Hello everyone! Please allow me to introduce ourselves.....Bob will be retiring in the next 2-3 years, and I am his wife of 34 years who is currently a part-time petsitter. We "caught the bug" at the local (Hershey) RV show last September, and since that time we have decided to become fulltimers once he retires. We are considering a few 5ers, including New Horizons (love the fact that you can actually design your own unit), Nu Wa, and Carriage 5th wheel - either a Carri-Lite or Royals International - but we are going back and forth on a Class A DP as well. We (read "I") are (read "am") doing a lot of research and reading, and came across this wonderful site.
At this point in time, we have 4 retired racing greyhounds, 3 of which are seniors over the age of 10 so they will, more than likely, not be around by the time we hit the road. We have friends who travel in a Class A with their 4 greyhounds, and the hounds have adapted extremely well to travel. In fact....they have been more places in the last 5 years than I have been in my lifetime!
We have never done the camping thing together, but we feel this is the best thing we could do for ourselves, since we never had time to travel in our 34 years of marriage. Of course we will have to sell our "sticks-and-bricks"...all in due time.
I have been wondering.....has anyone done anything like "shadowing" for the newbie RVers? For instance, the newbie following an experienced RVer to their next few destinations to help with hookups and other questions that might arise? I know that the dealer provides instruction on all aspects of the unit at pickup, but I think it would be such a comfort knowing there would be someone there when we do begin traveling that would help if we needed a bit of "instruction". Maybe I'm way off base and no one would ever think of doing this. Just thought I would ask.
Thanks to Howard and Linda for this great website, informative and fun!
Kathy
-- Edited by Bob and Kathy on Sunday 16th of January 2011 06:29:32 PM
DorisandDave said
07:33 PM Jan 16, 2011
What a novel idea! Hmmmmm interesting. You may find someone that would be willing to have you shadow them.
But, if you read Howard's journal some more and maybe some others, I think you will find that most fulltimers, or even parttimers are more than happy to lend a hand or answer any question you have. That applies at campgrounds as well as here in the forum.
Welcome aboard! And ask away......
Doris
Jim01 said
07:37 PM Jan 16, 2011
Bob and Kathy,
Welcome to the forum.
Being that your are "brand new" at Rving, I would strongly recommend one of Howard and Linda's Rallies.They cover almost all aspects of Full-time RVing and plus, you would meet many RVers that you could talk to and find out more about the lifestyle.
Check on the different threads on this forum and you will discover that there is much more to full-timing than just buying an RV and hitting the road. There are many things to consider.
I have never heard of someone "shadowing", but I would think it's more than possible. It's something I've never thought about.
Good luck with your plans and be sure to ask questions as they come up. The friendly folks here are more than willing to help.
Jim
Bob and Kathy said
08:06 PM Jan 16, 2011
Thanks for the warm welcomes Doris and Jim. I have heard that RV folks are the friendliest bunch you can find, and if you can't find a friend in a campground, then you aren't looking!
We have looked at the RV-Dreams Rally information and have been discussing attending. Sounds like a must-do before we go any further. Not sure it if will be this year or next, but we will be keeping an eye on the Rally plans. We also read about the Escapees Boot Camp which sounds interesting. Also, we have been invited to attend the HD Rally out in Kansas as well in October. So much to learn...and time goes so fast the older we get!
Thanks for your replies.
Kathy
declyn said
08:44 PM Jan 16, 2011
You might try joining an RV club and you can get lots of tips and information. It would be a series of weekend trips but it would give you an opportunity to get information, fun and make some new friends. We belong to FCRV (Family Campers and RVers). They have been invaluable for us plus lots of fun.
Terry and Jo said
09:59 PM Jan 16, 2011
Bob and Kathy,
Welcome to the RV Dreams forums. If you haven't been here for too long, let me inform you that there are a lot of knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly folks here. So, feel free to ask questions and make comments.
I agree that "shadowing" would be a novel idea. I haven't even heard of that concept. Jo and I would be inclined to offer to be part of that, however, it will be a few years before we retire and hit the road ourselves.
However, let me give you another option for a fifth wheel. DRV Suites, out of Howe, Indiana, manufacture Select Suites, Mobile Suites, and Elite Suites coaches. Elites are the fanciest, heaviest, and most expensive, followed then by the Mobile Suites and Select Suites. DRV Suites has a website at:
One thing DRV Suites will do is work with you in customizing or modifying your choice if you order the unit instead of buy it off the lot. While we didn't customize ours much, we did order it as we pleased. One thing, the DRV Suites have 3 1/4" walls instead of just 2" walls. They also have some of the highest rated "R" ratings for insulation. Plus, they have some of the heaviest frames as well.
