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RE: Fifth Wheel Construction
Does it have to be a new unit? Carriage also used hung wall construction.
No...Not Brand new but relatively new because of some of the things the new RVs have like the flat screen TVs and entertainment areas...And I would like to have newer furniture...but a year or so old would be OK...we actually bought our Dutch Star used and it has been great...We are just tired of driving around. Will take a look at Carriage...I know they could probably be bought at a deal and are good units I hear. Thanks for the info..
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Phillerup
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02/12/12 06:37pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Fifth Wheel Construction
Thank you for the replies. We have thought the park model thing through and we don't want one. We want to reserve the option to take a trip if we want and don't want to tie ourselves down to a park model....
I was mainly asking about the fifth wheel models that use the hung wall construction like Newmar uses and Travel Supreme used and Holiday Rambler used .......I really like that method of construction and how it is built and how the wiring and receptacles are installed and so forth........Are there fifth wheels built like that other than Newmar which is probably out of our price range...
Thanks for the DRV note --I will take a look.
Thanks...Phil
PS If this message shows up more than once please excuse me. I tried using my iPad and evidently RVnet does not do iPad well...Thanks.
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Phillerup
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02/12/12 06:27pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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Fifth Wheel Construction
We own a Newmar Dutch Star 4005. We are considering trading it on a fifth wheel. We don't travel like we used to and would take the fifth wheel and ark it in Florida on a lot we buy and leave it there. I have been around RVnet for some time now but not on the fifth wheel section.....
My question is construction related. We like the hung wall construction of the Newmar with aluminum construction in the sidewalk because we have not had to worry about any delimitation issues. Problem is we do not want to spend what the Newmars cost.
What other fifth wheels would have the same type construction...I read that the Heartland Landmark has this construction technique and maybe Holiday Rambler.....We are new to fifth wheels so any input or advice or suggestion would be appreciated.....Also any comment on the gel coat or paint of certain models would be appreciated as it will sit outside...
Thank you.......Phil
Thank you.
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Phillerup
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02/12/12 04:55pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Is it wise to buy a coach whose mfgr is defunct?
Alpine RVs (Western RV) are also built on a proprietary chassis.
Very true, the frame was spec'd and built by Western RV, and everything bolted to the frame is off the shelf. Steering, air bags, brakes, hydraulics, etc. The only thing Alpine actually built is the frame. So every other part is readily available.
Any truck shop can repair any part of the running gear on an Alpine.
Try and find somebody to work on those "standard" brakes.
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Phillerup
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11/24/11 07:17pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Sparton chassis split boot
Had a Spartan rep mechanic check mine for me a few months ago. The rubber is cracking some. He jacked up the front and worked with the ball joints some and said they were fine. He told me he had seen coaches with rubber like that with some cracks and still going fine after 100,000 miles. Pretty much all he does is DP work and a lot of Spartan work so I trust him and I think he knows what he is doing. I may try something to keep them clean and add some lube but I won't have anything serious done unless I see a problem arise. There are a LOT of them running out there with more mileage than mine.
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Phillerup
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11/22/11 06:05pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Got to drive a D.P....wow what a difference......!!!
You can find a good used DP for well well under $100K. You could get the benefit and use of it for several years and probably not take a huge hit.
I have had a Newmar on a W22 chassis and now have the DP. I had the Newmar on a W22 gas for over three years. So I have experienced both.
The DP is worth the money. If you are going to be doing this RV thing for a while - buy the DP...But buy the right type and buy used.
The biggest mistake I made was not buying a good used DP in the first place when I bought the gas motorhome. I would still be driving the DP today and would not have done a trade. We got a very good deal on the DP when we bought but I don't care what you find, you lose money trading these things.
Did we enjoy the gas motorhome --- yes. But I would be money ahead if I had bought a good used quality DP in the first place. I think my total cost of ownership would have been less and also would have gotten the many extras of having the DP to drive.
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Phillerup
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11/22/11 09:57am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Is it wise to buy a coach whose mfgr is defunct?
Would I knowingly buy a coach from a defunct out-of-business manufacturer? NO.
Why do it and take the chance of hassles when there are lots out there with manufacturer support?
The absolute only exception might be a Country Coach that was a complete ridiculous price steal....and even then I would have to think long and hard.
