The coach isn’t a definite ‘no’, but it certainly doesn’t scream ‘buy me, buy me!’ It’s filthy, the carpet needs to go, and the wallpaper is peeling. Otherwise, it seems in fine shape. The single pane windows are the biggest issue I saw. I got some data about the weight, but I’m not sure how much use it will be without having an actual weight for the empty vehicle.

The owner actually let me take it out for a test drive. He was fantastic, giving me little hints and showing complete trust in my potential to drive a 40′ behemoth.

The end result was that I came out looking like a natural!

He took me to a fairly empty industrial area where I was able to practise both left and right hand turns, as well as reversing. Not even ten minutes into the test drive, I found myself facing a right hand turn with lots of traffic coming from the left, with no stop sign on their side. I assessed the various windows of space between the cars and smoothly and confidently turned onto the busy street, accelerating quickly enough that the car behind me didn’t even need to slow down. I’m not ready to face Montreal traffic, but I’m not scared anymore. I can drive a 40′ RV.

Now, I just need to know if I can drive a 40′ RV with a toad. 😀

At any rate, upward and onward. I have a few more candidates to assess!

I’m going to view the coach tonight. Can’t wait. There would be exclamation points if it weren’t for the fact that I’m under the weather and bone tired. 😀

My only real concern with this coach is carrying capacity; ie. how much stuff I can pile into it once it’s loaded with gas, propane, and water. This issue, more than anything else, is going to be the deal breaker or maker for me.

I toured a family friend’s 30 footer this weekend, which convinced me that I want at least 35 feet and that I’m really not nuts about the pass-through bathrooms.

I’ve decided to apply for ‘proper’ RV financing as this could end up opening up extra options for me. I’m not looking to get the maximum amount of RV a lender is willing to give me, but rather to make sure I don’t pass a great deal because I’m 5K short on cash.

Later this week, once I’ve had time to gather my thoughts about the Tiffin and calculate its carrying capacity, I’ll contact two other sellers about their coaches, one a bus, the other a diesel pusher.

The fact that the Tiffin I’m seeing tonight is not a DP really bugs me, although knowing the carrying capacity might assuage some of these misgivings. I have to say that the Tiffin has been the only RV I’ve seen so far with a floor plan I can immediately recognize as being suitable for full-timing. Hopefully, its carrying capacity will be equal to its fantastic layout.