The new (old) rig is getting better and better. I finally pulled the awning out to see what I got. The 5th had been parked in a backyard next to a fence when I bought it so I couldn’t check the awning then. I figured if it was any good it would just be a bonus for me after the purchase and since every time I put an awning out the wind comes up to make me close it like ants to a picnic, it just wasn’t important to me. Amazingly, it is in great shape with no holes or tears. It is dirty of course so I cleaned the bottom part already but it looks great and it is HUGE! It is 18 feet long and has the optional center support and tension bar. It opens and closes easily. I found the manuals for the awning and bar online and saved them. What a nice bonus!
I also changed the propane regulator out. The previous one worked as far as changing tanks but the indicator on top of it was broken so I had to guess when to get more propane. I purposely bought a Marshall 250 series regulator so I could also get and install the optional remote indoor indicator by the front door. It is just a dummy light that blinks constantly when the service tank goes empty and switches over. I can turn it off by flipping the regulator lever to make the other full tank the service tank. It may seem silly to some folks to bother installing it but I really like not having to check the outside indicator all the time and many others agree it’s a nice luxury to have.
The door tieback has been changed. I hate those old style ones with a metal bracket that pushes into a plastic socket. They stink at holding the door open in high winds. The newer more positive ones with a long prong that slides into a receiver are much better. That door isn’t going to slam shut again!
Now I am changing out the stripping that covers the screws in the edge trim on the corners and roof. It is ragged in a couple places so I got 100 feet of it to re-run in the channels. I’ll change out the broken rain spouts at the same time.
Used RVs do require some work but in doing these things, you make a used rig yours. You learn everything about it. You learn its quirks. You bond with it as with a precious pet. Ah, my precious… With all things used, you also save a lot of money up front. The little things get fixed as time and money allows. You don’t pay for that new smell or a brand name.
Do be aware of the ridiculous 10 year rule some parks have. They won’t allow older rigs to stay in them for long periods and some not at all. They are far and few between thank goodness and some just have the rule as a way to reject truly dirty, old-looking, or damaged rigs they don’t want on a case by case basis. If you do buy an older RV, it is important that it be kept up in good repair and looking nice. Keep it washed, waxed, and without rust. Many folks with rigs that are not that much older than 10 years will lie when asked the age and I personally have no problem with that. Campgrounds rarely challenge unless the rig looks really old or unkempt. Honestly, are you going to replace a $150,000 motorhome that looks and works great every 10 years just because of the snobbery of others? Get real!
Leave a Reply