Debbit Posted December 10, 2013 Share Posted December 10, 2013 When we bought our dolphin, we didn't know what worked and what didn't. What we found was: Electric wiring was ok Water pump worked, but needed to be manually shut off Shower worked but leaked Plumbing had many leaks Toilet leaked Air conditioner works Stove and oven work Furnace worked, but fan squealed Refrigerator lit and ran but didn't cool Water heater works Grey/black water leaked There were seams and windows that needed to be sealed, and some leaking and rot in the upper corner of cab over bunk. This is fixed, ceiling is painted walls re-papered or painted both to cover stains and to spiff up the interior. We are lucky in that the mechanical condition of the truck is very good. When I look at campers for sale, especially old ones, I wonder what needs work! So I was thinking about what I like best about the things that work. I don't really mind not having a furnace, because we don't often plug in and I don't want to use that much electricity. I like the mr buddy as a heater. I love running water, and running HOT water, so I'm happy the leaks are all fixed and we have a new water pump and bathroom faucet. I know I will appreciate the AC in the summer, although we seldom will plug in. Maybe a generator will be in our future, but I doubt it. I don't mind that we replaced the toilet with a porta potty. More room and no worry about black water Like the cabinet space and closet...oh and the little private bathroom. I'll be glad when we have a waste water tank again, but the portable one works for now Looking forward to having a fridge too. Really, I like it all, i guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted December 10, 2013 Share Posted December 10, 2013 I used my Toy as a portable Hotel room. 99% of the time it was dry camping in 95+ deg weather. So for me the important stuff,1. HOT water2. A/C- generatorAlthough the time I got a bad weather report and ended up camping in -20 degs then the heater assumed renewed importance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douglitas Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 hot water.. a must furnace.. a must toilet, shower, sink, tanks...must awning.. a must cab air and heat.. a must overdrive bypass cancel switch... a must now needing to up grade overcab mattress...been sleeping on stock surface, but these old bones will appreciate something a little softer. we do most of our camping in the high desert so AC not so nec. Now that we have the battery bank we will experiment with different evaporative cooling strategies...last summer we just parked under a tree next to a creek..but it was still HOT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbit Posted December 14, 2013 Author Share Posted December 14, 2013 How pretty!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob C Posted December 14, 2013 Share Posted December 14, 2013 Having a soft bed and a roof that doesn't leak is about my only requirement. Having a working furnace is nice but not a necessity. I have never even hauled water in the tanks so I know I can do without the plumbing. The truck has got to be reliable no matter what it is carrying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred heath Posted December 14, 2013 Share Posted December 14, 2013 I would be lost without my Mr. Coffee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob C Posted December 14, 2013 Share Posted December 14, 2013 I did all of my travelling on a motorcycle before I met the woman of my dreams and convinced her that she wanted to marry me. Compared to that, having my RV is like having a palace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphinite no longer here Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 That's nice stuff, Karen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailfritz Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 I will be the proud owner of a 1985 Dolphin rear bench seat/bed RV come Feb. It has a full RVc cover and I got to drive it and fill it up in Stockton,Calif. $34! Does it have a 12 gallon tank? I am a tent camper but realize with wife and 3 kids this might be easier and fun! I have no idea (nor did the owner as she never did use it, was a dream not come true) how any of the systems work and all the manuals just confuse me so I'm looking at you tube videos. Anyone have ideas? It has only 43,000 miles, a 5 speed and in good shape. I did see that it has the upgraded 1 ton rear with big axle hub between wheels, I knew that much. Bought it for $6,500 and researched for 6 months looking at Calif. Craigslist till I found this one. Low mileage is hard to find. We are traveling all over Calif.,Or, Wa and Idaho this coming summer so I have the spring to get her ready. Any tips on how figure it all out, to avoid problems or make RV life easier with this baby would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob C Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 Welcome Sailfritz. Look around this site for anything you need to know. The people on here are very knowledgeable and always ready to help. Without this site, I would have made a terrible choice and purchased something that would have been a money pit. I have been able to complete all of my own upgrades and repairs with the help of everyone here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 Your gas tank is 17 gallons. They just hit empty at 12 or 13. Big reserve. Unless they switched gas tanks at some time. Yours has other upgrades that did not come with it. No 5 speed on the 85 cab and chassis which your rig is built on. You say Feb. Did you not pick it up yet? I don't remember seeing this one on craigslist. I keep a pretty close eye on whats available near me. 6500 is top dollar for the year so I hope all your appliances work. What were you able to check. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toyohome Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 I did all of my travelling on a motorcycle before I met the woman of my dreams and convinced her that she wanted to marry me. Compared to that, having my RV is like having a palace. Upon completion of a 5000 mile MC trip, and camping in a tent all the way, I bought my toyohome three days later. It sure is nice to eat, sleep and pee anytime you want! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailfritz Posted December 24, 2013 Share Posted December 24, 2013 Welcome Sailfritz. Look around this site for anything you need to know. The people on here are very knowledgeable and always ready to help. Without this site, I would have made a terrible choice and purchased something that would have been a money pit. I have been able to complete all of my own upgrades and repairs with the help of everyone here.Thanks Bob, I have been feasting on all the topics in the forums, so much great info and links to find fans and other parts for all problems, fantastic resource as you guys have learned through the hardships so we newbees can do it right! THANKS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulnptld Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Two new favorite creature comforts: First, the Bose SoundLink Mini. You won't believe how much sound that little speaker can crank out for 8 hours. I use it in the cabin, but also when I'm outside next to my second recent creature comfort, the Little Red Campfire. http://amzn.com/B00D5Q75RC http://amzn.com/B000O51VJ0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbit Posted December 30, 2013 Author Share Posted December 30, 2013 Those are pretty nice!! I have to say, having a new, working refrigerator IS amazing. Turn it on, it gets cold, stays lit. Wow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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