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The RVillager January 12, 2021How did you start? Did you rent, or jump right in to owning? Did you grow up RVing/camping or discover the joy of RVing as a “grown up”? We all take a different path, but end up in the same place: RVillage!
Post your “How I Got Started” story (and inclu... moreHow did you start? Did you rent, or jump right in to owning? Did you grow up RVing/camping or discover the joy of RVing as a “grown up”? We all take a different path, but end up in the same place: RVillage!
Post your “How I Got Started” story (and include any great advice you received that made those early adventures less daunting!)
MR.RVManJanuary 12, 2021
I traveled for my job now retired I jumped right in 😁 solitude 373FB
I hope we can travel more this year
We really hope they find a cure for COVID
To everyone stay safe
Bill and KarenJanuary 24, 2021
We had to cancel our planned trips last year and stayed close to home. With the aid of Harvest Hosts we visited 17 farms and wineries within two to three hours from home.
Jean & Paul January 12, 2021
We have been camping for over 45 years. Started out tenting, moved to pop-ups, travel trailer, Class C, and now a Class A diesel pusher full time. We love the life of freedom and make the best of every day.
Norm Sue Heidi and Ranger too January 12, 2021
we received our tax return in 1986. i told sue lets buy a camper. we bought a 1964 forester 19' travel trailer. neither of us knew anything about taking care of it. we learned fast. 35 years later and 7 rv's later and we are still learning and enjoying.
BLSMSS (Brenda &Marc) January 12, 2021Since I was young, my family has always camped with RV's from truck camper to TT, 7 of us. We had a lot of memories. My husband and I did the tent thing for a couple of years. We loved to travel but he didn't care for going out in the middle of the night ... moreSince I was young, my family has always camped with RV's from truck camper to TT, 7 of us. We had a lot of memories. My husband and I did the tent thing for a couple of years. We loved to travel but he didn't care for going out in the middle of the night to use the restroom or sleep on the ground. So we started to look for an RV that we thought would work for us. We did the pro's and con's for Class A's and 5th Wheels. It took us 5 years to find our 5th wheel we liked. It was like having a house. My husband only had a few years to retire from school system after he had already retirked from USAF. I was not liking my job with the company I worked for 13 years, so we decided to sell the house and travel. We got a Workamper job for Amazon in NV. We sold the house quickly, and went and traded our cars for a truck and went and got the RV we researched and liked. We still have that RV and as we have gotten older, our likes have changed so we have purchased our 5th Toy Hauler. We have not regretted it at all. I do ask my husband from time to time, just to assure he still loves our lifestyle. There's no way he would do anything else. less
Glamper Jan January 12, 2021Hi I tent camped as a girl scout then 10 yro boy scout son talked me into a 1996 pop up w king beds. Loved it. Had it for 10 years and sold it in 2006 to a family of 6!!
I got a Prius in 2010 and a big tent and camped for a while until I got sick of... moreHi I tent camped as a girl scout then 10 yro boy scout son talked me into a 1996 pop up w king beds. Loved it. Had it for 10 years and sold it in 2006 to a family of 6!!
I got a Prius in 2010 and a big tent and camped for a while until I got sick of laying on the ground! Bought a 2017 Thor Chateau in 2017 and it had major water issues they refused to fix. Even though they had it for 2 months in the summer and still under warranty!! I kept it until 2020 when I downsized to a 2020 Coachmen Beyond van. I love it and it drives so nice on the Ford Transit Chassis. And I can get into gas stations and parking spots with no problem. less
Tea Time Smiles January 12, 2021
My first time camping was in a Shasta travel trailer when I was 29 days old. Camping has always been an important part of my life - backpacking, tarp, tent, road trips, Scouting, travel trailer, class C, or just a sleeping bag. Nature feeds my sole.
Road MossesJanuary 12, 2021We started out with a large tent trailer. Camping was so much fun we moved up to an 18 foot travel trailer. When this became too small we upgraded to a 30 foot decadent palace for retired people! We purchased our Grand Design Imagine 2600RB in October 202... moreWe started out with a large tent trailer. Camping was so much fun we moved up to an 18 foot travel trailer. When this became too small we upgraded to a 30 foot decadent palace for retired people! We purchased our Grand Design Imagine 2600RB in October 2020 and are looking forward to many trips until we are too old to do it. There are so many wonderful places to visit in the USA. less
Denise and Reggie January 12, 2021We never camped. Denise and I were going on cruises and I was looking for something I could do with my brother, who I was really close to. But he was afraid of water and wouldn't go on a cruise. So we decided to start camping together. He died the same we... moreWe never camped. Denise and I were going on cruises and I was looking for something I could do with my brother, who I was really close to. But he was afraid of water and wouldn't go on a cruise. So we decided to start camping together. He died the same week we bought our RV. That was a few years ago. So now when we RV, I think about him and know he is camping with me everywhere we go (and laughing at all my struggles). less
Packratphyls January 26, 2021God Bless you. My dad loved rving and I feel he is always with me . My dad always told me when I was struggling with a task. Don’t quit. A Hayes can do anything( my maiden name). So thank God because in life we have many things happen when we are tempt... moreGod Bless you. My dad loved rving and I feel he is always with me . My dad always told me when I was struggling with a task. Don’t quit. A Hayes can do anything( my maiden name). So thank God because in life we have many things happen when we are tempted to give up. Don’t Wuit ever! Perservere and you will always be ahead of the game. Enjoy your camping life! less
ChanginRView January 12, 2021Debbie 's idea of camping when she was younger was a hotel! 😂 Enrique camped as a child with his grandparents in TTs and a smaller Class A. As an adult he owned a few Class A's himself and enjoyed it for several years. Fast forward 25 years and he convinc... moreDebbie 's idea of camping when she was younger was a hotel! 😂 Enrique camped as a child with his grandparents in TTs and a smaller Class A. As an adult he owned a few Class A's himself and enjoyed it for several years. Fast forward 25 years and he convinced Debbie that this was the lifestyle to enjoy our country. He has experience as a tractor trailer driver, so size is not an issue. We are currently awaiting the delivery of our 2021 GD Momentum 397TH any day. The excitement around here is palpable, as is the flurry of activity readying the house for sale. We hope to be on the road before the end of April. We will definitely enjoy the journey!! less
Carole CJanuary 12, 2021I fell in Love with travel trailers when I was seven years old. My favorite Aunt had a 16’ travel trailer that was so cute I was absolutely dazzled, so I have been RVing ever since. I have had every type RV with the exception of a tent trailer, at presen... moreI fell in Love with travel trailers when I was seven years old. My favorite Aunt had a 16’ travel trailer that was so cute I was absolutely dazzled, so I have been RVing ever since. I have had every type RV with the exception of a tent trailer, at present my Winnebago Navion motorhome “Miss Kitty” is my all time favorite. less
SouthParkSteve January 12, 2021Right after the oill embargos in the early 70s, in July of 1975, my dad rented a 28' Winnebago Indian for a month. We went from Florida all the way across the I-10 corridor out to Los Angeles, then up the California coast to SFO, then back through Yosemi... moreRight after the oill embargos in the early 70s, in July of 1975, my dad rented a 28' Winnebago Indian for a month. We went from Florida all the way across the I-10 corridor out to Los Angeles, then up the California coast to SFO, then back through Yosemite and Tahoe to Denver, and then back to Florida. To this day, we still call it "the trip". I was 10 years old, and actually was the navigator for most of the trip--I learned to read maps at an early age.
In college, I did some tent camping in the Sierras of California, and was always interested in camping, but I had never owned a camper. I got a part-time job at an RV resort in 2008. I finally bought my first travel tralier in 2013 (it was a 1978 model) and took my first trip up to Yellowstone. I was hooked after my first trip. I'm now on my third travel trailer, and hoping to be able to use it a LOT more starting this summer. less
pokeysRVadventures January 13, 2021One of my brother's bought a Class C to use after retiring. That got me interested in looking around for my own. I had decided on buying a small truck and a Tear Drop type camper to use when wanted. I happened to see a 5th wheel for sale on Craigslist tha... moreOne of my brother's bought a Class C to use after retiring. That got me interested in looking around for my own. I had decided on buying a small truck and a Tear Drop type camper to use when wanted. I happened to see a 5th wheel for sale on Craigslist that I was interested in and decided to go and take a look at it. It was bought new by the seller and only selling to purchase a Tiffin Class A for him and his wife. I thought about it and decided to buy to live in only. After living in it for around 1 1/2 years I began thinking about traveling full time. After a lot of researching, YouTube videos, websites about pulling, backing, anything I could find. Sold my precious to me car to buy the right truck to pull the RV. That was 1 1/2+ years ago and still going. less
Richard & Deb January 13, 2021
Dad bought a Shasta in the 60s, then tent camping,, I became single dad, me and my son motorcycle camped. (Our rules were to only bring a big knife and tinfoil for cooking) we both loved that for a few years, then older fifth wheel then current. Love it all
GramPa CarsonJanuary 13, 2021
Bought a Class-C at 45 years old. (first RV) Wife and I tent and van camped for about 5 years before. After buying the C we sold the house in 1997 and went full-time until the money ran out in AK. Stayed in AK. for 13 years. Retired and now in the lower 48.
Ray & AnnJanuary 13, 2021
My parents were always into camping and we traveled all over the US and Canada.
Around 1971 dad bought what would now be a Class B Chevy van with a pop top. They used it a lot east of the Mississippi and I used it a lot up in the NE and into Canada.
Lonnie RooksJanuary 13, 2021I grew up camping with my family in a pop up, then a small TT . Some of my earliest memories are camping, we traveled around North America camping it was awesome . Then on my own I started tenting with my friends then my girlfriend started coming along , ... moreI grew up camping with my family in a pop up, then a small TT . Some of my earliest memories are camping, we traveled around North America camping it was awesome . Then on my own I started tenting with my friends then my girlfriend started coming along , then we had kids and bought a bigger tent . After a few years of t less
Lonnie RooksJanuary 13, 2021Finnish down here as the app was being weird . After a few years of tenting with a family we decided enough of that hassle and bought a older 70's 18 ft. TT like my parents had . Camped in that for a few years but it was heavy and expensive on fuel so we ... moreFinnish down here as the app was being weird . After a few years of tenting with a family we decided enough of that hassle and bought a older 70's 18 ft. TT like my parents had . Camped in that for a few years but it was heavy and expensive on fuel so we bought a brand new 30 ft. Jayfeather . Recently we just upgraded again to a 34 ft grand design 5th wheel . Loving camping even more now . less
Joni and AL January 13, 2021Growing up my dad would save up his vacation and we (7siblings) Mom and Dad would camp all the summer. First we had a GP medium tent Army issue. Then graduated to a pop up. We thought we hit it big with that pop up. One summer was cross country trip from ... moreGrowing up my dad would save up his vacation and we (7siblings) Mom and Dad would camp all the summer. First we had a GP medium tent Army issue. Then graduated to a pop up. We thought we hit it big with that pop up. One summer was cross country trip from Florida to California. Ah the memories. June in the continental divide in Colorado my brothers peed in the snow. We had never seen snow having grown up in Orlando. less
Dennis & Lorece Hogeweide January 13, 2021I started camping with my parents we had a 10ft truck camper I was about 6. Then I ⛺ camped with the boy scouts after I left home I continued with tents. After getting together with Lorece when I was 20 we went across to Manitoba living in the back of my ... moreI started camping with my parents we had a 10ft truck camper I was about 6. Then I ⛺ camped with the boy scouts after I left home I continued with tents. After getting together with Lorece when I was 20 we went across to Manitoba living in the back of my truck later we bought a 18ft boat and camped in it and tents till our kids were born then we bought a 8ft truck camper when the kids got older we started doing canoe trips with three ⛺ ⛺ ⛺ and two canoes that continued until the kids were in high school so we then bought a 12ft Terry TT used it till 2017 then we gave it to our daughter and bought our Creekside 26RLS and have been camping in it 5 months a year waiting for our subdivision and sell our house then we will be full time RVers.