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Phillerup
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11/21/11 08:31pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Monaco/Newmar for full time
We have had two Newmars. There would not have been a second one if the first experience was not good...We now have a Dutch Star that is in the year model you are considering. We have had it about 6 years I think....If I had to do it again, I would buy the Newmar 2003 Dutch Star again. It has been a great dependable motorhome.
As CD said though --- get the bigger 350 engine. There is a lot of difference in power over the 330 - more than you would think. Also the Spartan IFS chassis was a deal breaker for us. We did a lot of research and talked to a lot of Newmar owners before we bought. Newmar does a lot of things behind the walls and such that you don't see that make it different.
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Phillerup
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11/20/11 06:21pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: What To / Not To Buy
My advice considering your situation and what you want to do is for you to buy a large trailer and trade what you presently use as your daily driver for a dependable used pickup truck. It will do what you want and be a lot less expensive and much simpler to operate and maintain.
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Phillerup
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11/18/11 07:20am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Life span of chassis batteries?
Our chassis batteries were sealed where there was no water to be added. They lasted about 8 years.
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Phillerup
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11/13/11 08:05pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Does a gasser have enough power?
You get a LOT more with the DP than just the added pulling power. I have had both the 8.1 and a 350 HP Cummins and have driven both out west. Get the DP.
I am not saying the gas MH won't do it - it will. The DP will do it better and quieter and in more comfort.
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Phillerup
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11/13/11 07:52pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Flat screen tv mount.
Got one from TVFORMYRV I think the brand is Bella. Works great.
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Phillerup
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11/13/11 07:47pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Cleaning cloudy plastic headlight lens
3M Kit works. I have used it myself and it works. Got it off Ebay new and cheap.
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Phillerup
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11/13/11 07:45pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Spartan Chassis-ball joints
I will preface this by saying that chassis ball joints is something that I personally really don't know much about (never replaced one) and I rely on mechanics. I know simple things like oil and filters and such but not actual HD chassis stuff.
We have about 45K miles. 2003 Spartan Mountain Master. Last year we had ours in to a shop in Florida to have regular maintenance done. Spartan factory knew the shop. The shop is certified or trained by Spartan and also recommended by the Spartan factory if you talk to them about where to have service done. I had heard about these ball joints and was concerned so I asked the mechanic to check them. The mechanic that did the work was an older guy that works on motorhome chassis and engines almost everyday all day and pretty much has his whole life - and sees lots of Spartans of different MH manufacturers.
He jacked up the front end and checked them out for play and such as that. I don't know what all he did though. He said that the rubber boot was deteriorated some but not to worry unless a problem comes up. He said the the joints were fine. He also told me that he had seen motorhomes with this rubber the same shape with close to 100K miles and that they were still working fine. He also told me that to change them out that there was a special tool you had to get from the Spartan factory....that it was possible to borrow it and then send it back if it was ever needed...
I don't intend to go up there or spend 2 grand unless I have an actual problem. Although finding something that will protect the joint from grit and grime like the rubber boot did seems sensible. If somebody comes up with something easy please post it like Cloud Dancer did. Thanks.
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Phillerup
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11/12/11 09:34am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Curious Why People Don't Add Type Of Coach To Post??
I won't call out the particular exact posts here but I read a couple of posts from people asking for assistance or answers to a question where the year or type of coach would make a difference to what the best reply might be.
So, I am curious - not trying to be critical -- just curious. Why don't people put a reoccurring signature on their posts that tells the year and manufacturer and model of the coach they have? You could do a signature and check the box below the message box that would show it up all the time so you would not have to type it in every time. Or if you have a reason for not doing this, why not put it in the post itself?
Maybe somebody with your exact year and model could relate a similar problem they have or had and the resolution -- IF they knew what you had. It could make a difference regarding gas or diesel, front ends, roofs, common problems of that vintage model, etc. etc.
You might get more answers and better accurate help. So, what is the reason for not doing a signature with it or at least putting it in the body of the post? I'm not going to write down every coach that I've owned since 1976, and that I've done all types of minor diesel work for 42 years!
You just don't understand what I wrote.
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Phillerup
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11/07/11 07:13pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Curious Why People Don't Add Type Of Coach To Post??
I won't call out the particular exact posts here but I read a couple of posts from people asking for assistance or answers to a question where the year or type of coach would make a difference to what the best reply might be.
