Question: gas or deisel (10/28/2009)
Response: Hi, thanks for your question - it is gas. k (10/28/2009)
Response: To be honest your max is going to get burnt up just in fuel alone for having it driven and even preety close 900 to haul it on a trailer , i know i cant touch it for 1000,Thanks Mike (10/28/2009)
Response: Thanks for your honesty- what would be your bid? thanks! (10/28/2009)
Response: im in waterloo ia for the next three months i can do it any time it would be driven to you for somewhere between 1700 to 1950 depends on if i would have to fly back or if i can find something else to drive back to ia or close to it If interested please let me know and i will place a formal bid Thanks For your time, Mike (10/28/2009)
Question: Does the RV have plates and insurance on it? We provide insurance, however, we require a base policy. How soon are you looking to have this done? (11/1/2009)
Response: Hi I am still neg with the dealer - i was the highest bid in ebay but reserve was not met so we are "talking"....I have extended the time for the uship ad just fyi - yes the plates will be intact and i will do a base insur if i get this. thanks for your interest. k (11/6/2009)
Response: Did you win? (11/14/2009)
Question: At $1000 would you be paying the fuel cost also?? Thanks (11/6/2009)
Response: Hi, thanks for your interest - what do you estimate the fuel to cost? The rig gets avg 10 to the gallon? thanks, k (11/6/2009)
Response: Hi, I sent a reaponse to this but for some reason it never went thru. I estimate the gas to be around $500-$600 for this trip. So We can do it for the $1000 plus fuel and any other repairs that may happen ie: tires, hoses etc. I will be leaving for Indiana to pick up a RV trailer and can drop off my partner (he owns a towing company also) to pick up your RV. (11/8/2009)
Question: Hello - Thank you for requesting a bid. I saw your listing a few days ago, but passed on it because neither the pick-up point nor the delivery location are near my base, or anything else I have on my schedule, which increases the price. I have to cover the cost of both getting to Guttenberg, and then away from Ashland, if I can't find any other job to connect this to (it happens, but not often). I tried to find the ebay listing but something doesn't compute. From your listed specs, I can pretty much tell this is a Class C. Is it on a Ford chassis? V-10 engine (not known for great MPG)? Do you know if any assistance is available in getting to Guttenberg from Dubuque or Davenport? This can greatly influence the cost. It's going to take me a little while to come up with a cost for this. Any help you can provide in the way of additional information will be appreciated. I'll get back with you later tonight or early tomorrow. Thanks again. ~Jim Henderson (11/6/2009)
Response: Hi, thanks for considering, since the canned ham thing in santa barbara i have been looking. yes, it is V10 - is there anyway to get you the ended listing on ebay? the number was 140353886323. the dealer and i are still working on a price, i was the high bidder but not up to reserve. yes about the mpg, but then when diesels are double the price it is hard to pencil it, lots and lots of miles to make up that difference. thanks again, k (11/7/2009)
Response: Hi K - I found the listing; see my postings below. I think in the long run, you'll probably be happier with something like this. It's not as unique, but probably more functional. You're right about the diesels and their cost, mileage, value relationship. It used to be that diesel fuel was much cheaper, and if you drove quite a bit, it started to make sense. Now, the only real advantage they have is durability, and torque in the larger motorhomes, and even that is coming into question with some of the larger gas engines. If a gas engine is maintained, and treated well, it should be good for a couple hundred thousand miles. I'm a believer in full synthetic oils. If you read through my posts below, and have any questions, just ask. Good luck with the dealer tomorrow. Thanks. ~Jim (11/8/2009)
Question: Hi K, Jim again. I apologize for not getting a number to you yet. I'm having trouble figuring out how I'm going to get to Guttenberg at all, let alone for a reasonable amount of money. I'm still working on it, and if I don't find an answer soon, will call in my reserves....a friend who's a travel agent. I would guess that my quote would be somewhere in the $1600 range as well, pretty much depending on this segment that I'm having trouble pricing. My bid would include a fuel allowance/deposit of $600; any of that amount that I didn't use for purchasing fuel, would be credited towards the balance due upon delivery. That way, you don't pay for fuel that you don't actually use or have left in the tank; and because I rarely underestimate, I don't come up short on my end. As soon as I figure out how I'm going to get to Guttenberg, and how much that will cost, I'll be back with a firm number. Thanks again. ~Jim (11/7/2009)
