I went to my first RV Show ....... 'help' ....

[Coosa]

My brother & I went to the Maryland RV Show at Timonium Fairgrounds today. Six hours later, we left. He was energized, having "discovered" a Class C his wife may love. I left with visions of ginormous Class A, B, C, Fifth Wheels and Trailers falling from their lofty heights onto my 71 year old 5'2" frame.

The "cozy" trailer was the T@B. Even the Aframes and pop-ups were gigantic. [I realize the T@B has no microwave or convection oven - something I'd like to have.]

My mouth kept muttering "oh, my God" as a prayer for help amidst my now conflicted, jumbled, and garbled mind.

Recall, I'm by "nature or nurture" a backpacker who for 15 years carried a Bivy (think Goretex body bag) and silnylon tarp as a shelter from the same storms I am about to be financially able to use a Recreational Vehicle or Trailer. And I've never driven a 'big rig' or even pulled my bff's horse trailer.

Apparently I'm entering an area where "Google" cannot educate me. Thankfully... I found y'all. And I need guidance and encouragement."

I look at the photos of your rigs ... and they don't appear overwhelming. Yet "up close and in person" even the R-Pod is imposing. (I did not realize just how huge "19 feet" really is when it's a 19 foot TT. My entire house is all of 45 feet by 30 feet!)

My "made up" mind just got discombobulated... So back to googling... And comparing... And playing "pros and cons."

All advice gladly accepted.

My brother told me it may be near the end of the year before all the paper work is completed and for our inheritance to be deposited in our accounts. This news is actually a good thing. There's plenty of time to do more research. And ask more questions.

And literally "get my house in order" so I really can be ready "run toward adventure" and meet y'all.

All that to ask: What questions do I need to ask myself when deciding on RV or TT?

Thank you ...
Coosa

[snowball]

some where we have lists started...where who knows but bet Mitch remembers...one thing you could do is look on the map and
see who all is near you and go visiting...
we all have different needs...wants...and wants that we have convinced ourselves are needs...
some are very content in a 19 foot whatever..I've not convinced myself that I am one of them
you said you like to cook so that would be a major thing to look at will you be able to do the type of cooking that you want
in the space they allow... mentally prepare a meal mentally put your stuff away get in the shower do you have room???
sit on the potty pretend will it work? those will weed out quickly some or lots of them
good luck in your quest
sheila

[BirdbyBird]

You want to continue reading, researching and visiting as many RV as you can....leaving time in between for your mind to shift and settle through what you learn. If there is a GTG anywhere near you drive over in your car and visit in person. Sarah spent at least two years driving her car to visit GTGs before she bought her rig. And though a few dealers may not allow you to drive their rigs (just ask Brenda ) most dealers will allow you to drive their rigs if they see you as a serious shopper. I can't remember what area of the country you are in but if you are near some of us there is hardly anything we like to do more than meet for lunch and/or walk around dealer lots and help other folks spend money. You haven't seen anything until you watch some of us walk around rigs hunting for "low water" drains, checking out how easy or difficult the dump tanks are to connect, climbing into empty showers.

Drive some rigs, some Road Treks, a Class C, even some of the smaller Class As. Everything you examine will help you decide one way or another! Maybe your friend will let you drive her truck and horse trailer so you get a sense of pulling something. The search is part of the adventure!

[Redetotry]

And remember the first one most likely won't be your last one

What were your feelings about the B's or the B+ conversion vans. I have a Pleasure Way and it is very convenient as it will go any place a car will go. Hooking up a trailer would not be in my strength capacity plus, I like to pull over and not have to get out to get to the fridge or bathroom. I do wish I had more counter space!!! plus twin beds would be nice but then might crowd the dog, or rather me!
Don't let the decision process dampen your enthusiasm, the process is part of the journey and you can just keep changing your mind till you get it right.

[Coosa]

And remember the first one most likely won't be your last one

Don't let the decision process dampen your enthusiasm, the process is part of the journey and you can just keep changing your mind till you get it right.

Great advice from everyone!

I'm going back to the RV show later today with my list of wants or needs such as an oven to bake in and I definitely will go sit on the potty to see if I feel crowded or not. Enough counter space is also important.

