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caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
caseharts
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I want to get a rialta but I can't afford to drop 15+ thousand at once. (advice please)

Ive been looking for comparable vehicles... they don't exist.

the lesharo just lacks the awesomeness of the rialta, but I actually found a 1989 lesharo that has all the features of the one tynan has in his 1995 or whichever year it is (full sized bed in back, shower, 20+ mpg, parking ability etc)  its only 4000 bucks obo. the next comparable rialta with the same features is 17 thousand. Im about to graduate from college ( accounting major) I know money but I want to get on the road. Im a wrestler, and want to travel training at mma gyms across the nation for a few years. I know I am new here, I have read tynans book. I have done countless research on this but I just need advice from people actually versed in rialta's and the rv world in general. 


any advice is welcome! 

thank you!

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Peter Park hasn't filled out their bio yet.
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Few things to note though:

A rialta does not get anywhere close to 20mpg. The VW Eurovan that Winnebago built its house side upon barely gets 20mpg. More likely you'll get 13-15mpg.

RVs can cost a lot of money. Repairs will vary a lot but expect to likely put in at least another $1k in repairs in the first year. The one time sales tax is usually around 4% of the purchase price too.  If you don't have a job or sizable bank, I wouldn't advise anyone to spend all their money on a RV.

You don't necessarily need a Rialta either. A converted van, an older RV, or different model RV could work too. The nicest thing about the rialta is probably just the small size but there are other options. And if you stay away from the top 5 big cities like NYC, Chicago, and LA/SF then you shouldn't have issues parking anywhere. And if you are in a top 5 big city, it makes a lot more sense to rent a spot if you're staying long term then park on the street anyway.

Also, look at craigslist and ebay often. Just because someone has the RV listed for 20k doesn't mean they wouldn't sell it for <15k. If you can find someone that still a has a lien then you can easily negotiate with their bank to lower the amount even more.

Make sure you want to do this too. RV living is a real adventure but there can be a lot of challenges too. Especially if you're moving around often.
caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
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thanks for getting back to me !


I agree they probably don';t get near the advertised mpg. 

I have to ask, are there any models you'd advertise, and a conversion van is too small imo.

im looking for something with the rialta amenities: full bed, shower, sink, toilet, tiny kitchen, a small desk, and the size is a selling point.

I understand all the difficulties 8 months out of the year im starving wrestling, and living in a bus or car going from tournament to tournament, I can handle rv living im sure I understand getting creative, but id be parked at the same place several months at a time, usually at a gym. 

Money wise you have a point, I work a lot and am saving up. but they are horribly expensive, but actually cheap for rv's.


Im curious as to how people feel about the lesharo since I can go buy that one that one today. 

if you have any models to share please do im open to everything. im hoping by the end of the year I can get into one. 

  

Tynan hasn't filled out their bio yet. Creator of SETT. Adventurer.
Tynan
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I say go with the LeSharo. Only do mods that will transfer easily over to a Rialta once you buy one. In other words, do stuff like solar panels, not hardwood floors.

The LeSharo probably won't decrease much in value, so you're basically living free. Save up some money every month and eventually sell the LeSharo. You'll invest in stuff over the months/years that will transfer over, and when you're ready to buy a Rialta you will have all the time in the world to find a good deal.

caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
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Awesome! 

thanks Im going to be able to work from the rv with my accounting degree/cpa( I assume you do the same with this blog, and programming, im in the waiting list for sett this blog engine rocks!). Im doing it now part time while working night shifts at a steel plant. My wrestling career is over and I think I can do it next year. 


I really appreciate the info, Im invested and ready Il update you guys on what happen. Also thanks for all the info. That book is the most concise amount of info on rv living on the internet intelligently. 

caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
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I just realized that this lesharo has the dual twin beds and the kitchen is to the left of the doorway. the 22 rc is what im looking for the same floor plan as you Tynan it has a more open feel.



John Wes hasn't filled out their bio yet. '95 Rialta-dweller, VFR800-rider, builder of cool things
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I think there are benefits to this floor plan.  I'd probably leave the bed out full-time in the rear and build a desk area where one of the passenger chairs are and have freedom to do whatever in the space where the other passenger chair is: shelves, more desk space, loveseat, etc.  The long cabinet alongside the bed in our models is awkward to access and I usually let that space on the floor get cluttered since I can't even stand up there.