Question: Hi K, Jim again - Okay, I finally figured out how to get there, and while not inexpensive, it's not as bad as I had begun to fear. I also finally found the RV on ebay and realize it's a Class B, not a Class C, as I had originally thought. The end result of these discoveries is that I'm confident, if you're flexible with the timing, that I can do this for you for no more than $1,600, and possibly less. It wouldn't be a lot less, depending on the mileage and a couple of other things, maybe $50 to $100. Please let me know if you're still interested, so we can make plans. Thank you for your patience and continued interest. ~Jim (11/7/2009)
Response: Hi I am very interested. The dealer and I are going back and forth - I was the high bidder but considerably below his hoped for reserve and much less than the buy it now - anyway we are very close and he says monday he will have an answer for me since i remain stuck on an offer i made him before the close of the auction. we will see, sure glad i was able to find you, looked for hours last night (guess not very tech when it comes to uship!) thanks for your interest and efforts and i will be back to you monday evening/tues am. k (11/7/2009)
Response: Hi K - Thanks again for the prompt response. I probably don't do a very good job of advertising myself on uShip, and I actually don't know how a shipper goes about finding service providers. I know they have some kind of a directory thing, but I don't think I'm in it. I've always just searched for the jobs I wanted, and then have let word of mouth do my advertising. Good luck with your negotiations, maybe we'll both end up winners; the dealer too, he doesn't make anything if he doesn't sell. If you do get it, do you have any idea when you'd like it picked up? My concern is that the closer we get to Thanksgiving, the more difficult it is to get discount airfares. After Thanksgiving, there's a couple of weeks where fares are okay, and then we're into the same elevated fares for Christmas, unless of course one booked the flight in September. Thanks for your continued interest. ~Jim (11/7/2009)
Response: If we agree on price, the dealer and i, then anytime it works for you, it is ready on the Iowa end - and i am very flexible. thanks,k (11/7/2009)
Response: Hi K, Sounds good. Good luck with the dealer. Let me know as soon as you can, and I'll put in a formal bid, with the dates. I know the dealer will need a couple of days to get the money and finalize the paperwork. If it happens, I'll try to squeeze it in before my next job (I have some flexibility on that). I submit only one bid at a time for a given time frame. That enables me to avoid conflicts, and disappointing customers by having to tell them I can't do their job when they want it done. I probably don't get as many jobs as I could, if I didn't do that, but the customers I do get are happy. Thanks for keeping me up to date. The RV looked really nice in the pics (almost always looks better in the pics than in person), and Gulfstream is a pretty decent manufacturer. I think you'd be pretty happy with it. I'll wait to hear from you. ~Jim (11/7/2009)
Question: Hi K, Jim again - Hope I'm not bugging you. I finally found some time to actually give the ebay listing some study. First, I agree with you, I think 41,000 on a seven year old coach might be just a little high. I don't know the industry average, but I do know that I frequently see and drive units ten and twelve years old with 25K to 35K miles. Second, the hours on the generator are incredible...I thought it was a mistake...1700! Even if they had it on all the time it was being driven (to run the house air-conditioning or refer) that accounts for only about half those hours. Is the refer dual powered, propane and AC? I'd ask what brand generator it is? IMHO, Onan is the best, but that is a LOT of hours for any gas generator; and they aren't inexpensive to replace or repair (rebuild). Third, it says the tires are in "like new" condition. RV tires typically "age out" before the tread wears out. Anything over seven years old is asking for trouble. (cont'd below) (11/8/2009)
Question: (cont'd from above) Fourth and final, it says it has stainless steel wheels; that would be truly unique, very expensive, and very heavy. I've seen stainless wheel covers, but I don't think that's what's on here. From the picture, I'd say they are Alcoa Aluminum wheels, which are great quality wheels, not inexpensive, and set the industry standard. I wonder who wrote this description. Overall, the RV looks great, but remember that these things always look better in pictures, because you don't notice the imperfections. Hope this helps a little, and that I'm not just "preaching to the choir". ~Jim (11/8/2009)
Question: Hi!
Check Out My Feedback By Clicking On My Name!
When Is The Earliest This Can Be Ready To Go?
What Are Deadlines For Pickup And Dropoff?
What Days And Hours Can Pickup And Dropoff Be Done?
Does Everything Work? (Lights,Brakes,Air,Cruise,Radio,Heat/Defroster)
What Engine And Transmission Does It Have?
Does It Take Regular Or Premium Gas, E85 Or Diesel?
Is It 2WD Or 4WD?
Does It Have A Hitch And/Or Receiver?
Any Cargo Or Personal Belongings?
Is It Factory Stock Or Has It Been Modified Or Customized?
