Ever wonder what it’s like to own a Vintage RV?
Nothing fancy, just a simple reliable RV.
And are you concerned about reliability?
After all an RV is a home on wheels.
What could possibly go wrong?
Hmmmmm…
Just what should you expect when owning a Vintage RV?
I’ll begin with a tale of our very first Vintage RV and the voyage home.
Our first Vintage RV
This tale begins in a rental car bound for Rapid City South Dakota.
A pair of 20 year olds on the road at daybreak.
A cooler full of provisions, an overloaded toolbox and 500 miles of flat nothing.
Where the sign posts read 20 miles to the next town.
Seriously, it’s so flat you can see the faint but distinguishing signs of life in the far, far, far distance.
Only the curvature of the earth prevents you from seeing the ocean.
But, there be treasure ahead.
Just what kind of treasure you ask…
A Vintage 1983 Blue Bird Wanderlodge FC33.
An auction purchase thru ebay.
What could possibly go wrong?
Nothing and everything…
The plan.
Drive 500 miles, inspect motorhome, exchange funds, transfer title, drop off rental car and drive another 500 miles home before nightfall.
Spoiler alert…
It didn’t work out exactly as planned.
I forgot to take into account the wind effect on 33 feet of sail.
And I really wasn’t anticipating a wailing engine alarm at the 100 mile point.
The heart stopping type of screech I can only imagine a rabid spider monkey makes as it’s about to rip your eyeballs out and devour your now still heart.
OH SHIT!
But wait there’s more…
There’s also the burning sensation like my hair is on fire.
A sensation emanating from the passenger seat.
From a certain someone who has seemingly discovered how to transmit messages directly into my brain.
The message was something like “I told you so, you dumb ass” and “Now what did you get us into”!
Yep, that’s about right.
Better lighten the mood.
And what better way than with some humor.
A tension calming quip… “Are you having fun?”
And a smile..
Then there came a slight burning sensation.
A sensation as if my hair was about to burst into a flames…
Tip for next time, lie.
Make something up like “That’s the Digitell system alerting us that it’s time to stop and stretch our legs” or better yet “We need fuel” because she can’t read the gauges from the copilot seat.
The next freeway exit ramp presented a shopping mall and spacious parking lot.
Perfect for a quick walk around the coach.
What to look for?
Puking fluids, dangling parts and a fire extinguisher for my hair.
No visible signs of the problem.
Open the engine cover for a quick look see.
No smoke and all belts are intact.
It’s a mystery.
A check of the fluids reveals that the power steering fluid is low.
A quick top off and time to test.
But…
Turning the ignition key results in nothing.
As in silence.
Time to call the previous owner and ask some questions.
These bus sized RVs have air brakes and spring parking brakes.
There is no “park” option for the transmission gear selector.
Failure to slide the gear selector into neutral leaves the safety switch open.
The safety switches job is to prevents the starter from engaging.
A quick adjustment to the gear selector.
And…
We are greeted with the wonderful purring sound of running engine.
And nothing else but silence.
Except a distinct grunt from the direction of the passenger seat.
And suddenly the forced entry into my mind of the phrase “You are so smart!”.
Or it could have been “You are a lucky sumbich!”
Anyhow, with that we happily drove the remaining 400 miles home.
In blissful silence.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
What TO expect
What’s the moral of the story?
Simple, be prepared.
A motorized vehicle is a moving contraption with thousands of parts.
And as mechanical things do they deteriorate with age, use and non-use.
The same is true with the house components.
But, even brand spankin new RVs have problems.
New RVs come with warranties which cover repairs.
But there’s no guarantee that problems won’t occur.
Preparation is the best thing you can do.
Being prepared can change a disaster into a minor annoyance.
Pack tools, extra fluids and engine belts.
Focus on the areas and items that can stop you on the road.
Owning an RV that is 20, 30 or 50 years old will very likely have had modifications.
And during the inspection and transition process the details slip away.
Sellers often share details that come to mind.
But seldom document the specifics.
The seller to buyer exchange is kinda like drinking from a firehose.
