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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 3
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I just "inherited" a 1971 dodge sportsman class c motorhome in need of urgent repairs. This will be my new home as I just recently am a divorced woman after 23 years. Left with no income ,home or means of support I must now rely temporarily on the kindness of others and don't even begin to know where to begin on aquiring the parts for the repairs or the knowledge of how to do them myself. The poor RV has seen much better days. It runs!! The transmission leaks like a seive. I can see daylight in the corners and the roof must surely have a terrible leak as the ceiling paneling is falling down. I know I must have a lot of hard work ahead and could use all the support and encouragement and assistance I can get. I would appreciate any ideas and facts on doing the repairs and about how to do them as cheaply or economically as possible!! Thanks way in advance!! ...........Tea
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 35
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This message was edited by JT on 7-4-03 @ 8:48 AM
John Harrelson
Carson City, Nevada
95 Prowler 5th wheel
93 Ford Diesel one ton 4wd
No mortgage, No wife, No dog
God, I miss that dog
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 3
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Thanks for the reply,
Yes, I am more destitute than it appears, I currently sleep on a friends sofa (for the last7 mos.) and use their computer. All though I do have one. I work 3 days a week caring for an elderly couple so income is minimal.
What I am afraid of, is pulling down the cabinetry and finding I can't put it back. What I want to do is to remove them and replace them with open boxes in order to make the space more usable and easier to access. I guess I needed to hear that I could do it. I have only had the RV for about 3 weeks and am overwhelmed. My Ex used to do all the mechanical stuff, but decided he wanted to play with the ladies he met on the net and surprised me by filing for a divorce. Devastated was the reaction and "getting over it" takes some time. I am working on it and making progress. Some days two steps forward, some days one step back.
Thanks again ........... Tea :)
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 3
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Thanks for asking about my status whether I am living in the MH yet. No...
There is too much work that needs doing. I don't even know anything about it except it is mine. No lights inside or headlights. I know everything must be looked at, from the water to the electricals. The stove is trashed, someone ripped the door of and it's very dirty and the fridge/ freezer is just there. I, being who I am, started looking at cosmetic fixes just to make it palatable to the eye. The roof leaks as I've said. I got a book on repairs, but it seems to be written in Greek so far!! LOL!!! Where do I start first?? I'm gonna need heat but getting cool is a big priority right now!!! Central California is hot in the summer time. I don't have an abundance of outside help. Money is very limited. I have been sleeping on a childhood friends sofa for 7 mos. I know I am wearing out my welcome. So help please with first things first suggestions!!
Thanks Ever So!! ........ Tea
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 1
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Tea: Sounds like you have a lot of problems. I suggest you contact Habitat for Humanity. They will probably be able to give you come contacts to get the coach fixed. Good luck!
"Just Smelling The Roses"
Martha Barnes
"Just Smelling The Roses"
30' Coachmen Class A
Towing PT Cruiser
Co-Pilots Rebecca (Yorkie), Midget (Poodle), and Fancy (Pommie)
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Joined: 3/16/2009
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Hi Tea -- my heart aches for you. Getting dumped, especially without resources is devastating. Been there, done that! My advice is to visit your local welfare office, homeless shelters, food banks. Not necessarily for a "hand out" but looking more for a "HAND UP", possibly education/job training. Also, try local church organizations for possible suggestions if not actual help.
Perhaps you can arrange some kind of bartering, legitimate, arrangement for repairs. Books I find invaluable are the "For Dummmies" books. I believe there is one actually called "RV Repair For Dummies". There are other books too -- try Amazon.com, make a list and as finances allow make the purchase.
Know too that there are many women just like you in your circumstances. Try thrift stores and flee markets for cosmetic repairs. Good Luck and keep us posted. :)
Much good luck to all,
Pat Re
Much good luck to all,
Pat Re
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 6
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My suggestion would be to eyeball the roof first, before you put any money into the rest of the rig. Otherwise, one good rain and all your future work will be for nothing. Is there a Home Depot nearby? They offer how-to classes that might be useful, even if it's just learning to handle basic tools. And the people who teach the courses, or a local Vo-Tech instructor, might know of folks who could stop over and evaluate the whole thing for you. No sense pouring money into the rig if it's a lost cause, especially since money's so tight...in which case, it might be cheaper overall to get a really good tent and some camping gear, and just use the rig for storage. Since the rig's in bad shape, I'd be really leery about firing up any propane system without getting a knowledgeable person to check it out for leaks. Hope this helps a little.
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 39
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We have purchased several trailers over the years and made repairs to them. First you need to find the leaks. Caulking might work. When you are sure it is no longer leaking then start your other repairs. The cabinets usually are put up with just a few screws, but can you work without taking them down? We put new panelling in two with taking the cabinets out. You would be surprised at what a little soap and water or paint will do!
http://pages.ivillage.com/workersonthego/
This message was edited by ClassAct on 7-4-03 @ 3:52 AM
http://pages.ivillage.com/workersonthego/
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 13
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I fully agree. Fix where it is leaking or your visual repairs will be a waste of money.
Do not sink alot of money into this RV. The parts are very hard to find so for as replacing things inherent to the vehicle, Dodge does not support the vehicle anymore so it is a classic but a tinkers dream. You need real help and I think a church/synagogoue would be where I would start to find housing. There is housing out there but you must really beat the doors down to get the help. ARe you a veteran by any chance? If so they will help you for sure. Federal housing will help also. By the way, if you were married that long your husband owes you so go to court and get your 1/2 of his worth. I am assuming you lived in California when married, if not, check into what your state offers you but he can not leave a marriage scot free in any state so go for it girl and you will be fine. who needs a guy who gets his jollys off the internet? it will take some time but you will be fine, and great that you have a friend whose couch you have been able to stay on and pull yourself together. your husband should have left and you stay but that is history. :)
Take care and Be Well,
Sandie
Take care and Be Well,
Sandie
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 38
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Tea,
Since "it runs", I'd recommend that you drive it to a local dealer and immediately trade it for a travel trailer. You'll get a lot better condition TT for the price of that poor condition class C. Have the dealer tow the TT to a local campground so that you don't need to immediately buy a tow vehicle. That should give you a very inexpensive platform from which to reshape your life. Best of luck.
Tom
2002 Chevy Silverado 3500 LT EC Duramax/Allison
2002 Newmar Mountain Aire FW 34RDCK
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