We're brand new to this idea (although I did have a 61 VW Sundial Camper bus at one time, along with vague plans, that I could shoot myself for selling!) and we're really just learning that there's SO MUCH to learn! We're based out of AZ (for now) & leaning towards a 35-footer we can drive & tow a jeep behind for exploring & runs into town. I love the GM 4106 conversions, but we're starting to lean towards something with slideouts to avoid feeling claustrophobic, since we think we're going to love this lifestyle, but space certainly couldn't hurt! I love the vintage look much more than the newer RV's, but maintenance & repair costs are a factor for us. My husband is fairly mechanically inclined, but not a mechanic, and certainly has never worked on these monsters! ;) We're planning on picking everyone's brain that we can get our hands on, attending RV & outdoor expos, and continuing to read the many awesome blogs, forums, and resources out there. My biggest fear is learning how to drive a 35 foot beast with another vehicle attached - backing up, finding relatively level spots to camp, etc! There should be a school for that! LOL We're in our mid-40's and love camping and the outdoors, but are used to living in houses with space and STUFF, so this is a game changer for us! We're actually really looking forward to getting rid of a lot of our stuff. We're tired of the corporate 9-5, consumer-based, debt-driven world we live in and really want to live life on our own terms. We also have a 10-year old 50 lb. dog, who will be coming with us. We have a very small budget to start (under 10K), and have thought about buying an unfinished or gently used model and restoring/converting it while living in Phoenix another year, then hitting the road. Finding a place to rent with RV space that we can afford and still save as much money as possible will be an interesting challenge. I'm also curious how realistic financing options are, especially with less than stellar credit. I'm sure we have NO clue what we're in for, but I'm super excited anyway! Any advice on getting started, suggested models, what others have learned the hard way, etc. is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Mary Ann
Soon to be "Living Free 365" wherever we choose!
Talensnana said
09:59 PM Aug 3, 2015
Welcome. When we were contemplating the lifestyle we looked at all types of rv's trying to decide what would work for us. We were constantly driving through Rv parks and dealerships asking questions. Make a list of needs, wants, and options then start looking. Our first Rv was a older 38'. First few trips we did not tow, but rented a car at our destination. After a few trips my husband felt comfortable and we started towing. Eventually when we decided to FT we traded it in on something bigger and added a trailer.
there are some great Rv driving schools out there, and if you can attend s RV Dreams rally do. The rally was a big help to us in learning about the lifestyle.
Good luck.
azrving said
10:15 PM Aug 3, 2015
Hi Mary Ann,
We are just up the hill from from y'all in Prescott Valley, AZ. We both left our jobs last year and have been trying to sell our house FSBO but it looks like we will be listing with a realtor soon. We got tired of the rat race too and can't wait to hit the road full time. We are going to start out in our 15 year old TT and upgrade to a Class A or 5th Wheel once we know for certain this lifestyle will work for us. Good luck.
You might want to start your search here, for a few Class C's in your range: www.rvtrader.com/search-results%3Aasc&type=Class%20C%7C198069&page=1&price=5000%3A10000&length=26%3A34&
And here, for some Class A's that fit your budget: www.rvtrader.com/search-results%3Aasc&type=Class%20A%7C198067&page=1&price=5000%3A10000&length=26%3A34&
You'll have to do a cut and paste. I can't seem to make the 2 links clickable.
Chip
-- Edited by Sushidog on Tuesday 4th of August 2015 06:27:11 PM
-- Edited by Sushidog on Tuesday 4th of August 2015 06:28:29 PM
Terry and Jo said
10:17 PM Aug 5, 2015
Chip,
Your links are active ones, but both are taking one to what appears to be the same url address and neither link to a specific RV.
Terry
mds1 said
10:35 PM Aug 5, 2015
MaryAnn,
Good to have you on the forum.
I've been planning for our move to a fulltime RV lifestyle for only a year now. Seems like there is so much to learn that I've only been able to touch the surface of all the information out there.
Camper Chronicles said
03:18 PM Aug 6, 2015
Welcome Mary Ann ...as a Fellow 40 something....ok turn 49 in a couple of weeks so barely in my 40's ...but I get it!. So good for you. One word of advice...your young and you have time. It took us a full year to prepare and as much as I hated the wait at the time I don't regret a minute of it now that we are on the road because I feel like we really set ourselves up for success. If you buy used get a good warrant and really think about can you live in what you buy long term. ...just my two cents and good for you!