Will It Make The Trip OK If I Drive It For You?
Please Let Me Know Right Away So I Can Figure My Low Bid While I Still Have Room To Schedule You!
Thanks!
Dave
(11/8/2009)
Question: Hi, I sent you and answer to your question but it didn't go thru so I resent it. As I said, it will cost about $500-$600 for fuel. I leave around the 15th for Indiana to pick up a RV trailer and can my partner (he also owns a tow company) pick up your RV for [content removed - “NOTE: Per uShip rules, bids must be all inclusive.” –uShip] and any other repairs needed ie: tire's, hoses etc. Thanks, Mike @ 4 Star Transport. (11/8/2009)
Question: Hi K, I haven't heard from you so I suspect that the negotiations didn't go all that well. I'm also basing that assumption on knowing that that particular dealer has a reputation for standing firm on his prices, at least on new models. I know he has more room on used units, but I suspect the characteristic trait follows through. Let me know how it's going. Thanks. ~Jim (11/10/2009)
Response: Hi Jim, so sorry for the delay - no we were not in agreement exactly. Perhaps I could have paid more, but then you made the comment about V10 being so hard on the gas mileage thing and I got cold feet..... Do you have any experience with the V6 in the VW/Winnebago/Vista 22ft Class B? enough power? Please give me your thoughts before I begin neg on one of these. Thanks, Karen (11/12/2009)
Response: Hi Karen - I was wondering what was going on. Sorry if I spooked you on the V-10. It probably wouldn't be all that bad in a smaller, lighter unit like the one you were looking at. I don't know for sure, because I haven't driven one of those yet, and don't have any first hand knowledge. Ford uses that same engine in much larger units, fairly good size Class A's, and nothing really gets good mileage in those. I'm sure the VW would do better mileage wise, but that's a smaller, lighter motor home than the Gulfstream. Most people I read about that own them, seem to really like them; but then, if you pay that kind of money for something, what are you going to say. Try to read up on the internet whatever you can find. You'll find good and bad, as with almost everything. My opinion is that VW's are notoriously expensive to repair, if repairs are needed, but they make a pretty decent machine to begin with. Winnebago has been at this conversion motor home thing since 1966 (cont'd)
(11/12/2009)
Response: I love getting your thoughts - so on diesel engines, would you only go with mercedes? what about the lexingtons with diesel engines (but I do not know what kind of diesel engine...) any thoughts mr. Jim? THANKS! k (11/12/2009)
Response: Karen - Thanks for the compliment. Mercedes is by far and away the winner on diesel engines. They've just been doing it for so long, they really have it down, but you're really going to pay for it. Plus, I think the only motor home you'll find one in is the Dodge Sprinter conversions. They're just too pricey for the major motor home manufacturers...Cummins is probably the most common. Cummins, CAT, and VW all make decent products. If you find a unit with the VW diesel, as long as it has been well-maintained, you'd probably be happy with it. Power? You're not planning on racing this thing, are you? They pretty much all have enough power to get you down the road, not as quick as a 'Vette, but then a 'Vette doesn't have a built in bathroom with a shower. If you're considering towing something with it, then I'd take a closer look at the power issue. The only thing I really know about Lexington, and this is not much, is that a couple of their interiors have turned my head. ~Jim (11/12/2009)
Response: Compliment well deserved! I am looking at a Lexington on a ford chassis 450 with a 6.0L V8 power stroke diesel.....like 16mpg for 27ft. humm....know the engine? the other rv i am considering is the v6 (gas) vw winnabego vista 22ft which is supposed to achieve 16- 18 mpg. thoughts? THanks and then I promise to leave quit pestering you! K (11/12/2009)
Response: Hi Karen, Thank you. Basically, you're talking about two different animals here. One (the Lexington) is a larger, heavier, true truck chassis, and all the pluses and minuses that go with that. Main pluses are heavier duty, i.e. larger carrying capacity (pounds of people and stuff), larger towing capacity, and more room. Downside is usually less manueverability (more difficult to park and just generally get around a city) and less fuel economy (though perhaps not in this case). It seems as though the oil barons are trying to stabilize gas and diesel to be about the same price. They've been running pretty close together for months now. The VW is just the opposite; lighter duty, less capacity, smaller, but more nimble and drives and parks practically like a car, with pretty good fuel economy for carrying around a tiny cabin. The VW Winnebago Vista has almost a cult following, except the VW dealers have a reputation for not wanting to work on them. That rep, IMHO, is (cont'd below) (11/13/2009)
