Hi Debbie!

I'm envious of your timeline but imagine there are times when it seems far away for you as well! I had a small ranch in Acampo, CA for years and know what a big effort it is to move out and move on from that wonderful life.  Funny, I don't miss all the early morning chores so much! Congrats on getting four through college - that's no small feat these days. 

Thank you for the feedback on my blog.  I have been really lazy keeping it up this summer but it is fun to look back and see how far we've come - and makes me a little less impatient - just a little.  I started it so family and friends could travel along with us (and we wouldn't need to report the same story multiple times) and as a record for us as we tackle this big adventure.  It's never too late and I encourage you to start one too. 

I have a lot to learn on how to make the blog "work" so I'm not sure on subscribing (how exciting to have someone even ask ).  At the bottom of the page there is a small "Subscribe to: Posts" but I'm unclear on whether it sends you an email notice or does something else .  Your question has prompted me to figure it out now rather than later.  Thanks!

Best of luck to you and I look forward to meeting you down the road!!

Jodee

Will do!  There seems to be more good information and fun blogs all the time!

Two words: Lazy Daze. Since you live in SoCal, and have plenty of time to plan & review, you should do yourself a favor and visit their factory in Montclair/Pomona.

They make 24', 27' and 31' Class C coaches based on the Ford E-450 chassis, but before you discount that factor, you might consider this kind of RV as a possible option. Since LDs are all made to custom order, there is presently something like an 8 month waiting list - perfect for your time frame. I read your blog regarding the Pomona RV show, and frankly, based on your reactions to what I'd refer to as a 'typical RV buying experience', you'd be in heaven at the LD factory.

For one, it's direct order only - no middlemen or dealers. Two, they only make 200 coaches per year, and have plenty of backlog, so while they will treat you with respect, they will definitely not bother you if you choose to browse around (not just the showroom, the entire manufacturing facility). Lastly, I think they are the oldest RV company still in business - they've been family owned owned & operated for something like 60 years. If you do have questions or want an escort, many times it's the current president of the company handling visitors.

But be forewarned about a couple of things: no slide-outs (the company is very, very conservative and believes they introduce more problems than warranted), no customization, and no haggling, discounting, and/or dickering around. On the plus side, the coach is a wood frame construction, which is why it can support the justly prized over-sized wrap around windows.

We have an older, used LD, but even so, it's a very desirable coach - we always have people asking questions about it, etc. In my opinion, because of the build quality & resell demand, it's the only RV worth spending any money on to maintain past a certain age.