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Break_Through |
New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 16 2012, 6:39 PM EDT
Hi everyone....long intro: Our family (consisting myself, husband and last remaining child (17 yrs old) living at home are in a pickle. We have been researching and learning all about different rv's, campers, trucks, weights, campgrounds and MUCH more for about 2 years. When our youngest leaves for the Marines next August we were planning on purchasing a dually truck and truck camper. Life happened this past Friday, the 13th!!!!) and our home has been declared uninhabitable. A BAD storm came through, flooded our streets and neighborhood. However, our home was the only one where the city sewer backed up and we ended up with 6" of RAW SEWAGE in EVERY room of our home. We lost most of everything. The mayor and several city workers, fire department and police officers have been to our home to determine who is responsible and what course of action to take. Here is where I need y'all. (I'm a southern gal). haha A co-worker of my husband loaned us his Coleman Fleetwood Popup Camper. He said we could buy it for $1500. (Our insurance will not cover our loss because they don't cover floods, so it's up to the city's insurance for us to recoup from the damage.) I can't find a sticker that tells me what year this camper is or weight or anything. It seems in really good shape and has a wet bath, toilet, sink, 3 burner stove (no oven), fridge, air conditioner, 2 pop out queen beds, dinette and quite a few cabinets. The "particle board" cabinets have gotten wet and are breaking apart. Also on the interior of the roof you can see where it has "rippled" from apparent water. Beggars can't be choosey and we HAVE to buy this right now, to put a roof over our heads. (We're currently sleeping in it, in our driveway). So, what do we do first? We have NEVER camped in or owned an RV before but are excited to "full time" it. I appreciate ALL advice! Sorry so long, THANK YOU!! Do you find this valuable?
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Carnack |
1. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 16 2012, 6:47 PM EDT
Um what sort of advice are you looking for exactly?
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Break_Through |
2. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 16 2012, 6:58 PM EDT
"Um what sort of advice are you looking for exactly? "Well, I guess for starters: should we go to a dealer for an inspection for the water damage? I'm not sure where to start in order to repair or prevent any further water damage. Also, if we're staying in a campground that has full hook-ups (water, sewer, cable and electric with 30 and 50 amp) how do I determine what my appliances are and if they operate on anything besides electricity? The owner doesn't know and isn't very knowledgeable himself and what's what inside it. He's never even used the wet bath but it seems to work fine. I assume we have to buy cords to "hook up" but where do you get stuff like that? Should I just go to a reputable dealer and ask all my questions and what do you think I would pay for something like that......couple hundred or so? I'm just totally lost. I don't know WHERE to start right now. We don't even have a truck yet to pull it. Do you find this valuable? |
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Carnack |
3. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 16 2012, 7:05 PM EDT
| Post edited: Jul 16 2012, 7:06 PM EDT
Well in the interest of full disclosure I know zip about campers and such but I would definitly get the thing inspected. Would kinda suck to have your camper fall down after you buy it.As for your appliances it should say the power requirment somewhere on them but barring that tapping in the make and manufacturer should get you your info fairly easily. RV dealerships would be the first place I'd go for ALL these questions. Be 100% sure before you buy. Odds are you;d find accessories or ways to get to them there as well. Do you find this valuable? |
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Break_Through |
4. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 16 2012, 7:08 PM EDT
"Well in the interest of full disclosure I know zip about campers and such but I would definitly get the thing inspected. Would kinda suck to have your camper fall down after you buy it.Thank you Carnack. I'll start calling around tomorrow. I have to find out WHERE that darn sticker info. is and try to get a manual. We were buying a truck and camper next year for our WTSHTF plan, but we just got thrown into this a WHOLE lot sooner. This caught us unprepared. Do you find this valuable? |
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Carnack |
5. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 16 2012, 7:11 PM EDT
You are very welcome :)Do you find this valuable? |
Jahadaz |
6. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 16 2012, 7:12 PM EDT
Depends on where you live. Is there an RV place nearby that has a shop? Would they be willing to tow it for you? Do you have a truck / suv you can get your hands on to tow it with? Most pop ups are not that heavy and can be pulled by an suv / small truck. Lastly, is your money situation one that will allow a shop to fix the damage, or should you really be looking at doing this stuff yourself? As for how to use appliances and such, I'd ask around the campground. Try the live in ranger or some of the other campers. Most rv people tend to be more than willing to talk your ear off about camper related items. Good luck. Do you find this valuable? |
PedroAsani |
7. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 16 2012, 7:16 PM EDT
For camper advice, you want StrykerPez. He is on and off, but send him a message and he can sort you out.