The beginning less
Curt & Isabel (WhereRV?) January 13, 2021I've (Curt) been tent camping most of my life with family. The wife and I started out tent camping back in 1972. In 2011 her back had had enough and she said she wanted a travel trailer. So we bought one. Two years later some friends suggested an Alaska t... moreI've (Curt) been tent camping most of my life with family. The wife and I started out tent camping back in 1972. In 2011 her back had had enough and she said she wanted a travel trailer. So we bought one. Two years later some friends suggested an Alaska trip but that doing it in a TT may be tough so we bought our first class A (we never made the Alaska trip, lol). In 2017 we bought our current Tiffin Open Road and couldn't be happier. less
Libby family January 13, 2021Growing up, I have memories of camping in tents, then a lot of hoochies, improvised shelters (Cadets/army). My wife and I did tones of camping in tents, we moved up to a '77 tent trlr (a beast at 2K dry). We actually still have it. This past summer, we we... moreGrowing up, I have memories of camping in tents, then a lot of hoochies, improvised shelters (Cadets/army). My wife and I did tones of camping in tents, we moved up to a '77 tent trlr (a beast at 2K dry). We actually still have it. This past summer, we were finally able (7.5 yrs fighting my lawsuit) our dreams of having an upgrade. That's when we bought our '18 Ford SD and two days later, by flook we bought our '14 5er. We had been looking for a very long time for a 5er as we want to tow our boat. We had looked at 100s and 100s of trailers. Both our new to us units had popped up the morning of and we were actually able to connect within 30 min and did the 3 and 4 hr trips to pick up. For once it wasn't my typical luck of a bald man winning a comb lol. This past Jul-Aug, we managed to get in 39 nights (incl a 3 week trip). I'm going to go see our long lost friend in the storage yard this afternoon for a looksy. less
spike610 January 13, 2021Well I was looking for my first car.... I only had $500. By my school I saw an old, OLD camper, Class C for sale (I didn't know what a Class C was). All I knew is it was on an old Dodge chassis, Had a 318 motor and it ran!!!. Well kinda ran..Tranny slipp... moreWell I was looking for my first car.... I only had $500. By my school I saw an old, OLD camper, Class C for sale (I didn't know what a Class C was). All I knew is it was on an old Dodge chassis, Had a 318 motor and it ran!!!. Well kinda ran..Tranny slipped in third, Something was-a klang-n and bangin under the chassis..But it did have that one good tire. The inside was...well there is only one word for it...Cool!!! It had a ice box(you put the ice in top) and it kinda kept things cool. The sink had a hand pump the toilet was porta-potti and it even had a place for the toilet paper. The bed over the cab was home to a whole slew of squirrels who got in thru the broken vent on the roof...But it ran!!! And it had a couch that could be a bed if I could find the bracket...And it ran!!! So the deal was made. $500 and he put 10 gals of gas in it...That old camper got me thru high school and 2 years of college before that motor said enough. Went on many camping trips all over the states. I look back now and think somebody was watching out for me cause it never failed me on the road. Always waited til I got home before it wouldn't go. less
Pat/Chuck Downs January 13, 2021In 1980 my husband was a manufacturing engineer for Winnebago when they had a westcoast facility in Riverside, CA. When the facility closed, we purchased a Itasca. That was our first RV. Due to the gas shortage, we sold we sold that unit. In 2008 we p... moreIn 1980 my husband was a manufacturing engineer for Winnebago when they had a westcoast facility in Riverside, CA. When the facility closed, we purchased a Itasca. That was our first RV. Due to the gas shortage, we sold we sold that unit. In 2008 we purchased a tt and since then we have had 2 more tt, and 2 Class As. We have been snobirds, ft and once this pandemic is handled, we will travel once again. Love life on the road. less
DejavelaJanuary 13, 2021
I started in my 20's, with my 1st husband and friends. We'd drive to the woods, walk a 1/4 mile to the riverbank and tent camp on the sand bank.
Joe & Lupita - 7 Day Weekenders January 13, 2021
I began with tent camping. My equipment was limited to what I could carry on the back of a motorcycle, which sometime included a passenger. After Lupita and I got together some 6 years ago, we have rented a Class C before we made the jump to our travel trailer.
RVillage Camp Host Morgan January 13, 2021We jumped two feet into full-timing. My husband grew up where all their family vacations were camping in their RV. I didn't have that experience, but it sure sounded fun.
When we evacuated to East Tennessee for Hurricane Irma it looked like ... moreWe jumped two feet into full-timing. My husband grew up where all their family vacations were camping in their RV. I didn't have that experience, but it sure sounded fun.
When we evacuated to East Tennessee for Hurricane Irma it looked like our house was going to be leveled... we started thinking about getting an RV to live in if we needed to do major repairs on the house.
House damage ended up being minor, but the dream of living in an RV never left. 2 years later we found an amazing deal on an RV... saw 3 photos of it and knew it was the one. The lady who was selling it was located in East TN and her name was Irma. The rest is history. less
TheMerrillPackJanuary 13, 2021We would tent camp beside my in-laws air stream in a campground. We eventually bought a pop up and towed that with a short bus/the husky hauler. The huskies camped in their bus and we camped in the pop up. Someone offered to buy the camper from us for mor... moreWe would tent camp beside my in-laws air stream in a campground. We eventually bought a pop up and towed that with a short bus/the husky hauler. The huskies camped in their bus and we camped in the pop up. Someone offered to buy the camper from us for more than we bought it for and we sold it. We needed to move our son back home with little notice and bought a "road worthy" park model. It sits beside our house now. We are trying to decide whether we are going to trade that in for a motor home or 5th wheel now. less
Jim & Tina January 13, 2021A friend suggested to go camping!back in 1982 We borrowed everything tents, sleeping bags, Coleman stove,lantern and off we went! Loved it! Each year we bought things so we didn’t have to borrow everything. Over the years we got a pop up & traveled cross ... moreA friend suggested to go camping!back in 1982 We borrowed everything tents, sleeping bags, Coleman stove,lantern and off we went! Loved it! Each year we bought things so we didn’t have to borrow everything. Over the years we got a pop up & traveled cross country and north to south! Then settled in as a “seasonal”. Had 2 different trailers but now want a motorhome to do more traveling! ❤️ less
Wright93January 13, 2021We kinda grew up with a camper, but the only time we really took it out was on our yearly vacations. But after we got married my wife and I used my parents pop up and we got our own TT, then 5th wheel, then a toy hauler, then back to a travel trailer, the... moreWe kinda grew up with a camper, but the only time we really took it out was on our yearly vacations. But after we got married my wife and I used my parents pop up and we got our own TT, then 5th wheel, then a toy hauler, then back to a travel trailer, then another 5th wheel, now we are in a Class A Diesel Pusher! less
Gary & FredJanuary 13, 2021As a kid and teen (1960’s) I always though that a truck camper would be cool. During the late 70s-90s, I did 4x4 SUV camping, with tent, mostly dry camping in remote parts of the west. 20 years were spent overseas in east Asia. When I got back we started ... moreAs a kid and teen (1960’s) I always though that a truck camper would be cool. During the late 70s-90s, I did 4x4 SUV camping, with tent, mostly dry camping in remote parts of the west. 20 years were spent overseas in east Asia. When I got back we started thinking about seeing similar places again but much more comfortably. After looking at several options we decided to go ‘big’, 39 foot Class A. Great decision. less
The Mountains January 13, 2021When I was a junior in high school, my family rented a small travel trailer to travel 900+ miles to visit relatives. That was our first camping experience and it was very memorable which included the music..” Age of Aquarius “ and Neil Armstrong’s moon wa... moreWhen I was a junior in high school, my family rented a small travel trailer to travel 900+ miles to visit relatives. That was our first camping experience and it was very memorable which included the music..” Age of Aquarius “ and Neil Armstrong’s moon walk. Seeing my Mum and Dad in bathing suits drinking beer while swimming in Lake Superior and we kept seeing signs warning about moose but hadn’t seen one until my Mother said “so where are the moose” and shortly thereafter a moose jumped out of the ditch and ran in front of our car. Definitely a trip that I will never forget. After that my wife and I tented and then got a pop up when we had our kids. After they grew up and left home, we got a bigger travel trailer and now we full time in a Class A DP. less
DemilneJanuary 13, 2021
We just jumped in. We had a cottage for 25 years followed that up with a 42 ft live aboard power boat. Decided we wanted to hit the road so have just purchased a new to us Sunseeker 3100ss class c. Getting her ready to go and will hit the road this spring.
Rick & Pat Galloway January 13, 2021We had a (permanent) trailer at the lake growing up and we went every weekend whether we wanted to or not.
My husband and I decided 12 years ago that we would downsize in preparation for retirement and when that happened we would get a camper and s... moreWe had a (permanent) trailer at the lake growing up and we went every weekend whether we wanted to or not.
My husband and I decided 12 years ago that we would downsize in preparation for retirement and when that happened we would get a camper and see if we liked seeing the USA from it.
We jumped right into ownership, we bought a 33’ 5er. We decided on an older unit to see if we liked it and wanted to upgrade. We’ve decided that an upgrade will be in our future! ❤️ less
schaebjJanuary 13, 2021My parents bought an Apache Mesa II pop up back in 1970 and we took it on a cross country trip to CA. Used with my parents for many years and then my wife and I used it for a little while. We've had to popups since then and just last month purchased our ... moreMy parents bought an Apache Mesa II pop up back in 1970 and we took it on a cross country trip to CA. Used with my parents for many years and then my wife and I used it for a little while. We've had to popups since then and just last month purchased our first travel trailer. We're looking forward to an easier time packing and setting up! less
Roz SmithJanuary 13, 2021When I was a kid, my parents rented a pop-up camper a couple times. I always thought tent camping would be fun, and bought a pup tent to camp with my sons when they were younger. Years passed, and sleeping on the ground was less fun. My husband and I star... moreWhen I was a kid, my parents rented a pop-up camper a couple times. I always thought tent camping would be fun, and bought a pup tent to camp with my sons when they were younger. Years passed, and sleeping on the ground was less fun. My husband and I started with a 1995 travel trailer, and upgraded to a 2009 to season camp. We now have a 5 th wheel and a smallish class c. less
Julie Main January 14, 2021
My dad always had a camper and as a kid I did some of that with him - beaches and lakes usually with a whole gaggle of kids. My husband and I bought a class-A Winnie in 2016 to travel to craft shows for our small business. I didn’t travel very well in it - it was an older model with a very loose suspension. I could never have imagined driving it. In 2017 - we started to see YouTubers who were doing this full time - and were truly enchanted. Our first hesitation was selling our house. But we started to make a five year plan. Fast forward to 2020 - and Covid and the housing market being so small that the value of our house made it impossible not to go for our dream. The house went on the market in September and in early October we went to Florida to pick up our rig from a private seller. Now every day is an adventure. Right Gary Schnatterly?
Happier Campers January 14, 2021It all started with a train ride with my son and our bikes into San Francisco to Fisherman's Wharf to the World Nano Festival where Happier Camper had their HC1 "Johnny Utah", their first off road version travel trailer. We biked/trained home, I the new o... moreIt all started with a train ride with my son and our bikes into San Francisco to Fisherman's Wharf to the World Nano Festival where Happier Camper had their HC1 "Johnny Utah", their first off road version travel trailer. We biked/trained home, I the new owner of "Johnny Utah". Never owning nor pulling a trailer before, I joined (RVW) RVingWoman made friends and learned EVERYTHING I needed to know from these wonderful women. less
Larry DialJanuary 14, 2021I needed a place to stay while working remotely. renting furnished apartments and houses did not work with a fluid schedule. started in a 24' tagalong with one slide, moved up to 27' with 2 slides, finally graduated to35' 5er with 3 sides. Full timing now... moreI needed a place to stay while working remotely. renting furnished apartments and houses did not work with a fluid schedule. started in a 24' tagalong with one slide, moved up to 27' with 2 slides, finally graduated to35' 5er with 3 sides. Full timing now for two years. less
Brandieatslife365January 14, 2021We had been dreaming of the day we could go about 7 years ago . Finally the stars aligned we sold sold a house bought our dream home and decided to hit the road in the winter (were from MI) a few months into our travels we realized we didn’t want to leave... moreWe had been dreaming of the day we could go about 7 years ago . Finally the stars aligned we sold sold a house bought our dream home and decided to hit the road in the winter (were from MI) a few months into our travels we realized we didn’t want to leave our 4,000 sq ft home without a family, and bigger isn’t always better, so we put it up for sake and had 2 offers in two weeks accepted and made the trek back to mI last winter to move out and finalize the sale . We’ve been loving it ever since . I do miss our older kids and family but we go back this summer to visit . We are on new rig #3 and we e looked at 1,000s of them, so we can tell you a few things of what not to do and what you’ll want if you have kids . Good luck hope to meet some of y’all in our travels ! Keep moving & eating well !!! Peace and love less
AbitchenguyJanuary 14, 2021
Know that feeling I bought a new motor home and wish I had kept my house
Kickin It Van Voast Style January 14, 2021I grew up in the age of the Family Trips. My Family had owned an RV and it was always the excitement and joy to be able to take those trips in the Motorhome . I had always said, when I retire im going to buy a Motorhome and go to all the places that I h... moreI grew up in the age of the Family Trips. My Family had owned an RV and it was always the excitement and joy to be able to take those trips in the Motorhome . I had always said, when I retire im going to buy a Motorhome and go to all the places that I had never been. I took early retirment from Southwest Airlines - right in the middle of a pandemic - lol - not really funny but I now own a 36' class A and have started a YouTube channel and I am about to go Full Time. It's just me - no wife or partner 😒 but maybe someday... I am enjoying this life!
https://www.youtube.com/c/KICKINITVANVOASTSTYLE less
MOApples January 14, 2021The Continuing Adventures of Marc & Ronette – Episode VI – The Flight of the Mallard
Day 1 – Getting the RV and heading home
Ronette and I had been watching RVs on eBay, trying to learn something about them and what we might like... moreThe Continuing Adventures of Marc & Ronette – Episode VI – The Flight of the Mallard
Day 1 – Getting the RV and heading home
Ronette and I had been watching RVs on eBay, trying to learn something about them and what we might like to get. Class A, Class C, towable; we were trying to decide what would work best for us. We have only the two of us and Pixie, Ronette’s fluffy little white dog. We also figured daughter Sunny might join us sometime, or possibly some nieces or nephews. We had decided we did not need a large sleeping capacity.
I wanted to get a Class A or C. I didn’t want to have to get both a truck and trailer. So we were pretty much just looking, drooling, and dreaming about cruising down the highway to spectacular locales in a nice motorhome.
