Those were the words of my daughter when she saw the outside of the RV in a pic on FB and Instagram.
We’ve been shopping for an RV for a while. We even looked at several while down in Florida and almost pulled the trigger on a very nice Class C. (For those of you that don’t know what a Class C looks like, you can go to this post, but generally they’re a bit smaller and have more of a look like that of a truck, rather than a bus like the Class A’s).
So after looking at the on line offerings in Class C’s at an RV dealer about an hour away (remember, we’re in the sticks so that’s about as close as it gets around here), we decided to take the drive and hopefully pull that aforementioned trigger. (You know how it is when you’ve been looking for something for a while…you just want to get it over with already and move on.)
Walking in the lot to the location where the C’s were, we passed a couple of A’s. I remember looking at this one pictured below and thinking ‘hummmm…that’s a new RV that’s been made to ‘look old’, but not in a bad way, but more like in a retro, ‘it’s a little different than all the other RV’s in the lot’ kind of way.
So we looked at the C’s and there was one we liked. But I had to ask the salesman…’are there any A’s that aren’t too big in our price range?’
Surprisingly, he took us to the RV I had been eye balling.
It’s not new. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
It’s a 1997 Fleetwood Pace Arrow with slightly less than 40,000 miles. Apparently its previous owners were in love with it (or highly anal retentive) because it’s in near perfect condition.
Now for the tour.
Here’s the view from the front of the bathroom door. That’s Fisherman doing his best Ralph Kramden imitation.
Those are slipcovers on both the sofa and the chairs, which are quite nice and a departure from the typically horrendous fabric choices that were made on older RV’s (and many newer ones too).
The bottom left of this next picture is where you enter from the side and are looking to your left. You can see not only the kitchen but the bedroom area in the far back, slightly to the left. That’s one of the features about this RV that is unique and welcomed. The bedroom is not totally visible from this vantage point, making it a little more private and tucked away. It even has a ‘real’ door, where many RV’s have plastic accordion type doors, or just a curtain.
I can’t forget to tell you about the coffee maker, which is super handy. Any time you can save counter space it’s a win win.
Another feature I like is the addition of this chair. That’s something not available in any Class C we saw due to limited space, but comes in handy for TV viewing, which by the way, there are two of, one in the bedroom and one above the driver/passenger area.
There’s even a fold down table you can use for whatever (bottom right of picture)…laptop, snacks, etc.
The ‘box’ you see on the console also pulls toward the seat and can be used for the same purpose.
Directly across the kitchen area is the dinette and sofa, with lots of cabinets for much needed storage. Both the dinette chairs and sofa convert to potential sleeping areas if needed.
Now on to the bathroom. Plenty of storage and even a small bathtub.
This picture was taken while facing out of the doorway of the bathroom. Whoever designed this, really made good use of every nook and cranny.
And now for the bedroom, my favorite space. I like the way the bed is at a right angle, rather than facing the door. This layout allows for more storage without sacrificing light, which if you haven’t figured out by now, is abundant. There’s additional storage under the bed, and plenty of drawer and hanging space too.
So that’s the grand tour.
In addition to the things I’ve mentioned that I like, I also like how, because of the abundant natural light, you don’t feel cramped even without slides. (Again, for those of you who don’t know what a slide is, it’s basically a portion of the RV that slides out when it’s parked and expands the living space by 2-3′.) I also like how you can enter from the drivers side, the passengers side and the middle right side of the RV. There’s a button you can press that brings down the stairs on the side which is kind of cool. There’s also pretty good storage beneath the unit, as well as a hand held shower on the outside which is a really nice feature to have. I’ve done some research and learned this RV was considered ‘state of the art’ when it was designed, and I can see why.
Now I’ve told you what I like, now let me tell you what I don’t like.
I’m not a fan of highly grained oak cabinets. It was, however, something I was willing to compromise on, and boy did I ever. They’re everywhere in this unit!
I’m also not a fan of the gold hardware, but unlike the cabinets, that’s a relatively easy fix. There are many other touches I could live without, such as the gold sconces, the floral wallpaper in the bath and bedroom, the floral swag in the last picture, and the cheap bedding.
Will I change these things? Some of them, yes, but probably not the cabinets or the wallpaper. If we lived in it full time I’d feel differently but for one or two trips a year I don’t think it’s worth it.
In other news…
Remember the refrigerator fiasco? Well, it turns out it won’t fit in our front entrance, so we had to shovel a path so the delivery guys can get it into the back. This means they have to go up the stairs to the deck, making the process more difficult, but we have no choice.
We had to shovel a path approximately 40′ long by 3′ wide for them. The snow was packed and very icy, so we had a system where I chopped it up with a regular shovel and Fisherman shoveled it out of the way and so on. It took many hours and a few days to get it done, but we finished on Thursday and hope to have the fridge delivered today.
