|
|
03-30-2020, 05:30 PM
|
#1
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 37
|
Newbie Crossing the Continent
Hello all. About to buy an R-Pod to relocate my family from NJ to DanDiego without getting on a plane!
I need some advice on the pod I’m about to buy.
|
|
|
03-30-2020, 05:55 PM
|
#2
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 37
|
Buying a used “unused” rpod 179
Hello there community. I am buying my first RV to relocate my family across country in 3 weeks. I have a 21 month old daughter and will not take her on a plane now.
The RPod I am going to make an offer on was never used. Bought by some retirees a year plus ago, but it has just been sitting.
I am brand new to RV life. I don’t know what I don’t know... and would like some advice on what specifically to look for when inspecting the pod before buying.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all and stay healthy.
|
|
|
03-30-2020, 06:49 PM
|
#3
|
Georgia Rally Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,297
|
Welcome to the forum. Yes you can probably search for the R pod thread to get your answers . Good luck and enjoy Later RJD
__________________
2020 Shasta Phoenix SPF 27RKSS (sold)
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing. Traded 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
|
|
|
03-30-2020, 07:20 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,808
|
You might want to check the date code of the tires. You don’t want to have issues traveling with your family.
__________________
2019 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2018 F 150 Supercrew 6.5 bed 3.5 EB Max Tow
|
|
|
03-30-2020, 07:20 PM
|
#5
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 17
|
If it is unused, then you should check everything out like you were taking delivery on a new one. The only problem is the warranty is probably out and you will have to consider those issues in the price. If you are getting it cheap enough, you may not want to risk making them mad by being too picky. I would start by looking at the roof. I always take a step ladder if it doesn’t have a ladder on the back. You don’t need to get on it, but get above it and look for damage such as cuts or gouges in the rubber roof. Sometimes people drive through limbs and storms sometimes damage them. Also look at the sealant for obvious gaps. Water intrusion is the biggest risk to any RV. I would look around the outside for damage. The biggest issues would be cracks or damage that allows water to get in the wall. Look at the tires for weather checking and obvious deformation caused by broken belts and resulting uneven tire wear. A cross country trip could warrant new tires if the cheap factory ones are not perfect. I would go inside and look in at the walls and ceiling looking for discoloration from water intrusion. Check inside all cabinet doors again looking for water damage. I would check for weak spots on the floor which could be caused by water intrusion or leaky plumbing. If at this point everything looks solid, I would get serious about the RV.
If you don’t have water or obvious structural damage such as a cracked wall, it would be good to look at the appliances and have the owner show you that everything works. The refrigerator and AC are the biggest ticket items, but the furnace, water pump, lights, fans, stove and microwave should be checked as well. If the owner doesn’t have a good battery on it, then you may want to bring one and plug it in to electric if it is available. Chances are everything is good, but you could find some surprises. If you know someone that is an RV owner that is knowledgeable, you might have them go look with you.
Sometimes RVs are delivered from the factory with obvious problems that you and the dealer have to solve. A “new” can have more problems then one that has been used and taken care of for a couple years. Good luck.
__________________
Brent
2017 Flagstaff 30WIKSS
2018 Ram 2500 CC LB Cummins
|
|
|
03-30-2020, 07:42 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 9,097
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by frogpickle
I am buying my first RV to relocate my family across country in 3 weeks. I have a 21 month old daughter and will not take her on a plane now.
|
It's probably fine, but I'd do the inspections as suggested.
Then I'd take a trip to the nearest dealer and see how the price compares to a new unit. If you've got to do a lot of repairs to that unit, you might be better off buying a new one with a warranty.
Then I'd check how much weight you can carry in that rv. If you're moving cross country, you don't want to overload it.
And last, I'd suggest joining a roadside assistance for rvs.
Good luck on your move.
__________________
2015 Dynamax REV 24TB class C
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 07:11 AM
|
#7
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 37
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bdcothran
If it is unused, then you should check everything out like you were taking delivery on a new one. The only problem is the warranty is probably out and you will have to consider those issues in the price. If you are getting it cheap enough, you may not want to risk making them mad by being too picky. I would start by looking at the roof. I always take a step ladder if it doesn’t have a ladder on the back. You don’t need to get on it, but get above it and look for damage such as cuts or gouges in the rubber roof. Sometimes people drive through limbs and storms sometimes damage them. Also look at the sealant for obvious gaps. Water intrusion is the biggest risk to any RV. I would look around the outside for damage. The biggest issues would be cracks or damage that allows water to get in the wall. Look at the tires for weather checking and obvious deformation caused by broken belts and resulting uneven tire wear. A cross country trip could warrant new tires if the cheap factory ones are not perfect. I would go inside and look in at the walls and ceiling looking for discoloration from water intrusion. Check inside all cabinet doors again looking for water damage. I would check for weak spots on the floor which could be caused by water intrusion or leaky plumbing. If at this point everything looks solid, I would get serious about the RV.