Ronette found a 1987 Mallard 26 ft motorhome that she liked. I was really surprised when she said to bid on this one. I was planning on waiting until spring to make a choice and see about buying something.
Anyway, we bid, and surprise! we won. But, said MH was in Alabama, about 800 miles distant from Jefferson City. After quick begging to get time off work (a 4-day weekend) we flew to Atlanta, then got on a littler plane and flew to Montgomery, AL, arriving around 3PM. We met the seller of the RV, quite a personable guy. We inspected, and he told us about the operation of the vehicle, which included a belt squeal that “had started on his way to pick us up”. I didn’t doubt that as he explained the RV had been parked for a few months. We did all the requisite paperwork and handed over the agreed-upon price, and then it was time to drive back to Missouri.
We decided since we had time off work we would just turn the drive home into our maiden voyage in the Mallard, and decided to drive north to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. During a call to my folks, who live in Cincinnati, Mom said, “Well it’s not too far up here. Why don’t you come and see us?” (I think they wanted to see the RV, not just me & Ronette.) Ronette & I discussed and told Mom we’d come up there instead of going to the NP.
As we drove north from Montgomery, the belt squeal did its best to worsen. It was a horrid noise which had a very definite cycle to it, both in pitch and volume. It would start out at a low frequency, then increase in pitch and get louder, then taper off again. The cycle took 8-10 seconds (I heard it enough times, I counted). It would start every thirty seconds or so, and I thought, “This is going to be terrible all the way to Cincy, and then back to Jeff City!” But we were confident that we could a) complete the journey, and b) survive without divorce or jail time.
I soon discovered that I was not going to travel 600+ miles each day like I was accustomed to doing in the car. Now perhaps in the future as I am more accustomed to driving the RV, and Ronette is able to share driving, we can cover more ground. But for now, I discovered no 600 miles; then revised that to “not even 500 miles.” Then I started thinking that 450 miles would be a good day. Then it started getting dark, and we were still in Alabama. It sure was a good thing I decided to stop in Decatur, AL for that first night. I realized that we would be getting a late start from Montgomery, so planned for a short day (I thought).
Not only was the distance shorter, but the speeds were slower. I had anticipated that, though. Still, it was really something when I saw the speedometer needle nudge past 65! It was also rather unnerving as the Mallard rocked and drifted in the strong winds… So, a bit less pressure on the gas pedal, a little slower speed, and all was much better. I figured we might get to Decatur by 7 or so, just after dark.
That turned out to be a good estimate. 20 or 30 miles south of Decatur, the sun was about gone. I turned on the headlights, pleased to see the bright shiny reflectors on the Alabama highway. Darkness continued to fall, and the road was looking blacker and blacker and blacker. High beam made it completely black. Low beam showed the reflections of the markers on the Interstate, but no definition to the road. Pondering a few choice, silent grumbles I figured a headlight was out. Just my luck!
We found our way to our selected campground, Point Mallard (pretty ironic and appropriate for the first night in our Mallard RV!). Before we parked, we stopped for fuel and I checked the headlights. One was out, and the other was producing about ¼ its total brightness. I also noticed that either someone had absconded with our gas cap as we drove down the highway, or someone who shall remain nameless left it on top of the gas pump 120 miles back down the highway. Again, just my luck! I asked the gas station lady for a Pep Boys, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts; anywhere to find lights & gas cap. AutoZone was five blocks down the road. Off we went!
If you ever need anything for the vehicle in Decatur, AL, stop at the AutoZone. The two guys on duty listened to me whine, and then helped me get headlights and a gas cap. But I didn’t even have a screwdriver because we had just picked the RV up! The guys there came to my rescue, letting me use their screwdriver to get the new headlights installed. We got them put in, turn them on, and glory, halleluiah! we had light! And the gas cap kept the fuel from evaporating. It was now pushing 8PM and Ronette and I were both tired and hungry. There was a Waffle House beckoning, and it was right at the turn to get to Point Mallard. After a stop for sustenance, we drove the last four miles to the campground and got checked in.
I’ve got to say, it was wonderful to plug that cord into the shore power post and have everything inside start up!! This first four hour day on the road taught me that I did like the RV and RVing, but so far I liked the R part a lot more than the V part!
We made proper use of the wonderful, self contained indoor plumbing and crawled into the bed where we promptly fell asleep, ending our first day with the RV.
Day 2 – Decatur, AL to Mt. Vernon, IL
We woke up without assistance from alarm clocks, and decided to get on the road. We figured we could get to Cincinnati and see Mom & Dad by 1:00 or 2:00 PM. We got on the road about 8:30, heading up I-65 toward Louisville, then we would take I-71 up to I-75 and on into Cincy. Easy day!!
Easy, that is, until the belt squeal resumed and reminded us that the repair fairy had not visited during the night. The noise that thing was making started all kinds of negative thoughts running through my head. I thought maybe it was the A/C compressor binding up and then releasing. Not that it would have mattered, the dash A/C didn’t work anyway. But I worried that it might be causing extra work for the engine, and possible would lead to overheating. Then I worried that it was the water pump squealing and the engine would lose coolant and I’d really be in trouble.
I called my Dad and asked him to try to get me an appointment with his friendly neighborhood mechanic (my folks have been in the same neighborhood of Cincy for 30+ years and know everyone and have contacts for anything one could require). I figured if we got in by 2PM, his mechanic could look at it and maybe fix it that afternoon. Then we could relax with the folks on Saturday and drive back to MO on Sunday (at this point I still did not have a firm grasp on the “no 600+, or even 500, miles” logic, and it is 523 miles from my driveway to my folks). I think Dad got the gist of my message over the road noise in the RV. Between wind noise, exhaust rumbling, and belt squealing, there was not much conversation occurring between me & Ronette, much less with anyone on the phone while we were under way. At a fuel stop, in a quiet vehicle, I checked back in with Dad and he had an appointment with his semi-to-mostly retired mechanic, who was just happened to be going to his shop that Friday afternoon to wash his RV, and would be happy to look at mine.
I was getting more and more comfortable behind the wheel of the Mallard, and had relaxed my death grip on the steering wheel. I was gaining confidence with every mile we traveled. But that #$%* belt just wouldn’t stop its squealing!! My imagination was going wild, and I kept seeing us sitting on the side of the road in Tennessee or Kentucky waiting for a mechanic. Being a reasonably bright person, I thought if I was so worried about the vehicle, it made no sense to be driving away from MO and toward Cincy. I told Ronette that I thought we should point the Mallard to the west and home, instead of maintaining our northerly course. She concurred, and I called the folks to advise them that we were not going to risk the drive to Cincy. Dad offered the necessary parental understanding and support and we told them we’d see them at Christmas, our next planned trip to Cincinnati.
We successfully transited Tennessee, and stopped at the Welcome Center in Kentucky. Our course change was going to take us northwest to Evansville, IN, then to I-64, then west to St. Louis and I-70. We continued heading home, and were able to maintain 60 – 65 miles per hour. But the squeal never left. It was always there, chipping away at my sanity. But I felt like I was really getting good at driving and dealing with the crosswinds, and was getting more and more comfortable behind the wheel. I was thinking though, that this might be a handful for Ronette. It was a far cry from her little Saturn.
We realized that we were not going to make it all the way to Jeff City on that Friday. I asked Ronette about where we might stop for the night. I thought Mt. Vernon, IL would be just the place. It is about 4 ½ or ... less
MOApples January 14, 2021Apparently my story was too long! With apologies to Paul Harvey, "And now, the rest of the story!"
We realized that we were not going to make it all the way to Jeff City on that Friday. I asked Ronette about where we might stop for the night... moreApparently my story was too long! With apologies to Paul Harvey, "And now, the rest of the story!"
We realized that we were not going to make it all the way to Jeff City on that Friday. I asked Ronette about where we might stop for the night. I thought Mt. Vernon, IL would be just the place. It is about 4 ½ or 5 hours from home in the car, so I knew we could easily finish the trip home on Saturday.
We have driven through Mt. Vernon several times traveling I-64 to Ohio and had gone south from there on I-57 a few times. South of the I-57/I-64 interchange is Rend Lake, which we had deduced was a rather major regional recreation area. We decided that our best chance of finding a campground was to hit the Rend Lake area. We got into the town of Ina just about 6 PM, still in daylight. The big sign on I-57 said we could find the Sherwood Campground here. It was the first one we saw, so we headed there after a McSupper.
We blinked and passed the entrance to the campground, but successfully turned around and returned. Ronette did a superb job of guiding me and got me backed into the campsite. I did get the sewer hose connected without any ugly incidents! And as this place had full hookups, and we fully hooked ourselves up, we had water, electricity, and could pee & poop to our hearts’ content. Little did we know Murphy’s Law was waiting in the trees, ready to manifest itself as the light waned.
We were completely relaxed, enjoying the lit interior of the Mallard, our feet up in reclining love seat. For some reason I decided I had to get out of the Mallard and check something on the passenger side of the vehicle. I turned on the porch light and started to climb down when Murphy struck and directed the Mallard to attack me!
That nameless person of the gas cap fame had decided to make use of the pull out step to make entrance to and exit from the vehicle easier for his beautiful wife. This would be the pull out step that was painted flat black. This would also be the flat black pull out step that blended in oh-so-perfectly with gravel on the ground in the darkening night. This would be the flat black pull out step that blended in oh-so-perfectly with gravel that the nameless one did not see as he stepped on the very edge of it, causing his ankle to slip, twist, and slam the final six inches to the ground. Said ankle was then followed by the remainder of his body in a most embarrassing and ungraceful manner. Along with massive pain in the right ankle, there was accompanying minor pain and embarrassment in both palms and knees as they made less-than-gentle contact with the aforementioned gravel that had obviously conspired with the flat black painted pull out step and Murphy in order to perpetrate harm upon my body.
As I sat there on the ground, I thought, “Great! Just what I need! Break your right, your driving ankle, you idiot! How was Ronette going to drive us home? I can’t call 911 for a silly ankle! I don’t even know where the hospital or a clinic is here.” I called Ronette and told her to be careful exiting so she didn’t break her ankle as I had just done.
She was quite worried and expressed the hope that perhaps it was not broken. After about 10 minutes sitting on the ground feeling utterly stupid, she helped me up, and I was quite pleased to discover that I could bear weight on my foot, which told me that I didn’t have a fracture! It sure did hurt, though. Of course, since this was “just a quick trip home” we were not prepared for anything, and had no ice or anything else with which to give even the most rudimentary treatment to my ankle. We settled for a cold, wet washcloth put on the ankle since we had no ice. It was puffing up quite nicely, and looked like someone had put an egg under my skin on the outside of my ankle, and ½ of an egg under the skin on the inside. I did have aspirin and Aleve, which I took for pain. I was still concerned about whether I would be able to put any pressure on the foot to push the gas and brake pedals in the morning when we wanted to leave.
We climbed into bed after a bit, and were just drifting off to sleep when the silence of the night was ripped to shreds by the whistle and rattling wheels of a passing train. Just across the street from the campground, paralleling the road we drove in on, was a railroad track that was unseen in the dark as we arrived. And, it was obviously not an unused railroad track waiting for a rails-to-trails conversion. Quite the contrary, it seemed to be a major line, with trains passing and whistling just about every hour through the night. So, while the campground was pretty nice for a quick overnight, and the owner was very nice and chatty young man, the proximity of the RR would, in my opinion, rule out a return to this campground. And besides, Murphy and his law are probably still hiding there in the trees, waiting for me to return.
Day 3 – Home again, home again, jiggity jog!
Saturday! Finally! I was ready to be home, and was pondering how I was going to back this thing down the driveway and make an S-turn while in reverse so I could get the Mallard parked in the area we had for it. But first I had to be able to walk and drive with my injured ankle.
Thank God I was not too crippled up to walk or drive. I did look pretty funny trying to walk; almost an Igor-like horror movie walk with the gimpy ankle trailing behind. But I was mobile! I was going to get home today, squeal or no squeal coming from the engine of the Mallard. I could push the gas and brakes, and we could get on the road.
We disconnected the RV from the campsite, and again had no incidents with the sewer hose. Power cord and hoses stowed, we traveled the mile or so to the golden arches to get some breakfast, top off the fuel, and then headed for home, squeal and all.
We had both become very comfortable with the Mallard, and actually had quite an uneventful day. But it was wonderful to see the Gateway Arch from Illinois as we approached St. Louis. Missouri just ahead! We were almost home.
Being Saturday, and since baseball season was over, I decided to brave I-70 through the heart of St. Louis. It wasn’t too bad, or perhaps I was learning my new vehicle. We made it to the airport parking where we had parked our Mitsubishi Outlander when we flew to Montgomery those three days earlier. Ronette and all of our possessions went in the Mitsubishi, so we wouldn’t lose anything if the Mallard decided it was going to burn in the final 130 miles. I still had concerns about the never ending squeal that the engine continued to make.
One last stop for fuel was needed, and then we had a relatively peaceful (except for the you-know-what) drive from the St. Louis metro area home to Jefferson City. Ronette garaged the Mitsubishi, and we talked about the tight quarters and turning points to maneuver the Mallard into the parkplatz. Ronette, it turns out, is really good at giving directions to guide me (for backing up the RV, I mean), and we got the Mallard parked on the first try.
