I 40 Heading West- Need help, just in case!

[Hidalgo]

In my search to purchase a Motorhome I will be flying into the Dallas area to take a look at an argosy motorhome that is within my pricerange. Should it be ok, I will be buying. Here is my fear.
I am traveling alone and wish to at least think that this community will look after one of their own. I will be trekking along I 40 through Amarillo, Albuquerque, Gallup, Flagstaff, Kingman AZ, and finally Barstow.
Needless to say, this is all desert. I have in the past spent the coldest night stranded outside Moriarity, NM. Would hate to have to do undergone through it a second time. I will have my cell phone (323-395 7042), just in case I need to call someone.
Anyone in Dallas?
Fort Worth?
This one needs a muffler fixed, looking for a trustworthy shop locally.
Hidalgo

[Ken J]

What are your travel dates?

[bredlo]

Good luck, Hidalgo. Sounds exciting - your very own race through the desert, just like your namesake.

I could offer you my sofabed and go along to check one of these out, if I didn't live in Chicago.

Best wishes , cool trip.

[COArgosy78]

OK, here's my 2 cents:

1st - e-mail Brett (thenewkid64) and ask if he will send (e-mail) the latest copy of the Bluelist of Roadside Help to you. Here is his e-mail thenewkid64@tampabay.rr.com. For more info on the Bluelist you can read the post by that name.

2nd - There were some posts regarding reputable RV dealers in both the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and somewhere in Arizona. Don't know if the Arizona one would be close to your traveling, but maybe having the motorhome checked out and/or serviced before leaving Dallas would be worthwhile. Like buying a used car, could be money well spent. I will try to find the dealer name in Dallas and post here, but you might try the search button or maybe someone remembers and will post.

Of course, you might decide NOT to purchase this one.

[maxandgeorgia]

Shades of the Iditarod, not the great white North, but the sands of the great American desert. Best wishes on finding the trailer you are hoping for and then safely making it across the long drive. For sure, all of us at a distance will be checking the postings to see how it goes for you. Keep us posted on your decision and possible journey. The refrain of an old tune--"All day I face the barren waste. . ." keeps running through my head! Take lots of water along Good luck hunting and safe travels.

[silver suz]

I am in the DFW area. so let me know when you are coming. The listed Valley View Airstream Dealers are pretty bad and want to get out of airstream business (Good).
We are about 25 min north of DFW. The one south of Ft. Worth "Happy- something' has just started up, and they dont have a lot besides a lot of brochures. we do have a camper's world north of us. and someone in the forum told me of an airstream repair place between dallas and Ft. Worth. you are welcome to park yourself here, but we couldnt give you any advice on buying an airstream- our pan is dropped and no mice etc! amazing! silver suz

[ALANSD]

Best of luck Hidalgo, keep us posted on your trip. I would suggest that if you go ahead and buy this unit, and have not had it inspected, that you do a short run first to see what is up, and at least then have the oil changed, and trans and all fluids checked by a truck or RV shop. Also be sure to have a few handy tools on board just in cae, AND a roll or two of duct tape, a hose and belt repair emergency kit, extra water and oil, some electrical wire mid thickness that will suffice for a few different things. Bailing wire, and of course fuses of various sizes.

[87MH]

I'll post a strong second to what Alan said.

To give yourself a good baseline, go ahead and spring for the bucks to have ALL of the fluids changed, unless the PO can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that all fluids were changed within the past year.

I purchased mine sight unseen in Phoenix, but serviced all fluids and brakes prior to departing for Houston.

Money well spent.

[Hidalgo]

I decided to fly in and out, to assure myself that I did not get stuck in the middle of the dessert. Thanks to all for the input. This really made me realize that I needed to get it serviced prior to me driving it.
This meant that I fly to purchase and arrange for servicing. Then drive it home at a later date.
I did in fact purchased it. Because I was leery about the trekking along cautiously, I have stored in Haltem City, Texas at a very nice storage facility. These folks treated me with the heart of angels looking after an out-of-towner. They even drove me to the airport. These folks are at Aloha RV, Boat and storage. Off Haltem Rd.
If in the area check it out, it is in fact an excella 24ft. Will do all the proper thing before taking on snakes of the desert.

[ALANSD]

Sounds good, and after all you now have one of the rare models. Good luck!