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I've been away from the forum for too long with other issues to deal with, but here we are and a bit of an update for RVers. We were trying to decide what to do with regards to replacement or upgrade of our Holiday Rambler, and the story might be of interest to others.
Its a 2001 machine, single slide, sat, all the bits and bobs, 20K on the clock, excellent chassis condition, and an LPG conversion. The downside of it is that the decor is dowdy and looks like mud. The question was, do we buy new or do we upgrade the existing?
Our buying criteria were: 33' or less, no less storage than current, LPG or Diesel and no older than 2005 and no window behind the bedhead. (Drinking a morning cuppa in bed is a key to a healthy life )
We looked around all the dealers and ads that we could find, and discovered that the only way could meet all the criteria was to buy a new Gulfstream Crescendo. Given that would cost 90K to change that brought us back to the option, to upgrade the existing RV.
So this is the plan. Well have airbags all round, and depending on how that feels on the steering, a Safe-T-Bar perhaps to reduce sway. Then internally it will be new carpets, soft furnishings, oven, worksufaces and sink. I guess that lots should be doable for 5K, which given that depreciation is now at its limit (more or less) should do us nicely for the next 2 years or so.
The one question I do have is 'What do other RVers do about floor coverings? We are considering lino at the door, kitchen and dining area, but carpet elsewhere. Alternatively lino throughout and rugs where necessary.
Any Ideas or contributions?
______________________________________________________________ Going where everybody else seems to have been before
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I think upgrading your existing RV makes much more sense.
After using our RV for 2 years we had all the soft furnishing in ours reupholsterd in leather (easier to keep with the children) and it made a huge difference to the look and feel of the interior.
As for the floor coverings I would advise that you lay good amtico on the floor through out. Make a template of the floor areas, choose a nice carpet and have it cut into the various sections and edged. Then you can have the best of both worlds full carpeted or a mix.
Good luck with what ever you decide to do.
Arizona
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Hi
I know exactly what you mean about the morning cuppa.
We had the same problem with our Winnebago Sightseer. But found the solution with a piece of polystyrene the same size as the window, covered in material. Works a treat
Regards
Tel
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We have a 5th wheel that also needed refreshing - the carpet was the original and was described as a luxury upgrade from the standard, it never looked or felt clean no matter what you did to it, the walls were also looking very tired - so we ripped out the carpet, took out all the fitted cabinets and furniture, removed the window blinds and curtains. We then had real wood flooring fitted throughout, except the bedroom and bathroom, we renewed the lino in the bathroom and a new carpet in the bedroom, the walls were all painted, the cabinets replaced and the fitted furniture layout changed to give more room. We ditched the curtains completely and replaced the blinds after having them cleaned. The flooring we had done professionally, although I bought the materials my self - the whole job £1300.
The following members of MHF thanked essarx for this posting
Quite agree - nice to hear your virtual voice again. I'll be following this thread with interest, as our van - which we are still delighted with - also looks a little dowdy material-wise.
Dougie.
______________________________________________________________ I´m playing all the right notes... but not necessarily in the right order.
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The following members of MHF thanked asprn for this posting
Yes everything, the only professional help was the floor laying which was too complicated for me. The guy I used fits-out motorhomes and caravans, has worked in the industry for years, recommendation came from O'Leary's (Woodmansey, Nr. Hull), when I get home (April) I'll dig out his card and post the details on the forum. He has a workshop in a large farm building near Dunswell (nr. Hull). I took out all the floor materials, removed the cabinets and did the painting, and cleaned the blinds. I bought the real wood flooring, lino and carpet from a commercial flooring co (supplies to the industry) at wholesale, quanitities were based on the pro's measurements. He did such a good job - there were only 3 part planks left. As I have underfloor heating he even selected the correct adhesive so that the floor wouldn't buckle, the adhesive was very expensive but nothings budged after 3000 miles and heating been on every evening during this winter.
As you may know ( i might have mentioned it before ) we have had new carpet and cushionfloor laid,had a new sofa made and are eagerly awaiting the return of our captain chairs and dashboard which are off being recovered in leather (quite excited about that ),tonight a joiner is coming to discuss the worktop for my kitchen and office area and i am still waiting for the guy to do my kitchen,cupboard for washing machine and office.
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I'll be following this thread with interest, as our van - which we are still delighted with - also looks a little dowdy material-wise.
) we have had new carpet and cushionfloor laid,had a new sofa made and are eagerly awaiting the return of our captain chairs and dashboard which are off being recovered in leather (quite excited about that ),tonight a joiner is coming to discuss the worktop for my kitchen and office area and i am still waiting for the guy to do my kitchen,cupboard for washing machine and office.