drum roll....

[CricketSail]

Be still my heart. After a year of going in circles, my ex and I signed an agreement this week. The house goes up for sale immediately, I am so scrambling to get things ready for sale and my move. When I say 'everything must go' - I do so mean it. My lifetime of stuff is going to be traded for a life in an RV. Wow. Talking on this forum has been such a help in getting my thoughts together about what I would want, so now I'm seriously ready to move on it. I looked at an RV with a 'for sale' sign on it just a few blocks away yesterday. I'm moving from a general plan, to actually getting that RV.
With that in mind, how did you all find your RV - (long distance or close to home?) Did you have it inspected before purchase (by a mechanic....?) How long did it take you to find your RV? What was the best avenue to that purchase (friend, ads, dealer?)
In spite of the economy I do expect my house will sell quickly - my brother sold his the first day, and omg was he in a scramble. That means I will have to move quickly. I do have back up for temporary living if I haven't found the right rv before I move. Thanks.

[BirdbyBird]

Love the sound of the drum you are dancing to, now! Keep dancing! If you are buying anything used, I would recommend that you get someone knowledgeable to go over the RV. Really not a bad idea even if buying from a dealer. The sales person's lips moved so you know what they are telling you probably isn't completely on the level....

And for the stories, one can find the "right" rig anywhere. Some have found them close (within a couple of hours drive) and several have flown across sections of the country to pick up their "baby."

Good luck, have fun, eat right and get enough sleep...you will need the energy!

[retiredhappy]

Congrats and welcome to the next, and probably best, part of your life. Take your time finding an RV - don't jump too quickly. Do have it inspected. I bought my 2nd used but it still had one year left on the warranty. If new, you'll take a huge depreciation the minute you drive it off the lot. I bought my 3rd (Roadtrek) over the internet from a dealer in New Mexico and paid to have it delivered. We did an extensive walk-thru by phone and then I could still have refused it when delivered but would have lost the delivery charge. I'm totally happy with it and highly recommend the dealer.

[caroljo]

I stumbled across mine when I was looking online just for the heck of it. I’d resigned myself to the idea of moving south and renting an apartment until I found my RV, but I still found myself looking occasionally. One Sunday morning (a few weeks ago), after checking out the listings on rvtrader, it occurred to me to check craigslist. When I saw a listing for the make and model I’d been considering right in my hometown, I called the owner and headed right over to look at it. Two days later it was mine. I had a local mechanic look over the vehicle portion and the seller ran through the “home” systems. Of course, I feel unbelievably lucky to have found what I was looking for so close to home (about a mile away).

Good luck with your search and the sale of your house and don’t forget to check craigslist!

[Acadianmom]

I found one of my Motorhomes on my way to my sisters house. It was on a used lot. I didn't have a manufacturer I was looking for but a floorplan. I wanted twin beds which are not east to find. The one I have now sat on a lot about 50 miles from me for almost a year. I saw it several times but wasn't ready to trade yet. It was the dealers personal RV and he decided it was too small. It has twin beds so that was what I wanted. I got a good deal because most people want a queen bed.

Just keep looking, you never know when the right one will show up.

Martha

[cnq50b]

Hooray for you!!!!!!!!! Get ready to roll!

The decision to 'do it' is half the battle... Also joining this group seems to cause miracles to happen...

I had looked, studied, researched RV's especially class B's for so many, many years... I knew I'd get one someday... But when I joined this group, within a few weeks I found mine on ebay. I called the seller (a dealer) & worked out a deal outside the auction then flew to Florida (from KS) to bring it home. I bought a 1-owner from the same dealer that originally sold it. They assured me I wouldn't have to buy it if I didnt like it when I arrived. They sent lots of pics (especially of the undercarriage for my mechanic bro to review) and when I arrived in Florida everything was perfect!!! Put new tires on it before heading home, drove white-knuckled most of the way, but now LOVE it!

Be sure & look around, sit in & test drive them. Take your time & you'll come across your 'baby' when you least expect it.


Catherine

[JudyJB]

wonderful news! Do have it looked at by a mechanic, just in case.

I spent months and months finding the exact model I wanted. Then I had to find a dealer that had that specific one.

I sold my condo in five days--had 7 showings in four days. I went from "I'll never be able to get rid of this thing" to "Oh, no, I am going to be homeless." Luckily the lady who bought it did not want to move in immediately, and even gave me a contract without a move-out date. That gave me lots of time to close and 6 weeks after that to pack up and move out.

[linann]

As you look at more and more RVs, you will get a better idea of what will work best for you. Looking and planning are part of the fun, and there is no absolute need to rush into a purchase since you do have back-up temporary housing. Have fun!

[BayouLady]

Are the schipperkes for sale too?

[BirdbyBird]

I think the dogs are safe.....she only said about getting rid of a lifetime of stuff..... we all know that our traveling navigators are not stuff!

[BayouLady]

I was just messing but seriously, that breed was made for traveling with pirates, so they don't have alot of health issues that many others do.

[CricketSail]

very funny about the schips. Not for sale, they are coming with me. Actually, they got me thinking solidly about an RV when it was first obvious that I would be moving. Dogs are not allowed in so many apartment places, especially if you have two. I'm getting this RV as much for them as for me! It seems the answer is - there is no set answer. Just don't buy too quickly, and have it inspected, keep your eyes open. I have been making arrangements for a temporary stay if I need it so I won't feel desperate to buy just to get in out of the rain.

[Getupngo]

That is huge. No doubt mixed feelings with your a huge surge forward toward living the life you were meant to live. Grab it and run!

What I like about being single is that I don't have to negotiate with anyone about what I do and where I go and for how long. Happy travels.