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08-05-2019, 10:10 AM
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#21
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: New England
Posts: 370
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Teacher Terry
We are in the process of trying to sell ours after 12 years and 10k miles. Between the price of gas and RV parks we can take our car and stay cheaper in motels. Some RV parks say you can’t leave your dogs in there while you are gone.
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The parks forbid leaving a dog in your own camper? Why is that? Barking noise? That's a low mileage unit; did you enjoy it while you did it?
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08-05-2019, 10:12 AM
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#22
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: New England
Posts: 370
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Senator
I have a 39' fifth wheel. Originally I planned on following the weather with it from MN in the fall. I also want to do a long Alaska trip. I did stay in it for ~2 months in FL the first year I purchased it. And I went on a trip last fall to see polar bears with it.
I have since purchased a house in FL, so I no longer need to follow the weather. I drive down in 2-days, and stay put and do road trips with the car. It costs ~$100 each way, rather than ~$500. And I have a car there to drive, rather than my truck. The savings in driving the car rather than dragging the fifth wheel almost pay for the house expenses for the year. I do miss my truck often though...
I am headed out west with it for ~2+ months this fall, then back to FL.
It's expensive to have an RV. They are expensive to drive, harder to drive than a car, and break often due to the constant vibrations. Maybe a Class C or Class Z will be less breakage.
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These are things to consider when purchasing; i don't want to be working on something constantly or spending a fortune to repair things I can no longer do myself. I'm also concerned with DW loving it at first then interest wanes....fast.
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08-05-2019, 10:14 AM
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#23
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: New England
Posts: 370
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hyper
I'd strongly suggest joining rving groups on fb. I've been seriously considering going on the road full time. Joining these groups and listening to many of the posters comments has changed a lot of that thinking. Many of those ppl are doing it because they can't afford life and the cost of stick homes not for the adventure part. Many are living in the rv's with several kids. The rv campgrounds sound miserable. I'd lean towards a few acres in different areas where one could pull the rv in for that particular season but that also has it's own problems.
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Good advice; I can't imagine living in one of these things let alone raise kids! What a state of affairs that folks resort to this.
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08-05-2019, 10:17 AM
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#24
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,328
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tetto
The parks forbid leaving a dog in your own camper? Why is that? Barking noise? ..........
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Yea, it is really annoying to camp next to a constantly barking dog. The owners don't know or admit the dog barks constantly the minute they leave.
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08-05-2019, 10:39 AM
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#25
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: The Desert
Posts: 311
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When I retired, I had my heart set on seeing the country in some sort of RV...on and off for at least a year or two, but DW would have none of it. Essentially, if I wanted to travel in an RV, I’d be going it solo. So, I lived vicariously through a few friends and a family member who did. Long story short, they all had incredible experiences...from a stuck slide or cracked manifold (!) on a class A diesel pusher with tag axle (stranding them in Flagstaff, AZ for ~ 2 weeks), a bent trailer (!!), a decoupled toad running wild into a ditch, monstrous depreciation, six-month service wait times, an Airstream crease running almost the full length of the trailer, electrical gremlins, angry neighbors, stolen generator parts and surge suppressors, etc. etc. etc. Keep in mind, these are some of the the low points. On the positive, we’ve been witness to pictures taken at unbelievably beautiful camp spots, an epic fishing trip, a wonderful BBQ and wine...served lakeside in a remote location, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, etc. Every bad data point vindicates DW’s feelings. Every good data point makes me wonder if I should have taken the plunge anyway. However, we have taken a few great road trips and stayed in hotels, so we haven’t completely missed out.
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08-05-2019, 10:43 AM
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#26
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gone traveling
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 1,156
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We currently have a Diesel Limited Excursion pulling a 32' travel trailer, and love it. We mostly do State Parks for their large size spaces, cheaper prices, and quiet demeanor.
When we F.I.R.E., I would love to downsize into a 22-24' Class C motorhome, and pull a small cargo trailer with our kayaks, and dirt bikes/bicycles, have some solar on the roof, and be able to boondock in remote areas.
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08-05-2019, 11:02 AM
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#27
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DuPage County IL
Posts: 2,727
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some by necessity, many by choice. not our cup of tea but in a normal year we're on the road 5-6 months. I can't imagine staying in hotels, eating every meal at a restaurant and packing/unpacking all the time. diff'rent strokes.
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08-05-2019, 11:03 AM
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#28
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 7,045
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We bought it used with 32k miles on it so not a expensive mistake. We are it’s third owner. Our 4 old dogs never barked. Now we have 2 young ones and couldn’t leave because of barking. Some parks only allow 2 dogs and don’t allow certain breeds. Some parks don’t allow your RV to be over 15-20 years old. We traveled twice for a month and it was a lot of work. One day a hose got loose and the carpet was soaked for days until we drove again with windows open. Occasional stuff like that is no fun. No slide outs because it’s old so with a 27 ft just one long hallway. You are either in bed, sitting in the booth or sitting in the one living room chair. Our month trip last year was 2k cheaper with the car and I didn’t cook like I did with the RV.
