Starting to dot my I's and cross my T's...but need some advice!! - RV-Dreams Community Forum

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

Starting to dot my I's and cross my T's...but need some advice!!

scrappy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dont know anything about tires or backing up, so cant help there.

Dogs. We had a shepherd/husky. She had no sense of "home" and would dash if the opportunity presented itself. Do you want a big dog? Something for protection? Of course I am a huge fan of German Shepherds. They are very loyal and only want to be near their person. Ours wouldnt run off if we paid them to. I am also a big supporter of adopting rescue dogs in need, but my rescues came from a shelter that did fostering so I could get as much information as possible about the dog before the adoption. Even better, check to see if there is a German Shepherd rescue near you! They are loyal, fearless, protective. They shed a lot....and eat a lot....and poop a lot. But you would feel safe, guaranteed. Just my two cents worth.

Im also a huge fan of Boston Terriers.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Kim!!!!

You asked about Klee-Kias.....They are a 2x a year shedding nitemare so dont wear black.!!
They are a one person dog and extremely dedicated and protective of there area and their pack leader ,Nikki has been professionally schooled prior to my ownership(hate that word) and again after she was assigned to me.

they are a small version of a Siberian Husky with a ton of energy packed inside...they want to play and walk and need to do so alot.

the hard part to owning the dog is finding a breeder that is affordable and also making sure the dog is UKC registered so that you know the dogs linage is from Alaska,,,,Klee Kia's only really came to be in the 80's

akkaoa.org/

if your looking for a partner that is lovable and very protective and very easy to train, they would be a good option.....the breed is rare so finding the breeder is some leg work but well worth it!!

scrappy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mike, I checked them out, adorable! Can relate on the not-wearing-black thing. Needless to say, having four dogs, I vaccuum a lot. I even vaccuum the dogs. ;)

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Vacuum & Brush.....Brush & Vacuum !!!!! give the dog a cookie , the never ending story.........Wouldn't have it any other way biggrin

I think I run the generator more to vacuum than to charge my batteries...(and I think the dog snickers each time confuse ..)

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mike: I have been checking the "mini" siberians for a year... I owned the big ones for over 10 years and trained them to "mush" during our winter festivals in Michigan. I always wear black ~hairdresser and slimming~ but just carry that little tape thing with me to brush off. I used to get 2 black bags of underfur from Meeko alone when shedding, so that doesnt bother me. I found a couple of reputable breeders in CO and WY which they were the only 2 that stated they would not have a problem if I flew out unannounced to look at the breeding conditions. (of course give them a couple hours notice b4 I pulled up in driveway). I actually duct taped 2 skateboards together for Meeko and Cheyenne to pull me down the street for their exercise. I wore them out 2xs a day. My worry is if the Klee would bolt out the door when opened. Meeko could be worn out from her run but as soon as the door opened she was gone for a day!! Since they have ties to the Siberian.. do the Klee's tend to also try to dig to China?

Scrappy: I grew up around shepherds. My uncle bred them. Even when I was a year old they were protective of me. My mother said she had never seen anything like it: I was waddling towards the gate and Fred grabbed my dress and Ethel stood in front of me and they gently turned me around to head back. They are great protection... but I remember as Fred and Ethel grew older they grew meaner. (I am not saying yours will...this is just what I have experienced.) Please do not get me wrong but at the end my uncle had to put Fred and Blackie on 3500 lb tested chain so they would not escape the yard and hurt someone. Those dogs were treated as royalty so I know it wasnt from neglect. I couldnt go through seeing a family member tied up like that. I have looked at the pounds... everything down here is chihuahuas.

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

LMAO Mike... cookie my hind end... I am teaching my puppy to push a sweeper!! lololol

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Kim,

I won't be the one for some of your answers, but I'll try to address a couple of questions.

With regards to getting a 40-foot RV for $20,000, I won't say it can't be done, but it would likely have to be a used one. With that in mind, it may very well be that you might would have to replace the tires on the rig. A "rule-of-thumb" is that the tires will average 7 years before getting to a state where they need to be replaced again. Be very careful with tires as many of those made in China are bad tires. Tires, along with the frame, suspension and wheels, are actually the foundation of the RV. Scrimping on the "foundation" is something you might want to avoid.

Do your research with regards to the RV by checking them out and actually going into them and looking around with "normal daily duties" in mind such as cooking, morning work preparations in the bathroom, and other things. You may find that a 40-foot trailer might be larger than you need. While this may not apply to your plans, but in some areas a 40' trailer might not fit very many campground lots. If you will only be in RV parks (or mobile home parks) the length may not be an issue at all.