Who knew retirement would be so glamorous?
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Judy Clark says
Doreen – how exciting! Looks like you got a really great one. John and I had been looking at one , but…….?
I know you and your family will enjoy it!
What a trip getting the fridge in.
Judy
Doreen says
Oh Judy…I’m so sorry. We just never know what the future holds :(.
Nana Diana says
Doreen, I am so glad you found something you liked. It is in pristine condition and low mileage, too! You will love it, I bet.
We have a GMC 1976!!!! that we have retro fitted. Hubby looked for one for about 10 years before he found one that was in perfect condition with upgraded interior. My son has had a lot of fun putzing wiht it, too. Cant wait till you can try it out o the road. Are you going to trailer a car behind your rig? xo Diana
Doreen says
A 1976! Wow…well you know what they say: little boys, little toys, big boys, big toys.
We do plan on towing our small versa. It’s almost a necessity or else we would be limited to where we could go once we got to our destination.
xxx
Poppy says
Doreen, CONGRATS!! It IS a ‘sexy beast’, and a beautiful one, at that! I can’t believe how spacious it is, and you’re right – whoever designed this ergonomically elegant, open concept, one bedroom was very a smart cookie, indeed! I can’t believe all the storage, how it’s got a fully equipped kitchen, complete with extra surfaces if needed. The bedroom is very pretty with ample storage, too. Like you, I wouldn’t have gone for highly grained oak cabinetry, but it works here, and I especially like the subtle wallpaper and gold accessories in the bathroom.
Sorry to hear about the fridge frenzy, but glad to see that you and Fisherman got it all under control! You are such a dynamic duo!
Wishing you many safe and wonderful getaways in your new RV! Now break a bottle of bubbly on that sexy beast’s back and let’s get this show on the road!
Happy Spring!
xoxo
Poppy
Doreen says
Hi Poppy! Glad you like it, because I’m taking it across the pond to Crete and you can be my first ‘European’ buddy to test it out :).
The fridge is here! So happy to have my kitchen back!
Can you do me a favor? Let me know if you received this message. I’m not sure my plug in is working.
xxx
Vicky Hunt says
Wow Doreen! I love it and it is a sexy beast…lol! So much storage…you’ll love that feature. I’m not a huge fan of golden oak either, but it looks to be in beautiful condition and is very warm and homey. I think you could really update it with brushed nickel hardware. I would also paint the frame around the mirror over the dinette to modernize it and help it stand out instead of blend in. I love the neutral flooring and fabrics and can picture the sofa with some bright and cheery pillows. The bedding should be an easy fix since you can pick anything you love. Oh…I agree the floral swag needs to go. Lol! I hope you didn’t mind my input…I automatically start redecorating in my mind. Can’t wait to see what you do with it and hear about all your adventures in it! Happy weekend!
Doreen says
We think alike Vicky! And no worries, I welcome suggestions, and I love all of yours 🙂
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Wow this is very nice. A sexy beast indeed! 🙂
Betty Baker says
HI – WHAT A FANTASTIC BUY THIS IS. NEW LINENS CAN ALWYS BE YOUR CHOICE – IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE WOODGRAIN YOU CAN PAINT IT BUT IT IS REALLY IN GOOD SHAPE. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT EVEN HAS A SMALL BATHTUB. IT IS REALLY A BUY – HAPPY TRAVELS TO YOU. BETTY FROM ONTARIO, CANADA – COME U P AND SEE US. BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HERE TOO. YOURS TO DISCOVER THEY SAY.
Doreen says
I do hope to make it to Canada some day Betty! It’s not planned for the immediate future, but it’s on my bucket list. We’ve been to Montreal and Quebec, but I’ve been thinking BC and maybe even Vancouver would be nice, though the later probably not in an RV.
Thanks for stopping by!
Brenda Kula says
The DID make great use of the space. I’m sure you’ll both enjoy it immensely. If it were mine, however, I’d go to sleep without more color!
Brenda
Donna says
Congrats on the new wheels. Looks fabulous…Happy trails to you…
susan says
Wow. Pace arrow was a cremdelacrem in it’s day. look wht Paul Sandy did with our class c. Wood floors, new hardware, new kitchen faucets, removed paper etc.
I wish you happy trails.
Buy your self lots of plastic boxes and containers. Mouse proof everything.
Have a ball.
Doreen says
Hi Sue! Hope you’re doing well?
Thanks for the well wishes. Get better soon and we’ll give you a private tour :).
