Hello all. Gary and Linda here from northeast Ohio. - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Gary and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hello all. Gary and Linda here from northeast Ohio.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome, you've come to the right place to learn. Pull up a keyboard and ask away. Use the search feature to find all kinds of info to fill in the gaps, just remember some of those threads are old and more up to date info is likely available. If you can't find an answer start a new thread with your questions and comments. Lot's of friendly folks hereabouts to help you along the way! smile

Brian

-- Edited by biggaRView on Thursday 19th of February 2015 09:55:06 AM

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome aboard.............There is lots out there to buy.

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome...this is a great group ...recommend checking the search feature first, looking for semi recent threads and then if your question isn't answered completely starting a new thread with what your missing.

Gary and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pleasure to meet you Brian. I have a few questions to ask. Answer whenever you have time, no rush. We have two homes to sell first off, then we plan on buying a rig within our means and paying cash. We don't want another mortgage. We've been looking online at rigs, too cold to go looking yet. No clue how to get rid of all our stuff. Afraid to throw away something we may need later. Want to know which camping memberships are ones that you get what they offer. We want to experience all the states including Alaska and some of these memberships only have campgrounds in certain states. Alaska is a must...my dream....full timing.....both our dream. Sounds like more people say the bigger the rig the better but I have to drive this BOAT lol so we don't want to go too big. Have a great day and thank you.

rocknb · RV-Dreams Family Member

Howdy Howdy Gary and Linda,

Sink down in the saddle, screw your hat down tight, get a good grip on the reins and Get Ready To Ride. Just like riding a bronc, this ride will have some up's and down's. But if you sit your're saddle good you'll end up with a good ride and one that can take you to Ak & back. Be sure your ride has good coat for the chilly nights and mornings going to toward the Northern Lights. Yes, even in the summer !

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gary and Linda wrote:
Pleasure to meet you Brian. I have a few questions to ask. Answer whenever you have time, no rush. We have two homes to sell first off, then we plan on buying a rig within our means and paying cash. We don't want another mortgage. We've been looking online at rigs, too cold to go looking yet. No clue how to get rid of all our stuff. Afraid to throw away something we may need later. Want to know which camping memberships are ones that you get what they offer. We want to experience all the states including Alaska and some of these memberships only have campgrounds in certain states. Alaska is a must...my dream....full timing.....both our dream. Sounds like more people say the bigger the rig the better but I have to drive this BOAT lol so we don't want to go too big. Have a great day and thank you.

And Mitch Picks this apart.

First: Slow down. We personally started in 2010/2011 with Cheryl doing LOTS of planning, and calculations and spreadsheets, ranging from which states have best tax/sales tax/residence(domicile) items. We chose Florida.

This is NOT (or maybe it really is) a MARATHON. It is done in an orderly fashion, a step (not a mile) at a time.

<-- We have two homes to sell first off, then we plan on buying a rig within our means and paying cash.

--> Great idea. Selling house took us the most time personally. However once it was up to snuff, it sold in one day.

<-- We've been looking online at rigs, too cold to go looking yet.

--> The local RV dealers Show is YOUR BEST FRIEND. But don't go with a checkbook. We went to local, and national RV dealer shows in at least 4 different places, (and likely twice a year for 3 years), to review and imagine ourselves inside. LEAVE the checkbook home.

---> At this point (at these RV shows) you are ONLY looking for the following:

Class A (Bus) Vs. 5th Wheel (or toy-hauler?)
Size of rig
Livability, size & location of amenities. I.E.,

Fireplace
TV Size
location/type of bathroom
price of RIG
Price of tow vehicle if a 5th Wheel
Size of rig needed to tow if 5th wheel, *** I always stress this as MOST important thing if doing a 5er.
livibility (Queen vs King bed? 2 bathrooms? size of tanks? Weight of vehicle
on Class A: Diesel (pusher) vs. Gas?

collecting brochures to review at home.

So, don't just try and jump in. There are tons of old discussions on the board that will help you! Or just ask!

<--- No clue how to get rid of all our stuff. Afraid to throw away something we may need later.

We had a 4 bedroom, 2 car garage S&B (Stick & Bricks) house in NJ. Lived there 22 years. In total over 3-5 years it took

Five refills of a 40Yard dumpster parked in our driveway to get rid of all that junkque. Not all at once.

