Quote:
Originally Posted by SmokeyFoster
what did you wind up selecting ?
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First, we made a list of "must haves", then a list of "like to haves", then shopped for a used rv in our price range. We could maybe have swung for a new van, but just didn't want to pay that high a price of entry since it was our first rv and weren't sure how we'd like it. We like it.
My "must haves" were a 76 inch bed (I'm 6'2"); and an enclosed wet bath.
My "like to haves" were a compressor fridge and a gasoline chassis (which essentially meant a Chevy chassis since Transits were brand new and even Promasters hadn't been out that long). Chevy model's fiberglass tops are not as roomy as those new vans, however.
I thought I'd end up with a Roadtrek 190 Popular since they were the most plentiful, or the Roadtrek Ranger which was essentially similar and have compressor fridges. But then I happened upon an Airstream Avenue Suite that was a short-lived model they only made from 2010-2013. Very similar to a Roadtrek 190/Ranger, but with the galley & bath sides reversed. It was only 200 miles away and priced about $10K less than what we'd previously seen.
It was in good condition and low miles so we bought it and we're happy with our purchase. But, it's been a good thing I'm retired and somewhat handly as I have spent a lot of time fixing, improving, modifying various systems. I've spent about $5k over the past 3 yrs. of ownership ($3K alone on lithium battery/3000W inverter upgrade) and I'm sure that total would be $10K had I required the labor of an rv dealer rather than DIY.
My van is pretty stealthy, and has not drawn the attention of our HOA in the three years I've parked it on our driveway. I removed several sets of gaudy 1-1/2" AIRSTREAM badges as soon as I got it home.
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