© 2009 Gail Hunter
Go To Pete's
FOR SALE

2004 NATIONAL DOLPHIN LX 5355 CLASS A 36' MOTORHOME - 2 SLIDES

WORKHORSE CHASSIS - CHEVY VORTEC 8.1 GAS ENGINE
24,000 MILES

2 1/2 YEARS TO GO ON TRANSFERABLE EXTENDED WARRANTY

WATERFRONT CAMPSITE PAID THRU OCT 15TH IN NEW HAMPSHIRE at
EXETER ELMS, WOODED & COOL ON THE EXETER RIVER
Ideal for full-timing, extended trips, or just spending the season in a comfortable
campground.  Why we choose this particular motorhome over all the others for full-timing:
Other desirable extras including:
Screened "skeeter hut" - 9' x 13', portable with carrying case
2 Bike racks - 1 on ladder, other on trailer hitch, folds down
  for ease of loading two bikes.
2 Bikes (old style - easy pedaling) Schwinn & Triumph
Built-in
Sirius radio
Portable small
refrigerator in bay, great for campfire dining
Direct TV antenna with buried cable for NH campsite
Gardening
tools for NH campsite; natural wooded setting
18' rug fits under 18' awning
All connections for electrical, water and sewer
EASY-CARE
Extended Warranty valid to 12/2011
The three (3) compartments are separated by SOLID WOOD sliding doors between living area, bath
area, and bedroom. All cabinetry is made of beveled solid oak with brass fittings.

Two leather captain's chairs swivel to face living area, with pullout desk for navigator.

Storage bays are lighted, have electric outlets,  two latches, & one area goes through full width of RV

Microwave/Convention oven allowed us to have extra drawer storage for kitchen gear.

4 door, 12 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer with ice maker (automatically shifts between AC and LP)

Workhorse Chassis and Chevy Vortec engine.for power, reliability, endurance, and service.
We owned this Class A motorhome in Class A condition and traveled in it for a year and a half. Like the
used car, owned by the little old lady who only drove it once a week to church, we have been around a
while and didn't try driving it in the mountains.  It has the power to do so, but we were more concerned
about the downhill part - too many stories of burned-out brakes.  We didn't tow as our car is All Wheel
Drive and we didn't want to drag a full trailer to carry it. We rented cars where the going was tough, Estes
Park, Pikes Peak, etc. and were thankful they weren't ours. All recommended servicing was observed.
Why we choose THIS RV for full-timing – the amenities, in order of our priorities:
1. Three distinct compartments: living, bath/laundry, and sleeping each one separated by SOLID WOOD    
doors for privacy and quiet. TV in l.r.; TV outlet in bedroom.
2. Two slides: 15’ for sofa and dinette area; 10’ for Queen bed area.
3. Solid oak cabinetry throughout with generous storage space.
4. Bath area has toilet compartment separate from sink area and glass-enclosed shower with seat and
hand spray.
5. Furnace: AC or LP – one unit runs air conditioner and heat. In chassis, not on roof – vented throughout.
6. Driver’s and passenger’s chairs turn to face living room area, + swivel lounge chair and footstool.
7. Full size buffet console with cabinets above & below; beveled mirror background – feels spacious.
8. Galley –
Corian counters; flip-top over 3 burner Wedgewood VisionLP gas stove.  GE Profile                    
Microwave/convection oven above.  
9. Plenty of drawers and shelves for full-time cooking, baking, etc.
10. Incredible 12 cubic foot 4-door freezer/fridge (
Norcold) Automatically switches from AC to LP.
11. Day/Night fabric shades on all windows, plus venetian blinds in bath and galley, front privacy curtain
12.
Fan-Tastic ceiling fan; blows in or out and shuts its hatch if hit by rain.
13. Built-in
Majestic washer/dryer – a luxury that’s become a favorite feature; clean clothes every day!
14. Plenty of storage space in large bays having two latches (not one), lighting, and AC outlets.
15. Full length drawers underneath dinette bench with hinged door
16. Sleeps 6: Master queen bed; 2 on sofa bed; 2 on converted dinette
17. Plenty of lights: spots, ceiling, entry, in bays, indirect, florescent, incandescent, and halogen

When full-timing for an indefinite period of time, THIS IS HOME!  We needed room for favorite cookware;
cookbooks; CDs & DVDs; photo equipment & computer; clothes for all seasons; medical supplies; files, and
art equipment (easel & canvas, plus paints for both of us.)

Why we chose this RV for its mechanical excellence:
1. Workhorse Chassis – Model #W22 - reliable, steady, recommended by most mechnic
2. Chevrolet Vortec 8.1 engine; Automatic Allison transmission with overdrive; more power than needed
3. Cruise control; Overdrive; Inverter; 24.2 gal LP tank built in;154 hours on 7000 watt Onan generator
4. Dual wheels on rear axle. Michelin tires - very good tread
5. Removable Heavy-duty double bike rack on trailer hitch + smaller one on ladder.
6. Hydraulic 4-way leveling jacks - built-in measuring levels next to driver's seat
7. Electric sun shades and rear-view mirrors - mirrors mounted high to eliminate blind spots.
8. Automatic electric retractable steps with inside light and porch light; screen door has dog protector
9. 25” RCA TV with control box for DVD player, etc. overhead in living room.  Wired for TV in bedroom
10. Rear view camera with monitor on dash  
11. Sirius radio hard-wired on dash
12. Solar battery charger - provides trickle charge to house batteries.
13. in-line
GE Water Filter for all water, plus smaller filters in galley and ice maker; spray & drinking water
14. Electric cord (15, 30 & 50 amp connectors); plus garden and sewer hoses included
15. 18’ porch mat
16. 9' x 13' x 7' screen house (portable, with carrying case)

NOTE:  Re extended warranty.  When National went out of business, we were concerned about parts,
etc. Not to worry - all parts are made by others (GE, Norcold, Allison, Workhorse, Onan, etc.  National just
put it all together (very well, we might add) so between
EASY-CARE and ROUTE 66 service, we have been
very reassured and satisfied.

And now for the best part
The motorhome is parked for the summer (until October 15th) in a wonderful wooded campsite on the
banks of the Exeter River in Exeter, NH.  The site is paid for through that date.  Exeter is six miles north of I-
95; a short way from Seabrook, on the New Hampshire coast just north east of the Massachusetts border.  
The historic city of Portsmouth is just 20 minutes away.  Cross the bridge and you are in Kittery,
Maine…not too far from L.L.Bean’s home of Freeport. Exeter has excellent commuter train service to
Boston, and bus service to Logan Airport.

Ready to roll south when the birds fly….
DOWN TO THE NITTY GRITTY
If we love it so much, why are we selling?
Simple: On his next birthday, Cor will be 90 and he thinks if anybody knew a 90 year-old geezer was driving
this rig down the highway at 80 miles an hour, they'd die of fright.  Gail's eyes are misbehaving and her
continued ability is questionable.  Filling out "new patient information" every time they go to a doctor gets
tiresome.  They miss their two Ikea chairs with footstools pulled up to the electric fireplace, and think it's
time to settle in.  They found a lovely town, Exeter, NH and decided to make it home.  End of story.
ADDENDUM:  When new, this 36' National Dolphin LX sold for roughly $150,000.
We are willing to keep it here until September 1, with a non-refundable deposit.
Cor on the roof in TX -
he can't do that
anymore
View back to Skeeter
Tent on River Bank
Family fun in front of
our spot on the
Exeter River
Left to Right: Exeter
River; Screen House,
our bedroom.