Every Christmas we would order a dumpster, and have the garage and all other rooms resurveyed and emptied. Eventually we were down to our bedroom set, a kitchen table, 2 chairs, and then the bedroom set was taken away, and we used an air mattress.

CHERYL's blog (going over the planning to today on the road:

Here is a link to the first blog post in 2011! Don't try and read it all at once, it will be WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION (TMI) overload!

<---Want to know which camping memberships are ones that you get what they offer. We want to experience all the states including Alaska and some of these memberships only have campgrounds in certain states.

---> As you go along here, you will read much stuff about this. I'd even say its too early for you to worry about this yet!

<--- Alaska is a must...my dream....full timing.....both our dream.

--> Personally, Alaska is in my future too, but it's too B.I.G. a idea for me yet...

<-- Sounds like more people say the bigger the rig the better but I have to drive this BOAT lol so we don't want to go too big.

--> Size is a tradeoff. the bigger the rig, the more comfortable, yet harder to drive AND find spots!

And Cheryl took a RV Driving class, and now drives the rig,and I don't even get panicked!

LAST suggestion: Both Cheryl and I have separate accounts on this site. we also read most of the new posts here too.

It is highly educational, and keeps us:

Grounded
On the same page
Informed on what's going on in the community!
Learning, and both sharing!

Cheers, and hope this helps EVERYONE, not just you Gary and Linda.

Remember, it's a marathon, and you will do one step at a time, and planning is also part of the fun, as well as the RV shows!

Also Howard and Linda often have the rallys in places where you can rent a cabin, we did that (check cheryl's blog!)

Someday · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Linda and Gary,

I tend to observe (lurk) more than write but your message above reminded us of us on the "afraid to throw something away we may need later". That is us right now in time, as we are working through our SnB in preparation to go FT. We've gone back and forth between going FT, to can't live without a SnB, all the what ifs and so on and so forth.

Anyway I digress but FWIW here goes our perspective thus far, grab a cuppa or cold one as it's a bit long, but I'm a speed typist so doesn't take me long to ramble (LOL):

Size and style of RV is a very very personal thing to each and everyone of us. Couples, singles and even families do it in everything from a truck camper, tear drop trailer through to the big 45ft Coaches. Some insist they need a diesel pusher for the ride and hills, others feel that the extra cost over a gas engine isn't worth it to them (I fell into the latter category when we first bought a coach, hubby want's the DP engine LOL). It's a bit like we all drive a different car, and some of us live in a condo, bungalow, two storey etc. Ironically talking with most dealers and reading forums over the past decade and half on and off, we've heard often of folks buying too small and upgrading very quickly to something bigger. We also notice that as folks get up in years, if they don't come off the road either fully or partially, they tend to then downsize. Almost like when in SnB's, we tend to upsize and then downsize over time as the chronological calendar marches on and our family make up changes. Bottom line is there is no right or wrong way and no one size fits all.

First and foremost, it's imperative you decide what your budget is for a purchase, whether you are comfortable with buying used or has to be new, and then how you'll travel likely for the most part and over time. No one knows you better than you do yourselves!

Initially it appears most start travelling, like a kid in a candy store, "almost" in vacation mode, unless they are anchored due to hosting or work commitments. Over time, the moving every few days for many starts to get old, and some likely will find themselves spending longer times in one location. Well that's what we've noticed from our years of readings, and there's always exceptions.

Next, and for most, of paramount importance is the floorpan/layout. What's important for you and what will bug you after purchase. When you find what appeals floorpan wise, pretend you are taking a shower, prepping a meal, making the bed etc etc. Act in it as if you were day to day living in it on the road, and stuck inside for 3 days of continuous bad weather so to speak. Tall folks don't realize how awkward certain things are like taking a shower or driving positions in some, others such as cook at home folks get frustrated if not enough prep room, storage, can you accommodate your hobbies etc. Take your time before pulling the trigger on a unit to make sure it'll work for what suits YOU! Don't just fall in love with the cosmetic eye candy at the front end, make sure it'll meet your needs, or that you can compromise on what doesn't. Block out what the salesperson is rambling on about for the mostpart and don't be afraid to walk away no matter how much urgency on best price is put upon you! We've been offered one off show pricing and better way after the fact. I personally feel RVs, unless you are looking very specialised, are like a Number 14 bus ........ another will be along shortly.