If you don’t have water or obvious structural damage such as a cracked wall, it would be good to look at the appliances and have the owner show you that everything works. The refrigerator and AC are the biggest ticket items, but the furnace, water pump, lights, fans, stove and microwave should be checked as well. If the owner doesn’t have a good battery on it, then you may want to bring one and plug it in to electric if it is available. Chances are everything is good, but you could find some surprises. If you know someone that is an RV owner that is knowledgeable, you might have them go look with you.
Sometimes RVs are delivered from the factory with obvious problems that you and the dealer have to solve. A “new” can have more problems then one that has been used and taken care of for a couple years. Good luck.
|
Your reply is just the sort of thing I was hoping for. Thank you.
I am sure I could scour the internet and dissect the forums to find answers in old threads. But time is of a premium right now. Moving, buying an RV and getting a plate for it, is an impossible task during the shut down. I have 2 weeks and counting! You saved me valuable time. I appreciate it.
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 08:55 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 9,097
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by frogpickle
Moving, buying an RV and getting a plate for it, is an impossible task during the shut down. I have 2 weeks and counting!
|
This is not going to be an easy journey for you. Many campgrounds are closed and you're going to have to be self contained to make this journey. That's not easy in a towable trailer.
Try to stock up on enough food to make the journey. Getting enough electricity to charge those batteries which are needed to operate the brakes and the igniters for the refrigerator might be easier if you had a generator.
Check the DOT websites for the states you'll be traveling through. Many rest stops are closed and many states have restrictions on travelers from other states. You don't want to be caught in a two week quaranteen because of your license plates.
Of course, if you fly you also might be caught up in a two week quarantee. Good luck and safe journey.
__________________
2015 Dynamax REV 24TB class C
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 01:45 PM
|
#9
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Lake Saint Louis, MO
Posts: 74
|
YouTube
John Marucci has a terrific channel on YouTube that is all about RPODs: On The Road. Search either on YouTube. I have learned a TON watching his videos, have a 2017 180, and absolutely love it. If you contact him directly, he is quick to respond. Check out his stuff!!!! If you have any specific questions, please contact me directly. Be well and safe.
__________________
Craig-retired Teacher o/t Blind
Carol-retired Legal Administrative assistant
Spot and Sam-the lovable miscreants
RPOD 180 and Ford XLT 150 5.0
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 02:09 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 223
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by frogpickle
Hello all. About to buy an R-Pod to relocate my family from NJ to DanDiego without getting on a plane!
I need some advice on the pod I’m about to buy.
|
Frogpickle
R-Pod Ultra Lite Travel Trailer RP179 by Forest River RV 2019 $17,734.00 msrp $12,230.00 invoice
This should give you a ball park on price.
TC
__________________
2018 Flagstaff E-Pro 19 fbs
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 03:38 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: California SF Bay Area
Posts: 165
|
Traveling at this time will be changeling, They have road blocks in some states. not allowing traveling. You will need to have paper work to explain why YOU HAVE to be on the road! I live in SF bay area. Every day we hear more about shelter in place, getting stricter by the day. Wouldn't surprise me, if California will be the first state to use Martial law!
Do not mean to get into your business, but you better be a doctor or someone that is an essential worker to relocate at this time . Bay Area They stated today, all non essential business that have not shut done, face charges and losing their business license. They are shutting down construction jobs as well! People are not taking this seriously, and the government is ready to make those people do so!
As someone said have plenty of food, they are still emptying the store shelves here!
Wish you luck!
__________________
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 04:03 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,090
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by FORKLIFMAN
Traveling at this time will be changeling, They have road blocks in some states. not allowing traveling. You will need to have paper work to explain why YOU HAVE to be on the road! I live in SF bay area. Every day we hear more about shelter in place, getting stricter by the day. Wouldn't surprise me, if California will be the first state to use Martial law!
