Hi, Im happy to have found this site. its a part of my resource now for my plans to travel soon. Its a little scary as I am 58 and will be traveling with 2 cats and a dog. Im not wealthy so limited to an older model class C. My plans are to stay in Colorado for the summers. At least for the first couple years then go where it is warm in the winters. Hopefully the gulf coast. My biggest fear is landing in a camp ground that is not so safe. Im hoping this site will bring some good resources for safe traveling and tips on where to stay, insurance to have, what to do if I brake down. Im hoping not to land in the backyard of a shop while my RV is being worked on. Im guessing good maintenance would be recommended. Ive heard of Good Sam, my Mother told me it was a waste of money. I'd love to have a second opinion on that. I have had back surgery which led to my disability status so wondering is it hard hooking up at a site. Im pretty familiar with Colorado sites and know where I would go and can offer my feedback in the Denver Metro area. (where Im from) and some of the Rocky Mountain region. Im hoping to spend some time in LaVeta Colorado to be able to take some workshops in the quilting arts and would love to be near areas known for a good art district. So that's a bit about me and why I joined this site. Any advice on the gulf area would be greatly appreciated. Best to all in your journeys.
Lucky Mike said
02:19 PM Jun 17, 2013
Welcome to the Forum!!! almost all campgrounds are safe to stay at.......some of the finest resorts have undesirables but good people in large numbers keep the trouble down.
Depending on the age of your unit warranty insurance is available, you might want to PM Howard and Linda about "Wholesale Warranties" and they could explain some of the offerings or just enter it in the search bar and info will come up.
Living on disability while on the road is doable.......but budgeting is a major must!.....there are several of us out here doing it but it only allows the basics of frugality and you will have to make do or find another supplemental income to get some of the finer add ons as your move around..(craft shows and your intrest in quilting go together Nicely)
now......Think about it ,and go for it.......A dream is only a dream until you put it in motion!!
gjmiller138 said
03:50 AM Jun 18, 2013
I will have to get something used. I have considered 2 options. I will probably not travel extensively but stay for longer periods in Colorado (my home) and far enough south in the winter to avoid freezing. I would be looking at a used class C or a 5th wheel. I've considered the options with the little knowledge I have. Class C is one done deal but what happens if I brake down, where do I go with my pets while repairs are underway. Second is I purchase a newer 5th wheel and buy a good used diesel. I will need to get up and down the mountains but know then well enough to stay off the steeper grids. Back in the day I drove a school bus so and had to run I-70 so understand the pressure a steep grade will put on brakes. Im on disability but retired early and have an income that will allow me to stay at a descent park. I will not be looking for pools and all the amenities, just peace and quite. My summers will be between some Denver Metro Parks to spend tie with the grandkids and the rest in LaVeta CO as I head back south for the winter. Texas is an idea as well. Does anyone have advice on the best option, the more traveler friendly option. Im not looking for luxury, just a little place to call home. Thanks for any advice.
bjoyce said
11:08 AM Jun 18, 2013
Most fulltimers and extended timers with Class C's (and A's) tow a car behind. In almost 10 years of fulltiming in a motorhome we were only kicked out into a motel once for repairs and that was for RV work and would have affected a 5th wheel. The rest of the time, including all engine work, we got to sleep in the motorhome.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Tuesday 18th of June 2013 11:10:41 AM
WestWardHo said
03:41 PM Jun 18, 2013
We read lots of advice to have a significant emergency fund for repairs whether you buy new or used. It certainly was true for us with tire issues and other things we wanted to add to our new unit.
Keep reading, keep asking and WELCOME to the best forum ever. You'll figure out what's right for you, keep looking, go to shows, dealer lots, private sales, etc.