Cindy says
Congratulations on your purchase. You’ll have great adventures and I hope you enjoy. We would travel that way because no way our babies wouldn’t come with us. No plane travel for them
Cindy
Jemma says
Hi Doreen,
Back from my visit to Sacramento and just beginning to catch up with all of the going on’s:)
Great looking digs and she is one sexy beast for sure and so very well organized and the floor plan is great.
Aren’t you just thrilled with her and so anxious for Spring or Summer to arrive so that you can take a trip, I am looking forward to your travels:)
Lets raise a glass and make a toast to future adventures!
xoxo
Jemma
Doreen says
Hi Jemma! I was thinking about you just today and wondering when you would be back! Hope you had a great time and enjoyed time with your family.
We are most definitely anxious to get her on the road and can’t wait for Spring! It’s a little intimidating because it’s bigger than we were planning, but I’m sure we will get used to it with practice.
xxx
Jane says
I absolutely love it, Doreen! That’s the biggest and best bedroom I’ve ever seen in an RV. You are smart and practical in not making any major changes for now…just have fun, I simply can’t fathom how this “sexy beast” had only 40,000 miles on it. Didn’t these people take it out of their neighborhood?
Congratulations!
Jane x
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams says
Wow, I’ve lived in apartments that are smaller then that baby. It’s sleek, and yes sexy.
Gold is “in” as my Mom is always telling me…apparently brushed nickel is out, but that’s according to her. It’s nice, it’s light, it’s bright, and like you said lots of storage. What more can you ask for.
Jen
rue says
I love it. I know it’s very 1990s inside, but meh… it’s got everything you need and like you said, it’s very spacious and bright. Besides, it’s yours and you can do anything you want to it. It’s like a whole other house that you can decorate 😉
Sorry about the fridge. I hope you finally got it in.
xo,
rue
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Wow! It’s like a mini castle on wheels! I bet you’ll have fun there!
Tina @ What We Keep says
Hi Doreen,
I’m sure you can make a few changes that will light up your eyes! I think I’d like to do this when we retire…my friends parents are having the time of their lives going all over the country visiting family and friends. My hubby is a terrible driver so I’ll have to captain the ship, though. LOL Do you drive your sexy beast??? 😉
Visiting from O40!
Have a great week,
Tina
Doreen says
My hubby isn’t the worlds best driver either Tina! Lol So yes, I will be driving ‘the beast’.
Dewena says
I’d never thought before about the View from an RV, what a great view you’ll have sitting above the rooftops of cars. And all that leg room, which is the one thing I complain about ever since we sold my Town Car years ago.
It’s going to be so much fun following you and the Fisherman around via your blog. Happy future trails to you both!
Dewena
Cecilia says
I like the layout of the RV! I think it would be so much fun to have one to travel in. I hope it works out for you. 🙂
Yikes, on the whole refrigerator/shoveling a pathway thing! You got your workout, didn’t you? Spring has sprung here. I’m so happy! Hope you get a break from all the cold soon.
Hugs
susan says
How exciting this must be for you! It’s really beautiful and I think with a few quick fixes and your own decorating touch, it’s going to be fabulous – you’ll make it your own. Can’t wait to hear about all your travel adventures!
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Yay Doreen! We finally got to see pics of the sexy beast!! I LOVE it! I truly do!!
*for a 1997 it is in PHENOMENAL condition!! it really looks great.
*for no slide outs it looks incredibly roomy. whoever designed it really did a great job with space.
*for being a little dated I really don’t mind the colors, wood etc. it looks nice and light and bright.
I think you’re absolutely right and smart to not want to change too much – make sure you love rv’ing first. Plus, I truly think it looks very nice and is in excellent condition. I also think that going with an older class A vs a newer class C is a no brainer. We took a class C on a trip once and it was not smooth, the windows rattled like crazy and it sounded like a jet engine!! We took a class A for 2 past trips as once we switched to A we never looked back. Like night and day the difference for comfort and quality in my opinion. Wise buy Lady! Love it!
One question, where’s my guest room? Lol
So happy your fridge fiasco is finally ending. Quite the headache start to finish huh? 😉
Happy week ahead!
xoxo
SharonFromMichigan says
Awesome! I agree with you on the gold tone hardware. I never was a fan of the gold, but that’s easily fixed with a can of spray paint. I had to chuckle about the oak grained cabinets. Our house was built in 1996 and is FULL of oak grain. But I fixed that quickly with some good primer and paint. Think of all the decorating possibilities and all the fun you and Fisherman will have in the “beast”! LOL
Doreen says
You’re so right Sharon! The fact that it isn’t perfect is actually not such a bad thing for an intrepid diyer ;).
I wish you had before/afters of your cabinets. You must be getting close to retirement, yes? Still thinking of starting a blog?
