Newbie in need of advice.

[ritadewitt2002]

Hello everyone, my name is Rita and I am so new to the rv experience that I haven't even purchased one yet. As a matter of fact, I just decided a few weeks ago that I wanted to run away from home and join the rv life. I know my friends and family must think I'm crazy but, to their benefit, they haven't expressed their misgivings to me. So, here is my situation. I am a single lady over the age of 60 and I desperately want to see some of the world while I still have my health. I am putting my house up for sale and am anxious to hit the road. I've never driven an rv but I have driven a u-haul a few times and I managed that ok so I think I can do it. What I am really looking to buy is a used 25' Winnebago or maybe a Jayco. I've been doing lots of research online but haven't talked to anyone who is actually doing what I want to do. I plan on living in my rv fulltime. Ok, ladies, what advice do you have for me? Am I crazy? I need your experience and knowledge to help me get on the road.

[Bethers]

Welcome, Rita. Several of us have done just what you are doing. And it looks like there are a few other new members in your boat. Lots of what you're asking has been asked before. Read lots and ask us specific questions. You'll get lots of answers and opinions.

[linann]

Hi Rita,
The ladies on this site will "talk" you through the transition. It is definitely a great place to ask questions and learn.

[avalen]

welcome
you've come to the right place, lots of rv women traveling around in their motorhomes, some solo and some not. You can research the
old posts and see what hasn't been asked. Ask away if you don't find what you need.
Do you have pets? Where you from? Did I mention we're kinda nosey too

[carolb]

Welcome Rita!!!! My advice: Jst do it!!! (sorry, lost my "yew" key on my laptop ) I'm not "RV" experienced, bt yo'll find so many that are who will answer yore every qwestion! Bt, I am "experienced" being where yew are now--it was only 6 mos ago that I thot "I'm getting an RV"!! And within a month, I had one, & have never had even an inkling of a second thot that I'd made a "bad" decision. The best decision of my life! I'm on the road now for my first big trip--in FL at my sis's, going to my first GTG with some of these ladies, & then heading west to visit fam/friends in CA & AZ. I moved to central NY 8 years ago, did enoff traveling in my little cars with my dogs, and THIS--RVing--is the ONLY way to travel & meet GREAT people! And I think yo'll find we're mostly abot yore age Hope to meet yew someday soon!

[ritadewitt2002]

Hello Ladies!

So great to get so many nice replies. Part of me was afraid that some of you might tell me I was nuts and to stay in my house. After reading your responses, I am more excited than ever. I've always been a spontaneous kind of person so I guess that is why my family is not too surprised at my newest wild hair. To answer some of your questions, no, I do not have pets. It's just going to be me and maybe a recording of a big, bad dog. I am a retired elementary teacher currently living in the Dallas area where I was born and raised. Specific questions I have...is a Winnebago or Jayco really better, more reliable, etc than say a Fleetwood or Coachmen? I am not a handy person (but I plan on learning) so I want to find an rv that has a good track record. I think I want one with a bed in the back rather than have to sleep on a fold out couch or in the overhead. Good idea? I'm going to rent a 25' RV for a few days to make sure I can drive it and live in it, although I am fairly certain I can. Even though I am surrounded by "stuff", I really require very little to be happy. I am more excited about getting to see all the places I've always wanted to see than worried about where I will sleep. As I think of more questions (and I'm sure there will be plenty), I will let you know. I would rather have another woman's point of view than a man's opinion. Let's face it, we look at things and respond to things much differently (and better).

[ritadewitt2002]

Oh, I just thought of another question. I am not planning on having a vehicle other than the RV. If I get a 25' will I have much trouble using it to get around? I thought I might get a small scooter. I've seen some that fold up. Anyone have one?

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome to the forum. Rita, with a smaller rig you might be just fine without a tow vehicle. Some are, some aren't. At least you can get out on the road and begin. You don't have to decide everything at once and some things no matter how much you research them just make a certain sense to you once you get out there and experience the traveling and the life style. You will find folks driving all different makes of coaches and they do come in different price ranges. You really have to look closely at the products and decide what fits your pocket book and your needs. (It is important to have money left over to pay for the campsites and the gas... ) Floor plans are important for most of us. Other areas that don't always hit your radar unless you think about it....how the drawers are put together (are the hinges and latches well made?) What are the cabinets really made of? Wood or hard paper ? How are the storage spaces laid out? Are they really useful? Can you get to all the mechanics (pumps, switches, dump handles) without being a limber 12 year old? There are trade offs on most every rig, it is a process of trying to figure which ones are important to you... Also read back through enough of the "rig" sections. Whether you buy used or new, alterations can sometimes be made to the interior, to make it more functional for you. Go forth and explore!

