Chaos Leaves Town

Here’s what it looks like…

This is the best pix I could find, it is a 36′ with a 190hp-diesel Cummins engine. It does have some problems, like it won’t start today though it did several times the day I picked it up and the next two days, the refer isn’t working, and there is a slight icky smell in the basement.

It cost $27,770 plus another $800 to fix the mirrors and back up camera plus taxes and license to drive it off the lot but I’ve got a lot of wiggle room since I budgeted $30,000. This was like the lowest cost diesel I could find this new (a ’94). And the price is about $5,000 to $9000 less then I could find anywhere in the US so I’m happy. Now I’ve got to get JP to get it running again. Meanwhile, it’s fun just sitting in it and watching TV.

After spending 100’s of hours on the internet gathering info about RVs, I’ve decided that a Fleetwood Bounder of around 34′ would be best for me. Then the choice is engines and I’ve heard that the diesels are the most reliable, getting 200,000 to 300,000 miles before needing expensive repairs, whereas a gas model with, say, a Ford 460 engine will get you about 100,000 miles before you need to replace the engine. What I don’t know is how much maintenance is needed on a diesel.

I did find a consignment dealer out in the boondocks south of here with 2 models that I like.

The first choice is a ’94 Bounder (Fleetwood), 36′, with 190HP diesel with 96,000 miles. They are asking $31,500. Currently owned by a smoker, you can still faintly detect the odor of cigs. When it gets into damp weather, it’s gonna stink. There is a large burn in the molding near the bed and the interior uses a darker scheme. It does have the double paned windows I’m looking for. But I would have to tear out the booth type dinette in order to have a place for my shop and computer station. It also has solar panels, a generator, levelers, etc. The problems are the smell, the batteries need replacement, and the decals are peeling. No URL for this one.

The second choice is a ’93 Southwind (Fleetwood), 35′, with a Ford 460 engine with 35,000 miles. They are asking $30,000. This one is unusual in that it has a custom cargo door next to the standard entrance door. It would be great for lifting heavy computers or equipment right on the kitchen tile in what would become my shop area. It’s light, bright and cheery and would work great for my shop. Right now it just has a folding table and a folding chair. (See the rig at http://www.topohillrv.com/index-1042.htm). It also has a 7KW genset (larger then usual), leveling jacks, drivers door, etc. The major problem with this one is a large water stain around and near the skylight in the hall. I’d have to really check that out before purchase to be sure there is no wood rot. There probably is though.

I’m getting ready to make an offer to both these sellers. It’s a great time to buy because RVs are not selling well with the gas prices up around $2 per gallon. Maybe I’ll get a buy or at least a good counter offer.

Wish me luck!

Had the bank’s inspector show up yesterday, turns out the inspector has an engineering degree so we had stuff to talk about while he was cruising through the house, under the house, around the house, over the house, in the attic, etc.

Might have worked in my advantage to get to know the guy because he didn’t say anything about the sump pump being plumbed out of the vent with that corrugated plastic pipe. The pipe is just lying there on the ground and pumps a strong 1.5″ stream of water when it kicks in creating a little canyon that I filled in last month. It looks like a temporary fix but he didn’t mention it. I think he gave it a pass so as not to screw up the bank loan. Good guy.

I’ll fill in the buyer about what options there are to fix it before he moves in. I got a couple quotes last month for the job, one for $500 and the other for $5000. But I figured the cost of doing it would be $25 parts and 4-5 hours of work so I didn’t have it done by the contractors.

Anyway, the inspection is over and looks good, nothing major wrong, the buyer knows it’s an AS-IS sale so is prepared to fix what needs it. The bank just wants their interest so it looks like I’ll be out of here very soon, probably a month.

Meanwhile, last evening, I went and looked at a 34′ Bounder RV. It’s a fine rig except it has the side hall so you can’t look back into the bedroom (gives a feeling of space). Also, I don’t remember seeing a back up camera so I’ll have to give the guy a call about that.

I keep forgetting to practice my ‘On the Road’ stuff. I need to get in the habit of short showers, not shaving every day, using OPTs (other peoples toilets), etc. I already have myself trained to use minimal water (since the drought) in most activities (this is the first year I have watered my lawn in 8 – 9 years, I’ve been letting it die in the summer.

Had a young couple drop in last evening, and they want the house. They are going to go sign up for the loan today. While I was celebrating with a beer and steak at one of my watering holes, a broker called for her client and they want to come by today and take a look.

I might have two offers here this week. And I’ve only got my street sign out, no other advertizing at all. Not even directional signs at the main drag.

I have not found a motor home yet, I’ll have to get busy and do that.

Yesterday I put my ‘For Sale By Owner’ (aka: FSBO, say ‘Fizzbo’) sign and put the flyers in the flyer box. Some are gone but I need more signs up…I have them but I haven’t put them out yet. Getting to that.

Talked to the broker for the boat I listed the URL for, the powered sailer. Turns out it has some damage to the gunnel on the port side, broker thinks it would cost about $10K to fix but the boat is sailable without repairing it. They have lowered the price to $50K (from $60K). If I offered $40K or $45K, that would leave me some room to buy and install a 30 mile radar (a must have!).

We will see, I might not do anything but drive around the country aimlessly for a year or two.

Meanwhile I’m getting stuff sold and cleaned and spruced up. Going to have another garage sale this weekend (July 4th).

Yesterday I ran over to Vancouver and installed a client’s wireless network. Since I hadn’t worked on her computers for a while, it took longer then I expected. I’m not use to working for 8 full hours…

While I was there she had me hook up her built in entertainment system, they just moved in and hadn’t been able to figure out how to hook all the equipment together. She’s about 65 or so but had no problem helping me lift the big screen TV out of it’s cubby hole, or putting it back in.

I found that my tax refund has been sent somewhere electronically, but it wasn’t my account so right now I’m waiting for my bank to open so I can call and ask them where my $440 refund is. Oh, wait, I just checked with my bank and the refund was sent to the right account number. My bank lost it somehow, they’re looking for it right now…second year in a row they have lost it. Next year I’ll check sooner.

I’m going to go out and look at a motor home today, after I get some painting done and the yard fertilized.