The RV is now at the mechanic’s for a checkup and safety inspection so it can get Missouri tags. Our mechanic thinks the squeal is nothing more than a slipping belt, and doesn’t anticipate anything worse. That’s wonderful news, but doesn’t change the fact that it has to be one of the most awful noises I have ever heard, and had to listen to from Alabama to Missouri, in my entire life.
But, the Mallard is home, all looks good, and we can now hardly wait for next spring so we can get out to make use of our new toy! We are going to start by visiting many of the State parks in the excellent Missouri park system. We are ready now, but we are not going to try winter camping (yet). less
MOApples January 14, 2021
Updated story: We got the Mallard in Oct. 2010, and we're now on our 3rd Class A, a Coachmen Mirada. We've had a blast (except for 2020) in our 10ish years with our RVs. We can't wait for Ronette to retire in a couple of years so we can travel more.
John David (US TOUR ONE) January 14, 2021Years ago, my Wife and I talked about getting an RV and showing the kids America since we spent most of our military life overseas. She passed away, on active duty so, returning to the States, I followed my last orders and bought a 31' class-C for mysel... moreYears ago, my Wife and I talked about getting an RV and showing the kids America since we spent most of our military life overseas. She passed away, on active duty so, returning to the States, I followed my last orders and bought a 31' class-C for myself and 3 kids. After they grew up and moved out, I sold everything I owned and went fulltime in a 40' DP, believing my late wife would approve. less
Ed AndradeJanuary 14, 2021We started out by seeing a friends TT and thought it would be something interesting to try. The following summer we found a campground that has a couple rental TT on site, so we booked one. We loved it and decided it would be something we wanted to get ... moreWe started out by seeing a friends TT and thought it would be something interesting to try. The following summer we found a campground that has a couple rental TT on site, so we booked one. We loved it and decided it would be something we wanted to get ourselves into. It took about 3 years to get everything in place, but this past Aug we bought a truck and a TT! We got 3 trips in before winter hit, but we already have 4 trips booked for this year between Apr and July 4th and looking to book more through the summer and fall. less
Doug & Terri January 14, 2021
We started with a tent, saw my brothers pop up and bought a 14’ hybrid, wanted more room and bought a 32’ bunkhouse and ended up with a 31’ Class C. We went to RV shows and looked at friends to get our must haves.
Dennis BlassJanuary 14, 2021Most childhood memories are not so good. One big exception is camping in the Talladega National Forrest with my dad, brothers, uncle and cousins. After losing my first family, growing up, working and raising my own family I was able to find "that same s... moreMost childhood memories are not so good. One big exception is camping in the Talladega National Forrest with my dad, brothers, uncle and cousins. After losing my first family, growing up, working and raising my own family I was able to find "that same spot" and share it with my grown son. I hunger for more. less
drcarpJanuary 14, 2021I was born into it. In the early 50’s my father built a homemade rig to stay at motorcycle races. It had 2 bunks and two windows. Later on he purchased a 15’ Citation TT which our family of 5 took a 6 week trip around the country (1963, before self contai... moreI was born into it. In the early 50’s my father built a homemade rig to stay at motorcycle races. It had 2 bunks and two windows. Later on he purchased a 15’ Citation TT which our family of 5 took a 6 week trip around the country (1963, before self contained rigs were common). He continued upgrading the rigs until he turned 92 and couldn’t really deal with it on his own. Meanwhile when I moved out my family started with a dome tent and continued through an 18’ Yukon TT, a 24’ Jamboree Rally Class C MH, a 17’ RPod and a 21’ Jayco Jayflight. Currently retired and waiting for a new Lance 2445 from my local dealer. less
TheClearyClan January 14, 2021I have been tent-camping since I was 12, back in 1962. In 1964 my parents took us (my two sisters and two brothers and the dog) family camping across the United States, from New Jersey to California. We had out act together. The kitchen was packed last, s... moreI have been tent-camping since I was 12, back in 1962. In 1964 my parents took us (my two sisters and two brothers and the dog) family camping across the United States, from New Jersey to California. We had out act together. The kitchen was packed last, so it was first to be unpacked. In 30 minutes, Mom was serving dinner and our tent was setup, sleeping bags unrolled and the tent was ditched. The people across the road from us that were flipping their tent pole around when we pulled in were still flipping their tent poles around. In the morning it was everything in reverse. We were able to cover 500 miles a day. About 1978 Dad bought a tent trailer. About all that did was get us off the ground for sleeping.
I introduced my wife to tent camping while we were dating. We continued with the tent camping after we were married with our kids as they came along. We camped in state campgrounds in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
I first rented a Mini Wini in October 1987 to bring my wife and, at the time, our three daughters up to my parent's place in Vermont. Their place was 100 acres with no buildings. This was 300 miles north of home. They spent the summers and as much other time as they could up there in a travel trailer. I guess this was the extreme version of boondocking, but with all the wilderness tent-camping we did this seemed like the way to go. The rental was a nightmare. I had planned on kidnaping my Mom's parents and bringing them up to Vermont with us. I was at the rental place at 08:00 AM but did not get out of there until after 02:00 PM. We had booked the rental almost a month ahead of time. On our way home to get the kids from school and load up our stuff from home my wife called me from our car as she was following me to let me know the brake lights were not working. I pulled into a parking lot and crawled under the dashboard to see if it was a blown fuse but found the break light switch had come loose. I was able to put it back in place and tighten it with the screwdriver on my pocketknife. We got home in time to get the kids, but not enough time to get my grandparents (we had not set any expectations to do so). This old RV was about 24 feet long with a V8 and got only 5 MPG with a 36-gallon tank, translation, frequent gas stops. We got to my parents' place after dark. When we tried to brush our teeth, we found out all that was in the freshwater tank was pink antifreeze. When we tried to bring up the heat, we found out that unlike the heat in my parents' trailer that only needed LP and 12 VDC, it wanted 120 VAC. I later learned that the house battery was not just dead but was cracked and was dry. We were boondocking, which meant use the generator. I was able to start it using the jump switch to the chassis battery. It was noisy and the fumes were coming into the cabin, so no heat. In the morning, the kids were whispering to each other about snow. My wife thought they were kidding. I reminded her we were in Northern Vermont, there was indeed two inches of snow and it snowed all day but was melting almost as fast as it was coming down. This trip had one other purpose, to see what we liked and did not like about a motorhome. The number one positive point was no need to find a rest stop for the bathroom. My wife liked being able to wash dishes on the way to the supermarket and being able to put the groceries away on the way back.
In 2008 we started sharing a travel trailer with my wife’s sister and her husband. It was stationary in an RV Park. We would stay an occasional weekend or week with or without my in-laws.
In 2010 and 2011 we rented 40-foot travel trailers for the visits to Vermont. We did not have a car that could pull those monsters, so we rented from a place up there and had them delivered. By this time, my parents had a house up there, so we installed the 30-amp hookup and a dump station on the end of the house that had the water on the outside. We now had four daughters and five grandkids, and my parents were in their 80s, so this afforded us sleeping space and a place to get the little guys out of the way. These trailers had a bunk house on one end that slept four, the master bedroom at the other end and the table and couch for sleeping to accommodate a total of ten.
In 2012 we rented a 32-foot motorhome with a bunk house in the back, we piled everyone in (14 of us) and headed north. My wife and I slept in the loft over the cab. The first night was all my wife could take. She had a problem finding the ladder with her feet to get down.
In 2013 we bought a 32-foot Super-C that sleeps ten. We pay for a seasonal space at an RV park and for the off season to store it in the same space. By now my two brothers have motorhomes as well. We use them to go to Vermont and other places. The saddest gathering was in July 2015 when all three motorhomes were parked around the house the day after our Mom passed away.
The seasonal spot allows us to camp without burning gas in the motorhome. We do not have a place to park the beast near our house in the city. Another feature is that if it were parked next to our house as a rule, when it was gone, so are we. Each site at this location has water, electric, sewage and cable TV hook ups as well as Wi-Fi. The 2021 season is $2450 if paid by the end of August 2020 (which we did). The off-season storage is $300. The season is April 1st through October 31st.
/Bob less
T&JWright January 14, 2021I grew up going to RV shows with my dad, at country fairs. Never bought, though. While raising my fault, first purchased an old tent-trailer, learned about them during repairs. Sold that, got a new one. Kept while kids grew, them sold when they became tee... moreI grew up going to RV shows with my dad, at country fairs. Never bought, though. While raising my fault, first purchased an old tent-trailer, learned about them during repairs. Sold that, got a new one. Kept while kids grew, them sold when they became teenagers and stored camping. 3 yrs ago bought a small motorhome to take grandkids and join our oldest's family and friends. Kept for 2 years and upgraded to present bigger unit as we retire. less
NormHthJanuary 14, 2021
My 1st attempt was in a borrowed tent [ yes tent ] with my 4 kids .The highlight of the weekend was to be a hayride which turned out to be in a pouring rain Ever try to dry out in a tent with 4 kids ?
TheMorgaVanJanuary 14, 2021
We've been tent camping for years. Went camping for our honeymoon (36 yrs ago). We bought a ProMaster cargo van in August, did a basic diy build and went camping. Loved it. Now we are remodeling to make it our future home.
FiresideWeekendersJanuary 14, 2021
Both of us camped when we were young. We did end up renting and having a horrible experience with the rental but we had a great time on the trip. She forgot our anniversary and all of a sudden we have a camper. First year camping and we are documenting our journey.
Steve and Carolyn January 14, 2021We thought about it for 10 years, went to a few big RV shows, and finally took the leap when our son decided that he would get into RV camping. We bought a new class A gas motorhome two years ago. Still not sure we made the right choice to get into this... moreWe thought about it for 10 years, went to a few big RV shows, and finally took the leap when our son decided that he would get into RV camping. We bought a new class A gas motorhome two years ago. Still not sure we made the right choice to get into this. Sometimes we enjoy the RV and our trips and other times we wish we had never seen it. Guess time will tell. Best thing I did was take a lot of notes when we picked up unit from dealer. Dealer had an experienced RVer go through the unit and I wrote as fast as I could, but got only a fraction of the knowledge that he tried to pass on. Those notes have been VERY helpful. The pick up tour of RV lasted only 2 hours. It would have been nice to go for at least twice that long. Sometimes I wish we would have hired him to go out for a weekend with us! less
Susan M. Davis January 14, 2021Well, I grew up going camping for 2 weeks every summer in a pop up. But then one year dad decided to buy a Winnebago. It didn't last long. First trip out and the axle broke and we spent our entire 2 weeks in West Yellowstone Montana waiting for an RV s... moreWell, I grew up going camping for 2 weeks every summer in a pop up. But then one year dad decided to buy a Winnebago. It didn't last long. First trip out and the axle broke and we spent our entire 2 weeks in West Yellowstone Montana waiting for an RV shop to repair it. That was back in the day before you could get parts overnighted anywhere. So we got rid of that beast (mom hated it said it kept her from meeting people). So back to pop ups again. My late husband bought our first class A for work. He was working in NYC and he thought $5,000 a month rent was too much so he bought the RV, parked it in NJ and took the train to work. He then died and I was stuck with that monster. It was neglected for years after he left his NYC job and sat rotting in Texas. But he died and I was stuck with it during a time when the economy wouldn't permit selling it. So in 2008 I packed up the kids and learned to drive the monster. Drove through Dallas on our first trip in it. After a few years of using it once a year I packed it and the 6 kids up and we hit the road for 9 months. We bought a new rig in Arizona about halfway through our trip and we haven't looked back. We went home for a year after that 9 months but a year later when my father passed away, the kids and I spent 2 weeks, sold or gave away everything, put the house on the market and took off. We've been fulltiming ever since. I knew nothing about how to drive the rig, how to hook anything up but my kids have learned to do it all. One of them even learned to drive. Two moved out on the road but 4 are still traveling with me living this nomadic life! It has been a fantastic experience for all of us. I am so glad I took the chance, put aside my fears and jumped in with both feet. less
Russ & TiffJanuary 14, 2021Great to hear all the stories! My Dad, brother and I were in scouts and went tent camping at least once a month for many years. My parents got a pop up and we had a really fun time getting out in it, mostly fishing trips. My wife and I got a travel tra... moreGreat to hear all the stories! My Dad, brother and I were in scouts and went tent camping at least once a month for many years. My parents got a pop up and we had a really fun time getting out in it, mostly fishing trips. My wife and I got a travel trailer last year and love it, first one for both of us. We watched a ton of videos learning how everything works-Mark and Trish on KYD were a big help. Hope to get a new truck and bigger trailer/5th one of these years. less
Sunshine Travelers January 14, 2021We sold our first house and with some of the money I bought a used 1997 30 ft Wilderness travel trailer. We pulled it to Natural Bridge Virginia then across to Williamsburg. We then went up the coast via the Bay bridge tunnel across the Chesapeake bay in... moreWe sold our first house and with some of the money I bought a used 1997 30 ft Wilderness travel trailer. We pulled it to Natural Bridge Virginia then across to Williamsburg. We then went up the coast via the Bay bridge tunnel across the Chesapeake bay into Maryland, Delaware and into New Jersey. We stayed directly across from New york city and the Liberty park campground.
We then traveled to Niagra falls Canada and stayed at the Jellystone campground. When we finaly left there we traveled across Canada To Michigan and then took I75 back to Central Florida.
That was probably one of the best trips we have been on. We kept the Trailer for a few more years and then up graded to a 1999 GB Landou class A 33 ft.
