New to RVing from Tampa Bay

[Redwisher]

Hello All!

First I want to mention that I have found this forum to be an absolute joy. I have found so many useful tips while also laughing at your senses of humor, often unexpectedly. Thank goodness for spew alerts!

I have never RVed before, but have plenty of camping, travel, and outdoor experience.

I will be traveling solo, and see that is not an issue for many of you on this forum. Okay, maybe not entirely solo. The two feline critters that own me will be working as navigators and crew chiefs, but of course only when the mood strikes and only if it does not interrupt nap time.

I am looking for the FW that best meets my needs. I am really happy the Florida RV Supershow is in town to help me with this search. I spent the day yesterday, which just opened up more questions and possibilities, so now I have to go back tomorrow. I am sure I won’t get any sympathy from any of you for “having to hafta go back”.

Anyway, I'll appreciate all the hints and tips to keep the critters and I safe and keep it enjoyable.

[Carolinagal]

Welcome to the forum, Redwisher !! Yes, its so hard to have to attend one of those r.v. shows or rallies So glad you have joined us, I assume you have been lurking for awhile and know just what you are getting yourself into. Join in wherever you feel inclined, we love newbies on here. You must already know which ones you have to watch out for. If you phrase something just right, they gotcha

If possible, you should make a trip up to Ocala to the GTG and meet some of these ladies, you would have loads of fun and when you meet some of them, you will know you have done a very good thing for yourself, becoming a member of this group that stretches all over the country. Wherever you go, you will have a friend.

So glad you joined us,
CArol

Right now, I have no answers to all the questions you have in mind, but they will all come to you, take your time, ask any and all here and there is someone who can give you good advice or suggestions. Ask any question you have in our General topic thread and you will be bombarded with responses.

[mitch5252]

..

Welcome to a great Forum, Redwisher. All the knowledgeable ladies here will have lots and lots of information as you start your quest for your perfect RV.

When I saw you were looking for a fifth wheel right out of the gate - WOW! My first (and only) RV is a little 16' travel trailer...I wouldn't have had (and still don't) have the cajones to tow one of those!! I admire your confidence and enthusiasm!!

So, tell us where you plan to travel, how often, those little details we all love. And you know by now - PICTURES - WE WANT PICTURES!

Again, WELCOME - join in wherever you want, and ask away. (I don't have much experience to offer, but I'll try to make you chuckle every now and then).

..

[retiredhappy]

Welcome, welcome Redwisher. If you've been lurking you know we're a crazy, caring, nosy bunch and LOVE pictures.

[AlmostThere]

Welcome! You said the magic words, "shopping for an RV"! We are all over that! Keep us up to date on your search.
Looking forward to hearing more about you, too!

[Acadianmom]

Welcome to the forum. I love RV shows and I'm not in the market. I tell my DH it's market research. There will probably be some of the forum members attending the show since they will be in the area. Last year I met up with Carolyn(cpatinjones) at the local RV show and there weren't many rv's that we didn't see. We have since caravaned to several rallies and GTG's. It's always more fun with a friend. Carolyn jumped in with both feet and had bought a big Fifth Wheel. I will probably never pull a trailer but after pulling horse trailers I would go with a Fifth Wheel. They seem to be more stable and controllable.

Good luck with your shopping.

Martha

[bluepinecones]

Extending another warm welcome to the forum from one who does not yet have an RV. Following you along with shopping will be of great interest.
Do try to get to the upcoming gtg in Ocala. There are several members who are just coming for a day without rigs; also nice cabins at the campground should you wish to stay longer.

[mtngal]

Welcome to the forum! Have fun at the RV show; wish I was there too.

[OutandAbout]

Welcome Redwisher. We love to shop, especially for RV's. Ask away and we will try to help. Linda

[Liz]

Wow! I believe Beth, our esteemed moderator, was at the Tampa RV show today too. Too bad you didn't know sooner and could have got together. But as others said, many of us, including Beth, will be at the GTG at Silver River SP in Ocala, Jan. 23-28th. Come and join us. And then there's always the Ocala RV show that same week...

Welcome to the forum....can't wait to hear about your new 5th wheel and travel plans!

[VickieP]

Welcome to the forum! Tell us about some of the rv's at the show that interest you and what you like or don't like about them...has anybody said yet that we're nosy?

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome aboard....you had us at "hello".... and "I'm shopping for my rig." Look forward to meeting you down the road and maybe even in FL real soon

[Redwisher]

Thanks for all your replies!

I will be back at the Tampa RV Show tomorrow to further confuse myself. I've got my show map all marked up and I am ready to go! If anyone else is there perhaps we can hook up.