[retiredhappy]

Welcome Rita from Kerrville TX. A 25' is pretty easy to drive, just longer and turns wider than a big car. As for using it as a regular vehicle just remember you will have to unhook your water, sewer, tv cable and electric in order to go somewhere and you will need to secure everything inside. Try it a few times and see how you feel. Many of our ladies don't tow a car and they're fine with it and some decided after a few trips they wanted a small car available to them. My first tow vehicle was a 1974 VW bug and I loved it but eventually got tired of no AC and the constant shifting so got a Saturn then a chevy Cobalt but then I had a 30' RV at the time and it wasn't easy to just drive around. Read through the Rig section on the forum and you will get some ideas.

[ritadewitt2002]

Thanks for the advice. I guess until I have my house sold I will just continue to do research. I went to an RV show in Ft. Worth this past weekend and I really do think I want a Winnebago View but they are hard to find used. My two daughters are taking some of my furniture and I'll try to sell the rest online. What I don't sell, I'll put in storage, I guess. I'm afraid once my house sells I am going to be in panic mode but I've been there before and survived. I can't wait to get one the road!

[monik7]

Thanks for the advice. I guess until I have my house sold I will just continue to do research. I went to an RV show in Ft. Worth this past weekend and I really do think I want a Winnebago View but they are hard to find used. My two daughters are taking some of my furniture and I'll try to sell the rest online. What I don't sell, I'll put in storage, I guess. I'm afraid once my house sells I am going to be in panic mode but I've been there before and survived. I can't wait to get one the road!

Hi Rita: Welcome to the forum. I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area and just bought my 2012 Itasca Navion iQ last May. It's made by Winnebago and basically the same as the View ((just sold under a different name). Mine is 24'9". So far it's just right for me and my two dogs. It's so easy to drive. I felt right at home on my very first test drive. I think it would be best to go out and try whatever you end up buying on a few trips. You'll then be able to decide if you want to tow. After having mine, I've decided I would like to tow a car to make it much easier to sightsee from wherever I'm camping. My present car can't be towed 4 wheels down and I don't want to have to trailer it. Because of that, I haven't done anything because I want to keep my present car (Prius - 50+ mpg ) and can't afford another car to tow and insure.

If you have any questions about the Navion/View, feel free to ask. I don't full time so can't give much help on that, but I know I could do it in my Navion if I decided to go for it.
Sandi

[Sandersmr]

Welcome, Rita! I'm in the Houston area (and our RV show is coming up in Feb!). Suggestion to feed on what the others have said. Spend time in each of the models you are considering. Walk through normal tasks - cooking, relaxing, dressing, showering, even just sitting down on the throne. I found out real quick that my bathroom is about 2" from being comfortable with the actual sitting process. I'm ok once I'm down, but I can't tell you how many times I've hit my head on the door on the way down or back up. Look at the storage and imagine where your dishes will go, the pots and pans - of course you won't need as many but still.

My trailer is good for long weekends and we just took a 2 week trip. But I could not imagine living in it full time, even though there are people that do. It's not in my comfort level. But everyone is different.

Oh and I will tell you having a dinette bed is very inconvenient. This trip we left it made up as the bed - well guess where extra paper goods and things I don't use often but needed this trip were? And we had issues with our pump not wanting to prime, so again - had to tear the bed up to get to the pump (turns out like Judy has discovered - it takes a long time sometimes for the pump to prime).

See - we will off opinions, even before we are asked!!!

[WickedLady]

Hello, Rita. Welcome from WA State. I once lived in a 26' Winnie on property I owned and went to campouts in it. Easy to drive and get around in. Have fun looking for your perfect rig.

[ritadewitt2002]

Thanks again, everyone. All good suggestions. Never thought about trying out the toilet to see how it feels. That one gave me a laugh. I don't cook so I'm not too worried about the kitchen. If it has a microwave I'm good. I'll keep in touch and let you know how the whole process is going.

[Dawn309]

Hi and welcome Rita. I am one of the ladies who, this past year, sold my house and bought a motorhome to begin my full timing life. I love it! This was my dream for a whole lot of years and now I am living it. I am from just west of Fort Worth and will be heading for Oklahoma in April to camp host at Lake Murray. That would be a great place for you to do a test run and I would love to meet you. I travel with 3 dogs, 3 parakeets and a betta fish. I have all my comforts and never feel alone with all my animals. I also caravan with my brother, which is nice too.

I looked at a lot of different options before deciding on what I have for a rig. Like everyone said, be sure and test it out by doing the things you would normally do. You can really tell a lot that way about if that rig you are looking at would work for you. Take a couple hours and go through all the things you expect to be doing in your rig on any given day. We are really looking forward to shopping for your perfect RV with you.