We took it up to West Virginia and later out to Airzona. Both were great trips.
I kept her for about 5 to 7 years and then I upgraded again to a 2012 Itasca Sunstar 35 ft about 2 years ago.
We havent gone on any big trips with it except to South Carolina which is only about 6 hours away from home..
So I guess you could say we started out cold and fell in love with it. We had never really camped much before that. But now when I retire that is what we will be doing. less
Lindsay (The Photographic One)January 15, 2021When I was a child, my family took RV vacations every summer. Over the years we saw nearly the entire country and instilled in me a true wanderlust.
As an adult, I swore I’d never go camping again but as I contemplated retirement, it made sen... moreWhen I was a child, my family took RV vacations every summer. Over the years we saw nearly the entire country and instilled in me a true wanderlust.
As an adult, I swore I’d never go camping again but as I contemplated retirement, it made sense to RV since I wanted to travel as much as possible. I quickly realized I could not afford to keep my house in New Jersey because of the high cost of living so I decided on the full-time RV lifestyle.
I’ve been on the road nearly four years and living every minute of it! less
Papa Wayne and MJSoonerJanuary 15, 2021
Dove right in with a 1975 Winnebago Brave! It was 20' long and had that beautiful green shag carpet. It looked like this.
Tea Time Smiles January 16, 2021
I don’t think you are legally or morally allowed to use those words together - beautiful green shag carpet?!?! I bet it was avocado green 😂🤮🤣
ShareBear January 15, 2021
We played music as "Heartstrings" up and down the East coast in the early 1990s so we got a 1972 Franklin Class C
I retired so we sold our house and are full time now and love it.
MH & DH January 15, 2021Started tent camping as a kid with family. Every summer we spent a week in Myrtle Beach and a week in the mountains at Smokemont. While in the military bought a Coleman pop up and we took week end trips near where ever i was stationed. Had a daughter so ... moreStarted tent camping as a kid with family. Every summer we spent a week in Myrtle Beach and a week in the mountains at Smokemont. While in the military bought a Coleman pop up and we took week end trips near where ever i was stationed. Had a daughter so traded to a larger pop up. A friend of a friend told me about a motorhome so i flew from Ca to Massachusetts and bought a 23 ft Midas which we used 2-3 weekends a month. Sold the motorhome due to overseas orders. A year after i returned to the states bought a Coachman TT, 6th years traded that for a Jayco TT, a 26 footer. Kept the Jayco for 8 years and got a Thor 26 ft class A. I kept the Thor only two years and 20,000 miles due to quality, it was poor. I now have a 34 foot Tifton Allegro and happy, have put over 20,000 on it with no issues at all. We still go as often as we can. less
Wandering Memaw January 15, 2021Been camping since I was 6 years old. Traveled all over the west coast, southern and northern states. Started in a fold down, moved up to a bumper pull. Used that when my kids were younger. Now I own a 5er at my Summer Oasis and am hunting for a van to cr... moreBeen camping since I was 6 years old. Traveled all over the west coast, southern and northern states. Started in a fold down, moved up to a bumper pull. Used that when my kids were younger. Now I own a 5er at my Summer Oasis and am hunting for a van to create my winter getaway. The east coast and a few other states are on the bucket list as well as all the National Parks. less
Jake & AmyJanuary 15, 2021I'd never stepped foot into an RV until I was moving into one full-time!
The man who later became my husband asked me one day, Do you want to live on the road with me?"
After a quick think, I said, "Sure" without having any idea what I was ... moreI'd never stepped foot into an RV until I was moving into one full-time!
The man who later became my husband asked me one day, Do you want to live on the road with me?"
After a quick think, I said, "Sure" without having any idea what I was getting into. No regrets although it was harder than I anticipated at first.
Best part was meeting fellow RVers all around the country!
~Amy less
Schiller January 15, 2021We had tent camped 40 years ago. Then with military moves I sometime camped with the boys in Boy Scouts. When we both retired we did some cruises, not impressed. We then traveled by car. Got tired of moving from car to room then back again. Friends talked... moreWe had tent camped 40 years ago. Then with military moves I sometime camped with the boys in Boy Scouts. When we both retired we did some cruises, not impressed. We then traveled by car. Got tired of moving from car to room then back again. Friends talked us into RVing. Wasn't sure so bought a 2001 Southwing in late 2916. I really enjoy it, the wife not so much. In 2019 we were gone for 127 days. Wife was ready to go home after a month, but I'd made reservation so we pressed on. Once the pandemic is over I'd go full time but the wife won't. Just want to get going again. less
Dennis & Lorece Hogeweide January 15, 2021
Schiller Time travelers 2916 and back to 2019 I love it can I come next trip LoL
Umsy (Joan Smith) January 15, 2021
Tent camped as a young adult when deer hunt and white water rafting but haven’t done any sort of camping in decades. Decided I wanted to travel so I sold my home in 2020 and bought my class C; no regrets.
Denise AllisonJanuary 15, 2021My Parents had us camping in a truck camper when we were little and I've been loving the outdoors ever since
I've always said when I get older and retire from working (Me/Husband 😀)I was going to get an RV and travel the world. Well after 14yrs driv... moreMy Parents had us camping in a truck camper when we were little and I've been loving the outdoors ever since
I've always said when I get older and retire from working (Me/Husband 😀)I was going to get an RV and travel the world. Well after 14yrs driving City Buses in Baton Rouge Louisiana, 2013 I was in an accident that damage my spine where I went in depression, lost my lil Sis to Cancer and wanted to end my life cause I didn't know how to deal with either Pain, at this time God tapped me on my head and said, *You remember your dream you wanted when you retire?* and I came back to living life🤗 He showed me how to deal with my pain, I bought My First Rig name *Frances* (after My Mom R.I.H.) A 15ft Travel Trailer and pulled it with a Dodge Durango part-time for 2yrs, Sold my Home 6/2019, traded Frances in for My Fulltime Home, A 26ft Class C Winnebago Aspect name *Big Frances* Now I'm Not Pain Free and Have No Husband, I'm Depression Free. I'm So Happy/Grateful For My Awesome Dream Lifestyle Traveling the USA and meeting so many Awesome People along the Way with My 2 Furbabies (Resque/Babybear) I'm Proud to Say I'm a Fulltime Rver and Loving My Life which is My Medicine Also. My Life Is Not Part of Any Negitivity, Just Love & Happiness. Safe Travels To All Rvers/Campers and Bless Us All❤💞🤗🙏 less
Jmdumont January 16, 2021It is awesome that you were able to pull yourself out of the depression ( with God’s help) and start loving your dream. Life sure can throw some curves at you, sometimes I think God has too much faith in me (God never gives you more than you can handle) b... moreIt is awesome that you were able to pull yourself out of the depression ( with God’s help) and start loving your dream. Life sure can throw some curves at you, sometimes I think God has too much faith in me (God never gives you more than you can handle) but I am looking forward to start travelling too. Stay well less
Ron & LeaJanuary 15, 2021Bought our first RV when the last kiddo was almost out of high school, never rented. I would go camping with the kids in a tent. Hubby fought wild land fires so he was unable to camp during the summer. I grew up camping. Hubby camped only for hunting,... moreBought our first RV when the last kiddo was almost out of high school, never rented. I would go camping with the kids in a tent. Hubby fought wild land fires so he was unable to camp during the summer. I grew up camping. Hubby camped only for hunting, till he retired. But we have had a RV for 15 years now. less
Jen ParksJanuary 16, 2021
Jumped right in after lots of online research. We didn't even have a tow vehicle when we bought our trailer and started experimenting with it in the driveway.
Lonnie RooksJanuary 16, 2021
That definitely is reverse of most if not all people . But congrats on making the step .
Candy and the dogs - Roamie Award Winner January 16, 2021
Bought a beat up Chevy and 17ft travel trailer for a summer adventure. 3 trucks, 4 travel trailers and 2.5 years later I am still chasing better weather.
Lori HeckselJanuary 16, 2021I camped with my parents when I was younger.............then got into backpacking in my teens and early 20's. After an early divorce.............I decided I wanted to teach my daughters a love of the outdoors and adventure. That began our crazy trek....... moreI camped with my parents when I was younger.............then got into backpacking in my teens and early 20's. After an early divorce.............I decided I wanted to teach my daughters a love of the outdoors and adventure. That began our crazy trek...........if I had 4 days in a row or more off, I would pack the SUV with our gear and no kind of plan..........just us 3 girls (And it started when they were 3 and 4.) All I would ask was right, left, or straight..........and let them pick. We drove singing loudly to old motown. If something looked interesting........we would stop. At night we either found a camping spot or slept in the truck if the weather was bad. At the halfway point of time I would turn around and head back. Eventually we had a camper up north that we spent a lot of time at..........and my girls have continued their love of camping.
Fast forward to now...........my current husband said "roughing it" was a Holiday Inn with no pool. I eventually persuaded him we needed to head to the UP to see the sights as he had never been. He refused a tent trip so I found a REALLY small travel trailer we could pull with his car and off we went to EXPERIMENT at a small campground we had done a day trip at 15 or more years prior. He LOVED it............so much so we kinda never left...........purchasing a park model, selling the small trailer..........then buying another trailer............retirement plans changed to living in the park model for 6 months and on the road for 6 months. Then came my health issues for early medical retirement and Covid forced "working from home"...........well home can be anywhere. We sold our brick/mortar home and pulled out in the small travel trailer just before the snow.
So we are now sitting in Florida, just ordered a new fifth wheel (Still small tho.......under 30 ft for getting into places a larger one can't), my brother is buying our current truck, ordering our F350 diesel to arrive in time with our fifth wheel, and living while we are still able.
Before my daddy died he confessed his biggest regret was not starting travel earlier before my mom passed.........he was a workaholic. He said to make sure I live each day with joy and don't put off travels or dreams...........so we don't. I took care of all 4 parents to death...........it is time to live. less
Wayne and Donna January 16, 2021Long story short - a toy poodle adopted us. I'm a pilot, and I took him flying. The dog loved it. But I quickly found out that a lot of car rental companies wouldn't let us have a dog in their car and a lot of hotels (at the time) wouldn't rent us a room.... moreLong story short - a toy poodle adopted us. I'm a pilot, and I took him flying. The dog loved it. But I quickly found out that a lot of car rental companies wouldn't let us have a dog in their car and a lot of hotels (at the time) wouldn't rent us a room. So we decided to buy a cheap motorhome to try out the lifestyle and solve the problems. The dog loved it, we loved it, and we haven't looked back since. less
Edith Horn (GOASA) Get Out And See America January 16, 2021In the 70s my grandparents took us camping, but I haven’t RVing since. Back in 2015 I was making plans to to “Tiny”. I even hired and tiny house builder to design my home, knowing I wanted to be on the road, traveling from location to location, I determin... moreIn the 70s my grandparents took us camping, but I haven’t RVing since. Back in 2015 I was making plans to to “Tiny”. I even hired and tiny house builder to design my home, knowing I wanted to be on the road, traveling from location to location, I determined my tiny house would be about 14,000 lbs. way too heavy. I found a very well maintained vintage Airstream on line and purchased it in December 2015. Upon my return to theInites States in August 2016, I iced into my Airstream and thus my full time RV life began. A year before my retirement, I determined that the 31’ travel trailer wouldn’t allow me to travel how I desired, boondocking in National Forest and getting into places a big travel trailer couldn’t get to. In January 2019 I purchased a new Northern Lite Truck Camper downgrading from 200 squat feet for 85 squat feet home and have been loving it. In 2020 along, I’ve traveled 22,000 miles through 32 states. less
Scene-ur-MomentsJanuary 16, 2021Pulled the trigger after many months of research on travel trailers and class A rigs. Looked at renting..... did not fit our needs.
We had past experiences with RVs and changed to blue water cruisers.
We are back to land exploring. The indu... morePulled the trigger after many months of research on travel trailers and class A rigs. Looked at renting..... did not fit our needs.
We had past experiences with RVs and changed to blue water cruisers.