As for learning to drive an RV, ask around to friends to see of any of them have one that you could "practice" with in a large parking lot such as an empty shopping mall or a large church. If you go that route, arrange to get some traffic cones to practice maneuvering around. Practice both driving forward as well as backing up, especially with making 90-degree right turns and learning how much room you need to have to make the corner without hitting the cones. If you don't do that, you will get to perform a lot of "curb checks." (However, don't worry about those too much, as I occasionally still perform a curb check with my tires.) The main thing is that a corner doesn't have a pole that would damage your RV.

Whatever you do, don't stress out. Take in as many visits to RV shows and to RV dealerships as you can to get a feel for what is out there, even if you do buy used, because that will tell you a lot about what you may not realize you need after all. Good luck with the "evolution" from newbie to "old hand."

As for dogs, as much as we love our two MinPins, when they are gone, it is likely that we won't get any more. There are just too many things one wants to do or places to go where we can't take them, and we hate the thought of placing them in a kennel while we are gone.

Terry

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Terry...

As for a 40 under 20.. they have them at PPL. I would be rehab them to my look (beachy). I will do a used, I am not out to beat the "Jones" in looks or style. In all honesty I could care less what ppl think if my rig looks older than theirs, as long as it is sound, well insulated, I can paint and rock it. I will negotiate new tires prior to me purchasing it. My main concern on that is moving it if a hurricane hits. I will not have a truck for a few years. Flat spots and tire rot are a major issue down in Naples. From where the park is that I am going to, to where the shelter for RVs is... 45 miles.

Right now I have a 1500 sq foot home with a pool. I know I have to get rid of the furnature I have accumulated or put into storage...I would be defeating the purpose of saving money if I put everything into storage.. and 15 years down the line when I want a house again..it would be all out of style.

I will be at the seminar in TN next year. Hopefully that will help also.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

The RV Dreams Rally will definitely be a help. One word of advice, start getting rid of the furniture and "stuff" now, as quickly as you can. You would be surprised at how long it takes to sort through a lifetime of accumulation. We didn't start that process until we were about 4 months away from putting the house on the market, continued the process after we signed a contract on our house and now with 36 hours to go we still have a "pile" of stuff in the garage. 2 online estate sales, 1 moving sale, selling stuff on Craig's list, putting things in a consignment furniture store, having a charity come by twice to pick up items we couldn't sell or consign, making numerous trips to Goodwill, Salvation Army, having friends come over and pick over our stuff we wanted to get rid of and we're finally down to one pile in the garage that will be gone before we go to bed tomorrow night. It was easier for me than my hubby, the packrat, but no matter what you do it still takes forever.

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

I def needed more than the bottle of wine I had on hand last night!! I had a lady from a consignment shop come out last night and look at all the "stuff" I had accumulated over the years. I thought things were going to go well when she walked in and stated, "you have a well decorated and beautiful home". It quickly went sour and I pulled the cork on my bottle of wine b4 she left the living room!

My sofa, chair (that I have never sat in), end tables, etc... worth 550.00. My sob story of eating ramen noodles for 3 months and a single mother with a daughter in college to save for them didnt matter to her, nor the fact that they were from pottery barn and still in excellent shape...she could get "maybe" get another 100 because I dont have any pets. I explained I was getting a puppy soon to train her b4 I moved into a park. She wanted to deduct extra because my living room furn is white and poss owners may be allergic to the dander.

By the time she hit the master bedroom I had already broke into the liquer cabinet for a shot of apple pucker. If my father lived next door to me I prob would have went there to grab a nitro tab.

I dont have an issue of getting rid of things... I have replaced all my intitial walmart stuff for better quality throughout the years. But is that low of a price normal or should I look for different avenues to start getting rid of "stuff"? I had wanted to use the money that I recieved from the sale/consignment to revamp the RV I am looking at.

scrappy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm sorry, I giggled at your plight..........hope the apple pucker helped you out. Been there, done that. We finally got to the point where we refused to give stuff away and put it in storage to deal with some other time.....

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

It is heartbreaking when your things that you paid great money for are worth so little to others. In our AZ area when we sold our stuff, we found 25% or less of what we paid for it all was what it took. 3 months later we could care less, we're so happy with our nomad life. And the best thing is I can clean the whole place in less than an hour!

I would recommend craigslist or Facebook local with pictures and a good description of your pieces might get more. You can always go down if you need to.

Not sure what apple pucker is but it was funny.