Do not mean to get into your business, but you better be a doctor or someone that is an essential worker to relocate at this time . Bay Area They stated today, all non essential business that have not shut done, face charges and losing their business license. They are shutting down construction jobs as well! People are not taking this seriously, and the government is ready to make those people do so!
As someone said have plenty of food, they are still emptying the store shelves here!
Wish you luck!
|
Which states, specifically, are implementing road blocks and requiring travel permits?
This list seems to be current as of 7pm eastern time last night, and none of the 39 states specifically mentioned seem to have that in place: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/us/co...rnd/index.html
Thanks
__________________
-Qwkynuf
2003 F150 Supercab 4x4, tow pkg, 3.55 gears
2020 Flagstaff Micro Lite 21DS
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 05:46 PM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Summerfield, FL
Posts: 382
|
If it were me and I didn't have any place I wanted to see on the way I would take I-95 to I-20 to I-10 (near Van Horn, TX) to I-8 (north of Tucson) to San Diego.
.
__________________
2018 Flagstaff 29KSWS
2008 Ram Laramie 3500 Megacab 4x4 Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 06:50 PM
|
#14
|
jkoenig24
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Box Elder, SD (formerly NY)
Posts: 953
|
This would be a challenging endeavor in normal times. During the Covid19 pandemic, it will be especially difficult (and may prove to be impossible until conditions improve). States are announcing new restrictions on a daily basis. You may find that you will be quarantined for 14 days just by entering a skittish state that decides it's prudent to quarantine "new" arrivals. Add to that, the near guaranty of at least one problem (and very possibly more) with a "new to you", untested RV. My recommendation would be to stay in place in NJ; practice social isolation and, if possible, start using your new RV even if it's only to "camp" on your property (back yard or driveway). When things "settle down", find and attend an RV Boot Camp to get a GOOD start on the education you really need. Since I suspect you will not follow this advice, have you at least run ALL the numbers to ensure your tow vehicle is up to the task you'll be demanding from it. MANY new RVers fail at this basic task and, it often comes back to bite them in the butt. This is especially true if a vehicle seller had told you "of course this vehicle will tow your RV". Are you aware that many rest areas along interstate highways have been closed? That means that you'll be using your RV's resources more than and, your black & grey water tanks will fill faster than you expect and, the fresh water will also be used faster. If you go ahead with this plan, I wish you good luck; you're going to NEED it.
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 08:43 PM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: California SF Bay Area
Posts: 165
|
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/31/us/st...ist/index.html
this is one list.... I would google "which states are banning traveling" on a daily basis to stay up with what is going on? As the numbers of sick people go up, there will more and more constraints on our lives! Martial law is just around the corner!
Bay Area counties put out stronger restraints starting at midnight to night. One of which is no one is allowed to move your residence unless you are an essential worker and have good cause for doing so! Huge list of things.... This is getting really scary now . We have been quarantined for 17 days here! Roads are like ghost towns!
__________________
|
|
|
03-31-2020, 10:25 PM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Right Half of OR
Posts: 593
|
We had an R-Pod 179 HR and liked it all except the east-west bed (it was 1" shorter than I am tall.) We bought it used, had to re-work the plug between the TT and pickup. We used a weight distributing hitch and needed a longer cord for the extra length. We also had to replace the water pump as it had cracked when the previous owner did not clear it when winterizing. Getting to that pump is a chore and we cut the plywood sheet in two longways with our table saw just to make it easier next time. Be careful what you put in that cubbyhole under the bed. The heater is under there and needs space. We put a 1x4 about 14" long on each valance over the windows above the bed, bought a 12" wide by 6' long wire shelf at WalMart and secured to the 1x4's. Made a shelf to put folded clothes and other light items as convenient storage is a premium. We bought a longer sewer hose that we kept in a heavy duty plastic bag in the pickup bed. The rig towed great behind our Tacoma except in real strong head winds. We had to get off the interstate as we were a hazard on the 80 mph roads. I am a believer in dehydrated foods (Mtn. House for one, MRE's) on these trips. Light weight, compact, easy, and pretty tasty. Be safe and enjoy, knowing 400 miles is a pretty long day.
__________________
Greg 'n Deb
2020 R-POD 195 HRE
'17 Tacoma 3.5L,'07 Tundra 5.7L w/ tow pkgs.
|
|
|
04-01-2020, 08:28 PM
|
#17
|
Just as confused as you
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: south central Wisconsin
Posts: 5,108
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Qwkynuf
Which states, specifically, are implementing road blocks and requiring travel permits?
