What to look for/avoid...

[Strider]

Hello everyone.

I currently live in a Casita 17'. Just started teaching again )k-12) out of necessity. Went through a divorce and waiting for the final judgement.
I am totally burned out from this job. I can barely make it through the day.

I am an artist, and want to be able to travel when needed. Be able to work remotely also.
Would like to eventually get a home base: a little 1/1 cabin would be fine in a rural area, with a garage as a studio.
I am 58 so the 30 year mortgage thing is not appealing.
I have no kids, no family.

The Casita is way too small and I bought it new under duress. Bad decision in a very stressful time (to avoid physical and emotional abuse, and to protect my dogs also)
Still owe 33K on it.
Just a nightmare situation.

Have been looking at used RVs online, mainly RV trader.
It would have to be something used and 20k or under. My credit is shot. Even considering bankruptcy and turning in the Caista if I can't sell it.
I have seen some old ones for even $5000.

My main concern is that the engine and transmission are still good, and no leaks.

The older ones have an advantage, I think, of being simpler, and even if an engine rebuild or swap is necessary, a simple Chevy V8 is not like these newer engines. But then there are other issues, of course, with age.

But some of these I saw look pretty good:

1989 Fleetwood JAMBOREE 26FT for $7,000​

1997 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 30 34J for $5,000​

2000 Coachmen LEPRECHAUN 305MB for $6,000​

I may be able to go up to about $15,000.

Any advice on models/years that are best? What to look for avoid?

Thanks

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Wow! I am being inundated by educators. The short FR I am on has had 4 retired/subs/educators. I'm seeing subing as a much more free option. One is a professor at ASU. Two are subs, one retired educator. All options seem sound as lifestyle.

Least you plan on boondocking, none of your picks consider the 15 year rule.

The first rule of the universe, is what you send out is what you receive. Let me explain:

If you want something, that is what you ask for. If you look at a compromise, than that is what you are asking for!
It is better to ask for what makes you happy, because, well, that is what will make you happy!!!

That my friend is known as the principal of quality manifestation. So take the time it takes to assemble your "love" list, and stop seeking compromise. In the end you will love what you get!

 

[Holdmybeer]

If your credit is shot, as you say, you're not going to qualify for a prime 30 year mortgage anyway and sub-prime will only compound your difficulties. Sounds like you're underwater on the Casita so if you sell it you'd have to be good for the gap ( the difference in the selling price and the principle). Buying a 25 or 30 year old MH is not likely a solution to your problems and would in fact likely make them worse. You may need to hang on to the devil you know.

 

[Strider]

Wow! I am being inundated by educators. The short FR I am on has had 4 retired/subs/educators. I'm seeing subing as a much more free option. One is a professor at ASU. Two are subs, one retired educator. All options seem sound as lifestyle.

Least you plan on boondocking, none of your picks consider the 15 year rule.

The first rule of the universe, is what you send out is what you receive. Let me explain:

If you want something, that is what you ask for. If you look at a compromise, than that is what you are asking for!
It is better to ask for what makes you happy, because, well, that is what will make you happy!!!

That my friend is known as the principal of quality manifestation. So take the time it takes to assemble your "love" list, and stop seeking compromise. In the end you will love what you get!

I see your point, but I cannot afford a 40,000+ RV. I will likely have to file for bankruptcy.
Kind of feels like a Catch 22

 

[Strider]

If your credit is shot, as you say, you're not going to qualify for a prime 30 year mortgage anyway and sub-prime will only compound your difficulties. Sounds like you're underwater on the Casita so if you sell it you'd have to be good for the gap ( the difference in the selling price and the principle). Buying a 25 or 30 year old MH is not likely a solution to your problems and would in fact likely make them worse. You may need to hang on to the devil you know.

Yeah, I may have to hang on to the Casita for now.
But I have seen RVs from the late 90s and early 2000s that seem pretty solid.
I don't know anymore.

 

[Holdmybeer]

Wow! I am being inundated by educators. The short FR I am on has had 4 retired/subs/educators. I'm seeing subing as a much more free option. One is a professor at ASU. Two are subs, one retired educator. All options seem sound as lifestyle.

Least you plan on boondocking, none of your picks consider the 15 year rule.

The first rule of the universe, is what you send out is what you receive. Let me explain:

If you want something, that is what you ask for. If you look at a compromise, than that is what you are asking for!
It is better to ask for what makes you happy, because, well, that is what will make you happy!!!

That my friend is known as the principal of quality manifestation. So take the time it takes to assemble your "love" list, and stop seeking compromise. In the end you will love what you get!

I think that's the philosophical underpinning of the prosperity gospel ie., send me a check for $100.00 and think positive thoughts.

