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.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
My name is Mike, wife is Tara. I am 42 and she is 38, we are starting to think about moving to 3/4 time RVing within about 8 years.
We had a truck camper, used it several weeks a year, then moved to a cabin. Within three years we went back to a truck camper. Last year we spent 5 weeks in it, and it was snug. This year we just finished 6 weeks, going to PEI/Nova Scotia and back. Within days of being home we sold it and bought a 2001 Cougar 279 EFS.
First trip with it will be next week, but only for 4 days. Sadly we have to wait until next year for an extended trip.
So far I am not to keen on the Fifth Wheel thing, I love the flexability of a camper. We shall see how much we are limited now. We prefer to boondock at wilderness sites, so options I am sure will be limited. I am only slightly worried about back it up. Mostly into tight spots in camp grounds.
We joined Escapees last year... look forward to seeing ya'll on the road.
The backing up thing is a challenge but it does get easier. We started living in the 5th wheel in April and the night before a move my husband would have trouble sleeping just thinking about backing up but now he still has to work at it a little but he is much more confident. Everyone told us it was a matter of practice and I think they are right. I'm going to try and take the driving class at Escapade in Goshen, we'll see how that goes. :)
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janieD 2007 Dodge 3500 DRW 5.9L 2010 Excel Limited 30RSO Full Timing starting June 2010 Blog: www.flamingoonastick.blogspot.com
I can empathize with the whole backing up thing! So far I just keep praising Johnny about how good he is at it and continue to avoid it. Actually I think it is a team event and my job is to give good directions from outside!
I'm pretty comfortable driving it down the road -- even getting better about the construction areas on the road. I just need to work on the whole swinging out thing when going around corners. So far I haven't taken out any diesel barriers, but it's been close a few times!
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Carol
Carol Kerr Welch
Wife to Jeff, "Mom" to Chuy; Retama Village Resident
I'll admit I still struggle a bit with backing especially when the spaces and roads are tight.I still need a lot of swing room so your Hubby is not alone in stressing about backing.I run it in my head all night before I know I need to back in.I did find that if I just take my time and not worry about others laughing at my lack of skill it really helps.I am getting better though and feel next year at this time I will be able to back it anywhere.
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RVing probably not a reality any more.It was a good time while it lasted.
Yeah, sometimes watching someone back into a site is like a spectator sport. I find a short prayer like "Lord, don't let me make me look like an idiot" helps.
Like Racerguy, if I take my time, don't worry about all the spectators and just watch DW as she directs me, it all seems to work out.
Once in my life I backed into a difficult spot (with spectators in lawn chairs) and prayer helped. I nailed it first try. I tried to get out of the truck but my head had to get down to a size to fit through the door first.
-- Edited by 53 Merc on Tuesday 27th of July 2010 07:38:07 PM
The hardest time Johnny has backing in is when some other helpful gentlemen rv'rs insist on helping. We sort of have a routine and understand each other's directions and abilities... Hard to tell them no, because we know they are just being friendly and helpful!
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Carol
Carol Kerr Welch
Wife to Jeff, "Mom" to Chuy; Retama Village Resident
Like Howard we have a rule to never bother anyone when they are setting up or tearing down and would prefer others to follow that rule. I found Linda and I couldn't get on the same page on directions so we agreed that she would just watch and stop me if I'm going to hit something.I then walk the site and then back a little at a time and get out often to see which way I need to go.Once I get lined up I tell her where I want the tires to stop.Sounds complicated but it works well for us.We usually just have fun with it which helps relieve the tension.I find if I can keep the drivers side of the trailer in my sight at all times it's MUCH easier even if I have to go against the way the park directs me to go.Most people who design rv parks have never had to park a 39 foot 5th wheel.
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RVing probably not a reality any more.It was a good time while it lasted.
Ckerr - don't worry about "taking out" a diesel barrier. Hubby tried. Back end of the fiver separated from the side. Barrier never moved. Happened third week of May. Here we sit still waiting for new back cap to get to dealer for repair.
I have to say, he is excellent in backing up, etc. Although it was not his profession when working, he does have his CDL and drove tractor/trailers for local nurseries delivering plants on weekends for vacation money. Want a challenge? Try backing up one of those rigs UP on to the ferry going from Hyannis MA to Nantucket Island. VERY tight maneuvering. So tight, reservations are made weeks in advance as they need exact measurements to get as many of those rigs on as possible. No room for error.
Botton line - backing up can be a challenge. But to live the rv life, a necessary skill.
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