So, I am curious - not trying to be critical -- just curious. Why don't people put a reoccurring signature on their posts that tells the year and manufacturer and model of the coach they have? You could do a signature and check the box below the message box that would show it up all the time so you would not have to type it in every time. Or if you have a reason for not doing this, why not put it in the post itself?
Maybe somebody with your exact year and model could relate a similar problem they have or had and the resolution -- IF they knew what you had. It could make a difference regarding gas or diesel, front ends, roofs, common problems of that vintage model, etc. etc.
You might get more answers and better accurate help. So, what is the reason for not doing a signature with it or at least putting it in the body of the post?
We get around 100 new members a day most are new to the Rving and many are new to the world of forums.
This sort of profile fits all of you... At sometime all of you were inexperienced. A suggestion of what information will help will work far better than a condemnation of what is missing. Encouragement to embellish on the information provided along with suggestions will go along way.
Condemnations, ridicule, or scorn is nonsense... If you want to help offer suggestions, and encouragement ... Negative comments do not help in any way. If you want to help do so otherwise skip the thread...
JohnnyT Moderator
Since you quoted my original question/suggestion I hope your comment was not directed my way. If it was, you are way off base. There was nothing even remotely suggesting "condemnation, ridicule, scorn - or negative" that I wrote. If you read what I wrote I believe that is pretty clear and instructive and a very nice narrative. My writing was complete with suggestions on what to do differently to get better information in the replies and how to check the box needed....Phil.
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Phillerup
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11/07/11 07:08pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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Curious Why People Don't Add Type Of Coach To Post??
I won't call out the particular exact posts here but I read a couple of posts from people asking for assistance or answers to a question where the year or type of coach would make a difference to what the best reply might be.
So, I am curious - not trying to be critical -- just curious. Why don't people put a reoccurring signature on their posts that tells the year and manufacturer and model of the coach they have? You could do a signature and check the box below the message box that would show it up all the time so you would not have to type it in every time. Or if you have a reason for not doing this, why not put it in the post itself?
Maybe somebody with your exact year and model could relate a similar problem they have or had and the resolution -- IF they knew what you had. It could make a difference regarding gas or diesel, front ends, roofs, common problems of that vintage model, etc. etc.
You might get more answers and better accurate help. So, what is the reason for not doing a signature with it or at least putting it in the body of the post?
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Phillerup
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11/07/11 08:10am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Magnetic vinyl for toad protection
We also have a 2004 Liberty and have not had a problem towing without any protection....When we had a gas motorhome, we used the Protect a Tow product mentioned above. I still have it stored around here somewhere. It works. We could not figure a way for it to work with the diesel exhaust pipe when we bought the Diesel so we tow without it now.
If you are just worried about the headlights - tape them.
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Phillerup
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11/05/11 07:35pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Dicor Caulking
This is for a BriteTek roof or TPO ...Not sure if that is what you have...I do not know about the real older type rubber roofs. We have only had BriteTek and I like the stuff.
I have done maintenance to mine a few times and just did a complete recaulk a few days ago. The website recommends mineral spirits dampened on a rag. Not liquid on the roof --- just a rag dampened with mineral spirits. Alcohol is also OK. Dicor also makes a cleaner -- google Dicor and go to their website...Our owners book says bleach is OK --- I used alcohol and mineral spirits to clean it up before putting down the new caulk. It does a good job. Mainly I think it removes any dirt, grime, oil residue, sap or whatever to allow the caulk to get good contact with a clean surface. It will remove dried up caulk or new soft caulk but it takes a lot of rubbing. If you are real concerned about your caulk lines, you can use some of the 3M tape that painters use. Just don't let it dry on the tape. Put the tape down and then put the caulk down and take the tape up quickly while the caulk is still soft. This leaves a pretty good line. Is this what you were asking about?
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Phillerup
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11/05/11 03:55pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Electric Space Heaters
We travel with a 32 year old Panama Parrot. We also have to be careful about exposure. He has RVed with us ever since we started this adventure and has done great.
I do not think the electric heaters with the orange glowing exposed coils are safe. We use ceramic heaters sometimes but mostly use the oil filled radiator type electric heaters and do not use extension cords. We have used them for many years and never had a problem. We have very good insulation and double pane windows and very rarely need any other heat.
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Phillerup
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11/05/11 01:14pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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