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stevelv

Living on the island

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Joined: 05/24/2006

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Posted: 10/26/09 09:12am

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Hi

I know that there may be some reluctance to start a new forum group but I'm hoping that others will jump in and support this particular request.

Scattered around the forum are many threads converning the rebuilding and restoration of older motorhomes - what I call 'Classic and Vintage' RVs - these cover all styles, from Class A's through C's, Popups, TTs and even the occasional B.
Many threads cover replacement of interior parts, accessories and appliances or mechanical repairs and these threads are of no or only mild interest to the majority of forum members with newer rigs.

When distributed around the Forum they don't serve much value unless others happen to come across them using search - as a Class A owner I don't frequent the TT group but I know there are Airstream restorers there that have information that I would find extremely useful and threads that I would participate in.

Thus my request, which I hope you can enact, is for an additional group under Recreational Vehicles called "Classic and Vintage" and is intended for all classes of RV that have reached that certain age and covers the repair, restoration and enjoyment of their like.

I for one will be an active participant as I restore my 1984 Monaco and I know of many others who likewise with join in.

Thanks for your consideration!

Steve

PS, I posted in the Vintage TT group to see if they wouldn't mind combining their group into an overall group covering all RVs - hopefully they will support this as they have a wealth of info regarding TTs that equally applies to other classes of RVs

* This post was last edited 10/26/09 09:34am by stevelv * View edit history

RV Park Finder
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Repairing/Restoring 1984 Monaco Regent 36' Gas to restart RVing
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snowhawkwoman

Lyons, KS

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Joined: 12/27/2004

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Posted: 10/26/09 09:17am

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I second your request!!!

Snowhawkwoman

Big Owl

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beartruck

Madison, South Dakota

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Joined: 11/15/2006

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Good Sam RV Club

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Posted: 10/26/09 09:30am

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I don't own a classic, but it is always fun to read posts from members who do.

bldrbuck

Boulder, Colorado

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Joined: 02/11/2001

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Good Sam RV Club

Posted: 10/26/09 09:58am

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Stevely you are posting duplicates and that is against the forum rules.

93 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel, DRW, Crew Cab. PullRite Hitch. 90 Nomad 28' 5er, 375 Watts Solar, 2800 Watt Yamaha Generator, 1750 Watt Inverter, 4 Trogan T105 Batteries, Spare tire and wheel and folding ladder. Me, wife and 2 spoiled Maltise furkids.

WadenCeeJay

Spring, Texas

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Posted: 10/26/09 10:00am

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How old is a "classic?"

chrisser

Cleveland OH

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Posted: 10/26/09 10:14am

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Just my collectin of random thoughts:

It might be useful to give some sort of a definition as to what constitutes classic and vintage. >10 years? >20 years? >30 years?

Not sure how popular it would be, but longterm I could see a need for perhaps a few subthreads. Like a main thread for things common across all types of RVs (interiors, appliances, bedding, etc.) and then some subthreads like travel trailer chassis, motorhome drivetrains.

Other than that, I agree that there is a need.

I've noticed that the threads that tend to be relevant are often cluttered up by well-meaning folks who don't grasp the particular challenges involved in keeping a rig on the road when the parts are no longer made, the warranties are long expired, and most of the work has to be done one's self because even the dealers (if the OEM even exists) don't have much of a clue either.

There's a lot of "find something close and make it work" involved as opposed to "find a reputable dealer to fix it under warranty"

Might also be a good place for some sticky threads that list places as good sources of parts.

For myself, I have found that the mobile home people used a lot of the same parts as the RV people back in the day, but the mobile homes seem to have outlasted the RVs. Now, when I'm looking for something, I try to search for mobile-home related stuff and often find exactly what I need, and without the "RV premium".

Another observation. There doesn't seem to be a bus-conversion area on the forum. I've found these owners to have a lot in common with those of us with older RVs.

I do agree, though, that there are some downsides - perhaps losing the experience of those who used to have them and now are in the other forums. Of course, the same could be said already for those who moved from TTs to MHs (or vice versa) and no longer haunt the other forum sections.

Maybe it would be useful to have a broader category. Something along the lines of "owner repairs" or "non-oem" that would cover the things that are more difficult than simple part replacement or bolting in an out-of-the-box mod, but would encompass the vintage, the bus people, and probably the homebuilders, all of which are going to have many of the same issues, at least IMHO.