RV Advice Q&A Sales

Classified Ads Corner

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Below are E-mail questions and answers to RV Advice that are related to purchasing and selling motorhomes, 5th wheels, and travel trailers. You can send your question(s) using the form at the bottom of any of our Q&A pages. We answer ALL correctly submitted email that comes in to us, even what other RV web sites forward to us.

Have Fun!

October 2, 2012 Kay of Sioux Falls, South Dakota writes regarding major leak in newly purchased Keystone Montana fifth wheel

We purchased this new Keystone Montana fifth wheel, picking it up on a Tuesday, only to have it rain the very next Saturday and Sunday showing us a major leak.

Called Keystone and they sent us to a service center close by. Service found it had been leaking since the day it was made. (April 21012) A screw was through the roof. This service center is doing a great job, but they took the ceiling panel down and found quite a lot of mold!

Evidence of a long time leaking. The dealer we bought it from never saw the leak. We had a dinette table and chair replaced before purchase due to a stain, which we now know was water.

Why can't they replace our unit instead of "fixing it"? What will happen if not all the mold is cleaned out? I am at a loss here.

Dear Kay, Well, such as it is, if the dealer isn't willing to trade units with you, it goes back to the manufacturer's warranty and the manufacturer warranty is to repair the unit.

I guess the big question would be how much mold is left, or if they can get to all of it and kill it; if not, then it becomes a legal issue, to fight and compromise on living with it or replacing it.

September 8, 2012 Michael of LaVeta Colorado writes regarding purchase of RV to use while traveling as surgical technician

I am looking at using an RV for a house while I am a traveling surgical tech. I want an RV powerful enough to pull a vehicle and trailer. What kind of engine should I look for?

Dear Michael,

First, you need to figure out what you want to tow. A trailer, and what size, or maybe a van, and what size? And what size motor home do you want?

You might also go back to our web site and check a couple of sections. One on our RV Articles page is an article on tires, but there is a section in that article on determining your RV's correct weight. Direct URL to that article is: http://www.rvadvice.com/rvarticles/4tires.html.

And you might go to our FAQs page and look under the Towing questions. There you will find a question on tow ratings, and the answer has links embedded to sites on the Internet to get tow rating information for different vehicles. The URL to our FAQs page is: http://www.rvadvice.com/faqs.html

September 5, 2012 Andy of Visalia, California writes regarding best fifth wheel for full timing

What is the top three manufacturers for full timing? I am looking for a 32 to 34 foot fifth wheel.

Dear Andy,

These days that's a good question. I would probably still recommend NUWA, Holiday (maybe), Newmar and Teton. The question is, are the top manufacturers building fifth wheels that small these days.

August 7, 2012 Bill of Salem, Oregon writes regarding possible purchase of 1992 Winnebago Chieftain 34 RQ with Ford 460 and Ford chassis

We are looking at purchasing this unit. It has 50,850 miles on it. Starts and runs nice. I would appreciate it if you know of any issues we should be particularly concerned with.

Dear Bill,

When purchasing used, I always say, "Condition, condition, condition." Have an independent RV tech do a prepurchase inspection.

July 25, 2012 Kerrie of Malahat, British Columbia writes regarding possible purchase of 2006 R-Vision with Workhorse chassis

We are trying to find out if this is a good RV to buy. We saw one for a good price and would like to know if you have had many complaints, problems or issues with this type of RV. It is a 2006 35' R-Vision with Workhorse chassis.

Dear Kerrie,

I haven't heard anything particular that I can think of regarding that unit.

When it comes to used units my thing is "condition" and not brand.

Have an inspection done if you're interested in purchasing the unit.

April 25, 2012 Tom of Patchogue, New York writes regarding whether 1990 Sterling motor home with Ford 360 came with a catalytic converter

I would like to know if the original 1990 27 ft. Sterling motor home I am about to purchase came with a catalytic converter.

The owner says the pipe is too short so the Sterling manufacturer did not put it on it.

Dear Tom,

I would say it probably did not come with a converter.

In 1990, truck emissions were a little relaxed; class A motor homes were exempt.

March 25, 2012 Craig of Hot Springs, Arkansas writes regarding deciding on floor plan

Wondering what floor plan to get. Cannot decide between rear living room or rear kitchen. Any ideas which is best and why?

Dear Craig,

No, that's up to the individual's preference. What do you like?

It can play a part in weight distribution.

To me, I would like more weight over the axle, instead of in the rear of the trailer.

March 15, 2012 Dwight of Plano, Texas writes regarding 1976 Holiday Rambler travel trailer shell

I have a chance to buy this shell. Ad says the shell and bones are good. Outside looks good for age. Inside has been gutted. Asking $1000. Is this fair?

I am 65 and fairly handy.

Any suggestions to check out when I see it in person?

Dear Dwight,

Look at the frame, axle, shackles, etc., for excess rust. Look at the roof for signs of electrolysis (small pin holes). Look at overall condition, are you willing to put $1,000 into it and finish it? If it's not too rough, it might be a good project.

February 21, 2012 Barb of Yukon, Pennsylvania writes regarding whether to purchase an expandable camper or class B (van camper), for trip out West

I am planning a trip out West. I need to decide between towing an 18' expandable camper with a Ford 250 diesel truck vs. using one of those van campers.

The one I am looking at is longer than a full size cargo van and somewhat wider and has everything in it. It has a gas V-8 engine.

Which would be more economical and also, which would be easer for a woman not used to towing to drive?

Dear Barb,

Since you're not used to towing and probably setting up the expandable camper, I would suggest the class B unit you're looking at.

Ask a Stupid Question Day (September 28), 2011 Bill of Gorham, Maine writes regarding pros and cons of gas versus diesel for motor home

Looking to purchase motor home. Can't get by question 1: Gas vs. Diesel. What are the "pros and cons" for each?

Dear Bill,

Depending on size. The entire diesel platform is built heavier (heavy duty). Plus diesel usually gets better fuel economy, more power and stretched out service periods. Diesels tend to be desirable when it comes time to sell as well.

Gas units usually are less in cost up front, cheaper service per service and easier to understand for the average consumer.

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