Hey all. I'm about to start touring again (full time) in an RV with my traveling art gallery. It'll include me, a 48lb American Staffordshire Terrier, and my small bike. The art gallery is self-contained with free-standing walls that are about 3' wide and 6' tall, stack-able and flat. The materials within the art gallery are primarily stack-able. The budget I'd like to stick around is about $16k for either an MH, or a 5er with truck. I'll be staying warm (I wasn't build for cold), and traveling slowly based on what shows I book. The goal is to NOT spend thousands in gas getting from one show to the next, as in doing shows to make my path across the country. Maybe town to town on a daily basis. So I'll be traveling more than the average fulltimer, but in small spurts. So in everyone's different opinions, what are some things I should look for? Which rigs fit my lifestyle? Any advice you all can throw my way would be very, very appreciated. I promise to visit the boards often and try to make it to meet-ups. :)
Thank you!
B
GENECOP said
06:14 AM May 29, 2013
Welcome, definately some type of Toyhauler, between the art stuff and the dog you will appreciate the space.
Bobbi said
07:14 AM May 29, 2013
Oh boy. That's a tight budget. Have you checked to see what's selling in that price range so you know what to expect?
My neighbors just purchased a 1998 Pace Arrow MH for $15,000. Nice, quality interior, but let me tell you...it needs lots of TLC and some repairs. Thankfully the appliances all work, however, the fresh water tank needs replaced, the one awning is shot, the hook that holds in the slide during travel has pulled out of the floor and the slide hangs out at the bottom, there is water damage at two places in the roof - and I'm sure they will discover more as they use the MH. Of course, they didn't do a PDI. A buyer should alwaysdo a PDI before signing paperwork, then get any necessary repairs to be done by the dealer in writing before you agree to purchase. Better yet, they really shouldn't have taken delivery until repairs were made to their satisfaction. They were in a hurry of their own making, unfortunately. I hope that doesn't cost them too much over the long run. It was definitely a valuable lesson for us to see as prospective buyers.
-- Edited by Bobbi on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 07:14:28 AM
Lucky Mike said
08:52 AM May 29, 2013
16k in the region your in will buy a nice quality starter Class a RV.....it wont buy you a 5Ver with a pick up in any decent shape
Please unless you have a ton of money to just waste , stay away from dealers, and those that have to keep telling you what the blue book is !
Dealers will tack on a thousand or better in profit and sales commission promise you everything...and then show you the clause in the paper work on why its not their problem!!
A decent mechanic/ RV Tech. can look a rig over four a couple hundred and tell you what your getting into and normally will waive some of that fee if you use them to do the repairs!!
Just do your homework and pay attention search areas that are rural and away from major cities and your deals will turn up!!....I started outwith nothing...A sleeping bag and a back pack years ago and have bought and sold better than 250 RVs using this method....I also work the street market just like you and know how it works!!
If you need help in your search PM me with the area that you live in and I will help you with the search...you can pick from what is found and do the leg work.....at the same time I can search outside your area for better deals that you might have to hop on a bus or train to get to but the deal would be well worth it!!.....I only put 20 minutes of effort in this budget search and all I know is that your in Ohio!!
Good luck!!
Edit by moderator: Activated links. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 06:27:03 PM
ODBeef said
10:52 AM May 29, 2013
You're all so helpful! You have no idea how much I appreciate it.
And for $16k, I've actually found more in the way of 5ers, believe it or not. That means with a truck (Ford F250, Silverado 2500, Ram 2500) that has under 100 thousand miles, year 2000 or newer, believe it or not! The worst part financially it seems with that is the installation of the 5th wheel hitch.
But honestly you'd be shocked at what I've found. It's much cheaper than I'd ever imagine! That's why I dropped my budget down to 16k. I actually have quite a few other cars for driving around that will be stored on a property while I'm gone, and I have a tiny tiny motorcycle that I can quite literally throw wherever--even on an RV or in the back of a pickup with my 5er hitch. So that part isn't really an issue! Aside from that, I have plenty of friends in the area (hanging in Columbus OH and Chicago IL for business) that would be willing to drive with me to check out campers. (And boy have they. Poor guys.)
I'm so glad that you said something about RV dealers. I was going to use their lots as a sort of show room to decide what style/name I liked best and then work my way through Craigslist and local newspapers, but an extra cautionary word about them is always helpful during a high-pressure sales pitch. Especially being female, those poor guys like to lay it on thick. ;)
So Mike, I would absolutely LOVE your help if you're willing. I'm in Columbus OH as I said, but I frequently travel from here to Chicago, meaning I stop through other larger cities like Indianapolis, smaller ones like Dayton OH, et cetera. Any kind of help would be amazing. I'll quite literally go check out the listings today. :)
Thank you guys!
