Hello Everyone!!  We are Brian'n'Tricia aka "NWlambear". Our companion traveler will be our beloved furry baby...Kume.  Right this moment I'm quite overloaded....and confused..with all that the internet has to offer with regard to RV's, RVing, etc.  Hope it all becomes clearer and easier in time.  My husband is really the "tech person" between the two of us. Me?  Well....my strengths and weaknesses remain to be seen as venture out on our RV journey. We've dreamed of this day for years...now we are both in our mid 60's (years) and we need to DO IT NOW....we want to get out there and give it our best shot. We will need encouragement and support from our fellow RV travelers...and my heart is warmed to see how many wonderful people are online and out there.  Stay near...and keep us in your prayers!  **Brian**Tricia**Kume..."NWlambear"

God Bless you All!

http://homesweethomerv.blogspot.com/

Brian'n'Tricia Welcome to RV Dreams Forum. I hope that we can help you out when you need us. We have a good assortment of folks that answer questions from time to time and if we can't answer them we have Web Sites that can. Hope that you stop by to see us often and we encourage you both to ask questions...Remember there are no stupid questions here on this forum so jump right in Joe and Sherri

Welcome to the forum Brian'n'Tricia. Plenty of nice folks here to help you with your questions.

Welcome Brian 'n Tricia,

Whenever you have a questions about RVing, just ask.  The folks here at RV Dreams were very helpful when we were planning on starting our RV trip.  Lots of great advice out there.  Once on the road, you'll always be within a few feet (or a few keystrokes) of fellow RVers to address any problems and concerns.

Congrats on following your dreams and enjoy the ride!

Colleen

Congrats on realizing your dream & Welcome to Full timing & the RV Dreams Forum where the folks are friendly and the info is free. There are no dumb questions, so ask away. Gummy

Thank you all for you Welcome! I do appreciate it very, very much. DH went to look even closer to a 5th Wheel we were considering....2007 KZ Durango Model No. M305KZ....considered "new" so have warranty. BUT the GVWR max is 10,000 lbs; the unloaded vehicle weight was 9,072 lbs....so after adding 55 gals (457 lbs) of water and 60 lbs propane your carrying capacity is 411 lbs!!!!! What now???? That doesn't count provisions, clothes, generator, etc. Any comments? Suggestions? Help!!!

You answered your own question and identified a major problem with RV marketing. Many RV's are all show and no go. They look nice but have no carrying capacity. Look at the specs before you fall in love with the layout. Good luck,

You will need bare minimum 2500lbs carry capacity 3000lb or more would be better.Remember one thing tho,unless you are boondocking all the time it is not necessary to carry full capacity on water.I never carry more than 10 gallons when traveling.Decide on 5ver 1st then get proper truck to handle it.Good luck.

-- Edited by Racerguy on Sunday 24th of May 2009 12:21:13 PM

I highly recommend the Boot Camp held at the Escapade (Escapees RV Club) and/or the new classes given by RVSEF. (hoping I got the links right....LOL!) Both will help you tremendously as newcomers. The other great place to learn more (and meet more great RVers) is at one of the Gypsy Journal Rallies. Right now the next one is in Ohio this fall.

Welcome! See how great these folks are? You're already getting great advice from the seasoned RV dreamers! Best wishes to you both as you make your next decisions and plans! Linda

We have a 2005 K-Z Durango and it has only been RVing for about a year (didn't get much use before we bought it used).  Anyway, I love the layout, but I don't recommend it for fulltime use.  If you are planning on RVing for awhile, I would probably invest in a better-made RV (even if buying used).  Since owning it, we have had problems with cabinet doors falling off, sewer valve not working properly (yuck!), and kitchen drawers falling apart.  I think the RV is fine for occasional use, but not fulltiming.  It is also starting to delaminate on the back and side because we didn't notice that part of the weather stripping was missing.

-Colleen

Hi Everyone! Just found my way back to the RV-Dreams site. Not only do I need to declutter my laptop files...I need to put this site up in my bookmark toolbar for easier access and learn my way around this site. Just read all the replys to my orignal introduction post and want to thank you again!  You all are so nice and so helpful!!!

OK...an UPDATE: The Durango is history--no decent load capacity! We have pretty much...oh and I hope we have....decided on getting a 2010 Keystone Cougar 292RKS. My husband says it is small enough that he would feel safe towing it and the Specs are:

8459 Shipping Weight
3326 Carrying Capacity
1625 Hitch
33' long
8' wd x 12' ht

Both my husband and I feel as though we have been put "throw a ringer"....by dealers here in WA. So we ordered one from Michigan. Will be financed through our credit union here in WA.

Hugs to you all....My next post should probably be in one of the other categories on here...right?

"NWlambear" Brian*Tricia*Kume

I bookmark the "Recent Posts" page to keep up with the latest happenings on RV Dreams forum.

-Colleen

Actually, the link Froggi gave to the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF) should be http://www.rvsafety.com/

It's an interesting site - apparently this was the old "A Weigh We Go" program, which they expanded to take up the slack after the Life On Wheels program was discontinued.

Good luck!

Eileen

Welcome to the RV Dreams family!! Don't be in a hurry when purchasing your rig. Do your homework. Good luck!!