Living my long standing dream, I've joined the ranks of the esteemed RV Fulltimer

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Sunday, March 27, 2011

My dream is for sale

You may remember, in an earlier post, I referred to my love of Gypsy wagons. My dream has been offered for sale on a local craigslist. It doesn't include the mules, which is fine.

Gypsy wagon custom built with stained glass - $7800

"Wooden 6x10 pull behind gypsy wagon. Beautiful stained glass windows, one of a kind, custom built. Tows wonderful lots of fun. Insulated and very well constructed. Will sell for $7800.00, i have close to that in just materials. Very unique."






I've emailed the seller for more information. I doubt that it is self contained. But if it is...

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Las Vegas RV Doctor, a review of services rendered



Recently I took a Class C motor home to the Las Vegas RV Doctor for a pre-purchase inspection.

Originally, I had planned to take it to a Big Name Chain (BNC) for the inspection. (Think the BIGGEST name in national service) I was quoted a price of $340.00 to inspect the coach and $229.00 to inspect the chassis and drive train. After recovering from the shock of that quote I got on the phone to get some more quotes. My first call was to the Las Vegas RV Doctor and I spoke with Darren, the manager. He quoted me a price of $150.00 for the complete inspection. I might have been a little leery of going someplace I had never heard of for repairs, but for inspection I was all in favor of saving $419.00! I made an appointment for the following week.


The business is right off of I15 and under normal conditions easily accessed. Due to roadwork and detours I was running late and was a little lost. I called Darren, to let him know and he gave me directions and got me there in no time. I no sooner stepped out of the vehicle and they pulled it inside, amoung all the mega $$$ RVs and got right to work.

The technician/mechanic came out to speak to me when he had completed the inspection. I was presented with a detailed report of what the vehicle needed along with estimates. Both Darren, the manger, and the mechanic knew I was new to the world of RVing. They took special care to make sure I understood and was comfortable with the comprehensive, detailed report.

I was made to feel, despite the older mini MH I was driving. They made sure I knew that I, and that old RV, was every bit important as the newer and more luxurious models in the garage. They were concerned with my safety!



I would not hesitate to bring a vehicle to the Las Vegas Rv Doctor, for any reason. I would advise anyone looking for service in the Las Vegas area to bring their vehicle there, also. These guys not only know RV's but they know customer service.

Their regular rate of pay, for service, is about $50.00 less than the BNC. That doesn't seem like much but it can add up fast. They also provide mobile service.


The services they offer seem to far exceed most! Wouldn't it be nice to get renovations done in the same building as your mechanical repairs?

I'm not the only one who liked them. In doing my homework I found three other individuals that gave this business excellent (not fair, not good, but EXCELLENT) reviews(two here and one on Merchant circle

And I found this website:RV Service Reviews. Which has an index of service providers listed by state and submitted by people like you and me. What a great resource! I'm going to add my reviews, and I hope you'll add yours.

I'd just like to say thanks to Darren and his team, for their great service. I'll see you, again, when I find another likely vehicle!

Las Vegas RV Doctor
Manager: Darren Parker
7770 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89139
(702) 473-5362
Email Address: service@lasvegasrvdoctor.com

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Click to Aid the Animal Relief Effort in Japan!





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100% of the yummy kibble raised today will go towards the animal relief effort in Japan.
They need us... spread the word!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Soooooooooooo sweeeeeeeeet!

It was only a few years ago that I desperately wanted a vintage trailer. Like now, I searched high and low, never finding the one I wanted at the price I could afford. I ended up buying a tent and camped as I had prior to our pop-up days.

Yesterday, my fantasy trailer appeared on craigslist, at a more than affordable and reasonable price price!

1966 Aristocrat Lil Loafer

The picture above was lifted from the Aristocrat Travel Trailer website

"Fun Vintage Travel Trailer - $1000 (East Side)


Super cute vintage travel trailer for sale. Sleeps four. Mini kitchen. Tags good through November 2011. I have pulled this with my Ford Explorer."



I emailed the advertiser, immediately, with a few questions. I was hoping that maybe, just maybe, the little trailer was self contained and had a bathroom.


Alas, it was not to be.


"1964 Aristocrat Lil Loafer. Approx. 12' - NOT self-contained. Runs on electric or propane. There is a little fridge. Replaced all upholstered items in approx. '04."

My head and heart seem to always be at odds with each other. My heart says, "We can make this work!" My head says, "We NEED a bathroom and to be able to carry/hold water!"

I've sent the ad to a few friends and hopefully one of them will buy it so I can stop arguing with myself. I've looked at enough of these little vintage trailers to know that this particular little trailer is a bargain. Someone is going to scoop this sweet, little tin can up, in a hurry.

And yes, I often talk about/to myself in the third person. Sometimes I'm referencing me, myself and I. Other times I'm including Stumpy.


UPDATE: I received a note from the owner this morning and this trailer was sold, yesterday. No surprise there!

Margaret, who blogs at 1963 Aristocrat Lil Loafer Restoration, has done a beautiful restoration on a '63. Her work on the trailer is detailed throughout the blog.

And I don't know anyone who hasn't admired the beautiful, vintage trailers belonging to Sisters On The Fly.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Plan K. Wait! No! Maybe it's Plan Q

I don't know, I've lost track.
So, I am pretty sure I am going to pass on the Shasta. It had a few problems that showed themselves in the inspection. Expensive problems.

I really thought this was it. Theo. The One. I really needed this one to be The One. My heart says go, my brain says no.


I'm going to be smart and listen to my head, for a change.

The thing is, I am REALLY sick of shopping for a rig. I've been doing it for a loooooooong time!

Maybe I should just build one. Like this:
funny car photos - No Motorhome? Build Your Own!
Some plywood, a little duct tape, a few tarps and we're ready to go.


Really, I want an RV for comfort and convenience. I want running water, the refrigeration, the bed, and the bathroom facilities. I want to be able to leave a campsite and know everything is, basically, secured.

Is this what I need? I really think it is, if I want to full time. But, in the meantime, can I live out of my truck without spending too much money to make it possible. I don't want to spend another summer in the desert!

And, can I continue to save money and shop for the RV without a base?

Should I use the Ouija Board or the Magic 8 Ball?


Moving forward...