Sushidog said
04:31 PM Aug 6, 2015
Thanks Terry, that's what I meant. For some reason only the first part of the URL is clickable. The entire URL was truncated, requiring a cut and paste to see the search criteria I used.
We're brand new to this idea (although I did have a 61 VW Sundial Camper bus at one time, along with vague plans, that I could shoot myself for selling!) and we're really just learning that there's SO MUCH to learn! We're based out of AZ (for now) & leaning towards a 35-footer we can drive & tow a jeep behind for exploring & runs into town. I love the GM 4106 conversions, but we're starting to lean towards something with slideouts to avoid feeling claustrophobic, since we think we're going to love this lifestyle, but space certainly couldn't hurt! I love the vintage look much more than the newer RV's, but maintenance & repair costs are a factor for us. My husband is fairly mechanically inclined, but not a mechanic, and certainly has never worked on these monsters! ;) We're planning on picking everyone's brain that we can get our hands on, attending RV & outdoor expos, and continuing to read the many awesome blogs, forums, and resources out there. My biggest fear is learning how to drive a 35 foot beast with another vehicle attached - backing up, finding relatively level spots to camp, etc! There should be a school for that! LOL We're in our mid-40's and love camping and the outdoors, but are used to living in houses with space and STUFF, so this is a game changer for us! We're actually really looking forward to getting rid of a lot of our stuff. We're tired of the corporate 9-5, consumer-based, debt-driven world we live in and really want to live life on our own terms. We also have a 10-year old 50 lb. dog, who will be coming with us. We have a very small budget to start (under 10K), and have thought about buying an unfinished or gently used model and restoring/converting it while living in Phoenix another year, then hitting the road. Finding a place to rent with RV space that we can afford and still save as much money as possible will be an interesting challenge. I'm also curious how realistic financing options are, especially with less than stellar credit. I'm sure we have NO clue what we're in for, but I'm super excited anyway! Any advice on getting started, suggested models, what others have learned the hard way, etc. is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Mary Ann
Soon to be "Living Free 365" wherever we choose!
Welcome. When we were contemplating the lifestyle we looked at all types of rv's trying to decide what would work for us. We were constantly driving through Rv parks and dealerships asking questions. Make a list of needs, wants, and options then start looking. Our first Rv was a older 38'. First few trips we did not tow, but rented a car at our destination. After a few trips my husband felt comfortable and we started towing. Eventually when we decided to FT we traded it in on something bigger and added a trailer.
there are some great Rv driving schools out there, and if you can attend s RV Dreams rally do. The rally was a big help to us in learning about the lifestyle.
Good luck.
Hi Mary Ann,
We are just up the hill from from y'all in Prescott Valley, AZ. We both left our jobs last year and have been trying to sell our house FSBO but it looks like we will be listing with a realtor soon. We got tired of the rat race too and can't wait to hit the road full time. We are going to start out in our 15 year old TT and upgrade to a Class A or 5th Wheel once we know for certain this lifestyle will work for us. Good luck.
MH Schools
Best Motorhome Brands
Guide to Full-Time Rving
Welcome Mary Ann,
You might want to start your search here, for a few Class C's in your range: www.rvtrader.com/search-results%3Aasc&type=Class%20C%7C198069&page=1&price=5000%3A10000&length=26%3A34&
And here, for some Class A's that fit your budget: www.rvtrader.com/search-results%3Aasc&type=Class%20A%7C198067&page=1&price=5000%3A10000&length=26%3A34&
You'll have to do a cut and paste. I can't seem to make the 2 links clickable.
Chip
-- Edited by Sushidog on Tuesday 4th of August 2015 06:27:11 PM
-- Edited by Sushidog on Tuesday 4th of August 2015 06:28:29 PM
Chip,
Your links are active ones, but both are taking one to what appears to be the same url address and neither link to a specific RV.
Terry
Good to have you on the forum.
I've been planning for our move to a fulltime RV lifestyle for only a year now. Seems like there is so much to learn that I've only been able to touch the surface of all the information out there.
Thanks Terry, that's what I meant. For some reason only the first part of the URL is clickable. The entire URL was truncated, requiring a cut and paste to see the search criteria I used.
I'm not computer savvy enough to fix it.
Chip