SharonFromMichigan says
Doreen – I have 10 weeks until retirement! YAY! First I’m going to stay with my Mom for a month. My Dad passed last November and we need to inter his ashes. Dad was 88 and Mom is 85, I saw no need to risk taking her in snow and ice to the cemetery in the wintertime in Chicago. Then I’ll help her get her flower gardens situated the way she wants and attempt any repairs around her house that she needs. When I come home, then I can get settled into my retirement. I think when I return home it will be time to get my feet wet in starting a blog. I’m not that technologically savvy so this will be a challenge for me – but I’m looking forward to it!
tammy j says
if it’s ever missing …
you will know in advance that I HAVE CONFISCATED it. such a much nicer word than stolen.
and i will be living in it. i will be supremely happy. the only thing that will have been removed are the fake flowers over the window! by the time i confiscate it though… you will have removed them yourself.
i love every single thing about it.
of course i will have to hire a driver. am currently looking for one that looks a little like tom selleck.
will let you know. maybe we can work a deal. tom and i will let you and your husband share it on special occasions.
Doreen says
I wonder if Tom’s ears are ringing? We were just talking about him the other night and how he’s held up well. Good choice Tammy, although you know I favor Clooney, and rumor has it his marriage isn’t doing too well. One can dream…
Linda Chapman says
Oh, how simply WONDERFUL!!!! I love your new ‘home away from home!’ Already looking forward to going on the first trip y’all make in it! I feel certain you will take us with you!! Right???
Doreen says
Of course Linda! If not in body, definitely in spirit ;).
Sue says
Oh Thank you, thank you. I love seeing inside RVS and just love them. This one is so homey and I think it rivals many tiny homes out there so you got a gem I think. Happy motoring to you ~ Crazy shoveling you two did too and a heck of a “refrigerator” memory.
Pinky says
Wow, that RV is beautiful! It is amazing how much they can pack into one and all the storage!!! I hope you enjoy RVing. My SIL used to have one and they loved it. Sorry about all you had to go through to get your fridge!!! Good grief!
kelly says
so I’m assuming that y’all bought it? It will surely serve you well with all of the traveling you like to do. We used to have a little pop up camper when our boys were little. We have since sold it though. If we ever get a new one it will not be a pop-up! The one you shared looks like it has just about everything you could want! Would you attach your car behind it so you will have something to drive around in while you’re camper is set up at a camp site?
Doreen says
Yes kelly, we purchased it, but it’s still at the dealers and will stay there through December. They offer free storage until then so we will take advantage of that. We hope to get it checked out next week by a mechanic, but we don’t expect any major issues (fingers crossed). We will be towing a car for sure, so that’s something else we need to purchase.
Julie says
Wow Doreen, how exciting! I love your new RV and it’s so big too. Thanks for the tour of it and I wish you and Fisherman a lot of fun in it traveling around. Hope you are having a nice week.
Hugs, Julie xo
Southern DayDreams says
Hi Doreen, Your RV is wonderful. I loved the tour. It looks brand new and in excellent condition. So inviting and comfortable. I am sure you are going to really enjoy your travels in this beautiful motor home. Congrats and have fun.
Hugs, CM
cathy@my1929 Charmer says
It’s really a nice one and does seem like they used the space really well. On before I forget, it’s is a sexy beast, and now a hot Mama lives inside. You two just go together. Your right about the fabrics, usually their so god awful, but these are really nice. Wishing you both happy trails. Wasn’t that Roy Rogers and Dale Evans thing?
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
It’s a beauty…I can see you doing your DIY magic…you say you wouldn’t make many changes….let’s see how long that lasts!….
Feral Turtle says
I think you have sold me on camping….where’s our first trip to cuz my bags are already packed. Have a great weekend.
andi says
Wow…last post was Queen, this one is Fleetwood Mac! That RV looks brand new! I’m with you on the oak + gold. But that would be a LOT of painting if you chose to re-make them. Whew. I need a bottle of wine just thinking about it!
-andi
Amy @ StowandTellU says
When you hit the road, it’s now so much about the looks of what you’re going in as it is about what it looks like where you are going! Having said that, your sexy ride makes a beautiful first impression. It looks so clean and well cared for and I think you’ve got the idea. See if you like the road in an RV before DIYing. Although I’m sure your little touches are going to have big impact. Congrats, Doreen!!
Luanne says
Doreen, I just love the RV! It is a “Sexy Beast”. I know you and your husband will have great adventures. I understand some of the decor is not what you would have picked, but hopefully most of your adventures will be outside the RV. And like you said if you both love it, you can upgrade or spruce this one to your liking. Lots of luck. Luanne
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Congrats on the Sexy Beast, Doreen! I’m so impressed with the space and storage it has! I have often thought about what it would be like to have an RV…looking forward to hearing about your adventures!