Folks that own a fifth wheel are very much geared to that is the best option, likewise other types and styles owned often feel that type is the best. For sure 5ers do tend to feel more homey we've found, and if you are able to use the tow vehicle for your everyday vehicle that is a consideration. We had a fifth wheel for our first 3 years when we started RVing for vacations and made it work really well for us on trips of up to 6 or 8 weeks, and that was with moving every day, few days, week etc. Overnight we tended to not unhitch for the sake of just overnighting, so that was a trade off! Mechanically there is less to go wrong and if something goes wrong with your home you've still got your truck, and vice a versa, but in all fairness we've never had to motel it when repairs were being done in over 16 years of RVing.

If travelling a lot, many enjoy the convenience of an A, B or C class it appears - which of those depends on whether one likes more space or lives outside mainly, and are not restricted on size for their sites/boondocking areas they prefer to be in. Engines are generally meant to be used not stationary for months at a time, which is also a consideration.

Then there are Travel Trailers/bumper pulls, that some happily FT in, but most comment they sway more when towing typically over a Fifth wheel, and then the true back country camper/hunter/fisherman/hikers like having a truck camper to get them back out further into the boonies. There are of course others that like a truck camper just because of size/parking etc in general but they are few and far between.

The past 13 years we have owned a 37ft A gas coach, which we bought for the floorpan and hubby fancied at the time changing to a coach versus fifth wheel. We don't tow a vehicle at this juncture but bike and walk a tremendous amount, almost everyone FT though does tow a vehicle so costs and considerations of that would need to be addressed. Have to say, because we are not the type to stay stationary for any length of time in one place, we have loved having the coach over the fifth wheel as we just pull up, press some buttons and within minutes are set up. We also boondock a lot not liking being hemmed in at packed CG's for the most part, and love being at one with nature, kayaking, fishing etc. Again I stress, it's how you know you'll likely live and travel when mobile. There is absolutely no right or wrong way to do this, contrary to what we thought at the beginning of our research.

At one point we were considering upgrading to a much newer DP coach for FTing, until someone on one of the forums whom talks a tremendous amount of sense always, mentioned they'd seen several folks over the years, overstretch themselves forcing them off the road financially too early. We therefore have decided that as much as we can slice and dice budgets and hope to get 'x' returns on investments, until we experience it for a few years more permanently on the road, we'll hold back on upgrading from our current older coach. That's not the right decision for all, but makes sense to us for now. We've accordingly upgraded our lil beast with flat screen TVs, residential fridge, largish solar and battery system. All done thanks to immense help from many well known forum contributors we are indebted too.

Gary and Linda, your excitement about hitting the road full time is no doubt as high as ours, and maybe like us at times sometimes feelings of being overwhelmed by all the options, doubts and considerations, when this is going to be not just a trip any more but complete "lifestyle" change. Budgets, Affordability, no work income, drawing down investments you've inversely been growing for years, New versus Used, Tow or Coach, Diesel Versus Gas, Style of RVing & Location Interests, Floor Plans That Work, Costs To Run, Operate, Repair, Maintenance, Off Grid Or Hook Ups, Tank Size Capabilities, Internet, TV, Phones, Solar....... the list sometimes feels endless. Well it did to us at times = our brains went wacko as well during various processes.

What finally helped me put it all into perspective and stop the perpetual pendulum swinging back and forth, was the realization that nothing is forever. Once we had our if the proverbial hits the fan exit plan, all of a sudden it's become fun planning again. Having built most of our retirement funds through property ownership/house constructions it was very hard for us to finally pull the trigger but we have started to recently. One property just hit the market but being in the energy province we are feeling the recent down turn with zero showings so far! If it doesn't sell we'll simply rent it out again when current tenants move out end of April, but would prefer not to. Another is due to hit next snowbird season being in Fla, and the main acreage we live on our youngest is going to take over upon completion of university and getting married (we can build a granny property here if needed in the future). That leaves us with a small condo we will continue to rent out or if the market picks up substantially sell.

