Major Tom
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
As you may have seen from another thread, I am thinking about purchasing an older RV/motorhome, with the goal of living in it full-time if all goes well. The idea originally began germinating in the late 1980's/early 1990's, and I started thinking about it more seriously after stopping work 7 years ago. The plan is to do mainly boondocking, both urban and in rural areas, utilizing any cheap or free State Parks I can find, and BLM land from time to time. The main reason for the urban boondocking is so that I can see my best friend here in the SF East Bay on a reasonably regular basis. The exact personal details get a bit complicated, but she's somewhere between a close friend and an SO. Bottom line is that, by choice, I have few close friends, and she's important to me (and my sanity!) She's not interested in RV'ing, and unable to do it due to having to work and other commitments. She is, however, open to me picking her up and taking her somewhere on her days off, so there are all sorts of possibilities there. For instance, there's a winery in Napa that allows overnight boondocking, which would make a great place for a nice dinner in the 4-wheeled home accompanied by a bottle of their wine, and a nice Napa sunset.
I have followed a lot of blogs and YouTube channels and feel quite well-versed in many aspects of the life. I am not going into this blind but at the same time, there is always more to learn and of course, there is nothing like actually doing it.
I'm interested in either a Class B or Class C. I'd much prefer the greater space of a Class C, as I'll be sharing it with 2 or 3 kitties, depending on how long my eldest sticks around. She's OK now, but it may still be a few years before I'm ready to begin the RV odyssey. On the other hand, the advantages of a Class B, as I see it, are the ability to park in regular-sized spaces (very helpful when in urban areas), the greater stealth factor when boondocking on the street, and in general, the better maneuverability. Better gas mileage wouldn't hurt either. I also like the idea of what I think would be the greater structural integrity, and possibly fewer problems with roof leaks in an older unit.
On the other hand, Class C's are roomier.
Even though my budget is limited, I don't want the very cheapest thing I can find. The goal is an adventure - not a nightmare! The blogs and YouTube channels of 2 particular individuals come to mind, who both seemed to spend an awful lot of time fixing things. Both of them had bought older RV's, and both were of a brand (the same one) which is more intended for recreational, as opposed to full-time use. With Class B's I am quite keen on RoadTrek and Pleasure Way, and am currently leaning towards a 1990's-era Dodge Xplorer. In the world of Class C's one brand in particular sticks out as being of particularly solid construction, as well as having thick insulation, and a one-piece aluminum roof (good for leaks), and that is Lazy Daze.
Anyway, if you've read this far, thank you for sticking it out. I'm open to comments of all types, even if only peripherally related. In particular though, I'm interested in any input you can give that could help me hone in on exactly what to look for in an RV/camper/motorhome. If there is a brand/engine/year that is known to be especially good or to be avoided at all costs, I'd be very interested to know. If you think I'm nuts for even thinking of living in a class B with 2 or 3 cats, I'm open to those comments too.
What I'm really looking for though, is input along the lines of, "The 1995 Acme Adventurer is built on a solid Whizzbang chassis, and the V8 engine is very reliable. Mine is at 180,000 miles with just regular maintenance, though an engine rebuild will be needed soon. Also, the roof is made from a single piece of kryptonite by elves, and has never leaked."
This is the part where I share actual dollar figures, and you throw your hands up and decide that I'm out of my mind. I don't want to spend more than 15-20K total on a rig, that total including any initial work required to get it road-worthy (including a 200-300W solar install, if it doesn't already have one). In other words, if it's completely spiffy inside and out, and ready to take on a trip, 20K is the absolute maximum I want to pay (preferably less). If it needs some work, then my max price would be proportionally lower. Really, I'm hoping to get into this for 15K.
Any and all input gratefully received.
I have followed a lot of blogs and YouTube channels and feel quite well-versed in many aspects of the life. I am not going into this blind but at the same time, there is always more to learn and of course, there is nothing like actually doing it.
I'm interested in either a Class B or Class C. I'd much prefer the greater space of a Class C, as I'll be sharing it with 2 or 3 kitties, depending on how long my eldest sticks around. She's OK now, but it may still be a few years before I'm ready to begin the RV odyssey. On the other hand, the advantages of a Class B, as I see it, are the ability to park in regular-sized spaces (very helpful when in urban areas), the greater stealth factor when boondocking on the street, and in general, the better maneuverability. Better gas mileage wouldn't hurt either. I also like the idea of what I think would be the greater structural integrity, and possibly fewer problems with roof leaks in an older unit.
On the other hand, Class C's are roomier.
Even though my budget is limited, I don't want the very cheapest thing I can find. The goal is an adventure - not a nightmare! The blogs and YouTube channels of 2 particular individuals come to mind, who both seemed to spend an awful lot of time fixing things. Both of them had bought older RV's, and both were of a brand (the same one) which is more intended for recreational, as opposed to full-time use. With Class B's I am quite keen on RoadTrek and Pleasure Way, and am currently leaning towards a 1990's-era Dodge Xplorer. In the world of Class C's one brand in particular sticks out as being of particularly solid construction, as well as having thick insulation, and a one-piece aluminum roof (good for leaks), and that is Lazy Daze.
Anyway, if you've read this far, thank you for sticking it out. I'm open to comments of all types, even if only peripherally related. In particular though, I'm interested in any input you can give that could help me hone in on exactly what to look for in an RV/camper/motorhome. If there is a brand/engine/year that is known to be especially good or to be avoided at all costs, I'd be very interested to know. If you think I'm nuts for even thinking of living in a class B with 2 or 3 cats, I'm open to those comments too.
What I'm really looking for though, is input along the lines of, "The 1995 Acme Adventurer is built on a solid Whizzbang chassis, and the V8 engine is very reliable. Mine is at 180,000 miles with just regular maintenance, though an engine rebuild will be needed soon. Also, the roof is made from a single piece of kryptonite by elves, and has never leaked."
This is the part where I share actual dollar figures, and you throw your hands up and decide that I'm out of my mind. I don't want to spend more than 15-20K total on a rig, that total including any initial work required to get it road-worthy (including a 200-300W solar install, if it doesn't already have one). In other words, if it's completely spiffy inside and out, and ready to take on a trip, 20K is the absolute maximum I want to pay (preferably less). If it needs some work, then my max price would be proportionally lower. Really, I'm hoping to get into this for 15K.
Any and all input gratefully received.