We are back to land exploring. The industry and Technology have improved greatly. Impressive changes....Now It’s time for new adventures and acquaintances. less
T-Squad RVing January 17, 2021Hey Everyone, well.... We were invited to a camping trip with my brother in law and famillyin 2019, we decided to stay in a cabin the RV Resort offered. Every night we would walk to my inlaws site where he parked his Fifth Wheel. We loved it so muc... moreHey Everyone, well.... We were invited to a camping trip with my brother in law and famillyin 2019, we decided to stay in a cabin the RV Resort offered. Every night we would walk to my inlaws site where he parked his Fifth Wheel. We loved it so much we purchased a 2020 Freediom Express a few days later, 7 Months later we bought our 2nd RV (Larger to fit our family), we have been going strong since. We decided to share our RV memeroies by created a Youtube channel. we were suprised how many of our subscribers are RVers or want to get into RVing. WE LOVE RVING!!! less
RickJamesJanuary 17, 2021After my 15yr marriage ended in October. I decided to pursue my second love for traveling and bought a travel trailer instead of renting an apartment. As long as my job still allows me to work remotely I will continue traveling full-time at least for the ... moreAfter my 15yr marriage ended in October. I decided to pursue my second love for traveling and bought a travel trailer instead of renting an apartment. As long as my job still allows me to work remotely I will continue traveling full-time at least for the next couple years. less
ALFJanuary 17, 2021Started as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Hunting/Fishing trips, so when I got married we of course camped out and eventually wanted to get off the ground so started our RV adventures 30 years ago. Now after 13 Trailers/Fifth Wheels/Class A's we still enjoy the... moreStarted as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Hunting/Fishing trips, so when I got married we of course camped out and eventually wanted to get off the ground so started our RV adventures 30 years ago. Now after 13 Trailers/Fifth Wheels/Class A's we still enjoy the places we go and see. We still have our home base because we have hobby's but we get out for months on end a few times a year. less
MountainViews76January 17, 2021
Been 9 year downsize journey this April 2021 we are finally ready to purchase. Plan on rig shopping here in Feb we have online shopped for years it is exciting to finally go and look
Hotrod T January 17, 2021good luck on your first purchase , i have seen long timers post , dont buy the first or second rv , buy the third one first , lol , sound silly , but they are right , my first motorhome was a 27 ft class a Motorhome , (good for weekends with small kids ) ... moregood luck on your first purchase , i have seen long timers post , dont buy the first or second rv , buy the third one first , lol , sound silly , but they are right , my first motorhome was a 27 ft class a Motorhome , (good for weekends with small kids ) second was a 34 ft class A ,(good for a week or two with company or by our selves ) my last one is a 40 ft class A motorhome , because we wanted more room to stretch out on two couches , and 2 small dogs , and a lot more storage , we have gone south for the winter for 4 months at a time and found it alright for room , but every year we bring less stuff less
George Patterson January 17, 2021Well way back in 1971 I was invited by a wonderful couple to try camping, well rented a pop up for $195 a week and preceded to head to Lake George ny and I loved the outdoors along with the escape of city life having been raised in the New York city area... moreWell way back in 1971 I was invited by a wonderful couple to try camping, well rented a pop up for $195 a week and preceded to head to Lake George ny and I loved the outdoors along with the escape of city life having been raised in the New York city area
Came home and bought a Skamper pop up for $950. Used the Skamper for about 6 years and moved up to a Wilderness 24 ft for 5 years then a 31 ft. Prower raising 3 kids along the way.
Camping gave way to kids,work, and the crazy thing called life until 2016 and then a purchase of a Forest River 31 ft.
2 years later and now it's a 35ft Grand Design as we hit the highway about 8 months a year to explore our great country.
Sure thankful to George and Karen the people who introduced me to this wonderful way of seeing our country. less
Peter Thornton January 18, 2021My first boat came to me from my parents at 6/7 years old and I inherited an older 10 h/p for it shortly after. Now this was back in the early 1950's and I was fortunate enough to live in a house on the rideau waterway in Ontario Canada. Our summer cottag... moreMy first boat came to me from my parents at 6/7 years old and I inherited an older 10 h/p for it shortly after. Now this was back in the early 1950's and I was fortunate enough to live in a house on the rideau waterway in Ontario Canada. Our summer cottage was an Island in the Rideau Canal System and I could go from my backdoor at home to the Island (about 75 miles by water) in a day and a half. I graduated from camping along the waterway to a truck and camper about 15 years later and then hunting and fishing trips followed. Been at it ever since and just the size and style of the camper then motorhome varied. less
Dave & Nancy Plamann January 18, 2021We rented a pop up for our first trip in 2002, which was with Nancy's aunt and uncle. A friend of theirs had reserved a site at the same campground and was cancelling it since he was picked to be a camp host at one of Minnesorta's state parks. This was ou... moreWe rented a pop up for our first trip in 2002, which was with Nancy's aunt and uncle. A friend of theirs had reserved a site at the same campground and was cancelling it since he was picked to be a camp host at one of Minnesorta's state parks. This was our opportunity. The two of us and our four children, ages 6 - 13, squeezed into it; we slept on one end and the kids had the other end. The first two nights there were severe storms, high winds and tornado warnings, so we spent part of both nights in the "shelter" which was the campground owners basement, standing room only as it was packed and hot since the power was out from the storm. The kids loved it!! We purchased a Keystone pull type camper with a pull out slide in the rear which was dubbed "The penthouse". That sufficed for a few years and then we bought a 28' Forest River fifth wheel which allowed us to pull our boat also. Pulled like a dream, even had our 16 year old daughter drive the setup for over 100 miles on one trip. Our July 4th trip in 2011 brought us to a campground with seasonal and weekend sites. We got to talking to the owner, he showed us some empty lots, and we decided to leave the fifth wheel set on a lake view lot for the rest of the year. It felt so good at that campground that we traded the fifth wheel for a park model late that fall. We had a beautiful view of the lake and awesome sunsets. Life changes. We sold the park model in 2015 and left our options open. We knew we still wanted to RV, just not sure in what since we no longer had our F350 and only an Escape to pull something with. We bought a Rockwood A frame in February of 2016 at the RV show in Minneapolis. This was going to be our short term bridge, allowing us to RV while looking for something more long term. In October of 2017, which is after the camping season is over in Minnesota, we stumbled across Norm, a 2016 Newmar BSS 2903. I say stumbled because I took a wrong turn when we were headed to a dealership. It was higher priced than what we wanted to spend but we have had no regrets that we bought it. Our maiden voyage in Norm was a 2 week, 3500 mile trip in February of 2018 to the panhandle of Florida to a RV park 150' from the Gulf, at the Atlanta NASCAR race, and through the Smoky Mountains. We have experienced several different types of RV's in 19 years and the current one is the best. We are planning to go full time in a couple of years, probably in a larger version of Norm. less
SolLemonDropJanuary 18, 2021Tent camped in state and national parks, then got a wacky idea to work remote in an RV. Bought a 19 ft travel trailer last year and pulled it for the first time ever. Still learning how to back up...still doesn't make sense! Went full-time for 6 month... moreTent camped in state and national parks, then got a wacky idea to work remote in an RV. Bought a 19 ft travel trailer last year and pulled it for the first time ever. Still learning how to back up...still doesn't make sense! Went full-time for 6 months before the shutdown made it too hard to be full-time, so back to home base I went. Now squeezing in RV-ing when I can. less
Greg & Toni January 18, 2021Started out in the late 50's "camping" in the backyard in an old army wall tent. Then in the early '60s moved to a private lake and went to a '54 Dodge pickup that we put stakes (tree branches) in the bed stake holes and spread a piece of canvass over th... moreStarted out in the late 50's "camping" in the backyard in an old army wall tent. Then in the early '60s moved to a private lake and went to a '54 Dodge pickup that we put stakes (tree branches) in the bed stake holes and spread a piece of canvass over the bed incase of rain. Frome there, early '70s was a Ford put with a topper, then a slide in topper/camper. Mid 70s brought a 15' toe behind trailer. Graduated to a 5th wheel in the 80s. In 2003 bought a Class B then a Class C in 2005. Along comes 2015 and we bought our current Class A (Tiffin Allegro Bus '98). Retired at age 70 in 2018 and now loving the RV life. less
Cruising In Our Cabin January 18, 2021Neither my husband nor I had ever RVed and had no plans to until we started planning our retirement, with two years to go and 50 acres in Oklahoma we headed to our farm to make plans for a house. Our whole life we planned to move to Smokey Mountains but t... moreNeither my husband nor I had ever RVed and had no plans to until we started planning our retirement, with two years to go and 50 acres in Oklahoma we headed to our farm to make plans for a house. Our whole life we planned to move to Smokey Mountains but then his grandparents left him 50 acres, now our plans changed and I wasn’t happy about it so Barry bought an RV and promised every summer we would go to NC. As we were putting up new fences and fixing up an old barn I got chiggers really bad and had an allergic reaction to them. We quickly realized I couldn’t live on that land. So after a few month of watching You Tube RVers with their full time life on the road we decided to go FT. We spent a year doing research, traded up and hit the road 10 days after retiring. We are one year in and love it! Today we watched bucks walk 5 feet from us, a sunset over a lake, rode ebikes and gazed at the most beautiful stars I had ever seen, met a pilot and a tennis pro, a family who had been camping at this campground for 20 years and I learned to play PickleBall. All that in one day. Yup RV life is good! It’s not for everyone but it’s definitely for us! Thanks RVillage for helping me meet my neighbors, I sent them a message from my park feed and they came by for a visit today. less
Traveling8January 19, 2021Tami and Barry, I love your story of how you got started! It sounds like the RV lifestyle was just made for you. I'm so glad that you love it. It gives me inspiration to try it. I don't own an RV and have never camped in one but I have a desire to sell my... moreTami and Barry, I love your story of how you got started! It sounds like the RV lifestyle was just made for you. I'm so glad that you love it. It gives me inspiration to try it. I don't own an RV and have never camped in one but I have a desire to sell my California house and hit the road full time in an RV (just me and my pup). As you said, it's not for everyone so I'm curious when you realized that it was so right for you. I know that you were part time RV people for a while but did you fall in love with FT from Day 1? less
SandyandEmmetJanuary 19, 2021My first time was when I was 8 years old, my parents bought a class A that slept 6 in 1971. We traveled in different states to visit relatives. I loved it! They didn't own it very long, but we had so much fun on vacations. Now as an adult, my husb... moreMy first time was when I was 8 years old, my parents bought a class A that slept 6 in 1971. We traveled in different states to visit relatives. I loved it! They didn't own it very long, but we had so much fun on vacations. Now as an adult, my husband and I did a lot of research and bought our truck first, then after we got that paid off, we bought our 5th wheel and our retirement plan of full time RVing is going to begin in April! We are selling our possessions and hitting the road to have lifetime adventures! Yay! less
Howard HarrisJanuary 19, 2021
Did a lot of weekend camping at beginning. Now jumped in with travel trailer then moved up to today with class c loving it.
Life to the Full January 19, 2021Tent camped growing up as a child every summer vacation. My husband and I tent camped as a family with our girls and had a pop up camper for a few years when it was just the two of us. We always wanted to get an RV and travel when we retired so we are fin... moreTent camped growing up as a child every summer vacation. My husband and I tent camped as a family with our girls and had a pop up camper for a few years when it was just the two of us. We always wanted to get an RV and travel when we retired so we are finally getting to that dream!! less
Gypsy Witch/Persephone/RhiannonJanuary 19, 2021I grew up camping. As a child we went camping every weekend in the summer and then the last week before school started we we camped as a vacation. We started out camping in a tent but eventually moved up to a Coleman pop up camper. My dad loved the outdo... moreI grew up camping. As a child we went camping every weekend in the summer and then the last week before school started we we camped as a vacation. We started out camping in a tent but eventually moved up to a Coleman pop up camper. My dad loved the outdoors and would take us on hikes and teach us basic survival skills. I attribute my love of nature and camping to my dad.
Three years after my older son died my younger son showed me a video of a man who lives in his Jeep and travels the country. I decided I wanted to live like that. Two years later my younger son and DIL helped set me up with a truck and travel trailer. Been living the good life ever since! less
Paddy & DiJanuary 19, 2021
We got xstarted along time ago with tents to trailers to motorhomes. We both grew up camping and fishing,cottages.we both love the outdoors. We love to travel and meet new people,see new things.
HeinzmanJanuary 19, 2021
Grew up camping and my husband and I have camped for yrs then got a pull behind and on our second fifth wheel we just got our new one last yr. ready to go full time.
TorchJanuary 19, 2021Started with a dome tent with 3 kids and slowly graduated to a Coleman Pop Up, 3 years later traded the Pop up on a used C class which we had for 4 years. Purchased a summer home on a lake north of Pittsburgh so we ended up selling the C class. Recently p... moreStarted with a dome tent with 3 kids and slowly graduated to a Coleman Pop Up, 3 years later traded the Pop up on a used C class which we had for 4 years. Purchased a summer home on a lake north of Pittsburgh so we ended up selling the C class. Recently purchased a 33ft A class to start traveling again (still have the lake house 23yrs later.) less
Weizi/KirkJanuary 19, 2021I had some camping experience but my husband didn't. We had a one-room cabin with a potbellied stove as our only heat. There was an outhouse and a spring for water. A pond to swim in and fish and a hill to toboggan down or horseshoe about. These were summ... moreI had some camping experience but my husband didn't. We had a one-room cabin with a potbellied stove as our only heat. There was an outhouse and a spring for water. A pond to swim in and fish and a hill to toboggan down or horseshoe about. These were summertime and winter vacations. During the rest of the year we lived in Holyoke. When my dad tired of paying for other vacations that cost top money to stay, to eat out for two or three meals a day...it seemed a good move to buy into Outdoor World and camp or stay in their cabins. I was not aware he did this...finding out several years later! A camper I became! We tented for over ten years...in 2000, we bought a Coleman pop-up...5 years later, we bought a expandable travel trailer. Now we have a 34 FT travel trailer-- our 1st long trip, we hit 15 different states! We love camping and are presently planning out our next trip. Hope to meet and make friends with anyone we meet! less
Tommy and Becky R January 19, 2021
Tent camped as a kid every summer at Ozello, Fla. Bought our first class A in 1999 and have over the years had 3 class A’s, a Outback trailer, a class C and now a class B. Hope to find the right class A one day but not today.
Steve N Z January 20, 2021
Grew Up camping. A sleeping bag on the ground, canvas tent ,pup tent or shelter half in the Army,pop up,hard side, home made camper... Want comfort now . : )
Steve Gerard Justin Miller January 20, 2021
Every one in my family had one And I like it, I got hurt and put on disability, so I said house is to much and bought a motorhome class a 1997 and remodel it from top to bottom, love every thing about it
Joe+MaryJanuary 20, 2021
Tent camped most our lives. Decided to buy rv, got the one we liked the most, a little more expensive than we planned on, but no need to trade up, had it a couple of years now, love it.
