B737doc
Well-known member
Hoping to got take ownership of our new (to us) 32 foot "Challenger" motorhome today. Very big decision, and a bit scary, as I know NOTHING about RV's. I have been a airline maintenance technician for 35 years now, and working on cars all of my life. I had prayed on the idea for guidance and had not had any luck after an endless search. My wife begged me to make one more stop Saturday coming home from yet another disappointing trip to look at one. It was about 95 degrees out, so I was quite frustrated and tired of looking at used RV's.
We put in the address of a motorhome that I thought was too big (32 feet), and arrived a short time later. We pulled into the driveway of one of the most immaculate, humble houses and property I had ever seen! Everything was perfect and very impressive. There were hand made Jesus glorification signs posted along the roadside in front of the house that warmed my heart, and made me feel relaxed and welcome.
"Jim" was waiting in his driveway, a very kind gentle and feeble gentleman that had a firm handshake, looked me eye to eye welcomed us to his home. Beside the house was the VERY impressive motorhome. A 1992 "Challenger" by Damon. He commenced taking us on a tour of the vehicle which like everything else he owned, was immaculate. The inside appeared new, with an AC unit blowing frigid air from the ceiling. The refrigerator was running, as well as the microwave having power, and all lights functioning.
Now the big question.....Does it now, or ever had any roof leaks? "Yes Sir it has, and here is where we had it, how we fixed it, and recovered the roof". The evidence of the repair was very professionally done, as well as the roof, that was flawless as far as a quality application. "It's been pouring rain here the last couple of weeks, as you know, and there, as you can see, are no leaks". I personally inspected every crevice, nook, and cranny with my light, and found no evidence of water encroachment ANYWHERE. Underneath the vehicle, I find a brand new engine starter, that's actually sealed with white RTV around the mating surface. All tanks, exhaust, and drivetrain are impeccable, with no evidence of fluid leaks anywhere. Brand new brake lines freshly installed, as stated, as well as new disc brakes all around. Tires appear new, but could not determine date of manufacture. Popping the hood, a new air conditioner compressor, as well as all new hoses are evident. He replaced these components on the Chevy 454 engine that was showing 115,000 miles on the odometer. All fluids appear fresh, as well as a full windshield washer reservoir. And all new in appearance batteries.
I asked him if the onboard generator ran, and told me "absolutely". He tried to start the generator, but with a very healthy spin, she tried, but just couldn't quite get started. This angered him, and swore it had been starting right up every time. "Of coarse it's gonna do this NOW"! He assured me he would have the generator carburetor freshly rebuilt today (Monday). He then showed us how everything works, and the procedure for connecting, disconnecting, filling, dumping, switching, and storing everything on board. All equipment and necessities were stored in their place, almost OCD style. We couldn't figure out how to deploy the awning, as he said he had never used it. What we could see of it, it looked serviceable.
I winked at my wife that had a satisfying smile on her face, and shook Jims hand and made the deal. "I don't sell no junk, and everything I own is a reflection of me personally". The integrity and ethics of this man was very rarely seen, and very obvious.
So today, we do the paperwork and bring her home hopefully. Tried to post pictures, but deletes my entire post when I try. There's a picture of it underneath my profile name...
We put in the address of a motorhome that I thought was too big (32 feet), and arrived a short time later. We pulled into the driveway of one of the most immaculate, humble houses and property I had ever seen! Everything was perfect and very impressive. There were hand made Jesus glorification signs posted along the roadside in front of the house that warmed my heart, and made me feel relaxed and welcome.
"Jim" was waiting in his driveway, a very kind gentle and feeble gentleman that had a firm handshake, looked me eye to eye welcomed us to his home. Beside the house was the VERY impressive motorhome. A 1992 "Challenger" by Damon. He commenced taking us on a tour of the vehicle which like everything else he owned, was immaculate. The inside appeared new, with an AC unit blowing frigid air from the ceiling. The refrigerator was running, as well as the microwave having power, and all lights functioning.
Now the big question.....Does it now, or ever had any roof leaks? "Yes Sir it has, and here is where we had it, how we fixed it, and recovered the roof". The evidence of the repair was very professionally done, as well as the roof, that was flawless as far as a quality application. "It's been pouring rain here the last couple of weeks, as you know, and there, as you can see, are no leaks". I personally inspected every crevice, nook, and cranny with my light, and found no evidence of water encroachment ANYWHERE. Underneath the vehicle, I find a brand new engine starter, that's actually sealed with white RTV around the mating surface. All tanks, exhaust, and drivetrain are impeccable, with no evidence of fluid leaks anywhere. Brand new brake lines freshly installed, as stated, as well as new disc brakes all around. Tires appear new, but could not determine date of manufacture. Popping the hood, a new air conditioner compressor, as well as all new hoses are evident. He replaced these components on the Chevy 454 engine that was showing 115,000 miles on the odometer. All fluids appear fresh, as well as a full windshield washer reservoir. And all new in appearance batteries.
I asked him if the onboard generator ran, and told me "absolutely". He tried to start the generator, but with a very healthy spin, she tried, but just couldn't quite get started. This angered him, and swore it had been starting right up every time. "Of coarse it's gonna do this NOW"! He assured me he would have the generator carburetor freshly rebuilt today (Monday). He then showed us how everything works, and the procedure for connecting, disconnecting, filling, dumping, switching, and storing everything on board. All equipment and necessities were stored in their place, almost OCD style. We couldn't figure out how to deploy the awning, as he said he had never used it. What we could see of it, it looked serviceable.
I winked at my wife that had a satisfying smile on her face, and shook Jims hand and made the deal. "I don't sell no junk, and everything I own is a reflection of me personally". The integrity and ethics of this man was very rarely seen, and very obvious.
So today, we do the paperwork and bring her home hopefully. Tried to post pictures, but deletes my entire post when I try. There's a picture of it underneath my profile name...
