Rookie RV'r

[JHSBookie]

Hi
I am a rookie Class B RV'r. For that matter I am a rookie RV'r. I am seriously looking at a 1998 Dodge Islander Supreme Class B RV with 36000 Kms. In comparison to the Roadtrek and Pleasureway Class B's there doesn't seem to be a lot of the Islanders out there. Does anyone know anything about the Islander ?
Does anyone have some knowledge that they would like to share about the Islander in comparison to other Class B's.

HELP
Many Thanks

[markopolo]

I would seriously consider buying the RV you are looking at. I own a 1998 Dodge van (from Newfoundland, where Islander RVs were made!) and really like it. In the photo gallery attached to this forum, there are many photos of Islander RVs. Personally, I really like the floor plans as some have separate dedicated sleeping area and dining area which is rare in a Class B RV. All of the usual caveats apply when buying an older vehicle - expect to have some repairs. I don't know the asking price of the unit you're looking at, but if it is reasonable, I think you would be as happy in it as one of the better known brands.

Here is some more information:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1032

[JHSBookie]

Many thanks for your input and additiional information and photo's. The asking price is $27500. I am going to see it tomorrow. I might have some more questions. Does the price seem reasonable ? Thx

[Mike]

Found another ad for an Islander, bit older and couldn't get the images to load in Firefox,
(but it worked in IE6) but the price is right (maybe?). I think it's located in Vancouver.
http://www.buysell.com/root/detail/BC/C ... ok=Campers

Here's another one I found.
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rch/r ... 76470.html

If you go by the ads, the one in Brooklin is probably the better vehicle.
Have you run it through RV Trader Online to see what they think of the price?

[markopolo]

My initial reaction to the asking was that it seems high for a 12 year old RV - then I saw the photos The exterior looks so new. It really looks well cared for. I'm really no help to you re: the price. It is an unusual find.

Ask why it has so few Kms on it. Make sure to test drive it as some Dodge vans didn't handle well. I think the 1998's were fine. The big advantage of that unit in my opinion is the over-the-cab bed. Try getting in and out of it. If it works for you then you really get a "big" RV in a small package.

I'd love to own it.

[Mike]

I thought it was a bit pricey too, same reasoning. Agree about the pics/apparent condition.
It looks like new.

FWIW, I was walking through my little town a few months ago, and passed by a local's driveway
which has had a Winnie Rialta parked in it for almost the 2 years since we moved here. I started
talking to the owner and asked about how he liked it, and did he find it big enough. Told me
they hadn't tried it/taken it out since they bought it. I was shocked. No time, I guess.
Might explain why some vehicles have such low mileage?

If there's any way to tell how long it might have just sat around, besides asking, I would check that.
It might have issues with engine, or other, seals drying out over time due to inactivity.
It probably would be a good idea to take it to a Chrysler dealer to have the chassis stuff
checked out before you do the deal. Certified, just means the basic safety stuff works, no guarantee
on the functionality of the engine or drivetrain.

I tried to get a price off of RV Trader, but it doesn't have any Islanders listed.

[JHSBookie]

thanks to all. You have raised some good things to contemplate. Am bringing a male friend to check out the engine but will heed the advise to have it checked by a Chrysler dealer. Many thanks and I will update after my trip later today.

[Mike]

It may be perfectly fine mechanically. Just some food for thought.
Sometimes you just get "a feeling" (we did) about the seller,
and a leap of faith purchase can be the result.
We'll see how it goes for you.

Best of luck, fingers crossed it's a winner!!!

[JHSBookie]

Hi Marco and Mike
It is meant to be. There wasn't a mark on this Islander. It has everything I could think of and was actually outfitted for a single women a little older than myself who like me, travelled with her dog. It was the mother of the gentleman that is selling the vehicle. A vested interest I imagine. She has moved onto a Class C due to her difficulty accessing the upper bunk as she ages and short stature. At 5'9" the bunk is not a problem for me and not having to make and remake a bed each day is the bonus you mentioned Marco.

He had a full history right down to the original brochure including all recent work done on it. It has a full length roll out awning, back up camera, air etc. etc. etc. It actually still has a new vehicle smell. The mileage is due to short distances within Ontario fairly close to home. It was serviced regularly and has a full cover for winter storage and a portable BBQ. I test drove it and felt comfortable, there were no wierd noises which as a women I am very sensitive too. My friend rode in the back and said the tran shifted properly and he was impressed with the sound and visual of the engine. He is a motor man. His confidence in the records he looked at impressed him which tipped the scale to a purchase for me.

The only drawback....my kayak is to long to store on the inside for travelling and I'm a not able to sling 60 lbs up 9ft to put it on the roof. Besides getting a smaller kayak..... any suggestions of some wierd and wonderful way to solve this problem ? ( Ocean Kayak 17FT long )

I did leave a deposit and am returning Monday to complete the deal. As you say Mike... it just felt right . We agreed on a price of $25000. I bleieve the resale value after I have completed my dream ( coast to coast Canada ) will be worth the investment now. Who knows, maybe my son will purchase it when I'm finished with it.

