Community Forums

rcraig19 · 11-06-2013, 05:51 AM

Hello everyone. I have been a lurker for a few months. It was my intention to buy an MH sometime in the next twelve months after my wife passes from terminal small cell lung cancer. We have been together for 41 years. Her story is a very tragic one and I will relate it quickly. She had breast cancer 23 years ago. During treatment for it her bone marrow was fried and although her breast cancer was eliminated she developed MDS. She had a bone marrow transplant March of 2012. It was successful and she was MDS free. However this past June she started having some pain. It was determined she had developed small cell lung cancer but it was not in her lungs. As it turns out her donor (older brother) was diagnosed with SCLC seven months after donating his stem cells. For the first time that any of the doctors knew of a cancer was actually transplanted into the patient. Her brother passed away eleven months after diagnoses.
I have shared my thoughts with her of travel after she is gone. We have a wonderful support group of friends but I know I am going to want to be alone with my grief. The other day she came to me and asked if I would consider starting with her. She is able to travel some and we do enjoy an adventure. We have been boaters for many years and own an express cruiser. Although we could travel in the boat it is not quite as comfortable as I want for her or me for that matter. I am thinking a smaller class A or possibly a class C. Leaning more towards class A. I am a diesel fan but would consider gas if the rig is right.
My request is this. When buying a used boat of considerable value you get a survey to determine the condition of the boat. I would think it prudent to do the same with a MH. Are there folks out there who do this for a living and how do you find them. We live in Tidewater Virginia, are 61 and 60 and retired.
I have enjoyed this site and have learned much from reading the post. Any help with this question will be appreciated.

mothgrey · 11-06-2013, 06:05 AM

Hello,
Sorry to hear this story and wish you the best for the time you have together. I am buying a MH this week for the first time and I did just what your talking about. I'm near Richmond Va and had a RV specialty repair shop do a pre inspection on the MH we decided we were going to go with. It cost me 300. but I felt it was money well spent as they looked at things I never even thought to look at. I made this comment in another post had I been thinking I would have told the dealer if I buy the MH you pay for the inspection if I don't I'll pay for it. The dealer is taking care of all the things on the list that were found and they were all small items but would have cost more than the 300 it cost for the inspection. I think there are places in tidewater that will do the same. Find one that does not sell MH's only service. Our dealer drove it there for us and picked it up I let the shop give them the list and when I told the dealer I was still moving forward with it from them they if they fix it all they are doing it now for pick up this weekend.

Selah · 11-06-2013, 07:13 AM

First let me convey my sorrow for you and your wife situation. Second I applaud your wife's attitude of wanting to experience new things in the face of her mortality.
That said, I would think a class A woul be the most comfortable for her. She would have full and easy access to the coach while under way. The high seating and large wind shield presents a wonderfull view of the surroundings while traveling.
If ride and noise are a consideration then a diesel pusher would be the first option.

RVwinos · 11-06-2013, 07:29 AM

RC,
We bought our mh ('98 Safari Sahara 30' dp) just over a year, ago. Before purchasing it, we brought it to a local big truck repair shop and paid for them to inspect the engine and chassis components. When we purchased it, we set aside a couple of thousand for repairs. Major spends totaled up to about $3K that first year. Plus additional spends for conveniences (outdoor grill, comfortable outdoor chairs, bluray player, linens, dishware, etc). In other words, RV's are just like boats. :-)

Do a google and you'll find plenty of RV BUYING CHECKLISTS that you can use to eliminate some contenders without spending money. If you have a friend with a similar style of RV, have them inspect an RV with you so that you get a hands-on sense of how things should function. Save your dollars for inspecting "the one" that seems best for you.

Also, renting an RV or two for a couple of week long trips will give you and your wife nice vacations AND allow you to get a good sense of what features are must-haves, nice-to-haves, and don't cares. When we did this, we discovered we liked having lots of storage (in & out), didn't like a banquette/booth, didn't want a toilet in cramped closet, and did want more of a sitting/conversational area for 4. Your results will vary. :-)

Enjoy your new journey!

Cliff

MSHappyCampers · 11-06-2013, 07:56 AM

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you chose to join the group!

We are so sorry to hear of your wife's illness. I can't begin to imagine what you are going through. We have been married 54 years and I don't want to think about life without her, but if that should happen I will look to a loving God and faithful friends for comfort and support. I will be praying for you.

I think your idea of getting the MH inspected would be a great idea! Hopefully you can find someone near there qualified to do it.

Good luck and God bless!

clyon51 · 11-06-2013, 08:24 AM

There are plenty of places around the country who will survey your RV. Below is just one.

http://www.rvsurvey.com

Doing a Google search for RV Survey or RV Inspection should yield some good results. A local RV dealer *may* offer this service or perhaps recommend one in your area. Very sorry to hear of your situation

Medico · 11-06-2013, 10:32 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you! Sorry from my DW and I as well.