When you are looking at different brands, try to find some owner's groups online that have forums. You can find out a lot of information there from the owners themselves. Keep in mind that forums tend to attract people that are having problems with their units. As all manufacturers have problems, don't let it scare you off from the brand. If you register with the forums to ask questions, one question you need to ask of all those on the forums: "Given the opportunity or need to purchase another unit, would you buy the same brand again?" A lot of times, people will complain about the units, the manufacturers, etc, but would still buy again.
If you want to see what the coaches look like, check DRV's website for pictures and we have pictures of our Mobile Suite at the Photobucket link below our signature.
Terry
NorCal Dan said
10:35 PM Jan 16, 2011
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your full time dream. Yes, getting started does have a steep learning curve and it is a scary proposition when first starting out. Take small steps at first. Ask lots of questions here on the forum, we're a friendly bunch and enjoy helping others "learn the ropes".
53 Merc said
08:56 AM Jan 17, 2011
Bob and Kathy wrote:
I have been wondering.....has anyone done anything like "shadowing" for the newbie RVers? For instance, the newbie following an experienced RVer to their next few destinations to help with hookups and other questions that might arise? I know that the dealer provides instruction on all aspects of the unit at pickup, but I think it would be such a comfort knowing there would be someone there when we do begin traveling that would help if we needed a bit of "instruction". Maybe I'm way off base and no one would ever think of doing this. Just thought I would ask.
Thanks to Howard and Linda for this great website, informative and fun!
Kathy
-- Edited by Bob and Kathy on Sunday 16th of January 2011 06:29:32 PM
What an idea. Never once thought of it, but if you have RV'ing friends it should be a no brainer. Looks like you have thought this out really well. Only word of caution I would offer is your statement about the dealer offering instruction on all aspects of the unit at pickup. That is (in my experience) woefully incorrect. The guy doing the walkthrough is most often a "lotboy" that is impressed into service. He may know how to wash an RV, but seldom is knowledgable about the working of the systems.
When reading through this forum and others such as www.MyRVtalk.com you will find many instances where the information given is just incorrect. As others have said, most RVers are generous with their help and advice. Sometimes it is hard to get them to leave you alone to get set up. I have found that a receptive attitude is enough to get all the assistance you can stand. Something else you can do is just walk through a campground and observe how things are set up. Items such as inlet water filters and the methods of mounting, routing of sewer hoses (stinky slinkies), placement of landing gear and stabilizers and support pads, protective devices and other things. Just be observant, and if you see something interesting or unusual, stop and ask. Can't hurt and most often the RVer is glad to expound on his idea.
Good luck and happy camping.
laurly said
09:16 AM Jan 17, 2011
Bob & Kathy:
Welcome to this forum, and the research that comes with the road to full-timing. The 'shadowing' thing sounds like a great idea! We, too, are looking at 5th wheels, and have never even seen one being 'hooked' up. As others suggest, a rally is a good way to begin this research. We went to the one last year, and are attending this year's as well. Now that we know what we want, we'll pay more attention to the RV'rs that have 5th wheels. Perhaps you can observe people setting up their RV's (quietly!). They're always there to teach a newbie :)
Linda said
10:15 AM Jan 17, 2011
Hi Bob & Kathy!
Welcome to the "Family".
We love your idea of "Shadowing" and we are going to figure out a way to do it. As a matter of fact, we love the idea so much, we are going to provide that service at our rally in April.
Stay tuned for more information in a new thread on the forum!
bonnie and clyde said
08:07 PM Jan 17, 2011
Welcome Bob and Kathy, The Hershey show will do it. We live about 40 minutes away in Lancaster County and fell in love with an Open Range 5th wheel this September and bought it. I would love to have someone along for the ride. We leave next week for Florida for 6 weeks and I am having trouble sleeping. I find that the support on this site has been most helpful. I am told that if I have a problem I have a lot of support by posting on this site and that is comforting. Best to you in your adventure, Ken and Bonnie
rjenkins said
08:29 PM Jan 17, 2011
Kathy, shadowing is popular and informative in the business world, love your imagination in taking it into the RV world. Yes we use 'job shadowing' when a person comes new into the organization and shadows a well trained employee, sort of like OJT but more introductory. Management also uses it to shadow technicians to basically walk a mile in their shoes to get a feel for roadblocks and opportunities.
