Community Forums

Murf2u · 05-11-2012, 02:15 PM

Maddie, it might be well worth your while to do some browsing around south of the border.

From what I've seen prices on a lot of stuff is below average in the north west. I suspect it's because it's so far physically from the big population centers.

I was recently surfing through the offerings on flea-bay, it seemed the prices were on average several thousand bucks less in the north west than most of the east coast.

cheddaryeti · 05-26-2012, 05:46 AM

Hi, Maddie!
I thought I'd offer some of my experience as an over 2 year full-timer aboard a CLASS C.

#1 - Choose a LAZY DAZE brand RV, I would highly recommend them. (we have one, love it, high quality build, attention to detail etc.)

Regarding Water & Leaks. I've never known a Class C NOT to have a leak in the front window (grrr). Ours did (it's a 1988), we recaulked the seams and have been good ever since. BUT- for your further inspections, press your fingers around the corners of the windows, vents, and ceiling. If it presses in, you have signs of water damaged underneath the surface.

Tires - A very good investment. Find out the age from the previous owner. Try and see the DATE of purchase, that will let you know how old they are. Ours had good tread but had been sitting, resulting in cracking/checking of the rubber. Ended up blowing 2 tires, one after the other. Causing major under carriage and interior damage. Scary & costly. Not to mention being on the side of the road in a town we're unfamiliar with. If they appear old, even with ok tread, on a 1980's/90's rv with low mileage... Tires are likely to be OLD.

Good luck and enjoy your travels!

Maddie123 · 05-26-2012, 11:17 PM

Thanks so much! That's helpful. I'm seeing one tomorrow and will try for sure to find out the age of the tires.

Davinger · 05-27-2012, 08:51 AM

On the side of every tire there should a DOT code and in a small oval next to it you will find a set of letters and 3 to 4 numbers. It is those numbers that you are looking at. Tires have a shelf life and that is generally 5 to 6 years maximum. After that the rubber inside the tire starts to break down and become rigid. Once that happens the belts can come off as soon as the tire reaches road temperature. Hence the main reason you will see large strips of tread in the road.

The tires date code is 3 or 4 numbers the first 2 numbers are the week the tire was made. The numbers will be between 01 and 52. The next 1 or 2 numbers will be the year the tire was made. 0 though 9 will mean 2000 for 00 and 2009 for 9. 10 to 12 should be self explanatory. If the tires are more than 5 years old you will need a new set of tires soon.

This brings up the next thing in tire safety you NEED to know. Not all tires can support the weight of an RV. There are letters the show the load range and I would expect that the letter would be at least an E if not higher. Higher load range tires do cost more but they are worth it in the long run. Remember to check the tire pressure often as properly inflated tires will save you gas. GOOD LUCK!

cheddaryeti · 05-28-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davinger

The tires date code is 3 or 4 numbers the first 2 numbers are the week the tire was made. The numbers will be between 01 and 52. The next 1 or 2 numbers will be the year the tire was made. 0 though 9 will mean 2000 for 00 and 2009 for 9. 10 to 12 should be self explanatory. If the tires are more than 5 years old you will need a new set of tires soon.

WOW! this would have saved me a lot of money/headache/breakdowns.
We didn't know the actual age of our tires and questioned IF we should get new ones (YES WE SHOULD HAVE BEFORE BLOWING TWO). Both lost the complete tread in one giant piece.

Our two flats (and tows, and body damage) could have been prevented.

GREAT GREAT INFO. I feel like I want to broadcast this to the world.