Sherry
gjmiller138 said
06:00 PM Jun 18, 2013
Thanks Sherry and Mike. This is a scary move for me so the advice Im seeing on this forum for everyone is good. My situation is I have a choice of having to move into an apartment due to my house being to much for me to take care of or to get an RV which seems so much more pleasant and it complements my adventurous spirit. Can it be done on a 2200 budget per month? This is what Im wondering. Of course I would have some funds put aside for emergencies. With that Im hoping someone has experience with Class C Vs 5th Wheel as far as braking down. Im thinking at least with a 5th wheel one still has a place to live but what happens with you folks who have a Class C, what do yu do or where do you go if your engine needs repair? Has anyone had this experience and would being willing to share it with me?
Gail
gjmiller138 said
06:14 PM Jun 18, 2013
Thank you, Thats reassuring. I guess a good look over and pre-work is in order by my mechanic since I will be traveling second hand. Any suggestion on brand. Just need a small place to sleep but not overhead. There are so many brands of RV's and I have no idea which ones are more dependable. Guess its just like buying a car.
Terry and Jo said
02:23 AM Jun 19, 2013
Gail,
Welcome to the RV Dreams forums. As you go along here, you will find a lot of answers to questions, but feel free to ask your own. One never knows when their question will put a new perspective on an old problem. You will find folks here who are knowledgeable of about every kind of RV available.
If possible, look into every RV dealer that you can to look at the different floorplans of the various kinds. While a Class C can be very advantageous for the traveling, extended living will require a bit more ingenuity. On the other hand, a fifth wheel might give you better options of being able to set up for quilting or other craft projects. My wife, Jo, does embroidery and sewing, so we build a sewing cabinet that sits in the back of our coach.
La Veta is a nice place. I can't speak to the quilting aspect of things, but our family has vacationed south of La Veta for decades and know the area pretty well. If you are in that area for long, take a drive south on Highway 12 through Cuchara and then up to Cordova Pass. There is a forest road that goes from the turnoff over towards Aguilar. At one point along the drive, there is a place where one can hike up onto West Spanish Peak. Even if one doesn't go up on the peak, the trail parallels a ridge to the north where one can look out over the Cuchara valley.
Or, from a point south of Cuchara, one can drive up to Bear Lake and Blue Lake. While they aren't high mountains like in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas, it is still a pretty area.
Good luck with all your research and planning.
Terry
Ckerr said
04:46 AM Jun 19, 2013
Welcome Gail!
I second the advice to look at all the RV's you can. Just check out every dealership you can get to that has Class C's and see what you think. Many women traveling alone find a Class C a good fit. But don't rule out a small Class A. You might find them in the same price range and the bed arrangement can work better.
A 5th wheel might offer more crafting/livng space and really isn't hard to pull or back up. I'm currently looking for a 5th wheel for myself.
Once you get a feel for what you like in person, search the internet for price ranges and different models. It can be confusing, so just be patient. You'll find the right fit for you.
On the topic of the Gulf Coast or Texas, I can tell you from experience that the Rio Grande Valley is much less expensive than many other southern areas. Lots of Winter Texans for exactly that reason. Tons of RV parks in all different price ranges and amenity levels.
Budget is entirely lifestyle dependent. If your rig is paid for I think $2000/month is doable IF you are not moving from location to location frequently. But as I said, it will depend on your lifestyle.
gjmiller138 said
05:43 AM Jun 19, 2013
Great advice here, thank you and I never thought of a class A... Will have to take a look on floor plans. I used to drive a school bus so that size would not be a problem for me. Thanks again everyone. Im finding more courage each day on here to take off.