Hmmm, might even be a little business someone could offer!
Bob and Kathy said
07:56 AM Jan 18, 2011
Terry and Jo wrote:
However, let me give you another option for a fifth wheel. DRV Suites, out of Howe, Indiana, manufacture Select Suites, Mobile Suites, and Elite Suites coaches. Elites are the fanciest, heaviest, and most expensive, followed then by the Mobile Suites and Select Suites. DRV Suites has a website at:
One thing DRV Suites will do is work with you in customizing or modifying your choice if you order the unit instead of buy it off the lot. While we didn't customize ours much, we did order it as we pleased. One thing, the DRV Suites have 3 1/4" walls instead of just 2" walls. They also have some of the highest rated "R" ratings for insulation. Plus, they have some of the heaviest frames as well.
If you want to see what the coaches look like, check DRV's website for pictures and we have pictures of our Mobile Suite at the Photobucket link below our signature.
Terry
Terry & Jo, Oh my goodness!! Thank you so much for the websites! I immediately went and checked out the DRV Suites web, and found a dealer about 45 minutes away. (Ken & Bonnie....I'll bet you know these people...Mellott Brothers in Willow Street!) Bob and I went there yesterday to investigate, and it's all your fault that we have a new top-of-our-list choice!
We saw 2 Mobile Suites and 1 Select. They had no Elite Suite on the lot because of the time of year. However, our salesman Troy said they had taken one to the Hershey show a couple of years ago, and it sold the very first hour of the very first day and they couldn't show it after that because the buyers requested the door be locked for the rest of the show.
The units are absolutely lovely, and extremely well built. We were given a 2011 brochure to bring home with us to continue the dreaming.
Now to sign up for the forum and continue researching.
Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm so glad that you think "shadowing" is a novel idea. I would love to be part of that when we roll out with our unit. We are planning on attending the Rally in April. Can't wait to meet everyone and continue our learning.
I just shoveled ice this morning so our dogs would venture out. I can't WAIT until we 'get outta Dodge' and fly south. Gosh....retirement looks better & better all the time.
Please allow me to introduce ourselves.....Bob will be retiring in the next 2-3 years, and I am his wife of 34 years who is currently a part-time petsitter. We "caught the bug" at the local (Hershey) RV show last September, and since that time we have decided to become fulltimers once he retires. We are considering a few 5ers, including New Horizons (love the fact that you can actually design your own unit), Nu Wa, and Carriage 5th wheel - either a Carri-Lite or Royals International - but we are going back and forth on a Class A DP as well. We (read "I") are (read "am") doing a lot of research and reading, and came across this wonderful site.
At this point in time, we have 4 retired racing greyhounds, 3 of which are seniors over the age of 10 so they will, more than likely, not be around by the time we hit the road. We have friends who travel in a Class A with their 4 greyhounds, and the hounds have adapted extremely well to travel. In fact....they have been more places in the last 5 years than I have been in my lifetime!
We have never done the camping thing together, but we feel this is the best thing we could do for ourselves, since we never had time to travel in our 34 years of marriage. Of course we will have to sell our "sticks-and-bricks"...all in due time.
I have been wondering.....has anyone done anything like "shadowing" for the newbie RVers? For instance, the newbie following an experienced RVer to their next few destinations to help with hookups and other questions that might arise? I know that the dealer provides instruction on all aspects of the unit at pickup, but I think it would be such a comfort knowing there would be someone there when we do begin traveling that would help if we needed a bit of "instruction". Maybe I'm way off base and no one would ever think of doing this. Just thought I would ask.
Thanks to Howard and Linda for this great website, informative and fun!
Kathy
-- Edited by Bob and Kathy on Sunday 16th of January 2011 06:29:32 PM
But, if you read Howard's journal some more and maybe some others, I think you will find that most fulltimers, or even parttimers are more than happy to lend a hand or answer any question you have. That applies at campgrounds as well as here in the forum.
Welcome aboard! And ask away......
Doris
Welcome to the forum.
Being that your are "brand new" at Rving, I would strongly recommend one of Howard and Linda's Rallies.They cover almost all aspects of Full-time RVing and plus, you would meet many RVers that you could talk to and find out more about the lifestyle.
Check on the different threads on this forum and you will discover that there is much more to full-timing than just buying an RV and hitting the road. There are many things to consider.
I have never heard of someone "shadowing", but I would think it's more than possible. It's something I've never thought about.
Good luck with your plans and be sure to ask questions as they come up. The friendly folks here are more than willing to help.