This morning the R-Pod has won the toss. By this evening something else may win. I like the idea of visiting with some of you and seeing how you relate to your rigs. And perhaps purchasing my new vehicle first will benefit whether I purchase a used C class or B class or travel trailer. I can travel around and go places to visit other RV shows and use my tent to camp nearby.

The advantages of a class A or B or C versus a travel trailer for a single senior citizen woman may outweigh the other considerations. Then again if this turns out not to be my first trailer or RV ...

Decisions decisions at least I don't have to make one today.

Thank you for all your help this is part of the adventure that leads to the journey .

Coosa

[Coosa]

One other thing or question.

What items did you purchase which were not included in your rig? Such as back up camera, security devices, antennas, generators, etc.

Thanks again.
Coosa

[Othersharon]

Coosa, we all have different comfort levels with add-ons on our rigs. A generator might be something you look for already in whatever rig you get. We had a Road Trek that didn't have one and realized it wouldn't be something we'd be without again. Not that we used it much but traveling with dogs it made it easier to leave them with it running if we needed to. And if it's already there you don't have to figure where to store one. Since my rv doesn't have a window in the back, I had a rear camera installed. I have it set up to turn on when I turn the key on so I always can see what's behind me. Just an added bit of security for me besides my side mirrors. My comfort level.

I still consider myself a newbie since I'm doing this on my own now. These gals have given you (and me!) some good advise! One thing I remember someone saying was that you will know when you find the right for you rig! When I checked out mine, I just knew it was right! Yes, I still have a few things I would like to change but the good outweighs the bad! And I can work around the rest! I remember my first rv show and I was overwhelmed by all the different rigs! I thought I was looking for one type and then went a different direction with what I have now! When the salesman handed me the keys and told me to take it for a drive, I was scared to death! Turned out I could do it! And enjoy it! And as it was said, the hunt is part of the fun!

[IrishIroamed]

It is very overwhelming at shows. I went to as many shows as possible (in at least 3 states lol) and got to the point where I had to make a list of everything that is offered in all model types (A, B, B+, C) so I could remember what I saw and narrow now my must haves. Found just what was right for me in a TT to learn in even though I'd like a small A or C when I can retire.

I posted a list of just about everything under the sun that can be offered. Take a look and maybe take it with you at shows and it may help you too.
http://www.womenrv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=12383&p=164796&hilit=island+bed#p164796

[JudyJB]

Don't be intimidated by size. These things really do look MUCH bigger inside than they do outside. I remember thinking I could never drive that huge thing, but I did! And I have drive 75,000 miles, and now feel so comfortable I can eat a sandwich while driving. In fact, I love the high cab because for the first time in my life I can see over all the short cars.

I also strongly suggest that you rent a small Class C for a weekend. That will give you an idea of how difficult they are to drive and what it is like to live in one, even if only for a short time. I think you will be surprised at how easy it is.

I am 72 and 5'1" tall. I was 69 when I bought my 32' Class C and had never driven anything bigger than a minivan. I started out looking at 22-24' Class Cs, and worked my way up to my present behemoth, which I am very happy with. If you were out here in Arizona I would let you try driving it just a bit.

We all have different traveling and living styles, as the ladies have told you, so you have to figure yours out. You already know you need an oven because you like to cook. I also like to occasionally cook, so a real oven was important to me also. I also knew I needed a bed I could walk around at least a tiny bit to make it because I have replacement knees and a fragile kneecap on one leg and cannot easily kneel. I took out my big dinette and put in my old leather recliner from home, which gave me a comfortable place to sit and rest my back.

The important thing is to not compromise on size or other things that will make you comfortable because you are worried about not being able to drive or maneuver your rig. (By the way, a Class B or B+ is a lot easier to maneuver than pulling a trailer, although others might disagree.)

A bigger rig gave me more comfortable living space and much more storage space as a full-timer. It also gave me a full bathroom and enough kitchen counter space to cook on. Also, I like my two big slides because it gave me a bigger wardrobe for clothing and stuff.