Hope some of the above may help you Gary and Linda as it did me by the kindness of so many others that shared such sage advice over the past couple of years with me as well others sharing their emotional feelings and experiences. I have been blessed to have emailed a fellow FT RVing couple who have kindly shared so much over their past 4 to 5 years FTing being Canadians, and hubby and I can't wait to meet them personally to show our immense appreciation for their sharing and openness. Generally speaking most RVers are so willing to share so much, just not everything in public forums we've found based on private messages and email exchanges some of our questions over time have generated

This and generally only one other forum are my absolute favourites for the wonderful sharing nature of folks that frequent here. So many here write how Howard and Linda tell them when they have had doubts about various things "it'll all be fine/fall into place/work out", or they had the same worries/concerns when they started. You are sure to get some wonderful sharing of those that have walked several miles in your shoes before you.

DebbieM · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hello,

There is a lot of good info on this site and others blogs as well. Welcome to the group!

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

"Block out what the salesperson is rambling on about for the most" - I agree with Someday here. "There is absolutely no right or wrong way to do this, contrary to what we thought at the beginning of our research." - more good advice.

Take all advice as advice and opinions.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome, Gary and Linda. As mentioned, this is a good site because you can get answers for just about every kind of RV and of the lifestyle.

Something that has not been mentioned yet is to take a good look at potential RV's frame, suspension, axles, wheels and tires. Those components basically make up the very foundation of the RV, and are especially important for those that are planning on full-timing.

Take your time in your research and planning. Look at all options, and ask questions on the forums about those options. If you narrow your interest down to a few brands/models, look online to see if there are any owner's websites with forums for those brands/models. If you want to ask your own questions there, you'll need to register to do that.

With regards to all forums, keep in mind that many attract people who are looking for a solution to a problem that they are having. Just because it looks like a lot of questions about a brand/model makes it appear to be a wrong choice, keep in mind that there are probably a LOT more owners of those brands/models that have never been on a forum. What that means is that one question should be asked if you have concerns. Pose the question something like this: "If you were to buy another RV, would you buy the same brand you currently have, and if not, why not?" You may be surprised at the number of folks with some problems that will state that they would buy the same brand/model again.

If you are looking at dealerships as well as RV shows, listen to see if the sales personnel are asking you questions. If they are, it appears that they are trying to find something that will work for your needs. If they don't ask many questions of you, look for another salesman or another dealership.

Good luck with your research and planning.

Terry

marianne57 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Gary and Linda, we were in the starting stages about 2 years ago, and have hopes now of leaving in 2016. We're downsizing, prepping the house to list next March, attended Howard and Linda's rally last April (which we highly advise if you get the opportunity) and purchased our 5th wheel future home and truck last year. One thing I've learned in reading and watching these forums is that everyone is different and like so many have said...there really isn't a right or wrong way, it's what you individually feel comfortable with. We opted for a 36 foot fiver just because DH felt better about driving it, and to be honest....I'm learning and I do too. We don't really feel like we lost any space for storage or living and we love our choice. It was a long process, but you will know when you find the right thing for both of you! Good luck and ask away and read other posts even if you don't ask yourself. The info couldn't be better and the support is great!! Take Care!

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome Gary and Linda,

At this point, I don't think I can add much more than has already been said. As you can see, lot's of folks with exceptional perspectives and ideas.

We will be hitting the road FT the end of July, come h*** or high water. We're a bit lucky in that my kid is going to move in, but we're not going to try and saddle her with our storing our stuff in the house. Like many, we too are going through the purge process. But we're also looking at finding a place to store stuff 'just in case'. I recall a poster indicating they had a storage unit and stop by periodically to see what else they could get rid of, that they were finding just wasn't needed.

As some have stated, hit the RV shows. We've been 'vacation' camping since '99, starting with a slide in camper. We're now in a 5er, but continue to go to the shows to see new models, styles, interiors, and ideas for storage, etc. Always something new.

So, yes, take your time and find out what's good for you. The options are ridiculous.

Good luck and happy trails.

Gary and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

I hope I'm doing this right. Blogging is new to us. We just wanted to thank each of you who responded to our questions. Sound advice and appreciate the stories of your personal experiences. We are so thankful we found such a wonderful group. Thank you all!

