RV fanatic - RV-Dreams Community Forum

bobwilson · RV-Dreams Community Member

RV fanatic

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bob,

I responded to your post regarding the used u-hauls before I saw this one.

I've always had a dream of building an RV from scratch, but everytime I ran the numbers it came out cheaper just to buy a good used RV and make modifications to fit our needs.

Here's a website I've kept for reference
http://cheaprvliving.com/BuildYourOwnCamper.html

Good luck with your project.

bobwilson · RV-Dreams Community Member

Very neat. Larry I actually came across that website. I think this will be a fun project since I have so much time on my hands. I really like the Krawler Hauler I came across on uhaul's truck sale website. Gonna equip it with a generator & need to figure out the logistics to install a hot water heater. It will be a good amount of work but nothing a handyman like me can't handle!

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

What you are doing is close enough to a bus conversion that bus conversion resources should be helpful for you. Examples are Bus Conversions magazine, http://www.rv-busconversions.com/ and http://www.busconversion101.com/. RV Salvage places like the ones in Elkhart, IN have parts for low prices.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes indeed Bill J is right on. I’ve been to one of the big ones in Elkhart and basically they buy up all the parts, from doors to stoves to windows, etc. that manufactures have left over for one reason or another. Also tons of hardware and assorted electrical supplies much of which is brand new. If you get serious about making this trip to Elkhart, give me a PM and I’ll dig up the address of the huge one I visited for a large part of a day.

Funny thing about Elkhart, they have all this, but try to find an RV store like Camping World. They all failed.

Good luck. BTW, I’d consider as my first project getting the engine and transmission rebuilt and checking out the capacity of the springs on that truck or maybe replacing them all together. Funny, I’ve seen things built in vehicles that weigh a lot more than anyone thought and had a definite list to them.

Bill

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Linda wrote:

Funny thing about Elkhart, they have all this, but try to find an RV store like Camping World. They all failed.
Bill

But the failures are not due to lack of business. Camping World was doing great business, but they got closed due to ownership issues on the building and then the economy crashed. Arrow, just behind RV Salvage, used to have a busy retail business but their wholesale clients complained they were competing so they closed it down. I expect someone to come back in once things get better.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce wrote:

Bill and Linda wrote:

Funny thing about Elkhart, they have all this, but try to find an RV store like Camping World. They all failed.
Bill
But the failures are not due to lack of business. Camping World was doing great business, but they got closed due to ownership issues on the building and then the economy crashed. Arrow, just behind RV Salvage, used to have a busy retail business but their wholesale clients complained they were competing so they closed it down. I expect someone to come back in once things get better.
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Quite true. It was quite an adventure one day looking for a 50 amp extension cable. Just blew my mind what wasn't there vs. what I kind of expected.
Bill
Yes, it is a very tough economic environment there. But last year those we spoke with in Elkhart, Shipshewana, etc. during our yearly visit said there was some improvement due to some manufacturing diversity coming in the area. Also the KZ factory people, who have an outstanding service department, said they were still able to run close to normal shifts. That was good news for them. Great people in that area and they deserve our business whenever that is possible.