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08-05-2019, 11:12 AM
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#29
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 35,712
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After 2 months in the motorhome, we started to miss home. We would miss home even sooner if doing a road trip with a car. The exception is doing road trips in Europe, where there's enough change in scenery and culture to keep us occupied.
About trouble with an RV, everyone runs into this. If it's not one thing, it's 'nother. As long as I do not get stranded, I can deal with it. That's why I like to have two motorized vehicles so I can run for help. No cell signals in places we visited in Alaska. No motels. No towns. No nothin'.
__________________
"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man" -- Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)
"Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities Can Make You Commit Atrocities" - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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08-05-2019, 11:16 AM
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#30
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DuPage County IL
Posts: 2,727
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08-05-2019, 11:21 AM
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#31
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DuPage County IL
Posts: 2,727
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NW-Bound
After 2 months in the motorhome, we started to miss home. We would miss home even sooner if doing a road trip with a car. The exception is doing road trips in Europe, where there's enough change in scenery and culture to keep us occupied.
About trouble with an RV, everyone runs into this. If it's not one thing, it's 'nother. As long as I do not get stranded, I can deal with it. That's why I like to have two motorized vehicles so I can run for help. No cell signals in places we visited in Alaska. No motels. No towns. No nothin'.
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we've had mega-trouble with our current MH...99% of which were caused by sloppy workmanship, cheap parts (thanks, Lippert) and non-existent quality control. with one or two exceptions everything our dealer has fixed has stayed fixed.
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08-05-2019, 12:26 PM
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#32
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 6,258
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We have a 2008 Roadtrek 210 versatile (I only mention that in case you want to look it up). We have put 210,000 miles on it. If you want to see the USA, I can't recommend a Class B more highly. We have camped in Key West, on the beach in downtown Los Angeles, visited every major National Park (and most of the others) -- places we would never have gone to without an RV. We have now been to every mainland State except Alaska. And we have been surprised many times at how pleasantly surprised we were with some States -- Nebraska, for instance, has so much to offer.
My only caution would be that you should make sure you and your partner are 100% compatible. A Class B doesn't allow for much "personal" space. As you have probably figured out, we are "Travelers" not "Campers" -- the two types of RVers. I doubt that a Class B would be that good for "Campers"... unless the two people are very tolerant... extremely so even.
And, like us, you will be able to say, "We been there." -- https://rvlifestyle.com/great-roadsi...cross-the-u-s/
__________________
"It's tough to make predictions, especially when it involves the future." ~Attributed to many
"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is." ~(perhaps by) Yogi Berra
"Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge."~ Lau tzu
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08-05-2019, 01:33 PM
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#33
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,587
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We are more "camper" than "RVer", if there is any real definitions regarding this way of life. AS you can see from the comments, there is a very wide range of styles and uses of recreational vehicles. About the only thing in common is you sleep off the ground and they have wheels.
We owned a 13 foot, canvas sided pop-up trailer for 18 years. Our two sons were 2 and 4 when we started traveling with the trailer and it has been anywhere from Maine to Florida to Colorado and Montana and Utah. Many weekends and up to three weeks living on the road. Just needed a minivan to tow. Sadly, some wood rot in the roof resulted in my wife and I deciding to "upgrade" just this year. Just today made reservations for a week in the Smokies in October(we live in PA).
Our upgrade still adheres to our camping philosophy of keeping it simple. We primarily like to stay in state parks and abhor resorts or RV parks full of Class A's, packed real tight, want to have space and nature around us. That said, we do pay for electricity 90% of the time. Never hook up to water (do the dishes on the picnic table).
Our upgrade is an A-frame, hard sided, pop-up similar to these: https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/campi...pop-up-campers. Air conditioned, furnace, stove, oven, fridge. water heater (but never used). I should note that 25 years ago, wife and I were avid backpacker so are accustomed to keeping thing simple. But my 70 year old back and knees likes the off the ground luxuries. We don't spend much time in camp as we are site-seeing or actively doing things, camp is where we fix simple meals and crash for the night. Tow vehicle now is a mid-size SUV, we get about 20 mpg on the interstate with the camper.
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08-05-2019, 01:50 PM
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#34
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Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,940
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We bought a 26' Class C in 2012. We are out an average of 30 nights a year, mostly short trips but occasional longer ones - we're heading out in two weeks for a 3+ week trip to see Niagara Falls. So we'll probably hit 40+ nights this year. Don't miss staying in hotels at all, and I prefer cooking to eating restaurant food, so it's great for us.
