Introduce myself

[pat]

Hi Everybody,

My name is Pat, I live in Illinois, am a widow,so this is going to be all new to me.
But I need all your help.I'm Looking for advice on what to do about my 5th wheel,
since he did all the pulling. Mine is way to big for what I need.
I have new friend, a Golden Retriever he has become my best pal. He is just 5 months old.
Love him to death. But then I am an animal lover. I want to continue to travel,I am a young young
notice I said young twice 71 year old. And still wants to keep traveling. Any Advice??
I have a 35 ft Hitchhiker with 3 slides, way more than I need. So help me out gals. I
am retired, do a little voulunteer work, but I need to get moving again.

My saying is this:
Life is Like A Monkey Bar.
In order to move on you
have to let Go.

[Bethers]

Hi and Welcome, Pat! So glad to have you with us.

I moved this post into the Introduce Yourself room -

I can't help with your decision on the 5th wheel. But I will say this - figure out what will be comfortable for YOU. Not for any of the rest of us. We can all tell you what our comfort level is and it'll all be different. There are women on here with the biggest 5th wheels and others that prefer the smallest B's - and not always for the reasons you'd think. I'll probably always stay with a somewhat small Class C - as I like to be able to go to all the little places that big rigs can't necessarily get into. But, after 7 years on the road, I don't think I'd be intimidated (any more) by the largest of the rigs - would just have to spend the time to learn/get used to them. That said, not sure I'd want to. So, again, take some time and figure out what YOUR comfort level is - then make the change to get there. And anyway we can help you all along the path, we sure will be glad to.

[mitch5252]

..

A big, ol' Forum Welcome, Pat! We're glad you found us.

There is a thread or two on this Forum where we discussed WHY we chose the rigs we did. I'll try and find it.

I chose my little travel trailer because 1) couldn't afford a new tow vehicle since I had just taken a beating on a trade in for the Sienna van (limited tow capacity); 2) wanted a vehicle for touring without having to "break up" camp (leave trailer behind, van goes touring); and 3) I could go out and do my "thing" while leaving hubby and The Beast "home". I'm a recent widow (seems to be a lot of that going around lately, sad to say), and I wonder if I would make the same choice if I could do it over. I think I would. I would just want a beefier tow vehicle.

Anyway, I ramble. Poke in wherever and whenever you want. There's a lot to learn from these experienced, smart, and caring women here (except me, on the experienced part...hubby wasn't much into camping).

See ya down the road!

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome aboard. So glad you found us. When it comes to finding the right rig for yourself.....I encourage you to head out and visit as many, different types of rigs. As Beth said just because you can learn to drive the big 5th wheel doesn't mean that that is what will fit you best. This is where having a good imagination comes in...how you want to us, what sort of camp grounds attract you the most wand which vehicle. Which Will look best with a beautiful Golden Retriever sitting in the navigator's seat.

[cpatinjones]

Welcome to the forum!

Like the other have stated, go to RV dealerships look and explore all the RVs on their lots. Talk to others about their RVs. Only you can decide what is best for you. Most of all, have fun learning and exploring the RVs at dealerships.

[Sandersmr]

Welcome! I'm another one that drives a small trailer. I want to go a little bigger but want to stay around 23-25 feet. But that's what is (I think) right for me. You may need to explore a while to find what is right for you. And that may or may not be what you already have.

[oregonrambler1]

Welcome! I too am a newbie to this site and loving it so far. As stated, choosing a rig is very personal. We like our smaller 30' admiral and I'll probably have a Cls A with a small tow car for as long as I can drive. I'm the younger of us and do all of the driving. With a Cls A (or a Cls C), Mary can go lie down and nap while I drive, or use the potty etc.. We like the security of being able to stop someplace and not have to leave the vehicle for our conveniences. We sometimes travel with our kitties and in this type of RV they just hide under the head of the bed (there's air space that the slide takes up when we stop) and they're quite comfortable and safe. It works for us. So, that said -you need to find what will comfortably work for you. Good luck! take your time, ask questions and don't impulse buy anything. If you KNOW you don't want the big 5'er though, you might want to get it on the market this spring or summer so you don't have to worry about it over another winter (in my humble opinion)

[gkcbates]

Welcome Pat! Glad you are here and hope you will continue to share your adventures in RVing. I think I can understand where you are coming from. We (use the term very loosely) pull a 35 foot 5th wheel (34.7 to be exact). In fact,Steve does the driving, backing, parking etc... In thinking on it, I wouldn't say I couldn't learn to do it, but I know I wouldn't want to. I believe my choice would be a small class C and tow a little jeep or something like that.

Another advantage would be what someone has already said....you could stop for a break without actually having to leave your vehicle to get into a trailer. That might never be an issue but its another little layer of security.

But like everyone is saying, your individual needs and uses will help you determine what to get. Have fun looking around! I think a Golden Retriever would look great in any kind of rig!

[Dawn309]

Hi Pat, I am new here too. The ladies here have been great. It appears that I will be out on the road with my Mom some time in the future. She's a young 79. I look forward to maybe meeting you somewhere on the road.

Dawn

[Travelinana]

Welcome Pat, good for you getting your mind set for adventure solo style. I really don't think I could or want to do this with a 5th wheel or trailer, have considered it but I think I'm more the motor home type. I have a 24' Chinook, it doesn't have slides but does have wide body. I had it advertised to sell but backed out...I'm kinda attached to her. Keep us posted. The girls who pull will be lots of help..hope to see you out there.
Nancy

[WickedLady]

Welcome, Pat, glad you found us.