I'd say go for the LeSharo as Tynan suggested.  Do your research to find out what common problems to look for, have a mechanic check it out, do a tune-up including spark plugs and ignition wires if needed , change ALL the fluids, don't forget the fuel filter, and run some sea foam through it.  Tires may need replaced too, check for dry rot.  Citizens might not be a fan if it looks ghetto, if so consider giving it an all white paint job: strip the graphics, clean, scuff, tape it off, buy a cheap electric spray gun, and get'er done.


Keep us updated :) 

caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
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I see exactly what you're saying. there is potential in this one I just hate the kitchen :/

Joe hasn't filled out their bio yet. Software Engineer Extraordinaire
Joe
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Check out mine in the thread for Rialta owners roll call. It's the same floor plan as my Rialta. Once I ripped out those captains chairs and put in one office chair the amount of open floor space is probably greater than the other floor plans. 

Joe hasn't filled out their bio yet. Software Engineer Extraordinaire
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Wish I could edit posts in here to snipe in after thoughts -- feel free to private message me if you want some random photos if work I've done or tips/details/etc.

caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
caseharts
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sorry for the late reply. can you link me to the thread I cant find it

Joe hasn't filled out their bio yet. Software Engineer Extraordinaire
Joe
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http://tynan.com/community/40135

caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
caseharts
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thanks loved the thread!

Rcrouse hasn't filled out their bio yet.
Rcrouse
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The LeSharo is probably not the motorhome you want if you are going to be doing a lot of traveling. They are notorious for there mechanical problems especially the transmission. The drive train is by Renault and part can be hard to find. They might be OK,  if you are only going to use them for short trips a couple times a year but they just don't hold up under constant use. The exception would be if if is one that has been converted to a Chrysler V6 engine and drive train (that makes for a super nice vehicle). I just finished a major remodel to my Rialta to enlarge the bathroom. I work out of mine and spend weeks at a time living in it. The new bathroom is something that I have been wanting to do for a long time. You can see my Rialta and all the history that goes with it here... http://www.cccgis.com/Rialta.htm

Good luck on you search

Robert

caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
caseharts
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The only problem is rialtas cost 10000 + I'm a college kid.i don't have 10000 to spend. Want to sponsor me ? 


Lo but thanks for sharing that. I want a rialta for Sure but I don't think I can get that money together any time soon. 

caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
caseharts
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What would you propose for someone who can't afford to drop 10 Grand on a rialta?

Rcrouse hasn't filled out their bio yet.
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I would look for a nice old class C you can find those for a few grand. I don't know how good a handy man you might be but if you can do a lot of the work yourself then there some deals to be had. several years ago I bought a 37 foot Winnebago class A for 6 grand from a dealer it needed the roof replaced. I was a big job but not all that hard. I took off the old roof and re-framed it with wood   then but a rubber roofing material on it. After I got finished I had a Motorhome that was worth well over 20 grand. I spent around $1000 bucks fixing it. Just look and you will find something you can afford.

caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
caseharts
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Thanks.  I'm always on craigslist and ebay watching. The appeal is being able to park the rialta and Lesharo where ever I want. But I can do a reasonable amount with my hands and I can always reach my self worth the Internet.You know of any shorter good class c's? 

Rcrouse hasn't filled out their bio yet.
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Something like this could be nice...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-Class-C-Motorhome-/181073546223?pt=RVs_Campers&hash=item2a28d30bef#ht_500wt_1182

There are lots of these things around and you will be surprised at how cheep you can pick one up. With a small block Chevy or Ford engine your gas millage will not be that bad prob 10-12 mpg. And parts for them are NO Problem!

caseharts hasn't filled out their bio yet.
caseharts
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thanks that would actually rock. I just don't see much of those at that size in texas for some reason. I will look for more stuff like that for sure thanks man!

Tynan hasn't filled out their bio yet. Creator of SETT. Adventurer.
Tynan
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Amazing job on that bathroom. I've seen your site before and love all the mods. Are you over your max weight?

Rcrouse hasn't filled out their bio yet.
Rcrouse
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I actually lost some weight. I removed a lot of stuff...Seat, Carpet, Heater, Holding tank, Sliding bathroom walls and sliding parts, Shower pan, Overhead cabinet and lots of misc pieces. If I did gain any weight it would minimal.

Joe hasn't filled out their bio yet. Software Engineer Extraordinaire
Joe
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Glad to see you made it.

In the end of your (amazing) bathroom remodel file you mention needing new seats. One member here went through the trouble of getting custom made covers for his 1996 ones and loved them: http://tynan.com/community/11323

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