P.S. Any posters looking for trades for an RV, I often have odds and ends mechanically and all-else that people love trading for. I have a 73" 3D TV that I won't need on the road, as well as some smaller vehicles.
-- Edited by ODBeef on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 11:04:07 AM
ODBeef said
10:59 AM May 29, 2013
I might also add--I'm a single, NON mechanically inclined very young female! I can, however, re-do the interior of whatever camper I get. I never like the interiors of campers anyhow, so I planned on changing it up. Meaning if any of that needs work inside, bring it on, as it will lower the cost. MY main concern is the appliances, and everything mechanical. So as long as no real TLC needs to go into that (beyond what would be inexpensive with a mechanic), I'm completely fine. :) I'm not in my older years yet to where all I need to focus on is living life, unfortunately. So if my camper needs some cosmetic work and maybe it's not the height of luxury--that's okay. :)
-- Edited by ODBeef on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 11:01:27 AM
Lucky Mike said
11:34 AM May 29, 2013
something else you might want to keep in mind......there are several of us in here that work Trade shows , Flea markets , Craft fairs & shows....high end jewelery & art shows so you are not alone and It could help while your traveling for areas to show your wares!!....( as long as your not competition..LOL )
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 11:36:11 AM
Technomadia said
02:56 PM May 29, 2013
A motorhome with large bays might be workable for storing your art gallery pieces?
We have a highway bus conversion, and one of the big appeals was the huge bays underneath that were designed to carry the luggage of 40+ passengers. Sounds like one of those bays would be able to fit your gallery construction, and then you'd have the interior space of the bus 'upstairs' for your living space.
We bought our bus already converted for $8k, but had to put about $10k in immediate maintenance to get her road worthy, plus we did a lot of remodeling to truly make her ours. On top of the motorhome purchase will you also need a vehicle to tow behind for local transit, or will you be able to do your errands enroute in your RV? (If so, shop for your insurance carefully, some won't insure you unless you also own a vehicle besides the motorhome, as they don't want you running daily errands in the RV.)
I think you'll be hard pressed to stick in a budget of $16k to include both your RV and a vehicle (tow or towed) - and them be in reliable quality shape. It might be possible to find a sweetheart deal tho if you shop around, so start manifesting some motorhome-magic.
- Cherie
ODBeef said
06:14 PM May 29, 2013
Genecop, I hadn't even considered a Toy Hauler. Do you have any experience with them? :)
NWescapee said
09:04 PM May 29, 2013
If you are trying to stay within the budget, another option would be a TT with a truck and a cap. When we had a home base and weren't planning to FT, we used to tow a 4 season, 29 ft TT with a Toyota Tundra that had a cap. All the art show stuff went into the truck, small work area built out in the TT. You do need to be careful of the weight limitations with this set up, at last Fall's rally we found we were 1000 lb over the GCWR of our Tundra, but that was with 2 of us, a generator, 250 lbs of weights for our Light Dome Canopy, all the art booth items including our glass display cases and all our "toys", bikes, hiking gear, inflatable kayak, etc. We had combined an art show trip with vacation in Yosemite.
Now that we're going full time we've moved into a 5th wheel but are having a challenge figuring out where to store all the art booth set up "stuff", working on streamling that now. We're also considering a second vehicle as we're finding navigating into show set up locations with a truck with dualies to be a bit of a challenge.
GENECOP said
09:21 PM May 29, 2013
ODBeef wrote:
Genecop, I hadn't even considered a Toy Hauler. Do you have any experience with them? :)
Yes I have one, we travel with 3 cats and a Smart Car, when we arrive the car comes out and the garage turns into a Cat room, feeding , litter box etc..., the garage also let's me store many tools and supplies. Google Toy Haulers, they are available in Motorhomes or Travel Trailers.....Some Toy Haulers also come with wall or cieling mounted sofas/beds that drop down, these types of rooms give you a lot of choices and versatility.....
Terry and Jo said
01:32 AM May 30, 2013
ODBeef,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You have found a good source for information. Feel free to ask questions as that is how we all learn and we all learn from each other. Each new person can bring a new perspective to this whole RV lifestyle.
As far as trucks and fifth wheels, if you are seriously considering a 3/4 ton truck (F250/GM-Dodge2500 series) keep in mind that they will be limited on how big of a trailer they can tow. Even on a motorhome, keep the GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicular Weight) in mind should you consider also towing a toad.
Good luck with you research and planning.
Terry
Bobbi said
12:30 PM May 30, 2013
Terry and Joe are right. You're probably looking at gas trucks vs. the more powerful and higher tow capacity turbo diesels for that year. So, you will be looking for a smaller, lightweight RV. I guess you won't need a lot of room since it's just you and the dog.
