Hello from Spring, Texas

[gypsybootz]

Well, I've been toying with the idea of hitting the road for years now, but was nervous about it because I'm a single, "senior" woman. I stumbled on this website through the RV newsletter and I've spent a lot of time reading some of the threads. I don't have an RV yet and I've been keeping my eyes open, but any tips about where to look for a good deal would be appreciated. My ideal would be a Class C smallish RV --- 24-28' max. One thing that has held me back is the fear of being out by myself and breaking down. When I was married (now divorced) we had big motor homes and I drove them much of the time, so the driving part is fine but the "fixing stuff" would be a learning curve. I'm amazed at the things you ladies have done and you've given me a kick in the pants to get out there and have some fun! I'm a young 68, retired from the commercial real estate banking world. My three children are in their 40's and all live in various parts of Texas. I would be a frugal RV'er on a budget, so that needs to be a consideration, too. Someone suggested I contact the Escapee's and Good Sam parks and let them know I'm interested in purchasing a good used unit ---- what do you think? I REALLY want to go to Alaska so I need something dependable. Are most of you full timers?

[BarbaraRose]

Welcome!
The gals on here are full of great information! Some are full-timers, some are part-timers and some, like me, are still dreamers.

If you get road-side assistance (Good Sam offers that, as well as other places) then you will be covered for break-downs. Some things you can/will learn to take care of on your own (preventative measures as well as after the fact problems) as you go along.

There are also many ways to save money on a tight budget while on the road, as many of the gals on here do. You can workamp along the way if needed or boondock part of the time, etc.

You will get lots of answers and opinions on here, so ask away! Do you have any pets? We love pets!

[avalen]

Welcome

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome to the forum. It is all doable, so keep dreaming. And researching. Look at and into as many rigs as you can so your visual imagination can make even more sense of what you read and see online. Just remember that though our rigs do sometimes need repairs....our houses and condo's did too!

I am guessing that reading through the past threads will give you a lot of information and opinions to think about. Read away!

[gypsybootz]

Yes, I have a long-haired Chihuahua who "found" me. I was driving home in the rain and in my subdivision this little drowned-rat of a dog walked into the road and just stopped. Then it appeared he walked under my car, so I opened the door and he was looking up at me with forlorn eyes. I picked him up, took him home, dried him off and fed him. I put signs up in my neighborhood and the adjoining neighborhood advertising "lost dog" for over a week but no one claimed him, so off to the vet we went for a check-up, heart worm medicine, vaccines and neutering! So much for a "free" dog!

He had "issues" --- not completely potty trained and didn't like people other than us, but he has come around and is now friendly if we have guests and MOSTLY does his business outside. He still doesn't like little kids so I'm thinking he was teased by kids. Since I found him in the rain ("Raindrops falling on my head...") I named him Butch Cassidy, but we call him Cassidy. He's about 7 or 8 according to the vet's best guess and we've had him for 6 years or so. He LOVES to go for rides in the car so I imagine he would adjust quickly.

Thanks for the tips and encouragement. I'll get busy "getting serious."

[Bethers]

All I can say is keep looking and follow your heart and dreams. I'm with you on size, etc and will have to think of replacing my home one of these days. I've ridden her hard and she's been good to me, but her age is showing. She's made 3 trips to Alaska including this summer. Just got back in the lower 48 two days ago. I knew nothing when I started out. You're way ahead on that score. You'll be fine.

[MelissaD]

Hoosier Welcome and remember it's the journey, not the destination. Your journey begins with the search for the right RV for you.

[IrishIroamed]

Hi Gypsy - welcome from Illinois. You're way ahead of me. You've at least had the driving experience and been out there. You may know more than you realize.

[WickedLady]

Welcome from WA state. Have fun looking for that special rig.

[retiredhappy]

Welcome to the forum from Kerrville, Texas. You're way ahead of the game if you've driven bigger rigs. As for yours; are you gonna fulltime or only take trips? If not fulltime then I would suggest something small enough that you can also use it to sightsee like a Class B. I downsized from a Class C (30') when I stopped fulltiming. Bought a 19' Class B Roadtrek. I didn't want to tow a car anymore. I like it so much more now that I don't have to worry about getting into a place where I can't turn around and need to unhook the car to get turned around. I actually bought my van sight unseen over the internet from a dealer in New Mexico. Check them out, they carry C's and B's. http://www.vantasticvans.com they were great to deal with.

PS. I'm 72 now and bought my first RV in 2003 never having RV'd before. Age is a state of mind altho there are days my body would refute this.

[cpatinjones]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

[Redwahine]

Hello and another Welcome from TX