This list seems to be current as of 7pm eastern time last night, and none of the 39 states specifically mentioned seem to have that in place: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/us/co...rnd/index.html
Thanks
|
Though it's not roadblocks, Wisconsin is one state that officers are randomly pulling people over and asking where they are going. If you cannot give them a good answer they can turn you around to return home.
DW (wife) is in healthcare and she has to show her hospital ID. Brother-in-law has been stopped and the medical hardware company had given him a paper to show.
I'm retired and the campground (seasonal) is closed so I haven't a reason to be running around. The campground pushed opening day back 2 weeks for now. My truck has had a full tank of gas for almost a month.
__________________
Richard & Jill
2014 Flagstaff 832IKBS Classic Super Lite
2018 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Z71 4WD All Star Edition
Camping since 1989, Seasonal since 2000.
Car Shredder Op/Tech, Scrap Metal Recycling - retired
|
|
|
04-01-2020, 09:53 PM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,090
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrapper
Though it's not roadblocks, Wisconsin is one state that officers are randomly pulling people over and asking where they are going. If you cannot give them a good answer they can turn you around to return home.
DW (wife) is in healthcare and she has to show her hospital ID. Brother-in-law has been stopped and the medical hardware company had given him a paper to show.
I'm retired and the campground (seasonal) is closed so I haven't a reason to be running around. The campground pushed opening day back 2 weeks for now. My truck has had a full tank of gas for almost a month.
|
Interesting. WBAY in Green bay says that's not true.
https://www.wbay.com/content/news/RU...569091331.html
Also, the Post Crescent:
https://www.postcrescent.com/story/n...me/5078759002/
Also, not in PA, not in MI, not in IN, not in CO, ME, VA, etc
https://www.google.com/search?q=are+...hrome&ie=UTF-8
__________________
-Qwkynuf
2003 F150 Supercab 4x4, tow pkg, 3.55 gears
2020 Flagstaff Micro Lite 21DS
|
|
|
04-02-2020, 07:35 AM
|
#19
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 37
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird
This is not going to be an easy journey for you. Many campgrounds are closed and you're going to have to be self contained to make this journey. That's not easy in a towable trailer.
Try to stock up on enough food to make the journey. Getting enough electricity to charge those batteries which are needed to operate the brakes and the igniters for the refrigerator might be easier if you had a generator.
Check the DOT websites for the states you'll be traveling through. Many rest stops are closed and many states have restrictions on travelers from other states. You don't want to be caught in a two week quaranteen because of your license plates.
Of course, if you fly you also might be caught up in a two week quarantee. Good luck and safe journey.
|
Thank you snowbird. I have the KOA app, a friend suggested goodsam and RVparky apps as well to help find campgrounds as well.
Wife is a physician who has been furloughed. She has a job waiting in California, her specialty is essential for covid treatment. We have proof of her job offer.. a letter from the hospital, her medical license... I am hoping that resistance against our travel is met with the understanding that we are not out for a recreational tour. This is a pilgrimage to get an essential health care worker to a place where she can help treat the sickest of covid patients.
I am considering the generator... maybe get some solar on the roof. I appreciate your insight. Thank you again.
|
|
|
04-02-2020, 07:45 AM
|
#20
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 37
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by FORKLIFMAN
Traveling at this time will be changeling, They have road blocks in some states. not allowing traveling. You will need to have paper work to explain why YOU HAVE to be on the road! I live in SF bay area. Every day we hear more about shelter in place, getting stricter by the day. Wouldn't surprise me, if California will be the first state to use Martial law!
Do not mean to get into your business, but you better be a doctor or someone that is an essential worker to relocate at this time . Bay Area They stated today, all non essential business that have not shut done, face charges and losing their business license. They are shutting down construction jobs as well! People are not taking this seriously, and the government is ready to make those people do so!
As someone said have plenty of food, they are still emptying the store shelves here!
Wish you luck!
|
Thank you Forkliftman.
No worries about getting up in my business! I’m on a public forum soliciting help... and you are offering it. I appreciate it.
Wife is a physician. We are going to California to get her to a hospital to treat Covid victims.. she has a specialty which will prove valuable with the sickest of patients with difficult airways.
My concern is we have New Jersey plates. As if NJ did not have a bad enough stigma before the virus!
What states are you hearing about road blocks in?
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|