Jim
We have looked at the RV-Dreams Rally information and have been discussing attending. Sounds like a must-do before we go any further. Not sure it if will be this year or next, but we will be keeping an eye on the Rally plans. We also read about the Escapees Boot Camp which sounds interesting. Also, we have been invited to attend the HD Rally out in Kansas as well in October. So much to learn...and time goes so fast the older we get!
Thanks for your replies.
Kathy
Welcome to the RV Dreams forums. If you haven't been here for too long, let me inform you that there are a lot of knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly folks here. So, feel free to ask questions and make comments.
I agree that "shadowing" would be a novel idea. I haven't even heard of that concept. Jo and I would be inclined to offer to be part of that, however, it will be a few years before we retire and hit the road ourselves.
However, let me give you another option for a fifth wheel. DRV Suites, out of Howe, Indiana, manufacture Select Suites, Mobile Suites, and Elite Suites coaches. Elites are the fanciest, heaviest, and most expensive, followed then by the Mobile Suites and Select Suites. DRV Suites has a website at:
http://www.drvsuites.com/
One thing DRV Suites will do is work with you in customizing or modifying your choice if you order the unit instead of buy it off the lot. While we didn't customize ours much, we did order it as we pleased. One thing, the DRV Suites have 3 1/4" walls instead of just 2" walls. They also have some of the highest rated "R" ratings for insulation. Plus, they have some of the heaviest frames as well.
When you are looking at different brands, try to find some owner's groups online that have forums. You can find out a lot of information there from the owners themselves. Keep in mind that forums tend to attract people that are having problems with their units. As all manufacturers have problems, don't let it scare you off from the brand. If you register with the forums to ask questions, one question you need to ask of all those on the forums: "Given the opportunity or need to purchase another unit, would you buy the same brand again?" A lot of times, people will complain about the units, the manufacturers, etc, but would still buy again.
For some forums for DRV Suites, try these:
http://www.suitesowners.com/
http://www.5thwheelforums.com/
If you want to see what the coaches look like, check DRV's website for pictures and we have pictures of our Mobile Suite at the Photobucket link below our signature.
Terry
When reading through this forum and others such as www.MyRVtalk.com you will find many instances where the information given is just incorrect. As others have said, most RVers are generous with their help and advice. Sometimes it is hard to get them to leave you alone to get set up. I have found that a receptive attitude is enough to get all the assistance you can stand. Something else you can do is just walk through a campground and observe how things are set up. Items such as inlet water filters and the methods of mounting, routing of sewer hoses (stinky slinkies), placement of landing gear and stabilizers and support pads, protective devices and other things. Just be observant, and if you see something interesting or unusual, stop and ask. Can't hurt and most often the RVer is glad to expound on his idea.
Good luck and happy camping.
Welcome to the "Family".
We love your idea of "Shadowing" and we are going to figure out a way to do it. As a matter of fact, we love the idea so much, we are going to provide that service at our rally in April.
Stay tuned for more information in a new thread on the forum!
The Hershey show will do it. We live about 40 minutes away in Lancaster County and fell in love with an Open Range 5th wheel this September and bought it. I would love to have someone along for the ride. We leave next week for Florida for 6 weeks and I am having trouble sleeping. I find that the support on this site has been most helpful. I am told that if I have a problem I have a lot of support by posting on this site and that is comforting.
Best to you in your adventure,
Ken and Bonnie
Oh my goodness!! Thank you so much for the websites! I immediately went and checked out the DRV Suites web, and found a dealer about 45 minutes away. (Ken & Bonnie....I'll bet you know these people...Mellott Brothers in Willow Street!) Bob and I went there yesterday to investigate, and it's all your fault that we have a new top-of-our-list choice!
We saw 2 Mobile Suites and 1 Select. They had no Elite Suite on the lot because of the time of year. However, our salesman Troy said they had taken one to the Hershey show a couple of years ago, and it sold the very first hour of the very first day and they couldn't show it after that because the buyers requested the door be locked for the rest of the show.
The units are absolutely lovely, and extremely well built. We were given a 2011 brochure to bring home with us to continue the dreaming.
Now to sign up for the forum and continue researching.
Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm so glad that you think "shadowing" is a novel idea. I would love to be part of that when we roll out with our unit. We are planning on attending the Rally in April. Can't wait to meet everyone and continue our learning.
I just shoveled ice this morning so our dogs would venture out. I can't WAIT until we 'get outta Dodge' and fly south. Gosh....retirement looks better & better all the time.
Happy RVing everyone! Until next time.....
Kathy