Hello everyone,
It looks like I will become a Barth owner tomorrow. When we finalize the transaction, I'll post details and pictures. But for now, wanted to sound off on a few thoughts.

Of course I am very excited. I'd been looking for a pop-up camper trailer, and this just all happened. Very fast, too! It's a beauty, and I am very sure that when I drive it tomorrow, I will love it.

But here's the scary part. I am not very good with do-it-yourself projects, especially projects of mechanical nature. For almost anything other than a "very obvious-to-everyone" issue when it comes to my autos, I head to a service garage. With an RV, I'm thinking I'm even more clueless, and am sure I'll be taking it in for service and repair.

Fortunately I have a friend, an old neighbor from a few years ago, who worked in the RV maintenance/repair industry before it's recent collapse. He's promised to help, but he's now 100 miles away so visits require some planning.

Instead of getting a very used pop-up, one in which a few dings or malfunctions wouldn't bother me, I will have something that I'll both need to care for (so I don't break down along the highway), and that I WANT to keep in the good condition that it's in. Maybe even work towards some small improvements and restorations...

This can't become a money pit, or it'll sit idle & that's not what I want. I guess I am hoping that someone here will offer encouragement, resources, and advice when I'll need it.

This beauty is going to become my passion, I just know that. But I have a LOT of learning to do.

Mike

Congrats on the upcoming purchase! I will break this news to you (which you may already realize), you really MUST become used to tinkering in order to be an RV owner. In fact it's one of the things many of us enjoy about the past time. Sure it's nice when everything works perfectly, but how likely is that, hehe. Just get in there and figure stuff out! It's not that hard. Constant trips for service would get frustrating, and there's a great sense of satisfaction in improvement your new home on wheels.

Thanks, Scott. I have a few close friends that love to tinker & will count on them for help. I think you are right, and am looking forward to learning how to do a lot of things.

Lake2river: You will love it!! Just get it over with, jump in, don't wade. Once your in over your head you may splash around a bit but, after a bit all will be fine!

We did it about a year ago. My husband had never camped and the other day I mentioned selling ours and then look for another, his reply was "I don't think I ever want to be Barthless".

Have fun and we are all here to help....sometimes when you may not even know you need it!

quote:

Originally posted by lake2river:
Hello everyone,

Hello, welcome to our forums

quote:

Originally posted by lake2river:
It looks like I will become a Barth owner tomorrow. When we finalize the transaction, I'll post details and pictures. But for now, wanted to sound off on a few thoughts.

congrats... post plenty of pictures and get one of the data tag too.

quote:

Originally posted by lake2river:
But here's the scary part. I am not very good with do-it-yourself projects, especially projects of mechanical nature. For almost anything other than a "very obvious-to-everyone" issue when it comes to my autos, I head to a service garage. With an RV, I'm thinking I'm even more clueless, and am sure I'll be taking it in for service and repair.

Oh my.

quote:

Originally posted by lake2river:
Fortunately I have a friend, an old neighbor from a few years ago, who worked in the RV maintenance/repair industry before it's recent collapse. He's promised to help, but he's now 100 miles away so visits require some planning.

At least you can call him for advise. Just a suggestion... why don't you tell us what town in Indiana you are in. It might prompt someone to stop by to offer advise

quote:

Originally posted by lake2river:
This can't become a money pit, or it'll sit idle & that's not what I want.

All RVs are considered "Money Pits". I just want you to be aware, that once you get hooked, you'll want to buy toys for for the toy.

quote:

Originally posted by lake2river:
I guess I am hoping that someone here will offer encouragement, resources, and advice when I'll need it.

You'll get all that and more... just ask, we're a friendly bunch.

quote:

Originally posted by lake2river:
This beauty is going to become my passion, I just know that. But I have a LOT of learning to do.

That is the exact attitude you need to have.

Bill, thanks for your comments. I've been on the site here all night, and feel better about asking questions when they pop up. Also have enjoyed the many pictures.

I also spoke to my friend, the former RV-warranty serviceman, and he offered great encouragement. His home will probably be the first destination point.

If we get the transaction completed tomorrow, I'll get pics posted. I think I even saw the data plate when I was looking around.

We're working out some minor details but have a deal!

It is beautiful. Looks like a 22 footer. Where did you buy it? What year?

