New from FL

[slgulezian]

Hello, My name is Sharon. I live in Southwest Florida. When I was married many moons ago we traveled in 34' motor homes. Just vacations and weekends. I got the bug. I loved this way of living so much I wanted 'to sell the house and go full time. My then husband said he wasn't ready. About 5 years later we were divorced. I bought myself a 16' trailer I called "Barbie house"and moved into a campground
resort in Foxboro, Mass. When I got my settlement I upgraded to a 34' King of the Road. I lived in this for about 4 years loving every moment. I had no truck, so it didn't move. I was lucky enough to live in a campground that was open year round. In 2001 I hired a truck and had the fifth wheel taken to Sarasota, Florida. I had found a mobile home park that had a small campground area for trailers.
I lived in that for another 2 years. I had some water damage and was forced to sell it and move to a mobile home. I enjoyed the mobile home and worked for a non-profit for about 6 years. My sister had wanted to buy a house in Florida and asked me if I would consider giving up my mobile home and moving into a new home with her and her husband. They lived in Virgina and would not be retiring for another 4 1/2 years. They wanted the house now and I would live in it and take care of it for them until they retired. I gave up my mobile home and moved into a beautiful home with a leni and pool.
When my sister did finally move in, first it was good. She became very controlling and I decided I needed to move out. I called my son who has a house about 15 minutes south of us. I moved in with him and my other son. (Both single). Now I am at a cross road. 65 years old, single for over 15 years. I lost my job 2 years ago for the non-profit so money is tight. I took retirement at 62. My dream has always to be a rv woman. I have been looking to sell my car and buy a class c, about 24 ft. I know all about caring for a rv although I might be a little rusty. I use to drive the 34 ft. rv, but have problems backing up. My husband always did that. I wanted to join this group to get advise. I am nervous about driving alone. These days its dangerous. I have some worries, but over all I can't wait to get on the road, all by myself, meet new people and explore our beautiful USA before its too late. I like the idea of getting away from everything and everyone. I can use my sons house as a permanent address and stay for the winter months if I choose. I want to drive to Massachusetts, N.H. and Maine in the spring for a grandaughters granduation. The prices of class c seems to have really risen in the past few months so finding a older affordable class c is a problem. One that I will be safe in and get me to where I need to go. I guess by joining this group and listening to everyone who is rving I will get my courage to do what I would like to do. I take any suggestions. I am interested in hearing all about other peoples travels and getting to know new women who enjoy life as I try to do. Thank you for allowing me to join your group and I look forward to joining you all. Sharon

[Bethers]

Hi Sharon. So glad to have you with us. As to prices - you can really get good deals on Class C's - especially a few years old. I don't know how much you're able to spend, but the deals are out there. Some brands cost way more than others - so that can be the challenge. As to being safe on the road, I've never felt unsafe being alone rving any more than going shopping, etc. There was one time I pulled into a gas station and there was a crowd of young males that made me uncomfortable. I simply pulled out and didn't even get gas (was hoping to spend the night as it was a truck stop). But that would have been true whether I'd been in an rv or not. RVing has made me be more aware of my surroundings, so hopefully safer than before.

Jump right in, read. respond, ask questions, etc.

[carold]

Hi Sharon. There are 2 of us who are in the Sarasota area for at least the winter months. I'm with tGM (husband) in Sun N Fun just off exit 210 and JoanE who has sold her home in Sarasota and is living in a small Class C or maybe it's a B+ near the Bradenton Airport. Feel free to pm me and I'm sure I speak for Joan also Sounds to me like you've sort of made your decision to become an RVer and just need to find the right fit. Knowing the sisters, all will have something to say, and it's usually helpful Again, welcome. carold

[sharon]

Welcome from the left coast and another Sharon. No more to be afraid of in an rv than a regular house...I'm assuming you watch around you when you go to the store or get gas...and if you don't you should be! Lots and lots of us running around all over the US, you need to get out there and join us!

[slgulezian]

Thank you Ladies. I feel better already and ready to go! I know where Sun and Fun is. Its off Fruitville Rd. Been there a few times myself. Very nice campground. I use to work for a non profit on Fruitville Rd until I lost my job. Not so sure where the Bradenton one is near the airport but I will check on it. I look forward to talking online to all of you. Does anyone has any suggestions on what age rv is ok? I',ve always been use to new ones and now being a senior on a budget, I have to look for much older this time around. The weather her in Florida has been wonderful as some of you know. What a wonderful state to be in during the winter months.

[Birdie]

Being on a tight budget could mean that you look for a travel trailer and pull it with vehicle that has a towing package already on it. That would be one way to go that would not cost as much as an RV. Just something more to think about. I just spent about 14 months researching rigs and ended up making a purchase a couple of weeks ago. Research, research, research....lots of research.

[WickedLady]

Welcome, Sharon, from another Westcoaster. Get a dog!

[Bethers]

There's no right or wrong age. I bought a 1999 in 2005 - and am still traveling with it. It's a matter of how well-cared for it is. I spent less on my C than my friend did on a truck and trailer - those trucks to tow with can be expensive, too. Figure out what you think will work best for you - and just keep looking. And get together with Carol and Joan and any others if possible, and pick their brains in person

[Liz]

Welcome to the forum, Sharon. There are plenty of us out there your age and older who are RVing solo. You can do it. I am full-timing in a 2006 22' Roadtrek. There are all sizes and ways to do it. Lot of deals on used RVs. Just do some homework before you buy.

[VickieP]

Welcome to the forum.

[linann]

Welcome to the group. You certainly have a lot of experience living in an RV. There are several of us in the central FL area if you get over this way.

I have a small trailer pulled by a conversion van and have only stayed in campgrounds or state parks. I usually travel with my sister or with a group, but two years ago I took the van for a solo week around FL. It was fun and I got over being so nervous about soloing. It wasn't much different than staying in hotels by myself. One thing I discovered is that the rig seems so much bigger alone.

[cpatinjones]

Hello and welcome to the group! And you can do it!

[Rufflesgurl]

Hi and welcome to the forum from another West coaster. You can do this!! I don't live in my 35' Class A RV but I do drive it by myself.

Linda

[sunshinecruiserTN]

Welcome Sharon. I'm going to be in Myakka St Park March 1 so many those of us in that area can gtg for a chat. You will love this forum as it's a great place of ideas and such.

[Travelinana]

Welcome Sharon, indecision is hard..what to buy to fit your needs and your budget. You will find that just right for you RV and happily be on your way to adventure soon. Let us know what you choose and be sure to let us know with pictures too!