Advantages and Disadvantages

[BarbaraRose]

...I had side and back alarm things on my Toyota Sienna, along with a back-up camera AND a huband. I still managed to hit a boulder in Montana (and there was no trailer involved).
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Mitch, how do you like your new TT?

[JudyJB]

Liz wrote:

And you get TONS of exercise jumping in and out of the truck checking to make sure you're not about to smash into something.

Absolutely! Give me an asphalt pad that is in the open, and I can do it one try. However, if there is sand or dirt and lots of sneaky poles and rocks hiding around, I have been known to have to get in and out a couple of dozen times. Is there a world's record?

Anyway, it is much easier for those of who travel alone than the couples where the driver does not like the hand signals or instructions given by the person helping him or her back in and starts yelling and offering his or her own suggestions to the signaler! Watching other people park is the best fun in RVing!

[Wanderer2]

I am really looking forward to this adventure! Minus the boulder I plan to have a checklist so I don't forget anything until I make things a habit. And still......
All of your comments are invaluable and will be a great help when I start. Some of my family members think that I am crazy and you know what? I don't care. It's me.

[JudyJB]

We all have relatives and friends who think we are crazy. When I first started out, my sons called me every night for the first month. After two years, I now barely hear from them, except when one calls and says, "Hi, Mom. Where are you?" And my friends are now divided between those who are jealous and those who still think I am crazy. The latter periodically politely ask how long I plan to do this.

So you do what you want to do. This is a great lifestyle, and really one that is safe and a LOT better than sitting in a condo or house until you die. It is a lifestyle, however, and we all accept that not everyone understands or appreciates what we do, other than each other! It's great fun meeting one another and comparing notes. The best part of this forum is meeting some unique and interesting people. Danger in letting us know where you live, however, because we will all be popping in for a visit!

Oh, and I have hit two posts. One caused some damage to a fender, but the other hit my bumper and since the ground was soft, I just straightened it (the post) without anyone being the wiser. No boulders yet. Nice that motorhomes have big steel bumpers.

[mitch5252]

...Mitch, how do you like your new TT?

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Even with all the trouble, I LOVE that trailer. I have been packing up for my Thanksgiving trip (hoping the weather holds) and I just keep saying, "Gosh, I love this thing." (yes, I talk out loud, to myself...it's a by-product of living with just a dog.)

I love having it protected in its new garage and hopefully, the garage will extend the life of the trailer by keeping it out of the killer TN sun.

Hindsight - I really don't think the problems were that big a deal. I figure I had been really spoiled by the first Fun Finder, where almost nothing was wrong with it. About owning a trailer, my friend, George, says, "some assembly required" !

Now, ask me the same question the first time the slide room won't retract, or the electric awning won't retract, or the electric jack fails...

So, yes, I am still a fan of the Fun Finder brand.
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[mitch5252]

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There's a similar discussion starting over on rv dot net.
Although not specifically applicable to you, it might be a good place to read more pros and cons to help with your decision...

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28073374.cfm

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[retiredhappy]

Damn just lost a really long post.

Shortened version - check out www.vantasticvans.com. I bought my 1999 Roadtrek there over the phone after checking out their stuff on line. The rig I wanted was a consignment for $25,000. It had just over 100,000 miles on it but I would be only the second owner and it had all the receipts for everything the owner had done to it. I offered $17,000 plus $1000 delivery fee and the owner was ready to deal since it had been on the lot for a while. I dealt with a salesman named Wilson and was very satisfied with him and the company. I had my financing in place thru my bank and it went really smoothly. He did a phone walk-thru with me on the inside and outside where he described every little ding or scrape. I could still have refused delivery if it wasn't as described altho would have lost the delivery fee.

I love the freedom my 19' Roadtrek gives me. I can just unhook the electric and water and do all the sightseeing I want cause its no longer that a big pickup truck. Yes, yes to the generator. If its hot I can kick the generator on to keep my furbabies cool while I eat, shop or sightsee.

[Othersharon]

Just had to throw in my 2 cents! I have travelled in TT and RV's for years with my husband and family. Now that I am alone I got a 19 foot class B but felt closed in in it. On a whim I looked at a class B+ or small C (still not sure what it is!) but as some of the gals here said you'll know when you see it! As soon as I walked into her, I knew I could be happy in her! Bigger frig and bathroom not to mention more headroom! And much more light coming in from the big side windows. And I would never buy one again without a generator. It makes traveling with pets so much easier if you are in hot climates. We dealt with Vantasticvans when we got our GMC and they were very helpful. It was a consignment so we ultimately dealt with the owners but got the ad and info on it from the dealer. Just remember to have fun with the hunt and that you'll know it when you see it!

[Wanderer2]

Thanks for links and will definitely check those out. Let the good times roll! (PS-I love corny, couldn't resist)