Can't wait for pics.
Tere

Hi Jim and Tere,
It's a 1976 model...and that's about all I know so far! It really is in good shape. There's a good story behind the purchase, & I'll share it as soon as we get all the details hammered out. Hopefully by this weekend... !!!

Welcome to the forums! Mechanically inclined or not, "You can see a lot by looking." (Yogi Berra).

Crawling under the Barth and looking for leaks, wires with insulation chafing, cracked hoses, squashed bushings, and so forth, can get you alerted to issues before they become ISSUES. Cleaning electrical grounds isn't rocket science,nor is examining tires for cracks and blisters.

The definition of "money pit" varies from person to person, but no motorhome (regardless of age or builder) comes without things that need doing. Some things can be deferred, but safety and reliability shortcomings need attention right away.

Certainly one of your first investments should be joining FMCA or Good Sam, and getting the road service. Good Sam has several decent books on tech tips, worthwhile expenses.

The charm of a Barth is that it's built well enough not to fall apart faster than it can be fixed.

Barth owners tend to be enthusiastic (even passionate) about their babies because of the no-corners-cut construction.

Awesome advice, Rusty. Thanks. I told the owner (well, soon-to-be "ex-owner) this evening that my first priorities are making sure all safety and critical maintenance issues that affect road travel are addressed. I can live without lots of comfort, but won't skimp on road-worthiness.

I lined up my first trip tonight, a 100-mile drive to my friend's home (the former RV warranty repair tech for Monaco). He's excited about going over everything with me. I may even leave it with him for awhile if we don't get things done in a weekend.

Checked out the Good Sam website yesterday. Good Sam also came recommended by friends of our family.

I am a litle confused about insurance issues & have to check into them right away. Liability insurance seems straightforward, but I have questions about collision/comprehensive insurance. Do most use their regular auto insurance agent, or a RV-specialist company?

You want to choose an insurance company that specializes in RV policies, otherwise you will overpay for possibly substandard coverage. Surprisingly (it was to me anyway), Progressive Insurance has some of the best RV policies available - including a roadside assistance add-on that is RV specific and so far has kept me from needing to join any other organizations for that service. My premiums with Progressive are easily half of what some other major companies (including Allstate, who I use for my other vehicles) quoted me. I've had a couple claims with Progressive and overall it was a good experience. The type of policy I'd recommend would be an "agreed value", where you declare what value/payout you'd want on your Barth if it were totaled. Your premiums would be based on that value. Obviously it would be difficult to have a typical Collision policy, since replacement body parts would be pretty hard to find. Treat & insure it like a classic car.

If you do want the peace-of-mind that comes with additional roadside coverage, I've only heard good things about FMCA and the top notch service they provide. Good Sam has mixed reviews, you will get a LOT of junk mail by being a member but they are one of the largest RV clubs nationwide.

quote:

Originally posted by scottydl:
I've only heard good things about FMCA and the top notch service they provide.

I too have FMCA and can recommend them. If you do join the FMCA, tell em "Member F404550" sent you.

In the interest of full disclosure, yes, I do get something for that. I think it's a $5 or $10 gift card to use in their FMCA store.

Congrats on your purchase (or soon to be purchase). She sure looks like a little beauty. In regards to your insurance question, we have had Progressive on the Barth for almost 10 years. Yes, we have needed them a couple of times (not recently) and when we needed them they definately answered the call.

There's all sorts of things you can put into a policy, one that was useful 10 years ago was the towing package. They also have a diminishing deductable which means with NO claims over a 5 year or so period, your deductable will eventually go to zero. Also look into vacation interruption where if you are away from home, and your Barth ends up in a shop for a time, they will pay the tab for your hotel/motel expenses.

Be certain that the policy you get is the RV policy, it also covers accidents that may happen to you or your guests at a campground....doesn't sound like a big thing but peace of mind is worth it.

BTW, most will offer a discount if you are a member of a club, don't know if Barthmobile counts (it should!), but I know that Escapees definately counts.

Good luck with the new addition.

Tina

I had Good Sam when we first started out fulltiming. As Scott said they send you a lot of junk mail......each month!!! For two years after our membership expired we still got their junk mail! Doesn't do any good to tell them to take you off of their mailing list either. They must spend a fortune on that stuff, probably get a hell of a discount rate from the printer and the Post Office.