Entered RV world!

[Big Jim]

Well, did the deed and bought a older 1976 Dodge RV; about 21' long; 318 V8.
Everything on it works; has a newer furnace & h20 heater, newer tires, runs & drives fine (drove it on Monday out in the ice & snow).

I have 2 questions about this rig:

1. The factory rooftop A/C unit; don't think it's practical for Alaska (please correct me if I'm wrong) but it does work. Was thinking that if not needed, dismantle it from the roof of the RV; it likely weighs pretty much but do you guys think that it'd be too much of a hassle to close up the hole in the roof? The more I think about it; the more it makes sense to leave it!

2. Where can I get carbon monoxide and propane gas detectors? Picking up the RV in Wasilla in July.

Thanks-Jim

 

[Derby06]

I'd leave the AC, but if you do choose to take it off, I am pretty sure the hole is the same size as your other vents, so you just put one of them on there. Detectors I'd say Walmart, Target, etc... Worst case and RV dealer.

 

[Big Jim]

thanks Derby; also thought of a few other things I need advice on (anybody!):
the roof doesn't leak but looks like it could use a coating of some type to seal it; does it have to be a specialized RV type product or could I use something from Home Depot? Think they've got rubberized roof stuff.

also the interior could use a good cleaning (carpet, upholstery/cushions); what's the best way to do this? Have a carpet cleaning company just come and steam clean it? concernd about it drying out properly, especially the carpet.

changing the inner tire of the dual rear setup; never done it, any special stuff or knowledge for that procedure?
Thanks

 

[Derby06]

Jim,
For the roof, use the RV stuff. If yours is all dry and cracked looking, scrape off what you can. Then put on a bead of silicone if you want and afer that dries put on the roof coating. Stuff is pretty flexible and works well.
Check out this site...Its a wealth of knowledge..will probably get answers there for the carpet and tire question...
http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php

 

[AKFishOn]

For the carpet cleaning I would clean it yourself you can rent a machine and a wand. Less than $40 with plenty of soap.

 

[LuJon]

I was at a soccer tournament in FBX one year and it was VERY HOT. I would leave the AC based on that experience alone but it may also be a good selling feature one day.

 

[walk-in]

I removed the AC unit from the top of my camper last year. It didn't work and was starting to leak. The hole was the same size as the other roof vents, so I just installed a new one there and sealed around it. Doing it in the Lowes parking lot in Wasilla on our way to Seward was a PITA, but other than that there was nothing to it.

 

[oldmil007]

Jim,

Congrats on the new rig, is that the one you were talking about last Fall?

For the CO2 and propane detectors, boat supply outfits (like West Marine) carry them so I supose the RV stores probably do as well.

What material is the roof made of, fiberglass or metal? If it's glass and you just want eliminate the opening altogether there's fairly easy ways of doing that too. Send me a PM for some ideas.

- Jay

 

[chico99645]

Not sure what your gonna use your RV for, but me personally, I hate carpet in an RV. I have linoleum floors and put down a few throw rugs that you can shake off outside and sweep the floor. If you have dogs, spill something or get the carpet wet, smells etc become an annoyance. To me its a no brainer. You might entertain just ripping out the carpeting and laying in some cheap linoleum. You have many options to choose from including adhesive squares. As far as sealing your roof, use the RV stuff. Its not that much more expensive. I check my roof once a year and add sealant if it needs it. Its cheap insurance. Believe it or not, I've used my AC a few times over the past few year, but not for the past 3. Man I hope we have a warm summer for a change.

I have been entertaining the idea of ripping out my shower. I was thinking of installing a raised platform about 12 inches to store soda, can goods etc... then on top of the platform put my 5 cu freezer on it. Currently now it fits between the master bed and wall which blocks foot access on that side of the bed. Then up high, over the freezer I want a hanging bar to hand up coats etc... Then with the plumbing, I want an outside hose to rinse off outside. Currently we hardly ever use the shower due to camping at RV parks with Showers already. And if we don't we just take a sponge bath. Less water usage and grey water hold. I'm a little apprehensive to do the job myself, cause if I screw it up, my wife will shoot me. Haven't found someone yet to do it for me professionally.

 

[MRFISH]

Big Jim, I've got one pretty similar to yours in size and age and I've been thinking about ripping out the hot water heater lately. I don't even know if it works anymore. Honestly, in the almost 10 years we've had this rig, I've never even tried to fire it up, nor have I (or the wife) even worried about having on-demand hot water. Pretty much the only hot water we use is for dishes or for the occasional sponge bath and we just heat that on the cooktop. If I took out the heater, I'd get 8-10 cu ft of additional storage space, which is always a premium on these smaller units.

