Hi from Marietta Ga

[Coffee-Girl]

Hello all! I am about to purchase a slightly used 2018 Four Winds 23U. I also considered a 2011 Freedom Elite 26E.

I will be the owner and primary driver. Mostly it will be used for my 14 yo son and I to camp locally on the weekends, take my parents to visit my sister in Illinois, and hopefully some trips to the beach. I am trying to keep it simple and manageable. The 23U is from a dealership about 35 minutes away with excellent reviews for sales and service/repair. The 26E is about 1hr 45min away and the dealership gets a little above average reviews.

I am open to any thoughts, insights or suggestions.

Thanks!

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to our CampFire!
Is this your first RV?

[Coffee-Girl]

Thanks. Not exactly my first RV. My last husband and I have had different RVs from huge 5th wheel, to class A to truck camper to a vintage wanderlodge. Our son was about 8 yo when his father passed.
He still has memories of camping.

I would like to make more camping memories with him. I have finally gotten up the courage (or lost enough of my mind?) to venture out to get a RV.

So here I go!

[jpmihalk]

Welcome to the forum and good luck in your search!

Yes, we are all a little bit crazy. I think it is great that you want to make some more memories in the great outdoors (or it doesn't even have to be the great outdoors, you could go to ball games, etc. and use the RV as a base.)

As to advice, it is always good to have a lost of the "must haves" and the "nice to haves" as well as any "deal breakers" you may have when you go to the dealer to look and purchase. The dealer can make or break your experience, so any dealer that is rated highly is a good thing. Ask about service records and check for recalls on whichever model you decide on. Any competent dealer will provide them for you no questions asked.

Good luck! Make sure to take some pics and post them once you pull the trigger!

[Coffee-Girl]

Thanks!

I went to the dealer yesterday. It’s not a chain but personally owned. The atmosphere was low key and no pressure. And unlike the large chains, they did not act like I wasn’t a serious shopper/buyer just because I was a woman there with no man. I have encountered that at several places.

I am nervously excited. 🙃

[The Gritz Carlton]

Not to throw a wrench in the gears but be sure to check out why a slightly used 2018 model is available. Previous owners may have just not liked RV's...or they may have had issues beyond their tolerance levels. Get the facts. Good luck with the choices!! Here in Stockbridge if I can help you in any way!!

[Coffee-Girl]

Excellent point. The RV was a rental from a small place. I spoke someone else who purchased one from them as as well, he said theirs was well maintained and in great condition. This has a little over 5k miles on it and I do not recall the generator hours (I’m thinking like 200 range). I am going to ask for the maintenance records and where service was done. I am hoping it was done at the service portion of this dealership.

I am getting my questions ready for Monday. Let me know of any specifics I should include. I rode in it and drove it just to make sure I wasn’t overwhelmed.

I grew up in Rex, Ga- not too far from where you are now. What a small world.😀

[The Gritz Carlton]

With only 5K miles it couldn't have been hurt too bad so I wonder why it was removed from the rental fleet so soon. I will put together a list of things I would look for...lots of seasoned qualifiers here will probably do the same for you. Rex...2 miles up the road. I live on Shields Road.

[Coffee-Girl]

I have been watching the rental website for a long time- I had thought about renting from this place a few years ago. From what I see on the website, the RVs are turned over about every 2 years (give or take). The owner doesn’t seem to keep them for long periods.

I am researching things to look for, checklists etc... there is so much info on this forum- it’s awesome!

The owner told me if I decide to purchase to bring my son and plan on at least 4 hours to go through the RV. He also suggested for us to camp nearby and if Inhad any issues, he could send someone to help me.

I lived off Hwy 42 and Rex Road. I haven’t been down there in years.

[Bob Denman]

Four hours is a pretty decent start... Since the rig is used: you definitely want to make double-sure that everything is up to snuff!
Good luckk!

[Mr Sunshine]

It's just me, but I won't consider a RV with a corner bed. Not as much of a problem with just one person in it, but still a pain to make the bed.

Be aware that the dealer is almost certain to offer you a pricey extended warranty. Those warranties have been extensively discussed here and on other forums. I am not a fan.

Good luck with your decisions, and happy camping!

[Lovemylife]

You can do this! I am 72 YO ann can travel alone. Of course with my two fur babies, chihuahua and hound mix. Good luck to you.

[Bob Denman]

With Co-Pilots like them: you're in good paws!

TinkerBell handles the navigation duties, and the Missus keeps the right chair from getting too dusty!

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1531609343

[Coffee-Girl]

I have not enjoyed making any RV bed 😂😂. I am hopeful that it it will be better than making the bed in the truck camper we once had.

I really appreciate all the encouragement. My main focus is to make sure it’s not a unit that has damage or major issues......

[Bob Denman]

Consider yourself to be "on a break"; from making the bed!

[Lovemylife]

Yep. Cute Pom you have there. Had a chihuahua pom mix. cutest dog ever!

[Bob Denman]

Thanks!
Five pounds of dog: five-hundred pounds of personality!

[Lovemylife]

Hey coffee-Girl, I don't make the bed. I fold a sheet in half, stuff it into a sleeping bag, then take the end and just flip it so it is neat on the weird bed of my 22E (all sides of bed enclosed!!)

[Coffee-Girl]

Sounds like a plan!

[Coffee-Girl]

Just a slight error on my part..... the unit has a little over 15k miles.... I typed it incorrectly..... 😐 sorry