Getting an inspection from a qualified person is very prudent. If you are purchasing from a dealer they are generally very good. Plus a dealer will ensure everything is working prior to the sale, or drop them from your list. Ensure the tires are only 3 or 4 years old at most. This high ticket item should be replaced after 7 or 8 years regardless of miles on tires. Make the dealer do a full service on both engine and generator if there is one. Make sure the batteries are good. Beyond that insist on the mechanic!

**JohnRR** · 11-06-2013, 03:10 PM

Please start traveling as soon as possible.

terry735001 · 11-06-2013, 03:29 PM

if you get some one too help you look over the MH keep in mind some like to pick things out fro them to make money on fixing

and i all so under stand my wife is all so very sick but young
i am trying to get her out as well to see what she can why she can
hope you can do the same and get out there

camaraderie · 11-06-2013, 07:42 PM

Rcraig...sorry to hear of your wife and the cancer. That has to be almost as awful for you as for her.
I'm a newbie too, so my advice is pretty worthless but if your wife's time is limited then I think you have to start by looking at a coach that will accomodate you both comfortably NOW...but not be too much for you alone later.
Based on what I've learned here...it seems to me that would mean a Class C (or B+ like the Winnie Aspect since you don't need the overhead bunks)... or one of the newer small Class A gas coaches like the ThorACE or ForestRiver FR3 or an Itasca Sunstar etc.
All of these should be available new discounted in the $70-90k area based on what I've found here...and of course less for used.
I'm sure others will weigh in with lots of other choices based on your preferences & budgets. I just wanted to ask you to think about AFTER as well as NOW when you are deciding what type of coach will be best for you. I know you will want to make things as easy and comfortable as possible for your wife...but I think that can be done in a variety of Coach styles and sizes.
All best to you both and enjoy every day together.

OrngTrillium · 11-06-2013, 10:41 PM

IMHO I'm happy your wife wants to be there to start your journeys. I hope that those many miles will pile on with her beside you. Your wife is just trying to give you the best gift she can, the happiest of memories that will forever bring tears of joy to your eyes. She's bringing some to my sentimental eyes right now. I hope it was relatively pain free for her brother and pray the same for her. She'll add her touch to your rv. I mean your in the plural not singular. I hope you will find that perfect rig that she will enjoy as much or more then the boat. She will be seeing some of the finest sites with one of the most special person she knows. She couldn't ask for much more could she? I hope the two of you enjoy your search, after all isn't that half the fun? Just don't let her convince you the bright pink one will match the caddy she plans on as a toad :-)

Selah2 · 11-07-2013, 05:23 AM

I admire your hopes to continue having adventures in spite of some obstacles. May we all have dreams in the last chapters of our lives.
I am partial to Class A motorhomes but I've seen some beautiful fifth wheels and travel trailers. I would go with what ever is easiest for you to handle with little help, in case your wife is not able to assist you with parking, hitching a toad, and locking down your rig for travel, in addition to what is comfortable for both of you. I have met many solo travelers in all types of rigs so all can work for you.
May the months ahead be filled with fond memories and peaceful journeys.

rcraig19 · 11-07-2013, 10:44 AM

Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts. We are doing fine. Yesterday we drove about 10 hours ( 5 each way) to Wytheville, VA. to pick up an antique we bought on another trip. The whole way she would point out every coach we saw. She has the fever. This search will be fun in itself. Are there any thoughts about buying bank repos? There is a place in Richmond that has them. I have a friend that bought a boat there and got a great deal. As for the survey it is more difficult than I thought it would be to find someone. I think what I decided to do is download one of the many check list online and take a friend who is a class A owner with me and conduct my own inspection. Boat surveyors are a dime a dozen but impartial RV inspectors are very rare it seems. Seems like there is a need there. Once again thank you for your advice I will let you all know how this works out.

rcraig19 · 11-07-2013, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mothgrey

Hello, Sorry to hear this story and wish you the best for the time you have together. I am buying a MH this week for the first time and I did just what your talking about. I'm near Richmond Va and had a RV specialty repair shop do a pre inspection on the MH we decided we were going to go with. It cost me 300. but I felt it was money well spent as they looked at things I never even thought to look at. I made this comment in another post had I been thinking I would have told the dealer if I buy the MH you pay for the inspection if I don't I'll pay for it. The dealer is taking care of all the things on the list that were found and they were all small items but would have cost more than the 300 it cost for the inspection. I think there are places in tidewater that will do the same. Find one that does not sell MH's only service. Our dealer drove it there for us and picked it up I let the shop give them the list and when I told the dealer I was still moving forward with it from them they if they fix it all they are doing it now for pick up this weekend.

Thanks for the advice. Did you consider Commonwealth RV and boats in Ashland when you were looking? They have repos. Which dealer did you use if you don't mind my asking? I am looking in Richmond as well as around here for the right fit.