I second the recommendation to rent for at least several days first.
__________________
"One of the funny things about the stock market is that every time one person buys, another sells, and both think they are astute." William Feather
----------------------------------
ER'd Oct. 2010 at 53. Life is good.
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08-05-2019, 09:09 PM
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#35
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 4,373
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We have a big 44 ft motorhome, it's officially called a truck conversion. Like you see race teams use pulling big stacker trailer. It has a class 8 truck chassis, not a diesel pusher class A. We really rough it, LOL. Usually always tow a vehicle behind the mh to drive around once at destination. No stacker for us. We also take our 3 big dogs most trips. They love traveling and camping.
We've RV'd for approximately 10 years now. Plan for or some snow birding this winter. We lived in ours for 6 months when first retired as we waited for new house to be finished. Now take everything from weekend to 2-3 week trips.
It may not save money, but my comments are that we can go places and do things that are only possible with the motorhome. It's a choice that we decided is worth it for us. Only drawback for our motorhome is the size can limit some camping locations. We probably dry camp half of the time.
__________________
The problem isn't artificial intelligence, it's natural stupidity.
You can't spend yourself to prosperity.
Semi-Retired 7/1/16: working part-time (60%) for now [4/24/17 changed to 80%]
Retired Aug 2, 2017; age 53
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08-05-2019, 09:29 PM
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#36
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 7,045
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We originally bought the RV for the dogs. Last year we traveled with a 80 lb guy and 2 tiny ones. We stayed in motels. Glad things are changing.
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08-05-2019, 09:32 PM
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#37
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 270
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We bought an Airstream Basecamp in 2018 and love it. So far we have only done 4-6 day local trips but having a great time ! We really like meeting others at the camp ground, then seeing the local sights. Of course, camping in TT is not for everyone.
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08-05-2019, 10:00 PM
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#38
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,974
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I picked up a 2006 Class B Sprinter (Great West) this spring. It has 100K miles on it, but the cabin still looks pretty nice. That said, it needs a little suspension refresh, which I'm tackling right now.
DW and I plan to tour the West with it; I'd also like a run at the Alcan, which my DM and DD traveled in the early '50s in a 1949 Ford Business Coupe (wish I could find one of those in decent shape too).
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08-05-2019, 10:20 PM
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#39
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 367
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My DW and I are seriously considering buying an RV when it’s time for me to FIRE or even before. We were looking at getting something in 5 years. We want to live in it full time and see the United States and maybe some of Canada as well. We’re even wondering about remote employment options to fund the lifestyle so we can hit the road sooner.
Not sure exactly what we would want but we both currently like the Class As the best so far. We’re actually going to the big RV show in Hershey, PA in the middle of next month to see as many different styles as possible.
We hope to probably get something used to save money. Ironically the new models we look at in Hershey next month may be the model year we end up buying when we’re finally in the market.
I understand that there are downsides to traveling/living this way but I honestly can’t think of a better way to see as much of the country as we’ll see when we hit the road. I’d love to see some national parks and really explore.
As we get within a couple of years away from buying something I will push the DW to take vacations and rent an RV to gain some experience and test the waters to see if we really enjoy it. We’d like to take a trip somewhere in an RV for the next solar eclipse.
We just thought with two dogs this would be a good way to travel. Our initial thought about getting a Class A somewhere in the 32’ to 35’ range was based on comfort features. Living in it full time means we’d want a dry bath and things like a king sized bed if possible. And being able to cook your own meals is a big plus. The plan would be to tow something like a Jeep behind it to explore the areas we visit.
We’ll see. These plans are a work in progress. My wife loves to travel but it’s been tough between finding the time and/or money to do it. I think she thought I’d immediately veto this living in an RV full time idea but I actually like the idea. I’m excited for the prospects of doing this for whatever that’s worth.
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08-05-2019, 10:23 PM
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#40
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 35,712
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr._Graybeard
I picked up a 2006 Class B Sprinter (Great West) this spring. It has 100K miles on it, but the cabin still looks pretty nice. That said, it needs a little suspension refresh, which I'm tackling right now.
DW and I plan to tour the West with it; I'd also like a run at the Alcan, which my DM and DD traveled in the early '50s in a 1949 Ford Business Coupe (wish I could find one of those in decent shape too).
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Be sure to take the detour off the Alcan and go on the "Top of the World Highway".
The Sprinter probably can take you on the Dempster Highway, then on to the new "Tuk" road. I did not have time, nor the gut to take my class C and the toad there.
__________________
"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man" -- Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)
"Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities Can Make You Commit Atrocities" - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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