My question may be a bit tricky. But first, the back story:
I'm a disabled veteran and domestic violence survivor in hiding. In my introduce yourself post, I mentioned that there was a local program that helps veterans get into donated RVs. They have big hearts and few resources. The waitlist is long and the program may shut down before they get to my name. Luckily, some friends of mine have helped me start a crowdfunding campaign to try and raise enough to purchase a travel trailer and assist with a downpayment toward a truck that can tow it. This way I can be empowered to live independently and safely, as my ex pops up every now and then. I turned him in for major crimes and fled my hometown all the way across the country to start my life over.
Now for the questions:
Has anyone ever fundraised for an RV for a disabled vet like myself before? I don't really know where to begin. Do you think reaching out to campgrounds is a good idea? What kind of budget should I set? What should I be wary of if a private seller wants to donate a travel trailer?
Sorry for all the questions. I'm excited that my friends are doing this and nervous at the same time. Thanks for any advice you may have!
The Bear II said
12:41 PM May 30, 2018
Before you decide to move into the RV lifestyle, be sure to look at the financials Howard and Linda post on the RV-Dreams website. It's not as cheap as most people think it is. Especially when dealing with an older RV and Truck. There can be lots of $500 to $1000 repairs involved as you travel.
Thank you for your service and I wish you luck.
-- Edited by The Bear II on Wednesday 30th of May 2018 12:41:53 PM
Mo said
01:59 PM May 30, 2018
Thanks Bear!
I've been checking out the Money Stuff forum and downloaded the budget templates. One of my friends who full times with disabilities told me about the toilet paper costs. Wouldn't have thought of that one.
LarryW21 said
03:41 PM May 30, 2018
The nature of your disability might make RVing difficult or impossible. Do all of your buddy’s RV chores to see. However, the need for “special” TP is a myth. The answer is water...dumping full or close to full tanks.
-- Edited by LarryW21 on Wednesday 30th of May 2018 03:44:30 PM
Mo said
11:24 AM May 31, 2018
Thanks, Larry! Good to know about the TP and dumping. And great idea about practicing RV chores. With your advice, I've reached out to a local RV park to see if I can come get mentored. Thankfully my disabilities are not so such that full-timing in a travel trailer is impossible. Otherwise, I would not even entertain the idea. I think plenty ahead and do my homework. ;) Which is what I love about this forum and folks like yourself who make the homework part so great.
do you think I should post these questions in the "Buying an RV" instead of here?
Terry and Jo said
11:37 AM May 31, 2018
Monisha,
For the most part, one can "almost" post a question anywhere, however, there are occasions when one should check all forum categories to see where a question best fits. Here in the "Ask Linda" category, it fits because you addressed Linda. However, there may be folks that don't ever look at the "Ask Linda" category but do look regularly at "Buying an RV."
As a moderator on the forum, I have the ability and do occasionally move a thread to a more appropriate category. If you would like, I can move this thread to the "Buying an RV." Just let me know here.
Terry
Mo said
06:00 PM May 31, 2018
Kind thanks for that, Terry. Happy to trust your judgment on moving the thread!
LarryW21 said
06:24 PM May 31, 2018
Don’t exclude checking batteries for water level and corrosion.
Hello Linda and everyone!
My question may be a bit tricky. But first, the back story:
I'm a disabled veteran and domestic violence survivor in hiding. In my introduce yourself post, I mentioned that there was a local program that helps veterans get into donated RVs. They have big hearts and few resources. The waitlist is long and the program may shut down before they get to my name. Luckily, some friends of mine have helped me start a crowdfunding campaign to try and raise enough to purchase a travel trailer and assist with a downpayment toward a truck that can tow it. This way I can be empowered to live independently and safely, as my ex pops up every now and then. I turned him in for major crimes and fled my hometown all the way across the country to start my life over.
Now for the questions:
Has anyone ever fundraised for an RV for a disabled vet like myself before? I don't really know where to begin. Do you think reaching out to campgrounds is a good idea? What kind of budget should I set? What should I be wary of if a private seller wants to donate a travel trailer?
Sorry for all the questions. I'm excited that my friends are doing this and nervous at the same time. Thanks for any advice you may have!
Before you decide to move into the RV lifestyle, be sure to look at the financials Howard and Linda post on the RV-Dreams website. It's not as cheap as most people think it is. Especially when dealing with an older RV and Truck. There can be lots of $500 to $1000 repairs involved as you travel.
Thank you for your service and I wish you luck.
-- Edited by The Bear II on Wednesday 30th of May 2018 12:41:53 PM
Thanks Bear!
I've been checking out the Money Stuff forum and downloaded the budget templates. One of my friends who full times with disabilities told me about the toilet paper costs. Wouldn't have thought of that one.
The nature of your disability might make RVing difficult or impossible. Do all of your buddy’s RV chores to see. However, the need for “special” TP is a myth. The answer is water...dumping full or close to full tanks.
-- Edited by LarryW21 on Wednesday 30th of May 2018 03:44:30 PM
Thanks, Larry! Good to know about the TP and dumping. And great idea about practicing RV chores. With your advice, I've reached out to a local RV park to see if I can come get mentored. Thankfully my disabilities are not so such that full-timing in a travel trailer is impossible. Otherwise, I would not even entertain the idea. I think plenty ahead and do my homework. ;) Which is what I love about this forum and folks like yourself who make the homework part so great.
do you think I should post these questions in the "Buying an RV" instead of here?
Monisha,
For the most part, one can "almost" post a question anywhere, however, there are occasions when one should check all forum categories to see where a question best fits. Here in the "Ask Linda" category, it fits because you addressed Linda. However, there may be folks that don't ever look at the "Ask Linda" category but do look regularly at "Buying an RV."
As a moderator on the forum, I have the ability and do occasionally move a thread to a more appropriate category. If you would like, I can move this thread to the "Buying an RV." Just let me know here.
Terry
Kind thanks for that, Terry. Happy to trust your judgment on moving the thread!