Camp Kamp
Looking at our first RV
Hey Guys,
My partner and I are looking at buying a RV and have no idea what kind we want. I thought checking out a site like this would give me an idea of what it would be like to be driving around the country. We like staying at nice resorts, in warm locations during the winter, but we miss our two dogs. The idea of diving through the South sounds like fun, but not sure we would feel comfortable staying at most trailer parks. Now staying at gay ones would be a different story. I'm thinking something on the small size would be easier for us to deal with, but I don't want to end up sleeping on a table either. This site seems like fun and I might pick up some ideas of how and where we would be using our first RV.
Thanks,
Steve
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Comments 23
Hi Bill & Steve...wow you have an "open field" of options. My partner and I have a 5th wheel and like the flexibility it provides, and generally lower cost of ownership than a motorhome. On the other hand, with the right Class C (you said you wanted a smaller sized vehicle in your post) can pull a small vehicle and you have the flexibility of moving around the coach while driving. And of course, whatever your budget limits play a big part. RVing is so much fun, and Rainbow RV a terrific LBGT national RV club where you will find lots of like minded RVers.
Shopping for an RV is a lot of fun, but perform your due dilligence on any dealer you might be working with, and research the heck out of units you are serious about. When new they all look great, but some are not built as well as others.
Peter
Hey guys, hope you are successful in your quest.. I have been RVing since 2006 and love it.. Sold my MH for 2 years but bought another on almost a year ago. I live full time in mine with partner, the rv is a 43' motor home. They tend to be pricey so do a lot of research before you leap. Your concerns about dogs, the park I am in is quite large near Ft Lauderdale, it is expensive but they have all the amenities, allow critters and Motor Homes only.. I love it in S Florida, it did get down to 59 last night but usually stays 10 degrees warmer, 70 and 80's during the day.. If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to help.. Where are you guys located?
We're in wine country, 1 hr north of San Francisco, in the Russian Rier area, Guerneville, to be exact. I would like to explore Florida, we have only been to Key West. We really liked it, a New Years Eve trip that was really fun. Sounds like you have perfect weather now, how hot does it get in the summer. We are pretty cool in summer but cold in the winter. Steve
I try to get back to Iowa in the summer, it was hotter there than in Ft Lauderdale.. 85 in FL and 100 in midwest. Currently it is 68 at midnight and will be in the 70's tomorrow. Check out Wilton Manor, very unique gay community in Ft Lauderdale.
I have been through Guerneville in 2007, my 2nd yr of RVing.
Thanks for you comments. Think we should probably rent something first to see how it goes. Happy to hear you enjoy the club and RVing. My thinking on something small was that we could use it like a car and go to clubs and just park. Not sure that is how it works. Steve
Hey Guys,
It took a year before we decided on a our tow. RV shows are a good place to compare and see the different class of vehicles and manufacturers.
What did you end up buying? Bill thinks a trailer would be cheaper and easier to deal with. I like the idea of being in the RV while we are driving but then there's more to break down. We'll have to take some time to look more. Steve
Trailers are much cheaper. It's not uncommon to see class A's and Class B's towing a vehicle (toad). They get low mileage on that set-up. We bought an Arctic Fox Silver Edition, 30U is the model. We decided on a towable because we could drop the rig at the campsite and have our truck to get around. We get 11 miles a gallon with our set-up when towing. Remember, the bigger the rig...the bigger the engine and springs you'll need to pull it. Ask yourself what kind of camping you are wanting to do. Many of the state, federal, as well as pvt parks cannot accomodate large rigs. Many of the older parks have narrow roads and low hanging branches making it difficult to maneuver a wide or high fifth wheel. Knowing this, will help you determine the rig that will best suit you and your camping lifestyle.
Thanks, that's good information.
Hello Bill-Steve, My partner, David, and I are in the same boat...we are also looking to buy/rent a rig. Please keep in touch with any progress...it would be a great help! We're looking the northern New England region at the moment (just sold our house). Thanks, Jon
Hey Jon, Think we're looking at a trailer as our friend has a truck big enough to pull it. We're not in a big hurry as I'm still working full time. Once I'm retired, we'll have the time for a long winter vacation. This group looks like they have some fun get-togethers. I'm on facebook as Stephen Rickabaugh, if you have the time to spend.
Steve
Hey Steve, I checked you out on Facebook and there are several fellows named Stephen Rickabaugh--one is even in high school and I am assuming that isn't you. My FB name is Jon Kimbell...I think I'm the only one...send me a friend request!
We're now looking at class A motor homes...think we might live in it for the rest of the year and check out the Rainbow events...could be a nice adventure and, with two dogs, a motor home will make traveling much easier.
Jon, I was wrong about my FB name, is's Steve Rickabaugh. So I searched for Jon Kimbell, couldn't find you either. Don't you just love FB? Your class A sounds like a first class choice. What kind of dogs? We have a little one mixed and a 60lb one. They love each other. Steve
Hmmmnnnn....still finding about six of you from different parts of the country on FB. My email is kimbje43@gmail.com. Email me and we'll sort it out. We have a beagle named Scout--just got him from a shelter...he's 8 years old and very sweet. The other is Molly, a kind of mix--she looks like a Disney dog.
if looking for a Bluebird Wanderlodge you may want to check out http://www.bluebirdconnection.com and see the different birds available for purchase. My FB page is "Tim Vasquez" (inland empire) just send me a friend request
Im sorry the correct web-address is http://www.birdconnection.com
My advice would be - don't expect to get it right the first time. Start out with something you're comfortable with, both in size and payment. Learn to get comfortable with handling whatever you get, and you will learn so very much from whatever that first unit turns out to be. You will also learn what is really important to you, and what you can live without. Then in a couple of years, you can pick out the 'right' one. You will meet fantastic people along the way, and see many wonderful places. I know I have.
Hey Skip,
Thanks for your reply. Sounds like you have been working on this for quite awhile. Are you RVing full time now? I'm thinking half of the year would be fun, but I like working out in the yard too much to give up the house. Let's stay in touch. Steve
Hello Bill and Steve,
Looking for an RV,TT, etc., was such a great experience for us. We looked for a couple years prior to buying our TT. We went to private lots, dealers and shows all over central Ca. What a great time it was. We choose out Travel Trailer based on size, weight, amenities, and took into consideration how much time we would be in it. That was 10 years ago and we still have it and it still almost looks new. Do consider the up keep and maintenance. Some of our most memorable trips are the Rainbow RV trips at the Central Coast. Pismo RV Village is still my favorite. We have now moved to the south (Tennessee). A beautiful place to visit. You must see Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia. Very comfortable and safe to stay at the larger camp grounds close to or within the larger cities. You can pre plan this all out. We stay at smaller grounds and have never had a problem. Have even met some great people. I wish you the best on your adventure.
When we purchased our coach, we jumped right in and went for a 37 footer. I was horrified driving it home the first time, but after a few hours on the road, it was like driving my SUV. We could have gone smaller, but looking back, if we hadn't it would be very uncomfortable traveling with two Great Danes. We used it rarely before we got the dogs because we traveled abroad quite a bit, but now we have the kids, we won't travel without them.