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Break_Through |
8. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 17 2012, 7:47 AM EDT
"Depends on where you live. Is there an RV place nearby that has a shop? Would they be willing to tow it for you? Do you have a truck / suv you can get your hands on to tow it with? Most pop ups are not that heavy and can be pulled by an suv / small truck.Hi Jahadaz, Found a Camper World yesterday. That seems to be a good starting point. Gonna check them out today. I would have to say that repairs need to be done ourselves. Besides the botttom falling out (financially speaking) 4 months ago, even if we COULD afford it, my husband and I really like being independent and doing /fixing things ourselves. We both love learning new stuff. However, we're also quite willing to admit when we're in over our heads. I know a year from now I'll look back and won't be NEAR as panicked. It's just my whole world got turned upside down and I'm having to get reoriented. We lost the majority of our food storage as well. And I was so darn proud of it. That's a great point about going to other campers. DUH - why didn't I think of that??? Can you say, "Overwhelmed?" haha Thank you Jahadaz!!! Do you find this valuable? |
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Break_Through |
9. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 17 2012, 7:48 AM EDT
"For camper advice, you want StrykerPez. He is on and off, but send him a message and he can sort you out."Thank you PedoAsani!!! I'll contact him. Do you find this valuable? |
11ACRBlackhorse |
10. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 17 2012, 9:35 AM EDT
Usually the "data plate is on the tongue. If not there inside a access hatch for septic and or power hook up.But take it to a dealer. The roof damage shouldn't be hard to repair. Just won't be pretty. Cabinets will be a different story.. At the dealer check what the camper is even worth in it's condition. Also check if the dealership has rentals or what they might have in your price range. To me $1,500 is a little high for a popup with it's issues. But I don't know your area and the market. Especially after a flood and a higher demand in summer too. So just check with a few local dealers first. Good luck Do you find this valuable? |
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Break_Through |
11. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 18 2012, 4:17 PM EDT
"Usually the "data plate is on the tongue. If not there inside a access hatch for septic and or power hook up.Hi 11ACRBlackhorse, I found a metal tag with the vin number but it's so worn out you can't read half of it. I followed your advice about the dealer and they recommended we not fix it because it would cost more than it's worth. It's very clean inside, no rips and tears in the canvas and only little minor dings on the outer body. But he said, "I wouldn't fix it." He did advise that $1,500 is a GREAT deal for the air conditioning alone. He added that the owner could get quite a bit more from it seeing as how it has the wet/bath, 3 burner stove, fridge and all the hoses it needs, and it ALL works. So, I guess we're buying it. Now we just have to figure out how to lower, raise and operate all the stuff inside. Our story has raised many eyebrows and a story is being run on our local news station, out of Greenville, SC. Maybe it will cause the city to do something to help out. It is currently in the process of making the determination that the flooding was caused by the lines they installed. Thanks for your help and suggestions. Knowledge is power and right now I need LOTS of it. haha Do you find this valuable? |
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11ACRBlackhorse |
12. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 18 2012, 11:28 PM EDT
You're welcome and no problem. It is the least we could do. That's great everything works and it's worth it. I expected worse and I'm pleasantly surprised. Get a tarp to cover the roof and possible leaks. You can worry about repairs later when life isn't so hectic. But when you have the time and money you can repair the roof, leaks, and cupboard. It will increase resale and use if kept. Just check with the dealer for advice, fellow camper owners, and DIY sites online. We wish you good luck with everything and our prayers are with you and your family. Congratulations on such a fine young man and thank him for us please for him volunteering for service. Thanks for joining our site and hope you return again. PS For Zombie Slayers we aren't half bad lol Do you find this valuable? |
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Break_Through |
13. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 19 2012, 7:56 PM EDT