A huge amount of information is dumped in a short time.
And buyers are often anxious to get started.
Where the numerous switches are located, what they operate and why they are important makes complete sense during the transfer but is easily forgotten.
Expect to spend time searching for switches for the water heater, water pump, electrical transfer and lights.
Set aside several hours to investigate what every switch operates, where important switches are located and how to start and stop heaters, air conditioners and appliances.
And when you discover a custom feature installed by a previous owner.
Expect to spend double the time to determine what, why and how it works.
Owning a Vintage RV requires a good amount of detective work.
Get to know the RV and jot down notes.
The devil is in the details.
Take your time to test every component before setting off on the first adventure.
Your investment will be rewarding when you are traveling.
What NOT to expect
Equally as important is what not to expect when owning a Vintage RV.
Don’t expect an owners manual.
These things have the habit of disappearing with time.
And should you be lucky enough to get an owners manual with the RV.
Don’t expect it to be up to date, accurate or even thorough.
Automobile manuals from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s were ok at best.
And RV manuals were similar.
Many of these RVs where custom built.
Custom builds may not have come with a manual when new.
Some RVs came new with manuals for the appliances.
But there’s a good chance some of the appliances have been replaced.
And with manuals being available on the World Wide Web the manufacturers have elected to reduce costs and stopped including the printed manuals with products.
Don’t expect to find perfect electrical wiring.
Switches and outlets may have been modified overtime.
Some may have been wired wrong or completely disconnected.
Test and verify.
Don’t expect all the lights to work perfectly.
Inexpensive bulbs may not handle the rigors of traveling well and die early.
Switch wiring may vibrate loose.
Electrical breakers weaken with age and fuses corrode.
Don’t expect all the workmanship to be professional.
Repairs made during travel are often short term in nature.
Then quickly forgotten.
Service technicians may have good intentions but neglect to do good work.
Shortcuts for the sake of profit.
Don’t expect to get a perfectly maintained RV.
Schedule time for re-doing quick repairs, forgotten repairs and neglected repairs.
Items that are seldom seen are frequently neglected.
Shock absorbers, wheel bearings, steering components, water heaters, water pumps, heaters and air conditioners benefit from regular maintenance.
Maintenance begins with inspection and cleaning.
Wear items should be replaced before they fail.
Often old RVs sit idle for years.
The owners have fond memories of traveling in the RV and struggle with selling.
When this happens the care often stops.
The caulking that prevents water from entering dries, cracks and fails.
Water intrusion is very common and very costly to repair.
Don’t expect a neglected RV to be free of hidden problems.
The inside of an RV are ideal homes for Rodents.
And rodents love to chew on the insulation around electrical wires.
Infrequent use or inspection inside an RV is an invitation for critters.
Don’t expect rubber components to last forever.
Modern manufacturing process for rubber utilize chemicals to enhance the lifespan.
And the lifespan is dependent on the heating, moving, flexing and stretching of the rubber.
Age and lack of use will reduce the useable lifespan of rubber components.
It’s good idea to replace belts, hoses and tires when they have not been used frequently or are showing signs of age.
Don’t expect RV dealers to know how your Vintage RV was wired, plumbed or designed.
Design and build procedures have evolved and the dealership technicians are often only trained on the latest brands the dealer sells.
Don’t expect to find parts readily available.
The Vintage RV owner is resourceful and creative.
Don’t expect every campground to welcome all Vintage RVs.
Park owners are running a business and need to attract customers.
Dirty, deteriorating and ugly RVs are unlikely to attract the attention park owners desire.
And most of all…
Don’t expect privacy when traveling in a Vintage RV.
Well maintained Vintage RVs attract attention.
Attention, questions and sometimes envy and admiration.
100 Point Checklist for Vintage RV buyers
Where to go from here
A few suggestions to continue following your curiosity.
Locate other Vintage RV owners in your area.
Join a Vintage RV group on FaceBook.
Tour Vintage RVs.
Owning a Vintage RV is a great way to meet people and make new friends.
And the best advice is to get started now.
