Community Forums

TLGPE · 05-18-2012, 02:44 PM

Hi everybody,

I just bought my first RV/MH. I feel bad for the former owners, because it was a bank repo, and somebody lost out.

I came out ahead, I believe, with a 1994 National Dolphin (34ft) with a Cummins turbo diesel and an Allison 6-speed tranny.

The coach is in nice shape (certainly for its age), and they have taken good care of it.

I'm not at all sure what I'm going to do now, but I'm now officially retired (unemployed), so I'm ready to start something new, in a different location.

I have been watching this site and I am impressed with the friendly, helpful people here. I hope I can contribute as I go.

That's all for now, but wish me luck!

Tom

Ramblin · 05-18-2012, 02:52 PM

Another Dolphin owner! Glad to have you aboard, jump in the fray and don't be shy about questions. Remember there are NO stupid questions, only stupid answers (and I currently hold the title for stupid answers)

TLGPE · 05-18-2012, 03:23 PM

Thanks for the welcome.

Are you a native of Carolina? Which one?

I'm native to NC, but have been in Florida for 38 years or so.

Tom

okmunky · 05-18-2012, 03:26 PM

Welcome aboard Tom,

You aren't the thief, the bank got that pleasure. Congrats on your new adventure!

I started traveling full-time in a much smaller motorhome a year ago and am having the time of my life! I let the weather dictate where and when I go. I visit family and friends all over the western US who are happy to see me come and aren't ready for me to leave after a few days. Thanks to me bringing my own house, I'm not intruding on their lives and I sleep in MY bed every night.

In between I visit national parks and small town America. I prefer to avoid campgrounds and dry camp in national forests and grocery store parking lots. Solar panels on my roof provide most of my electrical needs.

This is the greatest group of folks you'll ever find. There is always someone who can help with almost every issue -- RV or otherwise. The archives are a great resource and no question is ridiculed, even if asked over and over.

Have FUN!

SarahW · 05-18-2012, 06:29 PM

Howdy and welcome.

Steve N Sal · 05-19-2012, 05:24 AM

Howdy and welcome aboard Tom. Hope you enjoy your time here. Congrats and the new to you purchase and hope you really get to enjoy it. Joining the fulltimer rankings should be fun. If you still have a desire to work as well keep in touch with the workkamping and volunteer forum and post some questions there if you need some info. Good Luck and hope you enjoy all your future adventures.

bsirby · 05-19-2012, 07:21 AM

Hi Tom, welcome to IRV2. I usually search the internet for an area that I think looks like fun or interesting. I then find a campground and off we go. As you get out more you will find more places to go and things to do. Sometimes it's just good to find a place to relax and do nothing. Good luck and safe travels. Keep us posted on your adventure.

TLGPE · 05-19-2012, 08:27 AM

Thanks to all for your greetings.

I now need to get familiar with this new (to me) machine and all of its intricate systems. I don't even have it with it me yet; it's still in the lot in the next town where I bought it . I'll get a friend to drve me over there so that I can bring it home (wherever that is). Lots of things to do, and I'm glad these folks are here to help me along.

Thanks again,
Tom

njs42 · 05-19-2012, 09:37 AM

Hey welcome to the site and the Dolphin owners dug out. I'm interested that you have a diesel which I assume is front loaded? Certainly wish they had one in 02 when I bought mine.

As to the deal, not your fault. Now people can move on in their lives, you included.

cargovan · 05-19-2012, 11:02 AM

Congratulations and have fun!

Van

TLGPE · 05-19-2012, 02:43 PM

Thanks, Norm and Barb (and Doc).

With regard to the engine, it's claimed to be a Cummings turbo diesel, and it is a pusher. I haven't gotten into checking more out on it, but it starts and runs well, so maybe I got lucky. As mentioned, this is a '94, so they may have changed everything by the time you got to your 2002.

Now, I've got to get into finding out how to operate and care for all of these on-board systems.

Can't help thinking...........WHAT AM I DOING HERE?

Tom

clyon51 · 05-19-2012, 06:20 PM

Hey! welcome Tom. The National RVs are a fine and well built MH. We are in love with our '99 Dolphin. There is a forum just for Nationals, use it for specific questions about your coach.

You will find however, many MHs use the same brand appliances, such as A/C, furnace, hot water heater, ect. Ask away, there is a million years of experience here!

ghoststories · 05-20-2012, 10:00 PM

Hello and welcome to iRV2.

TLGPE · 05-21-2012, 01:40 PM

And so the (mis)adventures begin!

Just as a note to my first post, I have figured out the last owner of my rig had died; that's why the bank had to take it back. I know he loved his coach and took good care of it, and he did travel a lot. I have receipts from Louisanna and Arizona as well as lots of closer places. Without regard to religious affiliations, I just say God Bless.

Now. I just went to get my coach from over in Tampa (20-25 miles). Don't you know it, a tire went out. I'm very lucky, it was an inside rear tire, not a front. I limped the rest of the way at 40mph, and found a fire store just up the street from the lot where I'll store my coach.

I chose to replace all six tires with an upgraded brand. I've never heard of a "two-coin" tire, but that's what they called it. Bottom line is $1656 installed, etc.

I am just as well pleased that this happened now, because I did not want to be worried about old tire cases, regardless of the look of the tread.

So. I still don't have my coach; it's at the tire store until tomorrow, but it will be very nice when I do get it.

Thanks for reading this far,

Tom