RE: Is This A Good Idea, or What?

[Wayfarer]

 
A Little Background:  DW and I are both 1933 models and, while health is generally good, ailments such as athritis, laziness,cantankerousness, etc., are overtaking us and constantly dealing with the beast known as a Popup is taking it s tole.  DW more often opts for not going camping rather than going.  We love camping in general and would really like to take some two or three weeks trips but won t because of having to popup/down on overnight road stops and not being able to park and go back to RV for a brief lunch or rest.  So, we are looking seriously to going to a small but functional Hybrid in the 19-21  range and have been shopping the local Hybrid market but not finding anything we felt we could afford.  Being retired, but not with any high dollar retirement funds coming in, we are somewhat limited in funds and must continually economize.  Now, with that said (mostly so you guys won t be coming back with suggestions we get something like a big rig and diesel truck) here s what I m wondering about...
 
 There is a place in Houston which says it is the " outlet"  for misc Rockford/Forest River RV s from it s 50+ dealers which have not sold for whatever reason.  Advertised as " dented and scratched."   They have this 2001 Rockford Roo (M-18 Lightweight) 19.5 , which is obviously new as the appliances, etc., are still in " wrappers"  with all papers, etc., included.  Tires are new, although about 1/3 flat.  Entire unit, although no obvious damage, is dirty from sitting out no telling how long.  One of the gaskets which goes around the front bed popout is hanging loose and the toilet is full of dried up " crap"  (literally!).  The unit has all the amenities  such as AC, Fridge w/freezer, AC/DC/CD, double sink, 3 burner stove & oven, Winegard TV antennae, etc.  The NADA shows Low Retail of $6,780 and High of $8,170 without options and $11,165/13,065 with.
 
 They are offering to sell for $8,100 and will pull in shop and thoroughly clean up and restore to new condition everything as needed and then fix anything I find wrong when I pick it up...they say.  Comes with complete new warranty.
 That $8,100 is their second offer and I feel they might come down even lower.
 
 My question:  Is this a good idea, or what?  I can t help but wonder about what rats or mice might have chewed up in the way of wiring insulation, etc., or what shape gaskets, etc., will be in after being around that long.  Canvas (which is setting out opened for who knows how long)?
 
 What do you think?
 

[Tim5055]

 Wayfarer
My gut reaction is to go for it.  The price seems right and they say they will fix anything I find wrong when I pick it up" .  Just do a very complete inspection.
 
 While I m a 57 myself, I understand when parts begin to creak[8D]
 
 

[tlhdoc]

 Wayfarer
I would go and inspect it, before signing any papers.  It soulds like a good deal.  The big question is--does this trailer have the floor plan, accessories that you want?

[Gamecock Camper]

 Wayfarer
My Rockwood pop-up is my second camper and if you are truly interested in getting a pop-up, then I will have to tell you that I am extremely impressed with the Rockwood.  I have a model with a slide-out dinette, shower/pottie, etc.... and basically all the options.  I have not found any quality flaws or design flaws with the Rockwood at all.  
 
 I d look at the site www.nadaguides.com , which you probably already have looked at, and also give it a thorough inspection.... including poping it up and down, looking inside all the cabinets, testing all the lights, all the water and gas/propane connections, etc.....  Look for any water leaks (stains, mold, etc...) and look carefully at the roof and all the seals/caulking to make sure that there will not be any problems in the future because of water leaking inside the camper.....
 
 I bought my camper as a slightly used (used about 2 trips) and bought it for around $7600.....  Good luck and it sounds like you might have potential for a good deal.  I d go for it especially if it has a full warranty.

[NCSunshine]

 Wayfarer
As long as they will fix ANYTHING that is wrong with it I would go for it.  Check it out good yourself and maybe even have a second person to check it out also, two heads are better than one they say.
 
 I would go for it.