You'll have to figure out, or have someone help you figure out, what your truck's tow capacity will be. conversely, it is recommended to buy your RV first, then buy the truck capable of pulling it. If you can afford to buy both at around the same time, it makes a lot of sense to do it that way.
I would second the toy hauler for your needs. That's what we are in the market for as well. I haven't researched the small toy haulers that will be within your truck's capacity though, so I can't help you there. I love the toy haulers for that garage because it's such a multifunctional space.
Hey all. I'm about to start touring again (full time) in an RV with my traveling art gallery. It'll include me, a 48lb American Staffordshire Terrier, and my small bike. The art gallery is self-contained with free-standing walls that are about 3' wide and 6' tall, stack-able and flat. The materials within the art gallery are primarily stack-able. The budget I'd like to stick around is about $16k for either an MH, or a 5er with truck. I'll be staying warm (I wasn't build for cold), and traveling slowly based on what shows I book. The goal is to NOT spend thousands in gas getting from one show to the next, as in doing shows to make my path across the country. Maybe town to town on a daily basis. So I'll be traveling more than the average fulltimer, but in small spurts. So in everyone's different opinions, what are some things I should look for? Which rigs fit my lifestyle? Any advice you all can throw my way would be very, very appreciated. I promise to visit the boards often and try to make it to meet-ups. :)
Thank you!
B
Oh boy. That's a tight budget. Have you checked to see what's selling in that price range so you know what to expect?
My neighbors just purchased a 1998 Pace Arrow MH for $15,000. Nice, quality interior, but let me tell you...it needs lots of TLC and some repairs. Thankfully the appliances all work, however, the fresh water tank needs replaced, the one awning is shot, the hook that holds in the slide during travel has pulled out of the floor and the slide hangs out at the bottom, there is water damage at two places in the roof - and I'm sure they will discover more as they use the MH. Of course, they didn't do a PDI. A buyer should always do a PDI before signing paperwork, then get any necessary repairs to be done by the dealer in writing before you agree to purchase. Better yet, they really shouldn't have taken delivery until repairs were made to their satisfaction. They were in a hurry of their own making, unfortunately. I hope that doesn't cost them too much over the long run. It was definitely a valuable lesson for us to see as prospective buyers.
-- Edited by Bobbi on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 07:14:28 AM
16k in the region your in will buy a nice quality starter Class a RV.....it wont buy you a 5Ver with a pick up in any decent shape
http://toledo.craigslist.org/rvs/3835298668.html
http://toledo.craigslist.org/rvs/3815680618.html.......add a few dollars and this is real nice for the money!
http://toledo.craigslist.org/rvs/3818484775.html........Excellent deal with tow car!!!!
http://toledo.craigslist.org/rvs/3811898869.html.....another good deal , watch for delamination and weak floors while your looking...also roof leaks
http://toledo.craigslist.org/rvs/3801169511.html.....another outstanding Deal , also this coach is smaller in size which gives you better options for setting up for sales and overniting!!
Please unless you have a ton of money to just waste , stay away from dealers, and those that have to keep telling you what the blue book is !
Dealers will tack on a thousand or better in profit and sales commission promise you everything...and then show you the clause in the paper work on why its not their problem!!
A decent mechanic/ RV Tech. can look a rig over four a couple hundred and tell you what your getting into and normally will waive some of that fee if you use them to do the repairs!!
Just do your homework and pay attention search areas that are rural and away from major cities and your deals will turn up!!....I started outwith nothing...A sleeping bag and a back pack years ago and have bought and sold better than 250 RVs using this method....I also work the street market just like you and know how it works!!
If you need help in your search PM me with the area that you live in and I will help you with the search...you can pick from what is found and do the leg work.....at the same time I can search outside your area for better deals that you might have to hop on a bus or train to get to but the deal would be well worth it!!.....I only put 20 minutes of effort in this budget search and all I know is that your in Ohio!!
Good luck!!
Edit by moderator: Activated links. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 06:27:03 PM
You're all so helpful! You have no idea how much I appreciate it.
And for $16k, I've actually found more in the way of 5ers, believe it or not. That means with a truck (Ford F250, Silverado 2500, Ram 2500) that has under 100 thousand miles, year 2000 or newer, believe it or not! The worst part financially it seems with that is the installation of the 5th wheel hitch.
But honestly you'd be shocked at what I've found. It's much cheaper than I'd ever imagine! That's why I dropped my budget down to 16k. I actually have quite a few other cars for driving around that will be stored on a property while I'm gone, and I have a tiny tiny motorcycle that I can quite literally throw wherever--even on an RV or in the back of a pickup with my 5er hitch. So that part isn't really an issue! Aside from that, I have plenty of friends in the area (hanging in Columbus OH and Chicago IL for business) that would be willing to drive with me to check out campers. (And boy have they. Poor guys.)
