We are just starting the process of becoming full-timers with the goal of being in the class of 2017. This forum has been absolutely invaluable with the questions, answers, discussions, general info and links to other sites. It seems like there are a million and one things to consider with a decision of this magnitude and knowing that we are not in it alone is huge. So THANK YOU to everyone who has posted on this forum. We already feel like we have a tremendous support community.
Terry and Jo said
07:37 AM Sep 12, 2015
Julie and Ray,
Welcome to the RV Dreams forums as active participants. I'm pretty sure you have been actively reading the forums, but just hadn't signed up to ask questions. I'm sure we all look forward to trying to provide help and advice to you.
I like your avatar. I'd guess it is a reference to you "ending" time in Illinois.
Glad to see you joining the family here.
Terry
Julie and Ray said
08:31 AM Sep 12, 2015
Thanks Terry. Yes we have been "lurking" on the forum for some time, gathering info and getting excited reading everyone else's posts. We have been car exploring for many years and the avatar photo was taken on one of those "crazy idea" trips - traveling Illinois Route 1 from beginning to end. You hit the nail on the head, that's exactly what I was thinking when choosing the photo!!! We have already gathered so much incredible and invaluable info from everyone here. I just wanted to let everyone know how much that means to us newbies. THANKS!!!!!
BiggarView said
09:42 AM Sep 12, 2015
Welcome aboard. We found this website and the forums about 2 years ago and after 3 months of "lurking", dove into the proverbial pool. It's pretty clear that there is a great bunch of like minded folks on here that will make you feel right at home and as we have found, ready to help increase your knowledge on all things RV. Does your avatar mean you are fellow Illinoisans? (for now)
We aren't ready to pull the trigger until probably 2018 but our window is from late 2017 through mid 2019, you'll likely get to the "promised land" ahead of us but we'll be cheering for you as you race on ahead. Go team!!!
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 12th of September 2015 01:01:40 PM
Julie and Ray said
11:34 AM Sep 12, 2015
Yes Brian and Cindy, we are currently in Illinois and can't wait to get out! Our window looks pretty similar to yours, sometime 2017-2018. We are going into this having never experienced RV living. Based on the many comments here, we plan on doing at least 2 weeks in a rental next year just to get a taste of what it's like. It will have to be a pretty awful experience to dissuade us from our dream. I completely agree with you that there is a great group of people on this forum who are willing to share their experiences and help others. That is, as they say, priceless!!! We'll see you on the road in three short years!
Jake62 said
01:40 PM Sep 12, 2015
Welcome Julie & Ray,
There's a lot to learn, not only about the lifestyle, but also about the type of Rig/TOAD you will purchase. We joined this site in 2010 and leave for our FT travels next month.
As they say, it goes by quickly, so "read, read, & read." And yes, if you've never owned an RV before, I'd rent one and take it on the road a few weeks to start the learning process.
Cheers,
Tim
Julie and Ray said
02:26 PM Sep 12, 2015
Thanks Tim. Yes, this is something not to be jumped into blindly. Best of luck on your new life!!!
MarkS said
02:30 PM Sep 12, 2015
The coolest part of this forum is the varied opinions based on each of our lifestyles. Especially when researching, you need input from people with different vision. There are novices to old pros on here and even a few OLD pros on here. Each of their experiences are valuable. We were class of 15 but will probably push out till 16 unless someone volunteers to take a mother-in-law off my hands. In the mean time we will just go hug our fifth wheel a couple a times a month. I can see it now...I'll have a brand new fiver too old to park in most parks!
Julie and Ray said
03:01 PM Sep 12, 2015
I agree Mark. I have eagerly read posts from all different angles and with varied opinions on so many topics. The compilation will help tremendously in making the flood of decisions that are necessary to go FT. Without this forum, it would be pretty overwhelming. Good luck!!!
pkhalin said
09:50 PM Sep 12, 2015
Welcome Julie and Ray. When you look at all this stuff, the mind boggles. But it's exciting and fun. The time will go fast.
We are just starting the process of becoming full-timers with the goal of being in the class of 2017. This forum has been absolutely invaluable with the questions, answers, discussions, general info and links to other sites. It seems like there are a million and one things to consider with a decision of this magnitude and knowing that we are not in it alone is huge. So THANK YOU to everyone who has posted on this forum. We already feel like we have a tremendous support community.
Julie and Ray,
Welcome to the RV Dreams forums as active participants. I'm pretty sure you have been actively reading the forums, but just hadn't signed up to ask questions. I'm sure we all look forward to trying to provide help and advice to you.
I like your avatar. I'd guess it is a reference to you "ending" time in Illinois.
Glad to see you joining the family here.
Terry
Welcome aboard. We found this website and the forums about 2 years ago and after 3 months of "lurking", dove into the proverbial pool. It's pretty clear that there is a great bunch of like minded folks on here that will make you feel right at home and as we have found, ready to help increase your knowledge on all things RV. Does your avatar mean you are fellow Illinoisans? (for now
)
We aren't ready to pull the trigger until probably 2018 but our window is from late 2017 through mid 2019, you'll likely get to the "promised land" ahead of us but we'll be cheering for you as you race on ahead. Go team!!!
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 12th of September 2015 01:01:40 PM
There's a lot to learn, not only about the lifestyle, but also about the type of Rig/TOAD you will purchase. We joined this site in 2010 and leave for our FT travels next month.
As they say, it goes by quickly, so "read, read, & read." And yes, if you've never owned an RV before, I'd rent one and take it on the road a few weeks to start the learning process.
Cheers,
Tim
Welcome Julie and Ray. When you look at all this stuff, the mind boggles. But it's exciting and fun. The time will go fast.