Vanessa on the road January 20, 2021Decided in about 2014 that I wanted to retire in about 6 years and travel in an RV. Never really been in one. At the time I was camping in the back of my suburban when I wanted to get away. In 2017 I started looking and I bought a 2018 KZ Connect, 261R... moreDecided in about 2014 that I wanted to retire in about 6 years and travel in an RV. Never really been in one. At the time I was camping in the back of my suburban when I wanted to get away. In 2017 I started looking and I bought a 2018 KZ Connect, 261RB for my 60th birthday. Then my boss pissed me off so I retired two years earlier than planned. I went in told her the RV was packed and ready to go and I was would be out of there in two weeks. Stammer, Stammer, Studder...But who? I told her not my problem. Spent a year and a half on the road while buying property and building a house. Now I spend 6 to 8 months a year on the road. it is nice to have a base to retreat to to make repairs and reconnoiter. less
micksspringersJanuary 20, 2021Spent my childhood tent camping. Then when my children were young, tent camping was continued. However, we hit a snag. My ex & I chose areas that didn't always have an outhouse & I had 2 little girls who refused to squat. It was quite a battle that we... moreSpent my childhood tent camping. Then when my children were young, tent camping was continued. However, we hit a snag. My ex & I chose areas that didn't always have an outhouse & I had 2 little girls who refused to squat. It was quite a battle that we lost so got a little 17' trailer that we loved & the girls were happy. I took my 2nd husband tent camping once. He hadn't camped. NEVER again so we got a nice 19' trailer. He decided it wasn't big enough so we upgraded to 23'. He decided that wasn't big enough either & we jumped right into a 36' motorhome. That was a whole new learning process but I sure love it. The 2 of us, 3 springer spaniels & 2 large breed cats all fit comfortably. less
Peggy Crowder January 21, 2021
When kids were little, tent camped, then rented and took a trip to Yellowstone. Got hooked. Bought my RV when I retired 3 yrs ago. Love it, but 2020 didn't get much use.
katie priceJanuary 21, 2021Both my husband and I camped our whole lives.... and after being on the housting market and it not working out in our favor... we decided to buy our travel trailer so that way we could travel with the kids and later on the two of us!! Excited to meet new... moreBoth my husband and I camped our whole lives.... and after being on the housting market and it not working out in our favor... we decided to buy our travel trailer so that way we could travel with the kids and later on the two of us!! Excited to meet new people, and see new places....
See yall on the road!! less
SusanURAQT January 21, 2021There's a fishing area called Stumpy Pond . dad would load the boat with supplies for the week and we'd primative camp on one of the islands during the summer. Later pop ups, he'd rent, after I got married the 2nd time, we started with a pop up, then t.t.... moreThere's a fishing area called Stumpy Pond . dad would load the boat with supplies for the week and we'd primative camp on one of the islands during the summer. Later pop ups, he'd rent, after I got married the 2nd time, we started with a pop up, then t.t., now we've a Voltage toyhauler. less
Gail and Mike /FreebirdJanuary 21, 2021I started camping with my family when I was a kid. We used tents, a jaunty camper and a pop up trailer. The tent went with us on a month long east coast trip when I was 11.
After marriage, my husband and I tent camped a bit, but age got to us s... moreI started camping with my family when I was a kid. We used tents, a jaunty camper and a pop up trailer. The tent went with us on a month long east coast trip when I was 11.
After marriage, my husband and I tent camped a bit, but age got to us so now after I retired in July 2020 we found a RV to use as our travel dream. Starting out visiting family during the pandemic, then off to see our great country and Canada! less
DCDAVEJanuary 21, 2021Like others, camped/fished when young. Adulthood incorporated popup, travel trailer, motorhome and now late in life, another travel trailer. We have enjoyed the outdoors and it has passed to our children. It is as you all know is a wholesome family orie... moreLike others, camped/fished when young. Adulthood incorporated popup, travel trailer, motorhome and now late in life, another travel trailer. We have enjoyed the outdoors and it has passed to our children. It is as you all know is a wholesome family oriented lifestyle.
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Melody Twigg January 21, 2021
started when I was little going with my Dad and brothers Earliest one I can remeber was tent camping in Nebraska when I was about 4 or 5
USRV SerenityJanuary 22, 2021My (now ex) girlfriend and I wanted to go "on the road" pretty much for ever. She was a nurse, and I was in law enforcement, so when I was forced into early retirement due to health issues, we decided she would take a position as a traveling nurse. I so... moreMy (now ex) girlfriend and I wanted to go "on the road" pretty much for ever. She was a nurse, and I was in law enforcement, so when I was forced into early retirement due to health issues, we decided she would take a position as a traveling nurse. I sold part of my retirement account and bought Serenity and we and the dogs hit the road. Once we split up, she went back home to New Mexico, and I decided to stay out here wandering aimlessly till I found Parker's Crossroads Tennessee. I parked here, and have been here for three years so far. less
SACnFrau January 22, 2021
Got laid off from hi-tech, decided to take retirement. Never owned RV before, decided to try fulltime lifestyle in 40ft Class A. Now almost 5yrs on road, upgraded to 45ft Class A.
Bielecke’sJanuary 22, 2021
Did a lot of camping with tents with my kids due to early retirement we decided to go big and go far we have been full timing fir three years now
MendyJanuary 22, 2021
I've never been camping. My health forced me into retirement, I was losing my home and decided to invest in a Fifth Wheel and Truck so no one could take my home. I'm now one year in full timing and enjoying it.
Pat Patterson January 22, 2021Started (again) 3 months ago when we bought our 2020 Newmar KSDP 40’. My X-wife and I had a 36’ TT and camped only periodically. My now (and forever) wife and I recently decided we would sell our house and by a new motor home and become full timers. Haven... moreStarted (again) 3 months ago when we bought our 2020 Newmar KSDP 40’. My X-wife and I had a 36’ TT and camped only periodically. My now (and forever) wife and I recently decided we would sell our house and by a new motor home and become full timers. Haven’t sold the house yet but when we do we plan to travel the great USA. less
Pat Patterson January 22, 2021
Oh, and BTW... we are definitely newbies!
Andy Holleman January 22, 2021In the early 80's I promised my almost fiance that if we got married, we'd take a year and travel the country. We left NC in 85 in an F-250 with a slide in camper on it. Our plan was to work and little and be tourists also.
At the end of a year, w... moreIn the early 80's I promised my almost fiance that if we got married, we'd take a year and travel the country. We left NC in 85 in an F-250 with a slide in camper on it. Our plan was to work and little and be tourists also.
At the end of a year, we had more money in the bank than when we started, and decided we could do it again, with a focus on Alaska, and a plan to stay through the winter.
Never made it "back home."
These days, I've got a class A (long story), a 32' cabin cruiser that could be a live-aboard, and.....an Arctic Fox slide in camper because it just feels right
But for the moment, I'm happy to have flown to Hawaii for some beach time! less
Christine1963January 22, 2021I just started full time. Have been talking about for more than 2 years. Finally bought a Forst River Alpha Wolf RV and have been in it for 2 weeks. I’m in AZ for a year. We will see how I do in the summer, yikes. Good luck to everyone, it’s a real learni... moreI just started full time. Have been talking about for more than 2 years. Finally bought a Forst River Alpha Wolf RV and have been in it for 2 weeks. I’m in AZ for a year. We will see how I do in the summer, yikes. Good luck to everyone, it’s a real learning experience. less
Dave & Val January 23, 2021Over our life time we have had two tents, two tent trailers, 4 TT, and two MHs. We sold all and traveled two years full time in our MH. Settled in a home again. Sold large MH bought a smaller MH. Used that MH for two years and decided we were ready to be ... moreOver our life time we have had two tents, two tent trailers, 4 TT, and two MHs. We sold all and traveled two years full time in our MH. Settled in a home again. Sold large MH bought a smaller MH. Used that MH for two years and decided we were ready to be done. That was a year ago. We miss the RV life. Sooooo we just this week we bought a used (5th)TT. We are not far from the beach, about an hour. We have found a service that will pick up our TT take it to our RV site and set it up. Then take it down and put it in our yard again when we are done. Even doing that it’s cheaper than buying a truck... and it’s the best of both worlds. We can stay at one of eight parks on the beach for 60-80 a night, and that includes the towing. We will call it our beach house. Lol. We had thought we would travel abroad when we sold our MH... then Covid hit and in our 70s we are not sure that kind of travel is going to happen. We are so excited about our new to us TT. less
Bad Decisions January 23, 2021We started spending race weekends with my parents in their class C about 10 years ago. After two years of that we started renting our own rigs and camping next to them. That progressed into a two week vacation that included the race week and then to a vis... moreWe started spending race weekends with my parents in their class C about 10 years ago. After two years of that we started renting our own rigs and camping next to them. That progressed into a two week vacation that included the race week and then to a visit in Asheville, North Carolina. That week was wonderful and spurred our idea to go full time. Three years later... here we are! less
MXWLMNR January 23, 2021
April 2014...The weekend that started it (RV) all. “Come visit us” they said. “It’ll be fun” they said. I was obsessed after this visit. Thx for the invite Bob & Lottie!
2 OkiesJanuary 23, 2021I got started during my 1st marriage with 3 little kids, in a truck-bed camper. That was over 50 years ago! Then progressed to camp trailers, pop up - ugh had bad luck with them - and now finally a motor home at the age of 76! I hope you are never t... moreI got started during my 1st marriage with 3 little kids, in a truck-bed camper. That was over 50 years ago! Then progressed to camp trailers, pop up - ugh had bad luck with them - and now finally a motor home at the age of 76! I hope you are never to old to enjoy being in the outdoors! And am looking forward to it being easier on my husband to "set up" camp with the motorhome! less
Chick & DebbyJanuary 23, 2021I have camped my entire life. Under the stars, then tents and we finally went to a motor home. Bought our first one and have never looked back. Knew we were going full time long ago and did so in April fo 2014. We have had 3 motor homes and 1 5rth whe... moreI have camped my entire life. Under the stars, then tents and we finally went to a motor home. Bought our first one and have never looked back. Knew we were going full time long ago and did so in April fo 2014. We have had 3 motor homes and 1 5rth wheel. Don't know when we will give it up, but I'm sure health will be the reason less
CandaceRivero January 23, 2021
1974, in my grandparents' Airstream. Have had 4 RVs since then. Am in my 2nd 5W now.... and still lovin it! The sunsets in Arizona are the best.
Ray and Vicki January 24, 2021I started camping early in life in the Scouts. Tent camping back then with Army Surplus tents supplied from the Troop. All weather conditions warm, cold, rain, snow and even freezing below zero weather. It made us Midwestern kids tough and resilient, gre... moreI started camping early in life in the Scouts. Tent camping back then with Army Surplus tents supplied from the Troop. All weather conditions warm, cold, rain, snow and even freezing below zero weather. It made us Midwestern kids tough and resilient, great learning adventures.
As young adults we camped, fished and hunted using tents or cabins when available. 2015 started my due diligence on RV's and full time Workamping.
Fast forward here I am in my 3rd year and 3rd Reort Workamper. less
Rich & CarolynJanuary 24, 2021started when I was young. My parents had a chevy van camper with the overhead fiberglass sleeper. traveled to Canada and most of New England camped so often they practically drove it till it died with over 230000 miles on it. they had that camper for ove... morestarted when I was young. My parents had a chevy van camper with the overhead fiberglass sleeper. traveled to Canada and most of New England camped so often they practically drove it till it died with over 230000 miles on it. they had that camper for over 15 years. now me and my wife are retired and are on our first cross country trek with no end in sight. been on the road since June 26th and have over 29 thousand miles behind us and we aren't looking back. less
Bill and KarenJanuary 24, 2021Back in 1972 my brother-in-law had a small cabin tent he that wanted to get rid of so I took it. This being the first summer married to his sister this would prove she loved me. So in the summer of 72 we both enjoyed it so much that we bought a bigger t... moreBack in 1972 my brother-in-law had a small cabin tent he that wanted to get rid of so I took it. This being the first summer married to his sister this would prove she loved me. So in the summer of 72 we both enjoyed it so much that we bought a bigger tent. Which meant more investing in more Coleman everything (lanterns,stove,cooler,etc.)
That second tent lasted us two seasons and morphed into a 1974 Coleman Brandywine Tent Trailer. And then in 1978 there was an RV show at the old Commonwealth Armory in Boston where we met our new 24' Sunline Travel Trailer.
1979 we went seasonal for eleven years in New Hampshire and we loved it. But I need to see more. I was truck driver that saw a lot of this country by highway and now I need the backroads.
In 2008 we bought a new 23' Phoenix Cruiser 2350 Class B+ and have been following the old roads all around America. As members of Harvest Hosts we can see more backroads of New England with so many wonderful destinations. We Love Motor Homing in a small RV. less
MH & DH January 24, 2021
I also had a coleman brandywine and now a class A but there were some very good memories made in that coleman.
