New Member Check In"
Thank you for the warm welcome. Happy New Year everyone!
I'm looking forward to reading a lot of forum threads and learning! Recently retired, I'm renting out my place, and have decided to join up with some fun folks and going on the road for awhile. We are 2, only me and my little dog, no additional crew.
Asking for some help from all of you super knowledgeable folks:
I;m a lady, looking for a good 31-36ft class A, I have been shopping within a 500 mi +- radius of the central west coast.
While I'm not new to RV ownership (had 2 in my lifetime, both class C, first one was a cutie, in mid 1980's, a little toyota v6 dolphin, absolutely the best little RV ever, except when I forgot to duck getting out the driver's door....
A couple of years ago I bought a new Tioga Monterra, and, well for me.....never again! My legs dangled on the throne, if you know what I mean....very awkward, even with a little bench...tried to break my neck a couple of nights with no moon....!)
So far my search has led me to specific amenities and features that I greatly appreciate. My choices (list of 14) have been narrowed down to 4 rigs, different manufacturers and models which, if in good shape as claimed, would make me happier than the other 10 that are just blah, or "meh"s...
1997 Damon Intruder, 34 ft, miles not posted,(so I'll be finding that out when the dealer is available as well as a lot of other facts). This particular one is drop dead awesome, with huge windows on BOTH sides and plenty of walk around room. Clean inside and out, no obvious damage. Modified floor plan includes a new sectional couch and a 2 seat breakfast bar. Driver's side door, for me that's important. Fits my tastes to a T and asking price is within striking distance of my budget.
1995 Thor Residency, 32 ft, interior in good shape, 31k miles, lots of floor space so there's not that back and forth track feeling when you're looking for that comfy, open living room to relax in. It also has 2 club chairs and a small table behind passenger side, with (again) huge windows on both sides. (Did I mention I need a lot of light and want to enjoy the view wherever I am in the RV???) This one has a Ford 530....and 80 gal water tank. Seems pretty heavy, and maybe 2 mpg? What do you think? Hoping for feedback on this at earliest convenience. While I know I'll go through a lot of fuel, I don't want to spend my entire budget on it. 6mpg uphill with the toad, ok. 6 average, going flat, not so much. This one has a shower curtain (ugh...I am a wet shower curtain magnet. UGH. I'm thinking that can be changed.
1998 National Dolphin, 34ft, 42k miles. Clean, somewhat updated. This one has 1 slide, but so did the Monterra, and hey, it's nice, but if the floor plan's good this is not must have for me. This one has a side by side fridge, a L shaped kitchen with big double sinks that face forward, with some decent counter space!...great bathroom....(I really appreciate a roomy one!}
Last but not least:
1993 Thor Pinnacle, 33 ft., 17k miles....~! Has my club chairs, Chevy engine (sorry Ford people) sit down tub, big bath, fold down extra counter space in kitchen, 4 burner stove, and BIG windows.
ANY feedback, suggestions, comments, and advice are welcome regarding these makes/models, and whatever else regarding purchasing you seasoned road warriers can tell me about....
I am a cash buyer, under $10k budget, ideally looking to buy within the next week. I'm in Central Coastal CA at the moment, but can travel for the right RV fit. (One of the above is in Boise, ID, for example.
It's looking like I'm in the 1995-2001 vintage range for my price point. I am a believer in folks really meticulously maintaining their RVs, so because I am solo and full time, this new RV must be a class A, preferably with room for a small washer/dryer unit or already have one!... also must be in really good shape, very roadworthy, new(er) tires, no leaks, no ugly stains, tears, or scratches, body damage, or for that matter interior damage. Prefer private party with maintenance/repair record for some years.
Picky? Sure. But I just know all of you own one as clean and well maintained as I am describing and understand what I'm looking for. Later I plan on purchasing a little modest toad of some sort. Again, that's later.
This lady's ready for your kind responses!
Thank you!