charging me a dollar but I had to go and pick it up and it was over a 1000 km away. My friend Rob offered to drive me to go get it, so off we went. I got it home to Calgary, AB Canada from Parksville, BC Canada after one short tow in the first 160 km, tranny fluid cooler leaks fixed and one alternator plus four fan belts replaced by yours truly. I'm kind of handy like that.

I have never owned a motor home before, but I'll tell you, it has been an incredible adventure so far!

Another mutual friend of Shirley, Rob and I is Doug. He just happens to own an RV shop in Calgary. I have worked in many different fields in my life but I have never considered being an RV technician. Guess what.... I are one now! I started at Doug's shop yesterday and I just love it. Not to mention the fact that he has already told me that if I need to work on my Elandan just pull it into the shop on any day off and have at her.

I have enjoyed a few highly technical careers in my life but have never obtained any tickets. I was always too busy making things go to think about becoming legit and ticketed. Well that's all changing right now. I am able to apprentice with Doug as he is a Journeyman and in a mere three years I am going to become a certified and Red Seal ticketed RV tech. See you all on the road and thanks to all the very knowledgeable people who have taught me so much with their posts here on IRV2!

Stu

Flanagan · 07-16-2014, 03:46 AM

That is a wonderful story Stu. I always believed opportunity is there for us, some people just don't recognize it like you did. Have fun at work.

njs42 · 07-16-2014, 04:23 AM

Great story thank you for sharing. Now, expand your knowledge a bit farther and post a picture or two. The rest of us can marvel at the story and feel like we are there with you, your friends and your new MH.

**CLIFFTALL** · 07-16-2014, 04:27 AM

Great story indeed. Thanks for posting it and good luck in your career.

Stuloud · 07-16-2014, 07:27 PM

Thanks everyone!
Here are some pics of "One Dollar Wanda" and me. Hopefully by this time next year I will have dropped a new crate 454 in the old girl and upgraded to fuel injection. I'll try to post progress pictures as the time goes by.

Stu