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gary and Linda wrote:
I hope I'm doing this right. Blogging is new to us. We just wanted to thank each of you who responded to our questions. Sound advice and appreciate the stories of your personal experiences. We are so thankful we found such a wonderful group. Thank you all!

You'll be a pro in no time! biggrin smile

shystywolf · RV-Dreams Family Member

welcome and goodluck

Gary and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi everyone! Wanted to post an update of our journey to FTing. The house is up for sale. Realtor came out the other day and put the sign in the yard. Been packing and clearing out everything we don't need. Getting anxious and excited. Lord let this house sell fast!!! Our renters are thinking of buying or rental home!!! Hope to be the Traveling Thomas' soon!!!

gypsymaus · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hoping for a speedy sale for you!

Gary and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi All! I haven't been on here for awhile. So busy with all the insanity. Found a buyer for our main home and have been going through all the inspections and all that extra stuff they don't tell you ahead of time. I swear the realtor is making more money on this sale than us and we still have the 2nd house to sell. Oy vey!!

We still don't have a closing date but knowing that it will be here soon enough we are moving our things to the other house slowly.

Our original plan was A... to sell the other house first and buy the rig and tow. Then sell this house and pay off all debt. But we are now on plan B. Pay cash for the rig, as much as we can and finance the rest. Also get the truck and live in the 2nd home until it sells with hopefully the rig in the driveway. We can always go on short trips while we wait on the house to sell.

My packing was underway and would make a person with OCD very proud. All marked, organized. Beautiful.....well that was weeks ago, now it's get stuff into a box and load up the truck and get this stuff to the other place. We had boxes marked for RV, Give to kids, and garage sale. Hahaha.... These boxes are everywhere, scattered in spare rooms, garages...it's a mess.

I remember the saying....the best part of the plan is the journey not the destination.....or something like that. Bull puckies!!!! Let's get this done and hit the road and I don't mean pounding my fists into the pavement any more. I have sore hands!!! If the realtor says we have to shell out anymore cash for anything else I will be in a cast.

So happy trails and stay safe on the roads ya'll. We'll be following you shortly.

Oh.....best part....how could I forget.....our new home is.....wait for it........

2014 Grand Design 369FL!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh yeah and the tow is a Ford...I'm the DW, in my case that means dumb...it's a Ford, I saw the logo, what's under the hood....???? an engine? It's loud and has lots of rubber, that means tires!!! SH....smart hubby...is happy.

God bless!!! Stay cool!!!

Someday · RV-Dreams Family Member

Linda, congratulations on selling your main residence. We are in a similar boat but due to other commitments at local level we have about 16months or so as our departure date to FTing. One small revenue sold and closed in early June locally. Have Sarasota Fla property up for sale heading to month 4 - had less than one showing a month for the first 3 months then had 4 showings in one week, two the next but last couple of weeks nothing again since then. Ho hum, we think our timeframe will be November to March with winter visitors down there.

Soon as we can get that one sold (not given away!!) we'll be on the home stretch, as daughter and future son in law want to take over our main acreage residence and we of course will do all we can to try and work that in to our plans for them. That in turn means we won't have the added stress of getting rid of all the personal effects which they'll inherit to kick start them off easily.

Ironically, I'm finding moreso of late, that the more I'm reading now about other folks already FTing their trips and happenings, I'm getting major hitch itch to just get up and go and hang the consequences. In reality that would never happen as I'm too much of an organised/planner type person to ever do anything that frivolous. Heaven's I wish I could though - just once in my life throw caution truly to the wind!

Anyway Linda, thrilled for you and Gary to be another couple of steps closer - nice rig :)

marianne57 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gary and Linda wrote:
Oh.....best part....how could I forget.....our new home is.....wait for it........
2014 Grand Design 369FL!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh yeah and the tow is a Ford...I'm the DW, in my case that means dumb...it's a Ford, I saw the logo, what's under the hood....???? an engine? It's loud and has lots of rubber, that means tires!!! SH....smart hubby...is happy.
God bless!!! Stay cool!!!

YEAH FOR THE GRAND DESIGN!!!!! You're going to love it you guys!. We have the 305, (smaller then your unit) but we are loving ours and anxious to go spring 2016! Their customer service has been amazing! Good luck and hope everything comes together for you! Hope to see you out there!