Sherry

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

I too went through the same process last year. I started out with a plan to keep my "good" furniture that I had scrimped and saved for years to get. I have my great grandfather's rolltop desk that I couldn't bear to part with so I knew I was getting a climate controlled storage unit anyway.

2 years of storage for the price of the leather sofa; another 4 years for the dining room set; 2 more for my bed and 2 for the armoire. Those things also give me 10 years to decide on a future home base... The desk probably equates to at least another 8.

It was still difficult to get rid of the other stuff, but I made it through the process and am happy for it. I ended up donating some of the "good" but not great furniture to a women's shelter to give a young woman and her kids a fresh start in their new apartment. It felt better to do that than to sell it on craigslist for pennies.

Everyone has different thoughts and plans. Right now I'm "stationary full timing" in a place I like, earning money to further fund my dreams doing a job I love. Turns out I also fell in love with Retama Village while I'm at it. So my plan has become to get the RV of my dreams and pay for it while I'm here. Then build a small RV friendly retirement home while I'm here and pay for it as well. Then when I officially reach a retirement age, I can travel part of the year and spend the winter months here in Mission in a home that is paid for and I only need to worry about the taxes and upkeep.

Hang in there and keep the Apple Pucker handy! Perhaps I should post my newly invented recipe for Mexican Mojitos! lol

LeO · RV-Dreams Community Member

FL Coastal chick,

Finally something I have knowledge of: Alaskan Klee Kai, we had our little Kolu Istamativick (Eskimo for Little Queen)

from 1994-2009. Mati as we called her, was a wonderful dog and a pure bred Klee Kai; she passed away from old age in my arms! She however, was never very social and would attempt to engage and conquer everything from the neighbor's Pitt Bull, skunks and everything and anything in between. They are descended from the runts of wolf packs; be prepared to be saving him or her from themselves over and over again! Plus, if you will be traveling in Southern climates, it'd be mighty uncomfortable for your canine companion. Their coats are extraordinarily thick (think mink coat with down underlay) Hot weather was not her friend. In a Northern climate, they are a really great dog, but fear they'd suffer in a hot one! Extremely territorial and yes a good guard dog, but in consideration to your neighbors in the camp ground who'd be listening to every wary yap. I'd expand your search to other breeds. I wouldn't trade our years with Mati for anything, but she happily lived out her last years on 1.5 acres to roam in cool and comfortable Oregon where she spent her life from 6 weeks on. Having come from a breeder in Washington state. Come summer it's shed time like you can't believe; do you really want your rolling home covered in fine hairs everywhere? Choose a breed that will have enhanced quality of life from your lifestyle choice; not one that may suffer! Mati had the heart of a lion, but at 15 pounds full grown; she was no match for her chosen combatants. Unless you'll be spending extensive time in cooler climates, I'd consider a breed suitable to where you will spend the most time. We like to ramble too much; and wouldn't feel right leaving our pup alone in the RV even with a/c. Just my thoughts! LeO

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

We went through the same discouragement on the furniture that you are experiencing. We did end up either selling it through an on-line estate auction, our garage sale, some of it is now at a consignment shop and then the rest was given away. It was totally discouraging in the end to get 15-20% of the original value of all the pieces, but at least it's gone. I don't want to pay to have all of it in storage.

We had thought the sale of our "stuff" would help pay for solar and other rig changes, in the end, we just had to accept the fact that the sale of our travel trailer and the sale of our house will have to do that. We did manage to sell our 2 mountain bikes and our tandem and buy 2 new bikes and pretty much break.

Our plan now is to go through some of the "stuff" we have in the truck and trailer, hopefully leaving some of it behind in storage 10 days from now as we pass back through the area where we have our storage room. Then, over the next 2-3 months we'll keep getting rid of "stuff" out of the trailer because we know we brought too much.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just remember how little resale value your furniture has when you next have to outfit a sticks and bricks.

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

I just went and DEMOLISHED my garage!! It is truly amazing how much "stuff" I have accumulated and saved throughout the years...not to mention that I have not seen alot of this in years. I have managed to get through 5 boxes and post on ebay or take what I wouldnt sell to Goodwill.

My photos I went ahead and bought an electronic picture frame thing (I am so technical)... so I am getting ready to take them down to put on a disc and cardholder.

So while I was out there I ran into another question: I looked at my very large tool box, my dad taught me how to fix alot... but from ya'lls experience on the road... which tools are a must to keep on hand? I know it sounds silly... but what does a normal tool box look like in RVs?

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

As far as the dog bolting.....Its all in how the dog was trained , Nikki will not , she will grab her leash and immediately speak and sit at the door , when the door opens she will not move until asked out and will again sit in a heel position until her leash is attached or is commanded to heel/walk.