I'm so glad that you said something about RV dealers. I was going to use their lots as a sort of show room to decide what style/name I liked best and then work my way through Craigslist and local newspapers, but an extra cautionary word about them is always helpful during a high-pressure sales pitch. Especially being female, those poor guys like to lay it on thick. ;)
So Mike, I would absolutely LOVE your help if you're willing. I'm in Columbus OH as I said, but I frequently travel from here to Chicago, meaning I stop through other larger cities like Indianapolis, smaller ones like Dayton OH, et cetera. Any kind of help would be amazing. I'll quite literally go check out the listings today. :)
Thank you guys!
P.S. Any posters looking for trades for an RV, I often have odds and ends mechanically and all-else that people love trading for. I have a 73" 3D TV that I won't need on the road, as well as some smaller vehicles.
-- Edited by ODBeef on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 11:04:07 AM
I might also add--I'm a single, NON mechanically inclined very young female! I can, however, re-do the interior of whatever camper I get. I never like the interiors of campers anyhow, so I planned on changing it up. Meaning if any of that needs work inside, bring it on, as it will lower the cost. MY main concern is the appliances, and everything mechanical. So as long as no real TLC needs to go into that (beyond what would be inexpensive with a mechanic), I'm completely fine. :) I'm not in my older years yet to where all I need to focus on is living life, unfortunately. So if my camper needs some cosmetic work and maybe it's not the height of luxury--that's okay. :)
-- Edited by ODBeef on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 11:01:27 AM
something else you might want to keep in mind......there are several of us in here that work Trade shows , Flea markets , Craft fairs & shows....high end jewelery & art shows so you are not alone and It could help while your traveling for areas to show your wares!!....( as long as your not competition..LOL )
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Wednesday 29th of May 2013 11:36:11 AM
We have a highway bus conversion, and one of the big appeals was the huge bays underneath that were designed to carry the luggage of 40+ passengers. Sounds like one of those bays would be able to fit your gallery construction, and then you'd have the interior space of the bus 'upstairs' for your living space.
We bought our bus already converted for $8k, but had to put about $10k in immediate maintenance to get her road worthy, plus we did a lot of remodeling to truly make her ours. On top of the motorhome purchase will you also need a vehicle to tow behind for local transit, or will you be able to do your errands enroute in your RV? (If so, shop for your insurance carefully, some won't insure you unless you also own a vehicle besides the motorhome, as they don't want you running daily errands in the RV.)
I think you'll be hard pressed to stick in a budget of $16k to include both your RV and a vehicle (tow or towed) - and them be in reliable quality shape. It might be possible to find a sweetheart deal tho if you shop around, so start manifesting some motorhome-magic.
- Cherie
Genecop, I hadn't even considered a Toy Hauler. Do you have any experience with them? :)
Now that we're going full time we've moved into a 5th wheel but are having a challenge figuring out where to store all the art booth set up "stuff", working on streamling that now. We're also considering a second vehicle as we're finding navigating into show set up locations with a truck with dualies to be a bit of a challenge.
Yes I have one, we travel with 3 cats and a Smart Car, when we arrive the car comes out and the garage turns into a Cat room, feeding , litter box etc..., the garage also let's me store many tools and supplies. Google Toy Haulers, they are available in Motorhomes or Travel Trailers.....Some Toy Haulers also come with wall or cieling mounted sofas/beds that drop down, these types of rooms give you a lot of choices and versatility.....
ODBeef,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You have found a good source for information. Feel free to ask questions as that is how we all learn and we all learn from each other. Each new person can bring a new perspective to this whole RV lifestyle.
As far as trucks and fifth wheels, if you are seriously considering a 3/4 ton truck (F250/GM-Dodge2500 series) keep in mind that they will be limited on how big of a trailer they can tow. Even on a motorhome, keep the GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicular Weight) in mind should you consider also towing a toad.
Good luck with you research and planning.
Terry
You'll have to figure out, or have someone help you figure out, what your truck's tow capacity will be. conversely, it is recommended to buy your RV first, then buy the truck capable of pulling it. If you can afford to buy both at around the same time, it makes a lot of sense to do it that way.
I would second the toy hauler for your needs. That's what we are in the market for as well. I haven't researched the small toy haulers that will be within your truck's capacity though, so I can't help you there. I love the toy haulers for that garage because it's such a multifunctional space.
What do you guys think of these listings?
http://mansfield.craigslist.org/rvs/3827324345.html
http://dayton.craigslist.org/rvs/3826188713.html
http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/rvs/3723533647.html (This one would be around $13k)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Tiffin-Allegro-32-Sleeps-6-Perfect-Size-Chevy-V8-NICE-Solid-25K-Miles-AFFORDABLE-/310679056656?pt=RVs_Campers&hash=item4855ea3110
Edit by moderator: Activated links. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 31st of May 2013 07:00:02 AM