[JudyJB]

Oh, and mine came equipped with a generator, but I would never be without one. It is handy while driving for running the AC while you are taking a break at a rest area along the highway and need to stop for a while. Also good for dry camping and as a backup for a campground's electric in case that goes off.

It is very nice to have a built-in generator. In most motorhomes, you just push a button to start it. If you have a portable one, you have to get it out and start it manually, which is not something you might always want to do.

I have no security devices as nearly all campgrounds are very safe. I tried to make do with antenna TV, but after 7 months, I broke down and bought a satellite.

[BirdbyBird]

And I know you mentions your strong history is hiking and backpacking as a minimalist. I camped with very little in my youth. I thinking is also why I really appreciate the comforts of a class C or small Class A. If you will be traveling for weeks at a time or full timing think of your set up and take down energy. Think of the books and/or projects you want to get into on the rainy days. . And the warm dry space you will have to relax in.

[Acadianmom]

Very few trailers have a generator and I'm not sure if any companies offer that as an option. It would have to be installed in a compartment sealed from the living area because of fumes. I have seen some generators on a rack on the back. You couldn't pick up a generator large enough to run an air conditioner. Two smaller ones can be hooked together. Portable generators are probably one of the things most often stolen. Most motorhomes come with a generator except maybe some of the B's.

I have a 23' motorhome that is not much larger than a full size van and is very easy to drive. I don't know that I could full time in it but I could take long trips . What I like about a motorhome is that I always have my kitchen and bathroom available. I don't have to get out to go to the bathroom and if I don't like where I am I can just move on.

If a new vehicle is a possibility you need to be sure you can pull a trailer if that is the way you decide to go. Or if you buy a motorhome and want to tow a car you need to be sure it can be towed. Most of my friends have trailers and I see what they do to set up. I guess I'm lazy. I like to pull in and turn the key off. If it's raining I don't even have to hook up right away.

Martha

[JudyJB]

Martha is right about hookup. With my motorhome, I pull into a spot, jump out and plug the 30 amp cord into the power post, and possibly hook up my water hose. Takes three minutes, tops, assuming I don't have to get boards out to level--only have to level maybe 25% of the time. Then I hop back inside and push a button to open my slides, grab my hall rug from the shower where it rides and plop it down in the hall. Done! (I don't tow a car, just have an electric bike on the back.)

One other consideration is the size of your tanks. I have 35 gallons grey and 35 gallons black water tanks (60 gallons fresh water), and being only one person, that means I can go 4-5 days without dumping. And that includes one dishpan full of dishes and a short hot shower every night, plus the usual flushing and washing. Dumping tanks at dump station takes maybe 10-15 minutes, depending on whether I use the black tank rinse function.

Sometimes I do miss having a car or tow vehicle, but the ease of setting up and pulling into and out of gas stations makes up for it. If you plan to stay a longer time in one place, then a car or tow vehicle would be nice. but I tend to keep on the move.

[Coosa]

It's ALL good!

Back to the RV Show on Sunday ... We were packing on Saturday.

I have my check list and I won't feel quite so intimidated!

Safe Travels, y'all!

Coosa

[Colliemom]

I knew when I started out that I wanted a trailer. Didn't want two motor vehicles to have to maintain and being I love to sightsee etc. knew I was going to need a vehicle free to do that. Being single, I also didn't want a big trailer. 18-20 ft was big enough, so that narrowed my choices down considerably. Started looking at dealers around northern Michigan and fell in love with an 18 ft. Rock wood Mini Light with a slide that made it so much more roomy. It also had a front window which I loved as made it much more light too. I had that trailer for a couple years before selling it due to financial constraints. 3 years ago, I bought a 19ft. Sportsman Classic and love this trailer. It's lightweight (GVRW) 3500 lbs. and has a ton of storage. Bathroom is a little small, but don't live in there. No slide but it has enough room. Plenty of Windows including front one. These are more entry level bare bones models so to speak, but with some imagination you can really trick them out with the money you save buying more epensive rigs. I have not, knock on wood, had one problem with it in the 3 years I have had it. And I have hauled it out west to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and back. So I am a happy camper. There are pics posted in the Show Off Your Rigs thread of some of the upgrades I have done. I tow with a Chevy pickup.