In some ways my mind finds it cruel the way the dog is trained because its all about me and she is just supposed to serve me.....she has saved my life 3 times since she has come into my life and if anyone owes one servitude , It's me to her!!

tools on board...

I keep basic mechanics tools onboard for engine work

a small set up of plumbing tools & Electrical

and a normal handyman type inside for the mr fixit problems

Several rolls of canvas & aluminum duct tape is a must!!!!....

As far as spending 20k on a coach ....Very doable in the region your in but as Terry has said, tires will have to be checked and plan on replacing them ....also plan on setting a large sum of money back for awhile to be sure no problems arise in the beginning

Florida is loaded with great deals during the summer months!!!! you should have no problems getting a great deal on something!!!

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

Are you single? A 40 foot is awful big, and will need a great, big truck. Great big trucks are very expensive, even used. And parking it, especially single handed, may be tough, as well as it may be too long to fit a lot of places. If you are single, a 25 foot may do. You can get a brand new 25 foot travel trailer for around $20,000, a 5th wheel, maybe new, or a year or two old. For $20,000 you may also get a nice 10 year old Class A or Class C.

I have a hairless dog (Xoloitzcuintli). He has learned to "stay" in the RV when I say, but I must keep him on the leash outside for many reasons (strong prey drive, likes to chase birds, rodents, people on bikes, motorcycles. Hates golf carts. May try to chase off and bite anyone who looks funny.... ) He can be very cute; he has learned, all by himself, to jump in the passenger seat when I start the engine, and wait to be strapped in. I'm not sure if he likes driving or not (I think he's conflicted) but he has been pretty good about it. After maybe 2-3 hours, though, he gets antsy, and I may put him in his crate with a nice bone. He's a work in progress, and one good thing, no shedding!

scrappy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just gonna toss this out and leave....

you cannot go wrong with a pound puppy. I have two. They know I saved them and will love and be loyal to me until the day they die. Don't overlook the canine love of your life that could be in a shelter near you.

Good night.

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have no intention of pulling a 40'er. Even though my b/f has hauled RVs in Indiana, I would end up hurting him if he taught me how to drive one that big. (I have red hair under the highlights and color... it clashes with the orange jumpsuits) I did find a company that will haul the 5th to a "compound" should a hurricane come into play.

My game plan is to do baby steps into a 40' 5er for 5 years to save money. I will be going from 1600 sq ft down to minimal space. I just payed off my car and motorcycle. I found an over 55 park that will let me come in there because I offered to do hair there for half my price I charge in a salon. They will charge 500.00 a month for lot rent plus electric and cable. So we can say 800.00 a month. Right now I am paying over 2200.00 a month for rent/utilities. After 5 years of savings I plan on getting a class C with a tow for my motorcycle.

I have looked at the pound for a puppy....unfort everything they have right now they have is a 5-8 lb puppy when grown up. There are several reasons I have looked past that: I will be single traveling: so I want my partner to bark and alert me. I will end up stepping on her, plus I plan on putting in wood floors in the RV and I hear that chihuahuas have a hard time potty training. I ended up putting in a request to a breeder for a King Charles. I will eventually get a Klee Kai..but the only breeder I found right now wanted 2100.00 for a pup.

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes, when I was looking at the animal shelters in Nor. Cal. it's mostly Chihuahuas and pit bulls, with the odd Aussie. Or dogs that are very old. I got my Xolo on Craigslist, an intuition to take look, and there he was, my favorite breed of dog! He's been a project, though, apparently, the reason why his previous family had to get rid of him was his "fear/aggression". He didn't get socialized, was left alone too much, and suffered some abuse. He will try and bite, and I've had to work with a trainer; he's making progress, for sure! He's still less than a year old, so he may make a turn around. But there's a breed for you, as a "perfect RV dog", the Xoloitzcuintli . They are hairless, so they don't shed, and they make excellent companions and fabulous watch dogs. Plus they are bigger than a Chihuahua; mine is 25 lbs, they can be as large as 50 lbs.

Neil and Connie · RV-Dreams Family Member

Connie and I will be wintering in Fort Myers; staying at Seminole Campground right off of 75…come on over and see us once we arrive on Nov 1.

Send me a PM with your email in October and we'll shake up the Jello.

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

Neil and Connie: We can def hook up and kick back.
Hina: I absolutely crush on your puppy!! I look forward to new videos on the little man. I still say Toto needs his own blog and video time!!