Yesterday the show was crowded and a tad cold for my likes, but I still had a great time and learned so much. Enough to go back again! (And of course the ticket being a two day pass encourages that!) I am going to bring my camera tomorrow to help me remember the ones I really liked.

I am considering a day trip for the FL GTG to meet some of you, if I dare! Not sure how I would look in red hair though ...

More info ...
My travel plans are probably going to be loosely based on people and destinations I wish to see with no set time frame. Small trips to start and expanding as my comfort level and experience grow. Initially close to home here in FL, then probably the East Coast later this year, depending on when I get my rig put together. Probably hit some casinos and ballparks on the way. Drag some family around from time to time. Then Westward Ho next year. I am retired with no children, so my only roots are my house and friends.

I originally thought I was going to get a TT. Got concerned over towing issues. Decided on a Class C. Got concerned over budgeting issues, having to maintain another engine, and no Toad. Finally decided a to get a truck with better tow capacity (oh boy! more shopping) and a 5er. I feel confident this is the right direction for me.

I am looking for a lightweight 5er in the 30 foot range. Some on the list are 29, some closer to 32. I think the forerunner as of yesterday was the Jayco Eagle Super Lite HT. Still contending are a couple of models from Forest River (Rockwood 8265WS or Rockwood 8288WS, or Flagstaff equivalents). I saw the Heartland Sundance XLT 277RL for the first time and want to see it again. Another model from Sundance that caught my interest is the 287RL.

Then there are some others that I will get my first look at tomorrow. But I think from the above, you can see where I am headed. The 29-32 size feels comfortable. I love the rear living or rear entertainment models. I am a tad particular about the bathroom area, and insistent on some level of privacy between the bedroom and the main quarters. I am going for the free standing dinette versus the booth. Hide-a-bed sofa for the occasional guest(s). Then of course weight and price have to be factored in. I think though the biggest thing is sitting down in the rig and "feeling at home". Sometimes I felt that yesterday, sometimes I did not.

I've an ongoing list of "must haves" versus "nice to haves" that has really helped me narrow down the choices. Yesterday's show gave me new items to add. Besides looking at the 5ers in my price/length/weight ranges, I looked at all kinds. Very expensive, very small, super big, toy haulers, TT, and even motorized.

I realize this might seem big for my first rig, but I intend to do extended trips and do not think a smaller rig will leave me comfortable. And if I enjoy this as much as I expect, the ole bricks and sticks may find itself on the market down the road.

If anyone has any experience with the manufacturers or models I have listed I would love to hear from you. Or perhaps you know of something else I should consider?

Question ---
the one model of the Rockwood/Flagstaff line concerns me regarding holding tanks. Fresh is 43, but black and grey are only 38. I would think black is okay with that, but doesn't that seem too small for grey? I know how to conserve water from past experiences, but do prefer my own shower over campgrounds. All other models are comparable on fresh and black, but much larger grey. I do not envision any extended boondocking, but some nights here and there. I do think I will often find myself without full hookups, and thus my concern on tank size. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Again, thanks for all your welcoming replies!

[Bethers]

Hi and Welcome. Wish I could meet you tomorrow - but just got back from the day at the show today! Sure is fun. And make sure you spend some time inside looking at all the vendors. I surprised myself and actually made a purchase!

Too bad you can't wait till this summer and possibly buy the 5th wheel Lori and Ernie have. They're going to buy new and I just LOVE theirs (which they bought new a couple years ago). I would suggest when you find some floorplans, etc you like - start looking used. They are out there and can be steals!

That's not a small grey tank. You only have a 6 gallon (in most) hot water heater, so the longest shower won't use too much water And, yes, you learn to conserve when you don't have sewer hookups. I boondock a lot and can go quite a while - am sure in my little rig, my tank must be smaller, but don't remember without looking it up.

Have fun searching - I love doing that. Found a couple C's I'll consider for my next rig today - but will hope to find one of them used when the time comes. Although one had such a good price on it, I had to slap myself to walk away (not good enough for me to bit the bullet and buy it today, obviously).

[Forestgal]

Welcome from the Left Coast!

I LOVE RV shopping! I can never see enough of them. It's fun to thingk, dream, and pretend that I've got unlimited funds for a new rig.

It sounds like you've got a good handle on what you're looking for -- good for you! That's more than half the battle. As for holding tanks, I'm wondering if the fifth wheels you're looking at have 2 grey water tanks. Sometimes that's the case, with one for the bathroom & one for the galley area. Might be worth looking in to.

When you make it out my way (So. CA), give us West Coasters a holler & we'll stir up some trouble. Not all of the fun is across the country, you know!

Again, greetings!

Laura -- and Jed