Joining the ranks of the SOB's

EMD_Driver · 12-18-2014, 02:02 PM

Since the auction for the F-345SR didn't pan out for us, we decided to see what else was out there that we would be able to live in. Kitty and I had talked several times, about what would be the best replacement for Sunny would be. We had looked inside several Excel fifth wheels at the RV show in Chantilly, VA in 2010. That had me hooked. Our Sunny is wonderful, but it's about due for a roof and we're going to be putting as much money as possible, into our new house, next year.

We looked at several Excels and tried for a 2005 in North Carolina. It had pretty bad slide damage, in the main slide. We couldn't work out a deal for it.
We also looked at one in PA... Not too far from the old Sunline factory. We liked the floorplan, but the 1-3/8" thick compartment doors all needed serious repair. Also, the fabric on the furniture was hideous and Angie hated it. We couldn't come to a deal for it either...

The last one we looked at, was a 2007, with a rear kitchen. It's at a Camping World in Chattanooga, TN. It's not as long as Sunny, but it has a great floorplan.

This one is also a Limited model. That means wood flooring in the kitchen, bathroom and at the entry door. It also means that it has a fiberglass roof. No rubber roof, to have to replace. With my knee being as bad as it is, setting-up Sunny is nearly impossible. This coach has hydraulic levelers and stabilizers on it. Should be much easier for me. We're taking Sunny to Tennessee tomorrow and picking the Excel up on Saturday. It's not the best time of year, to be trading trailers, but I wanted to have the deal done, before I have surgery. I will probably be laid-up for at least two months afterward.

Here are a few more pics...

**JohnB** · 12-18-2014, 08:50 PM

Wow Gary, that is a nice looking camper.

I like the lighter color interior. They do a nice job with it.

I see they have the big fridge in it. Floor to slide cieling. Hold more stuff.

Thanks for sharing. Best of luck to Angie and you with it. It is a really nice looking unit. Hope the best on the leg too.

John

Poppy & Nana · 12-18-2014, 09:06 PM

X2 what John B said!!!!!

**Tweety** · 12-19-2014, 06:09 AM

Ditto! Enjoy!

Diane · 12-19-2014, 08:25 AM

Welcome to the SOB group! That is a gorgeous camper.

Also, hope your surgery goes well and that recovery is quick.

bunjin · 12-19-2014, 08:55 AM

With this.....why build a house. That thing is huge! I also like the light color. Very comfortable.

Good luck and enjoy.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Wannabes · 12-19-2014, 10:23 AM

Gary,

Really looks nice, and like others we like the light interior too! Hope all goes well with all you have going on in your life.

hiller64 · 12-19-2014, 03:44 PM

Hi Gary

What a great looking rig I really like the light wood. It funny you mention the 2010 Chanilty Show because we ran into Kitty inside an Excel they had on display at an RV show. We all sat and chatted for a bit about how nice the Excels where. They make a fine 5th Wheel. Does your new trailer have hydraulic disc brakes a lot of the high end Peterson Industry 5th wheels do.

Hope your knee surgery goes well Barb is recovering from having her shoulder replaced two weeks out hoping she is feeling better for the camping season.. Let us know if you need any thing as we are just down the road.

EMD_Driver · 12-20-2014, 01:34 PM

Thank you everyone! It's now official.... uploadfromtaptalk1419104068211.jpg

Relie · 12-20-2014, 05:09 PM

That's one beautiful unit. Best of luck with it. Love the floor plan.

Dave

**JohnB** · 12-20-2014, 09:25 PM

Congrats Gary and Angie! When you get her home, we need more pics!!!

You know us, we like pic's....

Safe Travels

John

Mellow Yellow · 12-21-2014, 10:38 AM

Beautiful looking rig Gary and Angie !! Congrats !

apackoftwo · 12-24-2014, 07:07 AM

Excels have an excellent reputation. Congratuations!

vcrt · 12-24-2014, 09:10 PM

Happy travels with the new camper and a speedy recovery from your surgery Gary.
Rich and Barbara

EMD_Driver · 12-24-2014, 10:57 PM

Thank you everyone, for the well-wishes! We have guests for Christmas, so the Excel is setup at the top of our driveway and ready.

We went to see a surgeon, that is in the orthopaedic office I have been going to. He flat-out told me that he is not comfortable doing the knee repair surgery. Since I tore both my ACL and PCL, the surgery should be a bit easier. The biggest problem with a PCL repair, is the nerves and arteries behind the knee. When they drill through the bone, the drill bit will come out right where those nerves/arteries are. There is a real chance, that the bit could sever either one. I would either lose all feeling and motor control below the knee, or I could bleed-out. This surgeon is not really willing to attempt it.

They referred to Union Memorial, in Baltimore, MD. The surgeon there is on the physician team for the Baltimore Ravens football team. We have no idea when we might get an appointment there, but like I've been doing, I'll just keep waiting.

JTurner · 12-26-2014, 03:38 PM

Gary -

Union Memorial is one of the best Orthopedic Hospitals around. I had my surgery there in April of 2013. The surgeon that replaced my knee is also in that group that the Ravens use. I had a great experience there and no problems whatsoever with the surgery. It's a wonderful hospital but the parking sucks.

Best of luck to you and happy new year.

Jenny

EMD_Driver · 12-26-2014, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTurner

Gary -

Union Memorial is one of the best Orthopedic Hospitals around. I had my surgery there in April of 2013. The surgeon that replaced my knee is also in that group that the Ravens use. I had a great experience there and no problems whatsoever with the surgery. It's a wonderful hospital but the parking sucks.

Best of luck to you and happy new year.

Jenny

Thank you Jenny,

The Doctor I am supposed to see, is Dr. Hinton. I'm hoping he can help a bit.. This really sucks!

Gene · 12-26-2014, 08:14 PM

The Excel looks nice Gary, all the best to you and Angie with it.

Also, hope the surgery goes well. It must be frustrating trying to do the things are so used to doing but having to put up with a blown out knee and the pain. May the new year be a positive one for both of you.

Please do keep us all updated with your progress.

Tourist · 12-28-2014, 12:06 PM

Gary
Hope your surgery goes well and you have a speedy recovery. Congrats on the lovely NTU trailer! It's nice and bright. Hope you'll have many great trips in it.

Steve and Robin