Thanks so much to both of you for your valuable input. I am sure, as the Rookie I am, I will have lots more questions and look forward to further input from the Class B Forum. What a great idea !
Judy

[Mike]

Hi Judy,
How do you get up into the bunk? Looks like you'd need a stepstool, or have to be pretty tall, as you
say you are. It was one of the challenges we could see with that type of bed setup. Looked like good use
of limited space though, which is what Class B is all about. Hopefully there were some basic manuals with
it, so you've got some reading to do. A lot of RVing is intuitive, but it's always nice to be able to get a
second opinion from another B'er. There's a wealth of experience and knowledge on this forum, and I've
tapped it many times, even as recently as today.

Now that you've bought one, you'll need some insurance. Accident/liability, and maybe some ERS too.

I'm not a sales person, and have no interest in any company, but I think there are a few RV specialty
insurance companies in Ontario. I went with one, after doing my usual beat-it-to-death internet research.
Wayfarer based in Beaverton, I found to be pretty easy to deal with. You could always try Insurance Hotline
for quotes, and I think Kanetix does the same, 3 quotes, you pick who you want to try. CAA also I think
has RV insurance. Some policies might include roadside assistance. You could ask when you call.

As far as roadside assistance, I was a CAA member for almost 20 years for my cars, and my first year of
RV ownership. Some folks on here use Good Sam ERS. It's based in the States (they serve Canada too), and
I found it's about half the price of CAA. You don't get all extras you get with CAA (that I hardly ever used)
but it looks like good basic roadside help when you have a problem. They say they are RV help specialists.
I switched last September, and haven't had to use them yet, but others have, and I've read no complaints.
There are also some places like Canadian Tire that have it, but I think Good Sam ERS may be the best deal.

All you need to do now is pick a place and go. Across Canada? I've always wanted to try that, but we keep
getting pulled south across the border, especially with our dollar doing so well against theirs. I figure when
the US gets too expensive again (if it ever does???) I'll do Canada from one end to the other. We did Gaspe
and the Maritimes last August, and we really enjoyed Gaspe. We didn't get over to NL, maybe some other time.

Anyway, welcome, congrats, enjoy.
Sorry about the ramble.
(no idea about the kayak, except get a smaller one, like you suggested)

[markopolo]

I'm excited for you. It looked fantastic in the photos. If you ever decide to sell it in a few years send me a message I have just over 90,000 kms on my 1998 Dodge and am very confident with the motor's reliability and power.

I'm not sure that you can fit your kayak inside (maybe you already measured it). I think I can fit something only up to 13' to 14' long in my extended van. You will probably find a lifting mechanism that will work for getting it up on the roof or maybe a folding or inflatable kayak.

I save the photos from the ad - do you mind if I post them here? I can wait until the deal is complete if you like.

[VernM]

In my list of RVs owned and enjoyed, Marco, I had a Ford-powered Class C by Fleetwood. I slept in the eyebrow bunk a few times. At 5'7", I could make it with a quick step on the side-facing sofa. I think it came with a step ladder of wood that stored between the sofa and bulkhead. Not a place I wanted to stay long, however. Hot up there!

[JHSBookie]

Mike thanks for the tips on insurance and road assistance. That's my job today. So far I'm quite impressed. Was expecting the premium to be more than my car insurance but it's actually less... so far. One company has asked for a propane inspection certificate. I am hoping the seller can point me in the right direction or suggestions from this forum would be appreciated.

There is a ladder to access the bed but will likely not use it. One step on the dining seat and I'll be in bed. I knew one day these long legs would provide some advantage for me. They certainly don't run fast !

Marco will definately keep you in mind for resale.

Thanks for the good wishes.
Judy

[Mike]

That's interesting about the propane.
I'm curious as to who asked for the propane tag? Was it an insurance company based in BC?
As far as I know (and we've had this discussion before on here) only propane powered
vehicles (the chassis engine is powered by NG, LPG, LNG) require regular recertification.
It wasn't an issue for me 2 years ago, and hasn't been mentioned (yet) on my renewals.
I was able to find a requirement on a British Columbia webpage, and it suggested any
RV with a propane operated device needed an inspection upon change of owners.

I didn't see a ladder in any of the "for sale" ad pictures. Must be stowed inconspicuously.
I could probably hop up, but I'm about 5'9". I'd imagine a shorter person would need a
springboard at least. I wonder if it will be warmer up in the bunkie, as Vern suggested?
Seems logical as warmer air rises. I'm going to assume the side windows up there open to
allow some ventilation.
Sounds like you're well on your way to RV Nirvana.....

[JHSBookie]

Hi Mike
The insurance company is Aviva. I recieved a quote from a broker that requested the propane cert quoting Aviva premium, then I also received a quote from CAA who also quoted Aviva but did not ask for the propane cert. I don't know where Aviva is based.

CAA quoted $571 Annual and the Broker quoted $657 Annual. Just have to remember they are quotes and until the application is made anything could change.

Anyways it's all a learning experience.
Judy

[Mike]

I think Aviva is the underwriting company for a lot of RV insurance brokers.
Interesting that CAA didn't ask for the certificate. The other did.
I'd be going to CAA, to start, and see what happens.
Keep us posted how you make out, if possible, as many folks on here will be
curious (read as VERY INTERESTED ).
Wonder if this has anything to do with the propane explosion in Toronto a few years
back? I think the post mortem on that recommended tighter regs on propane.

[markopolo]

Photos of Judy's Islander







It looks fantastic!