Just when I thought I had it all planned out with the RV... another wrench gets thrown in the mix. Here is what the b/f threw at me last night: Since I would be selling a 40' in 5 years and buying a class c to travel with... why not start now. He found me the Coachmen Leprechaun 319DS on www.mhsrv.com. I would still be saving money but paying on something that I would end up with in the long run 5 years earlier. Does anyone have any experience with this brand of class c?

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

FLCoastalChick wrote:

Just when I thought I had it all planned out with the RV... another wrench gets thrown in the mix. Here is what the b/f threw at me last night: Since I would be selling a 40' in 5 years and buying a class c to travel with... why not start now. He found me the Coachmen Leprechaun 319DS on www.mhsrv.com. I would still be saving money but paying on something that I would end up with in the long run 5 years earlier. Does anyone have any experience with this brand of class c?

I don't have much experience with the Coachman other than from what I understand they are designed as more of a vacation/weekend model than a full timing rig.

I'd also consider the current payments on your 5th wheel -- assuming there are payments -- or if there are no payments on the 5th wheel I would definitely stick with that and spend my own sweet time doing my research to figure out what I want next.

My only other thought was isn't the bf an ex-bf??? Just a gentle reminder from someone whose been there.

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

I found a 5th wheel for 12500.00. It needs alot of work inside which I still have to fulfill my lease so it would give me time. With what I have for a down payment right now and a 5 year loan it would cost me around 115.00 a month for a payment.

As far as the b/f... yes he is an ex. until he can figure out how to get his sheet together. After 7 years of being together I told him that I wanted something more perm since I wasnt getting any younger and my eye cream will only work a few more years on the wrinkles if I have to look elsewhere. He had to confess to me that he hadnt got a divorce from his last wife. But he runs in the same circle of friends so I just let it go alot and keep pushing forward with my plan. I am not the type of person to be hate on anyone.

LeO · RV-Dreams Community Member

Wow, I had no idea Klee Kai prices had skyrocketed ($2100) so much! When we got our little Mati in 1994 she was $350 plus a contract that we supply 2 pups back to the breeder. My breeder Carol's Klee Kai in Washington state has passed on; but it was my understanding a gal named Penny took over her business. Sorry I have no contact info for her. Tried to Google, but came up empty, but did see a couple other Washington breeders listed. One of my contract pups "Bean" ( new owners name for him) was flown to Maine to his new home. So is not uncommon to fly them to their new home sight unseen. Perhaps prices not so outrageous in the NW! Good luck with your hunt and may the perfect companion come your way however you pursue it! Blessings, LeO

FLCoastalChick · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you so much Leo for the efforts to find me another Husky...

I should have prob finished my thoughts when it came to the ex b/f - b/f but as always I was on a fast paced day that turned into 2 weeks. (this is why I cannot wait to get to the seminar and learn the ins and outs of full timing...relaxation!!) We are not a couple but after so many years I still just say it (sounds weird I know)... but as I stated I cannot hate people...When we go out on the motorcycles as a group I still give him a hug and say "hi"...other than that: nothing.

I flew out to take my state board in TN (which I passed TG). Then drove with my ex boss and his wife down to TX to look at RV's. Along with long talks and the fact that I am single, I have decided on going with the Coachmen class C. I will get it naked though so I can add a regular sofa (I wont have to sell mine) and instead of booth I will put in an island with chairs. They basically told me that even though it may not be ideal at first...you will be living in it when you hit the road, along with the fact that I will not be going on the road for 5 years...so that would be another 5 yrs I had to pay it down if I ever had to refinance later it would be more reasonable. I am going to do the farmers markets for weeks on end to place my crystal, harley and other merchandise on sale.

My puppy.. I put a 600.00 deposit down on her (I wanted a female with perfect markings). I am not rich by any means...it took all I had to do this. I had enough miles that I could fly to the kennel free. They didnt want me in there. I told them either let me in right now or cut me a check for my deposit right now and we can call it a day. Long story short it was a puppy mill. They cut me a check, I went to the humane society again in Naples...I sat in a room with 15 puppies and treats (heaven for a dog lover). I found a little terrier that was just taken in. I have to wait 60 days because he has heartworm and the parents may return even though they left him tied to the door.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

prices on Klee Kia's in New England are outrageous 4- 5k........but I love the little pain in my butt!!!!!!

Glad to hear you found a new friend....even more so that you got him from a shelter, so many people bring them home only to send them off to a shelter for one reason or another....there not there because they are defective.... just the wrong circumstances put them in a bad position!!....they are just a bundle of love and dedication looking for the same!!!......Kudo's to you!!