[Wayfarer]

 Wayfarer
Just a note to thank you guys for your input, suggestions, etc., and to tell you that upon closer investigation this deal was flawed from the beginning and a rip off all the way.  Turns out the " dealer"  is no longer a licensed Forest River/Rockwood dealer , one of the reasons being that he was misrepresenting their products, not fulfilling agreements with customers (not adding all options promised, etc.) selling used units as new, and just generally being a class A PITA.  His license had been lifted two years ago and the manufacturer is not honoring any warranties on anything they sell.  I was leery of them and called the Forest River plant and found this out.  Needless to say I did not buy the above mentioned RV.  
 
 The company did, however, refer me to one of their real dealers in the area and through him made me such a deal on a 21  Rockwood Roo that I bought it.  It is one fine piece of equipment, loaded with every option they offer (almost), and definitely new and " uncrapped"  in.  For the past two weeks we have looked at almost every " lite"  hybrid made and felt this one had them all beat hands down.  Will pick it up on Thursday.
 
 Hot Dawg!  []

[tlhdoc]

 Wayfarer
I am glad you checked the dealer out and found a reputable dealer to buy from.  The dealer is the more important than the brand.

[Gamecock Camper]

 Wayfarer
Hey Wayfarer, congrads on your new camper.  It looks like you avoided problems by checking out the dealer.  It looks like you have a nice new camper to boot.   You message said you were picking it up on Thursday.... Did you get it yet (on the 15th?).....  Tell us more once you bring it home....

[wiininkwe]

 Wayfarer
Good for you for following up and checking into the dealer!!   Wise move.  And congrats on the new camper.  I read this thread with interest, as DH and I are sort of going thru the same thing you did.  While we both love our PUP, it seems to be getting harder and harder to deal with each time we go out.   DH is ending up with carrying the burden of having to do most of the work, due to my arthritis and fibromyalgia, and he isn t getting any younger either!   Last weekend we stopped at a dealersheip to check out some hybrids (on a sunday so we wouldn t have to talk to any one, we re still just thinking) and we were both quite impressed.  I don t think it will be long for us to make the change also.  Please keep us posted on all the things that you find different, easier or harder with this camper.
 T
 []

[Wayfarer]

 Wayfarer
Yes, we took delivery on Thursday, the 15th, and drug it home.  So far we are impressed.  Spent all weekend switching stuff, adding, taking away, showing it to neighbors, etc.  Today, Tuesday 20, we are going on a short shakedown cruise (2-3 nights) to Fort Parker SP, north up I45 about 75 miles.  Will post thoughts later under this thread.
 
 Tally Ho!

[Foxyladies]

 Wayfarer
I just read your post about your so call deal with the first company. That was terrific of you to call and find out this info. But the best deal was buying your new hybrid.....I m so envious of you. I will be turning 50 next week and that is why I went seasonal. When your camping by yourself you don t want to keep opening and closing the pu. I really don t mind it....its just putting everything in place all over again and then popping down[: (][: (]. My back went out two weeks ago after doing so good for seven months so I was glad that I went seasonal. You ll have to tell us all the details about your first excursion.[]

[Jo Ann]

 Wayfarer
good for  you wayfarer...don t forget to show us pix...we will probably eventually go with a roo too...but not for a while yet....i will be 51 this summer...but still love popingup.

[Wayfarer]

 Wayfarer
Made it back from the " Shake-down Cruise"  in one piece.  Overall, we are pleased with the Roo and other than the weather being cold and wet at Fort Parker State Park in central Texas the trip went fine.  As usual, when we did the walk through when picking up the trailer, things went pretty fast and so we had to call the dealer to find out how a thing or two worked.  Also discovered a leak in a pipe which I was able to fix by simply tightening a connection which should have been but obviously was not checked when the dealer " prepped"  the unit - LOL!  Will get some pics up in the next few days along with more comments.  Will post a note in this thread when the pics are up and running.
 

[Wayfarer]

 Wayfarer
Just got photos of our maiden voyage/shakedown cruise in the Rockwood posted at [link=http://photos.yahoo.com/wayfarer_photo1]Yahoo Photos[/link].  Will have more later, expecially comments about the Rockwood, but am busy camping and revamping my website.  
 
 Later...

[Y-Guy]

 Wayfarer
Nice pics thanks for sharing.  Glad the first trip when well for you.