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Old 04-07-2013, 01:37 PM   #11
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Re: Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

My only comment would be on sleeping arrangements, are you comfortable with always having to climb into the PH? Always having the top up to sleep?

Don't get me wrong, many people always sleep in the PH regardless and it might be great for dogs to have the whole aisle and floor to themselves, but it's not something you want to discover 100 miles down the road.

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Old 04-07-2013, 02:43 PM   #12
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Re: Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

jage has a great point - I've only slept up top once and it is way to inconvenient and not too comfortable. I'm glad it is up there, but our big bed down below is where it is at.
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Old 04-09-2013, 09:37 AM   #13
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Re: Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

Well, We've been in Sedona since Saturday and driven the van daily - the owner is SUCH a nice man we'll likely remain friends regardless.
We had an inspection done and the the van checks out - there is nothing wrong with the van itself.
The tires have some dry cracking, but not terrible.
And the frig is working on electric but not on Propane. It lights and the flame is orange (instead of blue) and it won't get cold.
From the research I've done it sounds like its just dirty and needs servicing.
The local RV shop can't get to it till next week and we have to start driving home on Thursday - so its decision time.
Tires and a gamble on the frig.
I'm ridiculously excited and nervous.
From discussions I think we'll land in $16K somewhere he's not willing to negotiate too much.
I think we're gonna go for it - but I wanted to provide an update.

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Old 04-09-2013, 10:06 AM   #14
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Re: Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

Depending on your usage, having the ability to run the fridge off propane may not even be relevant. Does the rig have a house battery, or maybe more importantly a fresh house battery? If you're only camping for 2-3 nights before driving somewhere else, the house battery should be just fine for the fridge.


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Old 04-09-2013, 12:16 PM   #15
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Re: Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

Or you could have a perfectly functioning Norcold and it wouldn't get cold ever!

Propane fridges are, I think, less efficient on 12v than 2-way fridges. But there is an obvious flame problem and it cools without, so I think it's a relatively small risk (i.e. cleaning, which you'll need to get experienced with regardless).

Look forward to hearing what happens!
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Old 04-09-2013, 12:36 PM   #16
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Re: Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

Jage is right, running a propane fridge on 12V and the engine off will drain the house batteries in short order - not like a 12V compressor fridge.

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Old 04-09-2013, 02:58 PM   #17
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Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

Most likely just cobwebs in the orifice (propane burner). Very common on RVs that sit for any time at all. Honestly, i'd worry more about the dry rotted tires. If he has records and they are more than 5 yrs old I would replace them ASAP.
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Old 04-10-2013, 05:20 AM   #18
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Re: Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

I'd replace the tires ASAP regardless. But use it as a negotiation point first, although I'd rather buy a vehicle that needs tires than have the owner slap some cheap tires I don't want on it just to sell.
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Old 04-10-2013, 07:22 AM   #19
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Re: Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

FYI, you can easily identify the age of a tire by the date code on the sidewall. See http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/ ... techid=11&
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Old 04-10-2013, 09:41 AM   #20
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Re: Hoping for advice on used 1995 2WD SMB

Mine!
And now we have to pick a route back to Oregon.
I will worry about cleaning and maintaining the frig once we get home.
Thanks for the advice - we'll run in on 12v for the trip and see how it goes.
I'm pretty excited to start my own gallery and will get some pics up soon.
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