 

[sayak]

Not sure what your gonna use your RV for, but me personally, I hate carpet in an RV. I have linoleum floors and put down a few throw rugs that you can shake off outside and sweep the floor. If you have dogs, spill something or get the carpet wet, smells etc become an annoyance. To me its a no brainer. You might entertain just ripping out the carpeting and laying in some cheap linoleum. You have many options to choose from including adhesive squares. As far as sealing your roof, use the RV stuff. Its not that much more expensive. I check my roof once a year and add sealant if it needs it. Its cheap insurance. Believe it or not, I've used my AC a few times over the past few year, but not for the past 3. Man I hope we have a warm summer for a change.

I have been entertaining the idea of ripping out my shower. I was thinking of installing a raised platform about 12 inches to store soda, can goods etc... then on top of the platform put my 5 cu freezer on it. Currently now it fits between the master bed and wall which blocks foot access on that side of the bed. Then up high, over the freezer I want a hanging bar to hand up coats etc... Then with the plumbing, I want an outside hose to rinse off outside. Currently we hardly ever use the shower due to camping at RV parks with Showers already. And if we don't we just take a sponge bath. Less water usage and grey water hold. I'm a little apprehensive to do the job myself, cause if I screw it up, my wife will shoot me. Haven't found someone yet to do it for me professionally.

Those are good suggestions, especially the carpet one. Carpet is nothing but trouble when you are surrounded by mud, sand or snow. Vinyl is a way better way to go, and you can always put down small rugs for your tootsies on chilly mornings.
If space is a problem, yank your shower and W/H, and appropriate it for other things. Unless you plan to tour the interior in the summer, yank the A/C. This year, with fuel prices nearing $5, you probably want to go as light as possible, especially with a Dodge 318 (bullet proof, but not very fuel efficient in my experience).

 

[Big Jim]

thanks for all the tips guys!
Yeah, thinking that carpet is going to come out for sure. Linoleum sounds good. Intended use? Well, actually it will need to be my home away from home really. I typically spend 3 weeks or so in Jul/Aug chasing reds on the Kenai and a few salt trips with friends so mostly it will be parked in Sterling at the RV park (Max's place) or Homer at the RV park near Two Sisters bakery (anyone know what that rv place is called or contact info?)
Being that it will be "home" base and the water heater is new, will leave those in for now and see how much it gets used; this is my first foray into the rv thing. The toilet/shower are both in the same space; very small like a airplane lavatory. My challenging issue is that since I'll be completely mobile, I don't have a place to really work on it, will have to be "on the fly" and any modifications will be on the spot; like that AC removal in the Lowe's parking lot!
Jay, it may be the same unit; I did check out another one that was a little bigger and had a great newly remodeled interior but was a little higher priced and the exterior had some issues. Roof I believe is aluminum; it does already have some kind of coating on it that looks okay but someone put another layer of Henry's or something over the seams, just want to make sure it's all good.
Yes, the fuel; thinking it will be interesting on the road trip to Homer! Going to pick it up in Wasilla in July and immediately drive it to Homer.
So is there a RV place in Wasilla or someplace on the way that I can pick up the roof stuff and some detectors? Kinda worried about the detectors as I don't want to die the first night I sleep in it! The furnace runs on propane as well as the fridge, h2o heater and stove/oven.
Generator? there's a place in the rear of the RV (has an outside hatch) for space for a unit; thinking a Honda or similar 2000 watt unit? Geez, gettin' all excited about it! I'm sure the questions will keep rolling!
Thanks again----Jim

 

[chico99645]

thanks for all the tips guys!
So is there a RV place in Wasilla or someplace on the way that I can pick up the roof stuff and some detectors? Kinda worried about the detectors as I don't want to die the first night I sleep in it! The furnace runs on propane as well as the fridge, h2o heater and stove/oven.
Generator? there's a place in the rear of the RV (has an outside hatch) for space for a unit; thinking a Honda or similar 2000 watt unit? Geez, gettin' all excited about it! I'm sure the questions will keep rolling!
Thanks again----Jim

Valley RV is very close to the Glenn Hwy/Parks Hwy intersection. Get off on Trunk Road. They are right next to Baileys Furniture and across the Hwy from Gator Glass. Great People. They have alot of stuff on stock. If you have a Military ID card, they give a very nice discount. Very Vet Friendly place. Their maintenance department is behind the compound. Great people and very helpfull.

http://local.yahoo.com/info-22356776-valley-rv-ctr-incorporated-palmer

http://travelingrv.com/

 

[FishKing]

Jim,
For the roof, use the RV stuff. If yours is all dry and cracked looking, scrape off what you can. Then put on a bead of silicone if you want and afer that dries put on the roof coating. Stuff is pretty flexible and works well.
Check out this site...Its a wealth of knowledge..will probably get answers there for the carpet and tire question...
http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php

go to RV repair place and get the self leveling sealant made for the roof. do not try to scrape the old stuff off but just clean real good and apply another coat over top. Most roofs have a thin membrane that tears easly if you try to scrape it off. "I went to several repair places and that is the best advice I can offer" Call the PROS and ask questions. not trying to pick on anyone here.....