Hi, Im happy to have found this site. its a part of my resource now for my plans to travel soon. Its a little scary as I am 58 and will be traveling with 2 cats and a dog. Im not wealthy so limited to an older model class C. My plans are to stay in Colorado for the summers. At least for the first couple years then go where it is warm in the winters. Hopefully the gulf coast. My biggest fear is landing in a camp ground that is not so safe. Im hoping this site will bring some good resources for safe traveling and tips on where to stay, insurance to have, what to do if I brake down. Im hoping not to land in the backyard of a shop while my RV is being worked on. Im guessing good maintenance would be recommended. Ive heard of Good Sam, my Mother told me it was a waste of money. I'd love to have a second opinion on that. I have had back surgery which led to my disability status so wondering is it hard hooking up at a site. Im pretty familiar with Colorado sites and know where I would go and can offer my feedback in the Denver Metro area. (where Im from) and some of the Rocky Mountain region. Im hoping to spend some time in LaVeta Colorado to be able to take some workshops in the quilting arts and would love to be near areas known for a good art district. So that's a bit about me and why I joined this site. Any advice on the gulf area would be greatly appreciated. Best to all in your journeys.
almost all campgrounds are safe to stay at.......some of the finest resorts have undesirables but good people in large numbers keep the trouble down.
Depending on the age of your unit warranty insurance is available, you might want to PM Howard and Linda about "Wholesale Warranties" and they could explain some of the offerings or just enter it in the search bar and info will come up.
Living on disability while on the road is doable.......but budgeting is a major must!.....there are several of us out here doing it but it only allows the basics of frugality and you will have to make do or find another supplemental income to get some of the finer add ons as your move around..(craft shows and your intrest in quilting go together Nicely)
now......Think about it ,and go for it.......A dream is only a dream until you put it in motion!!
Most fulltimers and extended timers with Class C's (and A's) tow a car behind. In almost 10 years of fulltiming in a motorhome we were only kicked out into a motel once for repairs and that was for RV work and would have affected a 5th wheel. The rest of the time, including all engine work, we got to sleep in the motorhome.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Tuesday 18th of June 2013 11:10:41 AM
Keep reading, keep asking and WELCOME to the best forum ever. You'll figure out what's right for you, keep looking, go to shows, dealer lots, private sales, etc.
Sherry
Gail
Gail,
Welcome to the RV Dreams forums. As you go along here, you will find a lot of answers to questions, but feel free to ask your own. One never knows when their question will put a new perspective on an old problem. You will find folks here who are knowledgeable of about every kind of RV available.
If possible, look into every RV dealer that you can to look at the different floorplans of the various kinds. While a Class C can be very advantageous for the traveling, extended living will require a bit more ingenuity. On the other hand, a fifth wheel might give you better options of being able to set up for quilting or other craft projects. My wife, Jo, does embroidery and sewing, so we build a sewing cabinet that sits in the back of our coach.
La Veta is a nice place. I can't speak to the quilting aspect of things, but our family has vacationed south of La Veta for decades and know the area pretty well. If you are in that area for long, take a drive south on Highway 12 through Cuchara and then up to Cordova Pass. There is a forest road that goes from the turnoff over towards Aguilar. At one point along the drive, there is a place where one can hike up onto West Spanish Peak. Even if one doesn't go up on the peak, the trail parallels a ridge to the north where one can look out over the Cuchara valley.
Or, from a point south of Cuchara, one can drive up to Bear Lake and Blue Lake. While they aren't high mountains like in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas, it is still a pretty area.
Good luck with all your research and planning.
Terry
I second the advice to look at all the RV's you can. Just check out every dealership you can get to that has Class C's and see what you think. Many women traveling alone find a Class C a good fit. But don't rule out a small Class A. You might find them in the same price range and the bed arrangement can work better.
A 5th wheel might offer more crafting/livng space and really isn't hard to pull or back up. I'm currently looking for a 5th wheel for myself.
Once you get a feel for what you like in person, search the internet for price ranges and different models. It can be confusing, so just be patient. You'll find the right fit for you.
On the topic of the Gulf Coast or Texas, I can tell you from experience that the Rio Grande Valley is much less expensive than many other southern areas. Lots of Winter Texans for exactly that reason. Tons of RV parks in all different price ranges and amenity levels.
Budget is entirely lifestyle dependent. If your rig is paid for I think $2000/month is doable IF you are not moving from location to location frequently. But as I said, it will depend on your lifestyle.