"You're welcome and no problem. It is the least we could do.Thank you for the nice message. I just read it to my son and he is "It's my pleasure. It's an honor." He's sweet.. As his momma I'm so proud. He comes from a long line of uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents and parents who have served. He turns 17 this Monday and leaves next August as an officer. He'll still my baby though. He's our youngest and last to leave home. Thanks for the prayers. The fire department finally presented us documentation that they were at our home, but unfortunately DHEC, has told us they're not interested in the house nor the things inside it. Yet on their website, it is clearly called "Infectious Waste." The sewage ran completely into the crawl space and the yard which could now contaminate the local water supply. I've never seen such a horrible situation where no one wants to take responsibility. The city has refused to even file a claim so our local news station is investigating right now so they can run a story and hopefully bring some pressure on their heads to fix these sewer lines. Thanks for "listening." Do you find this valuable? |
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11ACRBlackhorse |
14. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 19 2012, 8:56 PM EDT
Government at work for you. At least the news is trying to help. bureaucracy at work for them selves is usually the key frase. Again and good luck. And the honor is ours to have such fine young men and women as your son. And thank you and your husband for a job well doneDo you find this valuable? |
IamSlowRide |
15. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 19 2012, 9:16 PM EDT
| Post edited: Jul 20 2012, 5:15 PM EDT
In times of great need the dogs of war must be unleashed and rivers of blood shall run beneath their feet...I salute your son and your family for their sacrifice and commitment and I hope for the best for you and yours during these trials and tribulations you face. @11ACRBlackhorse...Zombie slayers indeed! Some of us are less reputable than others...lol Do you find this valuable? |
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11ACRBlackhorse |
16. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 19 2012, 10:39 PM EDT
"In times of great need the dogs of war must be unleashed and rivers of blood shall run beneath their feet...Now now I have her thinking I'm a nice guy.......lol Do you find this valuable? |
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Break_Through |
17. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 20 2012, 7:32 PM EDT
"Now now I have her thinking I'm a nice guy.......lol"LOL Too cute! I needed that, THANKS!! :) Do you find this valuable? |
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Break_Through |
18. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 20 2012, 7:42 PM EDT
"In times of great need the dogs of war must be unleashed and rivers of blood shall run beneath their feet...Hi IamSlowRide, That statement: "In times of great need......" rings true now more than EVER. I found a few of Reagan's quotes I think we all can enjoy, reminiscence and appreciate right now. Pre-presidency One legislator accused me of having a nineteenth-century attitude on law and order. That is a totally false charge. I have an eighteenth-century attitude... Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. Address to the annual meeting of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, (30 March 1961) Later variant : Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again. California Gubernatorial Inauguration Speech (5 January 1967) These are quotes that need to be read and memorized by our children. Not focus on every pokemon card, video game hero and villain, or every hollywood created persona of what a "real" man or woman is. We have raised too many children in my generation that don't fervently and PASSIONATELY care about the things that TRULY matter. Do you find this valuable? |
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Break_Through |
19. RE: New member NEEDS words of wisdom
Jul 20 2012, 7:50 PM EDT
"In times of great need the dogs of war must be unleashed and rivers of blood shall run beneath their feet...And also, thank you for the kind words. My son enjoys reading them. They are sobering for him. He definitely has his eyes on us and is soaking up our actions and words like a hawk. Just like he did when he was a baby but even more so today. He see the world with a stark reality that escapes other teenagers. We gave him flight lessons for his 16th B-day and he flew a Cessna-172 and he would love to fly for the Air Force. But he said his heart is really in combat. He wants to be a soldier. And what amazes me about him is in intellect. He could do ANYTHING with his life and he wants to be a hard-core marine. His started his first business at the age of 3. NO I'm not lying. I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen it. He also was walking days before he turned 7 months old. He's just too far ahead of his time!! My HERO!! Do you find this valuable? |
