Off and Running

8/8/13

My dealer, Tony, called me to tell me that they were busy working on a few details to get my  Dutchmen 31P ready to get on the road. The generator needed a new carburetor, and there were a few other things that would add up to about $500. I had expected this as we had done a pretty thorough walk-around-and-through on the vehicle and had discussed each of these items. No surprise.

I got another call from Tony a few hours later. All his rental units were already on the road, this being a very busy time of the year for vacations before people headed back to school. And a family had just walked in looking for a rental unit. They had booked something with a national brand dealer down the road apiece, but had been very disappointed with the condition of the vehicle they had been offered. Tony showed them mine, and they booked it immediately, leaving the next day for a 10-day trip to Yellowstone.

So I get a great rental my first week of ownership. Ten days and many miles!  Not bad!

BTW, for any readers/fellow owners who might be concerned about "just anybody" renting their RV, I would urge you to keep a few things in mind. I have not yet "bonded" with my rig, and it has not been personalized in any way. I'm probably more comfortable with the concept of other people using my "stuff," as I have owned ocean-front rental villas in Hilton Head, SC for many years. People come and go, they use the villa, it gets cleaned and ready for the next party. I'm pretty used to the "we-don't-live-here" philosophy of ownership.

So, until I'm ready to go "full-time," or even "most-of-the-time," I have very little concern about renting the rig. It is insured, after all, and all the renters will pay a damage deposit that will apply to any misuse. I know I'll be on the hook for normal wear-and-tear, and I have a five-year warranty insurance that is pretty darn comprehensive.  I'm sure I have a lot to learn, so, as I learn, I will share with anyone who bothers to follow along.

My next post will probably be when the rig comes back 8/20. I'll try to give you all a full update.

Cheers! Happy Trails!
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