 

[FL-JOE]

Hello everyone.

I currently live in a Casita 17'. Just started teaching again )k-12) out of necessity. Went through a divorce and waiting for the final judgement.
I am totally burned out from this job. I can barely make it through the day.

I am an artist, and want to be able to travel when needed. Be able to work remotely also.
Would like to eventually get a home base: a little 1/1 cabin would be fine in a rural area, with a garage as a studio.
I am 58 so the 30 year mortgage thing is not appealing.
I have no kids, no family.

The Casita is way too small and I bought it new under duress. Bad decision in a very stressful time (to avoid physical and emotional abuse, and to protect my dogs also)
Still owe 33K on it.
Just a nightmare situation.

Have been looking at used RVs online, mainly RV trader.
It would have to be something used and 20k or under. My credit is shot. Even considering bankruptcy and turning in the Caista if I can't sell it.
I have seen some old ones for even $5000.

My main concern is that the engine and transmission are still good, and no leaks.

The older ones have an advantage, I think, of being simpler, and even if an engine rebuild or swap is necessary, a simple Chevy V8 is not like these newer engines. But then there are other issues, of course, with age.

But some of these I saw look pretty good:

1989 Fleetwood JAMBOREE 26FT for $7,000​

1997 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 30 34J for $5,000​

2000 Coachmen LEPRECHAUN 305MB for $6,000​

I may be able to go up to about $15,000.

Any advice on models/years that are best? What to look for avoid?

Thanks

If in your bio you would have said you were a mechanic instead of an educator or artist, then my advice would be to go check some of the three listed possibilities out. Honestly, based on my years of past experience with RVs you would only be adding to your financial problems. Any of those listed antique RVs will require constant upkeep and expensive repairs.

 

[Strider]

If in your bio you would have said you were a mechanic instead of an educator or artist, then my advice would be to go check some of the three listed possibilities out. Honestly, based on my years of past experience with RVs you would only be adding to your financial problems. Any of those listed antique RVs will require constant upkeep and expensive repairs.

I have tools (sockets etc. and cordless power tools). I am not certified to weld, but I know how to. I can fix things.
I have done carpentry and I have worked on my vehicles.
I stripped my old Jeep down to the frame and rebuilt it, rewired it, swapped out the engine, replaced the head gasket, exhaust and intake manifolds, clutch...

The thing is, I was in my 20s. I am 58 now and it's not really fun anymore.
My main concern is the engine and transmission-because those things I do NOT want to deal with in any deep way.
As far as changing spark-plugs, belts... I can do that, but if I have the money will pay for it to be done.

Another factor is the roof.
Whatever RV I get, I would clean the roof and then give it a waterproof coating to start.

I've seen old RVs that have been remodeled on the inside and they look great.

I have also considered buying a used diesel box truck.

My idea is this...
Maybe tow the Casita with the truck while I build it.

• First thing would be cutting a walk-through between the box and the cockpit.
• Then adding insulation and wood paneling to the floor and walls using 2" pink foam and plywood.
• Install RV windows.
• Drive to IKEA/HOme DEpot/Lowes and buy the cabinets for the kitchen, a small shower stall, murphy bed, and have them load them into the truck. With my tools I can then find a legal place to boondock, assemble the cabinets etc. and install.
• For outside storage, and to cover up the box truck look, I would install those aluminum tool boxes sold at Tractor Supply or whatever.
• For AC I would install a minisplit.
• For cooking, a simple gas stove and oven-something small.

One big thing for me is that the "RV" be a studio-to do my artwork, be able to drive to a job to do a mural, or props for a theater/tv/film... so I need good workspace. I also need a work area to do my animation and illustration/video editing. I guess kind of like a toy hauler.

My biggest worry is the labor, particularly installing a fresh water tank and a gray water tank, but then, it really doesn't seem as bad.

I started to convert a schoolbus some years ago. It required a LOT of work just to get it ready for building (removing the seats, the panels inside, etc.The curved ceiling was a nightmare for cabinets.

I made the mistake of trying to make everything custom... blocked the entrance to make it a passenger area (it had a side door). Every minute of my free time was spent trying to get that thing built.
I sold it.

That memory makes me worried about converting a box truck, except that the truck box, being flat, would take the insulation and sheets of ply easily.

I am assessing my options.

 

[Strider]

Looking in RV Trader, I see stuff like:

2013 Forest River Sunseeker 3170DS for $20,000​

2014 Thor Motor Coach FREEDOM ELITE 22E for $19,000​

2008 Winnebago Access 31C for $16,000​

These seem like they are good Rvs, and just turn the key and go instead of having to build stuff.