Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Introduce Yourself! -> Newbie in the Redneck Rivieria
Post Info TOPIC: Newbie in the Redneck Rivieria
Heather


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Newbie in the Redneck Rivieria
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Hi ya'll,

I've been lurking around here enjoying the forums and have finally decided to stop being shy and say hello. I've been daydreaming about full-time Rving for years, but after some big life changes, I decided, "why not go ahead and get started now"? At 34 I've decided that the rat race is not for me, so the house is going on the market and I've purchased a 2008 Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultralight 8314ss (got an amazing deal).

I currently work as a consultant Petroleum Geologist but I plan on taking advantage of the many opportunities available each summer for geologists to work at national parks doing field work and education. The pay and stipend would be more than enough to live on and I intend to have enough savings to be able to take breaks and play.

It's pretty wild getting into the phase of getting rid of everything, and I've been surprised how easy it is. I'm actually enjoying "shedding" and seeing how much money I can make towards a better tow vehicle. My plan is to be out of the house by January and move the trailer to a beautiful RV park in nearby Rockport, Texas. There I will remain for a good 6-8 months while I get my ducks in a row (get adjusted to trailer life, trade in my 2008 Nissan Xterra for a beefier TV, save money, etc).. Speaking of TV, I'm leaning towards a 2007ish F250 Deisel Super Duty 4x4 (not a dually)... Opinions welcome!

I'm so excited about this life change, and thrilled to meet you all. Hopefully I'll be running into you folks on the road and we can share a cup of coffee or a beer sometime.

Cheers,
Heather

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___ Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler. - Henry David Thoreau
Jim01


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Hi Heather,

Welcome to the forum. Glad you decided to join in. Sounds like you've got a good plan to get you into the full-timing lifestyle.  

Be sure to ask if you have questions. I'm sure someone will have the answers. smile

Jim

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Jim and Linda
Full-timers from 2001 to 2013
http://parttimewithjandl.blogspot.com/ 
2006 Dodge 2500 Diesel pulling a Heartland 26LRSS TT
May your days be warm, and your skies be blue.
May your roads be smooth, and your views ever-new.
TxYellowRose


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Hiya Heather,

Welcome to the community!  You've found a wonderful bunch of folks who are friendly, fun and very helpful (and patient!).  I'm a wannabe full-timer, now a part-timer with a 26' TT.   Oh yeah, and sister Texan!  We're in the Austin area.

DH and I have been down to Rockport (I spent many summers in a trailer there as a kid - Fulton Mansion used to have a trailer park around it!) and really liked it; however, next time we go we'll be looking for a different RV park.  Weren't thrilled with where we stayed last time.  Would be interested to know where you'll be staying and what you think of the place if you don't mind sharing.

Regarding the truck, we have a 2008 Ford F-350 diesel 4x4 crew cab long bed, not a dually.  On retrospect, if I were going to be solely full-timing, I'd probably get the same truck but in a dually.  A little beefier than an F-250, more stability with a dually and the ability to tow more weight.  We are a bit limited in our search for a 5er due to weight constraints.

Just my two cents....  But I do love my truck!

Happy trails,
Betty




-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Tuesday 24th of November 2009 08:34:44 AM

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Kerri


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Hi Heather!  Oh you are so close to your FTing dream and I am so jealous!!  smile  Although it will be tons of work, I am actually looking forward to the downsizing of "stuff" - it will be so freeing.  And like you said, knowing that you are making a little money toward something that will contribute to your new lifestyle gives you even more incentive!
Your work sounds fascinating, and it is wonderful how you will be able to combine it with your new lifestyle.  It is so great that folks of all ages are seeing what a wonderful opportunity this lifestyle is, and with the awesome people on this forum, it makes it so much easier for us "newbies"!  I am so glad that we have all these experienced FTers blazing the trail for us...
Hope to see you down the road...

Kerri in Alabama

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Kerri in AL :-)
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Terry and Jo


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Heather,

First of all, welcome to the forums and to the RV lifestyle.  As for Jo and I, we have been camping for decades, but are now planning for fulltime.

In regards to the 2007 F250 4X4, from what I can see looking at a 2008 Ford brochure and Forest River's latest informaton on the trailer, it looks like the truck will work for you.  However, keep in mind your truck's GVWR with the trailer hooked up (find out the tongue weight) and whatever you would have in the back of the truck.

Also, since you are dealing with a travel trailer instead of a fifth wheel, make sure you have equalization bars AND an anti-sway device.  Otherwise, you may find the "rig" a little unstable in the winds that you encounter.

Good luck in your search for a vehicle and feel free to ask questions.  There is a wealth of knowledge in the people that frequent the RV Dreams forums.

Terry

 



-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Tuesday 24th of November 2009 10:57:30 AM

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azrving


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A big welcome from a fellow redneck!  biggrin









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Mark & Nancy
2004 F-250 XLT 6.0 Diesel
2001 Sunnybrook 2708 TT
bubbadan


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Hey
I too am a Texan and a full timer want a b. Welcome to the greatest group of people on any Forum.
I took a look at your profile and your birthday is the same day as my youngest daughter and she is top of the line so you got to be ok with all that going for you. smile.gif
Have a great time and enjoy this great group of people.
Good luck with sell all your stuff and getting into your trailer, keep us posted on how it is going.

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Heather


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Thank you all so very much for the warm welcome and all the great info! What a great community you have here! biggrin

TxYellowRose, the Rockport that I've been eying is Enchanted Oaks. It's lovely, quiet and cheap. If you google it you'll find some gleaming reviews from other Rvers. I spoke with the gentleman who runs it and he told me that most of the residents are full-timers.

I'm up visiting my folks in McBride, OK (Lake Texoma) and they have offered me 6 lovely wooded acres to set up a homestead. I may stay a TX resident (no state income tax) and hang out here for the 6-8 months while I save money and spend time with the family before I hit the road. Then I always have a place to come and hunker down if I get road weary.

It's a pleasure to meet each and every one of you, and thank you again for the lovely welcome and great advice. From your replies it looks like I have made a good choice of TV, which is encouraging.

Wishing you happy holidays!
Heather

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___ Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler. - Henry David Thoreau
Speedhitch


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Well it is so nice to see another new family member. Hope you stay in touch with all of us and keep us updated on your quest for fulltiming. Sherri and I hope to see you out there...
Somewhere in Time

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Joe Sherri and Kris living in a Open Range Lite 308BHS. 2500 Dodge Ram Diesel  http://speedysgreatadventure.blogspot.com/
Denise


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Great to hear from another Texan! Your plan sounds great!
I wish I would have thought to do that at your age. Good Luck and drive safe.

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http://cruzin2some.blogspot.com

2004 Chevy 3500 Dually, 2007 Holiday Rambler-Alumascape Fifth Wheel
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