Question: (cont'd from above) and started building travel trailers in 1958. Both VW and Winnebago are strong companies that are likely to be around for the foreseeable future, so you won't be left hanging if you need a part. You didn't say what year VW you were considering, but I think most of these are gas engines, that deliver 15 plus miles per gallon. VW makes excellent engines, both gas and diesel. One last thought on the Gulfstream; the V-10 wouldn't have scared me away, even though I'm not particularly fond of Ford (although they're slowly winning me back to their side...no bankruptcy, no TARP money, no bailout....and their sales are strong considering the economy, because they're making some decent, innovative cars...in fact, they sell one in Europe, a diesel, that gets 65 MPG) but in all my years, I have never seen a generator with 1700 hours on it in that amount of time. I still can't figure out what they were doing with that motor home. ~Jim (11/12/2009)
Response: yes, on the 03 gulfstream there were some curious concerns, unanswerable because it was bought by Brown's at auction - looked from carfax like it had been dealer owned for 30K of its 41k miles and then owned privately and then found itself in an auction - could be that the dealership that took it in trade went under?????? B of A had the auction. So these curiousities went against it in my mind for his price and my "newness" to all this. Had great eye appeal - but perhaps need more room in case someone besides myself and small critters want to use it at the same time....k (11/13/2009)
Response: Hi Karen, You're certainly not pestering me and I'm glad to help in any way I can. You're listing is about to expire and we're going to lose contact again, so if you have anything else on your mind, let's talk about it before the listing expires. Like I said earlier, I don't know much about the Lexington brand or it's build quality. You just need to look at one with a critical eye, and hope what you can't see (inside the walls) is built to the same standard (if the outside is good). Things should fit well, cabinets should have solid wood faces and doors, plumbing and electrical should be neat and tidy, well marked where appropriate, and with good quality fixtures (not plastic). Windows should be double-paned, and I prefer solid surface counter tops over plastic laminate (often called Formica, which is a brand of p/l). The floor should feel solid when you jump up and down on it. Storage areas should appear finished. The quality and construction of the roof is critical. ~Jim (11/13/2009)
Question: (cont'd from above) probably not wholly deserved (and I generally despise car dealers). The Vista is the ultimate hybrid; the cab and practically everything that's in it, and forward of the house part is made by VW, and serviced by them. The rest of it, including the rear axle, is made by Winnebago, and serviced at Winnebago dealers. At least, that has been my understanding. People bring their Vistas to the VW dealer expecting them to service the entire unit, and that leads to problems. Ford has been making heavy duty trucks for decades and does many things right. There are people who swear by that Powerstroke, and people who swear at it. I can't endorse it or condemn it. When it's good, it's very good, and gives outstanding mileage considering the weight it's generally moving around. When it's bad..well, you know. My general feeling about all things automotive is that maintained well, and not pushed too hard, your chances are better that you won't have major problems. ~Jim (11/13/2009)
Question: Hi Karen, Thought I'd get in one last message before your listing is gone. I was thinking about your situation today, and came to a couple of conclusions. Before you decide what to buy, you should decide what you want, I mean in terms of how you're going to use the RV and how long you plan on keeping it. The longer you plan on keeping it, the more you should consider higher quality units, and the longer you have it, and the more miles you put on it, the more a diesel makes sense. Conversely, if you plan on using it for mostly short weekend trips, then the smaller, more mid-range units would probably suit you better, as far as value is concerned. The VW Vista is a nice compromise between a motorhome and a full size SUV or van, and you'd be comfortable driving it every day in place of a car. Also, it's FWD, one of the only motorhomes that is FWD, but unless you're in snow, IMHO, it's no real advantage. Two high quality Class C manufacturer's I think you should consider (cont'd) (11/13/2009)
Question: (cont'd from above) are Lazy Daze (lazydaze.) and Born Free (bornfreemotorcoach.). These are generally considered to be the best Class C's on the market, (the Dodge Sprinter, read Mercedes-Benz, is really a B) and as such, are pretty expensive new, and they tend to hold their value, because there are many people who want them, and can't afford, or don't want to pay "new" prices. They both use high quality components to put their units together. That said, they are very different, as you'll notice if you check them out on the web. Lazy Daze is a unique company, that does things their way, and seem to be doing okay as they've been in business about 50 years, and their coaches are somewhat "dated", I guess is the word I'm looking for. Born Free is just the opposite and seems to have young designers on it's staff. Have fun checking them both out, and then seeing how tough it is to find a used one, at a reasonable amount. Have fun shopping. Hope to hear from you "down the road". ~Jim (11/13/2009)