Just bought a used Carri Lite, where to start?

[JustinChase]

I've never owned an RV before, and I intend to live in it full time for a while.


It's a 2003 Carri Lite 37' w/3 slide outs, in decent shape. I will rehab the interior stuff, as it all seems much like 'normal' residential, but the systems are all a bit foreign to me.


Is there any sort of newbie crash course, or basic stuff to know kind of website, or post I should check out?


Everything all looks to be operating normally now, but stuff breaks and I'd like to be at least somewhat prepared for those things.


More importantly, I want to know what to look out for, so i don't get hit by a 'shoulda known that' moment.


Any common places i need to rodent proof, or systems I should verify don't leak before using?


Thanks in advance.

[wingnut60]

There is a Carriage section on this forum, somewhat inactive, that might hold some info for you...
Also, try here: https://carriage-lifestyle-owners.com/

Ask any questions here if you get stuck--most fivers are made with similar components.

And, welcome to the forum

Joe

[Primo Rudy's Roadhouse]

I would make sure all the calking is good on the roof and ropf is water tight. Make sure refrigerator and water heater burners are clean

[Gemstone]

Stuff all floor penetrations with 0 steel wool to help keep mice out.
What climate do you intend to "full time" in ?

Regards
Gemstone

[JustinChase]

Originally Posted by wingnut60

There is a Carriage section on this forum, somewhat inactive, that might hold some info for you...
Also, try here: https://carriage-lifestyle-owners.com/

the other forum wants me to pay before even seeing the site

Originally Posted by Primo Rudy's Roadhouse

I would make sure all the calking is good on the roof and ropf is water tight. Make sure refrigerator and water heater burners are clean

It's rained a lot here, I'll go over and check for any water leaks. Are there any common areas/situations I should watch out for?


To check the burners, do you mean visually, or fire them up to test? I assume those are visible from panels outside? I'm considering replacing the water heater for a tankless one, but that may not happen soon.

Originally Posted by Gemstone

Stuff all floor penetrations with 0 steel wool to help keep mice out.
What climate do you intend to "full time" in ?

Regards
Gemstone

great tip for openings v mice!


I'm in the blue ridge mountains, in a national forest actually. RV will sit 20-30 feet from, but well above a creek. Moss and lichen grow everywhere around here. It gets cold, but not usually absurdly so, not for long. I will get some snow. In the summer, it doesn't usually get terribly hot here. I'm at about 2800 ft elevation.



I've already agreed to purchase, but am going tomorrow to do a thorough evaluation of what I'll need to deal with right away. It needs a bit of work, and the price allows for some bigger things to be wrong, but I'd still like to know what needs dealt with prior to problems escalating.


My biggest concern is the black tank situation. I've never dealt with this, and have read some horror stories, so I want to make sure everything is fine or fixable regarding this system before I take possession.


Any other things I should look for specifically? Common wiring problems, or other plumbing issues I should evaluate?

[wingnut60]

The RV is already on a permanent site?

[JustinChase]

not on my site yet. it's on their site, all set up, with power and water. Don't think it's connected to sewer.

[Mtntrek]

Sooo, the honey wagon comes around and pumps the tank periodically?

[JustinChase]

It's not being lived in where it sits. I think it gets used from time to time, when family visits. Not sure what they do with black water. i'm going tomorrow, I guess I'll find out then.