Rebel and DixieJanuary 24, 2021Started in 90 I think when we bought a motor home till the kids were teenagers and just not interested,left for about 10 years and after getting injured at work decided to get back into something I loved to Donna my wife decided to do again so we purchase... moreStarted in 90 I think when we bought a motor home till the kids were teenagers and just not interested,left for about 10 years and after getting injured at work decided to get back into something I loved to Donna my wife decided to do again so we purchased a 35 ft travel trailer less
ZenShackJanuary 24, 2021My camping experience consisted of blanket forts in the living room and sleeping bags in the fenced back yard. So, now in my fifties, my husband I are learning along the way. We are empty nesters with a job that can be maintained while mobile. Those two f... moreMy camping experience consisted of blanket forts in the living room and sleeping bags in the fenced back yard. So, now in my fifties, my husband I are learning along the way. We are empty nesters with a job that can be maintained while mobile. Those two factors were enough to convince us to sell everything and hit the road for the adventure of our lives. Ultimately, we are searching for land to purchase and settle back down in one place, but for now we are free spirits in the wind and loving it. less
☰⛺Woodstock 69’☰ ❛We are Stardust Mihály┼Fátima❜January 24, 2021
BORN in the back of a wooden cart at our, then — temporary (RV) camp with mom and pops, and a few gypsy friends to help celebrate my arrival. ...It was LOVE at 1st launch!
Chuck and Mary Ann McGann January 24, 2021Started tent canmping with my parents, did that for a while at the start of marrage, and moved to a truck camper, on to backpacking in super light tents, to a TT for 10 years, to a 5th wheel for another 10 years and we are now in a Class A going on 3 year... moreStarted tent canmping with my parents, did that for a while at the start of marrage, and moved to a truck camper, on to backpacking in super light tents, to a TT for 10 years, to a 5th wheel for another 10 years and we are now in a Class A going on 3 years - LOVE the Class A life - part time! less
Rob & Becky LJanuary 24, 2021Jan 2018 hubs and I decided to start travel nursing. I'm the nurse and he's my semiretired caretaker. Jumped right in with buying our first travel trailer so we would always sleep in our own bed and our little dachshunds could be with us. Still have a sti... moreJan 2018 hubs and I decided to start travel nursing. I'm the nurse and he's my semiretired caretaker. Jumped right in with buying our first travel trailer so we would always sleep in our own bed and our little dachshunds could be with us. Still have a sticks and bricks in Ohio. Loving the travel life. less
Kentucky Campers January 24, 2021As a kid my family camped every weekend in a tent on river banks as we also took a runabout boat too. Then I got married and camped every weekend with the Boy Scouts in tents with my two sons. As I got older I got a popup. Used it for ten years Sold it a... moreAs a kid my family camped every weekend in a tent on river banks as we also took a runabout boat too. Then I got married and camped every weekend with the Boy Scouts in tents with my two sons. As I got older I got a popup. Used it for ten years Sold it and bought a new popup kept it for two years and sold it. Now we have a travel trailer with bunks for our grandkids. less
Jackie GormleyJanuary 24, 2021Camped once a year with my grandparents, then 1997 married with kids joined a church and one of the outings was camping. We Tented it for a few years but got tired of the air mattress deflating and always wet. So I pop-up was for sale in the neighborhoo... moreCamped once a year with my grandparents, then 1997 married with kids joined a church and one of the outings was camping. We Tented it for a few years but got tired of the air mattress deflating and always wet. So I pop-up was for sale in the neighborhood so I purchased it.. he got it in the divorce. I bought a hi low but sold it when I couldn't move all the reticle cross county. Now sold my house and live full time in an moterhome that a bought and traveling the USA less
Glenn Blake-LobbJanuary 25, 2021I went camping once as a kid had a great time just wasn't my family's thing. Wife camped as a kid for years. Shortly after getting
Married her folks started full timing and we loved thier stories. So when we retired we went full blast. New 1ton new ... moreI went camping once as a kid had a great time just wasn't my family's thing. Wife camped as a kid for years. Shortly after getting
Married her folks started full timing and we loved thier stories. So when we retired we went full blast. New 1ton new 41ft 5th wheel. Havent regretted a minute. Best advice "more water" less
Chick & DebbyJanuary 25, 2021Today we moved the house from NAS Jacksonville FamCamp to Sumter Oaks RV Park in Bushnell, FL. It was only about a 140 mile drive that went fairly well. A couple of wind gusts, but not to serious, and a couple of idiot drivers. One pick up truck did a ... moreToday we moved the house from NAS Jacksonville FamCamp to Sumter Oaks RV Park in Bushnell, FL. It was only about a 140 mile drive that went fairly well. A couple of wind gusts, but not to serious, and a couple of idiot drivers. One pick up truck did a u-turn in front of me and had I not slammed on the breaks, I would have destroyed his pretty truck. I gave him the Air Horn and the IQ salute. Then the typical interstate idiots, but all in all, not to bad a drive. I still have to go back for eye dr. follow up on the 4th but we will just drive up for that. Not sure exactly when we will leave here, but do not want to do the summer here again. less
Peggy Crowder January 26, 2021I try staying off Interstates as much as possible. Driving on 50 after crossing Bay Bridge has the most idiotic drivers I've ever seen. A car went from far left to far right to exit, cutting in front of tractor trailer. We were behind trailer. Black smoke... moreI try staying off Interstates as much as possible. Driving on 50 after crossing Bay Bridge has the most idiotic drivers I've ever seen. A car went from far left to far right to exit, cutting in front of tractor trailer. We were behind trailer. Black smoke everywhere, but in the end we were all safe. less
SouthParkSteve January 26, 2021
LOVE Country Jam! But I have never been down there to camp--I only went on single day passes. I can't imagine that heat without electricity, though.....
Bob N Terri January 26, 2021Never Camped before. Sold everything bought an RV and off we went. 5+ yrs now. One thing we new even before we started was, there would be things that go wrong. Expect it and enjoy the journey. Check out our blog. www.bethovensblog.com Beethoven is th... moreNever Camped before. Sold everything bought an RV and off we went. 5+ yrs now. One thing we new even before we started was, there would be things that go wrong. Expect it and enjoy the journey. Check out our blog. www.bethovensblog.com Beethoven is the Stuffed St.Bernard in the picture. He writes the Blog less
DogBusDrivers January 26, 2021
spelled wrong, think is missing an 'e' www.beethovensblog.com
tough to type with big paws!
😁
Pridge/Judy BeasleyJanuary 26, 2021Started tent camping after having kids. Became a GS Leader, more camping. Bought a pull behind pop up, more camping. Became a nurse, less camping. Kids grew up, departed. Bought our secondhand 22’ 2003 Gulfstream PT Cruiser in 2016, began RVing. Husband h... moreStarted tent camping after having kids. Became a GS Leader, more camping. Bought a pull behind pop up, more camping. Became a nurse, less camping. Kids grew up, departed. Bought our secondhand 22’ 2003 Gulfstream PT Cruiser in 2016, began RVing. Husband had near fatal work accident involving 2 dump trucks followed by multiple strokes and heart attacks. I’ve retired and am now his full time caregiver. Much less RVing now as I’m 78 and the only one to drive. Husband some better. Hoping to resume RVing. less
2 OkiesJanuary 26, 2021So glad to hear you are still camping! I am 76 and we just bought a 2nd hand 27' Chevy Sun Flyer (made by Winnebago of all things). There is some work to do on it inside , but we are looking forward to our "first" short trip in it. Hope you husband con... moreSo glad to hear you are still camping! I am 76 and we just bought a 2nd hand 27' Chevy Sun Flyer (made by Winnebago of all things). There is some work to do on it inside , but we are looking forward to our "first" short trip in it. Hope you husband continues to get better. Where is your home base?
God bless you both. less
Jmdumont January 26, 2021
Prayers for your husband to continue to improve 🙏🙏🙏
Packratphyls January 26, 2021
God Bless you. Prayers for hubby to have ongoing recovery so you can get back to more RVing. Perhaps some day our paths will cross! Love your attitude!
Nathan & CeciliaJanuary 26, 2021
As a child we tent camped at lakes and rivers here in Texas but now as an adult my back says no to tents. I always new I would travel the us and now I’m blessed to be able.
LiVan_Life January 26, 2021Growing up my mom took us camping, once, to Fort Desoto Park where we didn't make it through the night because of typical Florida rain. LOL. First husband introduced me to tent camping; while he didn't last, the love of the outdoors did. My husband of 35 ... moreGrowing up my mom took us camping, once, to Fort Desoto Park where we didn't make it through the night because of typical Florida rain. LOL. First husband introduced me to tent camping; while he didn't last, the love of the outdoors did. My husband of 35 years and I tent camped for a number of years until the ground became a tad to hard and we upgraded to a pop up. We loved that Coleman and still talk about the adventures we shared. Since then we've had one travel trailer and three fifth wheels. We are both our happiest when on the road. Just wish it wasn't so crowded out there and miss the days of being able to just pull into a cg with no reservations. less
Lucky58January 26, 2021My dad was a Vietnam veteran 4 tours so he setup a Scotty trailer on a small lake east of San Diego in tye mid 60’s so our mom could take 5 kids camping lol oh boy so that’s how my camping life started now my wife and I live in a 2001 Montana full time ge... moreMy dad was a Vietnam veteran 4 tours so he setup a Scotty trailer on a small lake east of San Diego in tye mid 60’s so our mom could take 5 kids camping lol oh boy so that’s how my camping life started now my wife and I live in a 2001 Montana full time getting ready to take our first long trip starting in Norrh central Oklahoma first stop in tye San Antonio area then on to Magnolia beach in TX then work
Our way east along the coast trying to take advantage of free camping along our way to Florida east coast then turn north till we get to North Carolina then back west to home in Oklahoma less
2 OkiesJanuary 26, 2021
Where (town) in OK are you? We are just off I40 at Webbers Falls. Not too far from the Arkansas border. Close to Lakes Eufaula and Tenkiller.
John & Harriet January 26, 2021Tent camped in the front yard in an old Sears & Roebuck canvas tent, hitchhiked/backpacked up and down the East coast, rented a pop-up on several occassions when my children were young, tent camped at the beach with another family and their children for 1... moreTent camped in the front yard in an old Sears & Roebuck canvas tent, hitchhiked/backpacked up and down the East coast, rented a pop-up on several occassions when my children were young, tent camped at the beach with another family and their children for 10 years, finally bought a truck camper, then another & and now tow a Lance travel trailer. Kids are grown and on their own. My wife & I love the trailer & camping life. less
FiresideWeekendersJanuary 26, 2021
We both grew up camping but as adults we rented a camper and had a horrible experience with the rental. Few months later she forgot our anniversary, took me to see some RVs just to butter me up and we bought the second one we walked in to.
Bill/Francina January 26, 2021The only camping I did growing up was Boy Scouts. Later Years after marriage bought a pop up. Probably 12 years or so afterwards bought a 36’ 1976 “The Executive” gas MH. Few years later bought a new 1996 gas Gulfstream. What a lemon. 5 years later bought... moreThe only camping I did growing up was Boy Scouts. Later Years after marriage bought a pop up. Probably 12 years or so afterwards bought a 36’ 1976 “The Executive” gas MH. Few years later bought a new 1996 gas Gulfstream. What a lemon. 5 years later bought a 1997 Holiday Rambler Endeavor with a 275 CAT. Couple of years after that bought a new 2002 Monaco Cayman 275 Cummins. Kept it for 8 years. 5 years later bought a New 2014 44 ft Fleetwood Providence 42M 450 HP Cummins. Beautiful Coach. Sold it 3 years later. Bought a 2018 Jayco Seneca 37RB. Traded it 18 months later for a Coachman Mirada Select 37RB. We’ve enjoyed over 32 years of RVing. less
Brenda Driggers January 26, 2021Started out tent camping with lots of friends and we had some crazy times....so many memories. Then, I met Butch (my husband) in 2009 and we continued to tent camp. Some friends had a popup and I told them if they ever decided to sell it, please let us kn... moreStarted out tent camping with lots of friends and we had some crazy times....so many memories. Then, I met Butch (my husband) in 2009 and we continued to tent camp. Some friends had a popup and I told them if they ever decided to sell it, please let us know. Well, they called one day and said it's yours. We had awesome memories in that popup and loved it. We then upgraded to a used 5th wheel, and now currently have our 2015 Montana. Wouldn't trade all of our memories for anything. My best advice is to have fun, slow down, and know that you will probably not find the "perfect" RV. Just enjoy what you have and appreciate all that is out there. Safe travels. less
Diane and TallyJanuary 27, 2021Started as a kid with the folks in a tent. Five of us made it pretty cozy. In the 80z hubby and i met camping griends and started going with them 3 or 4 times a summer. When membership camping started we joined a park near home, met a circle of friend... moreStarted as a kid with the folks in a tent. Five of us made it pretty cozy. In the 80z hubby and i met camping griends and started going with them 3 or 4 times a summer. When membership camping started we joined a park near home, met a circle of friends, got involved in a group that supported the park with events and fund raisers, and dud winter camping. When the camp closed we took a break as hubby started a downward spiral to his passing. Now im fulltiming with my dog and avoiding snow in AZ and heat in Wisconsin. less
Clayton HandriganJanuary 27, 2021Grew up tent camping with my parents as a child. Stared with a crank-up hard-top camper when my own children were small. Moved up to a 21' TT until children were grown. Now in a new life situation , retired and stepped up to a 34' HR Admiral MH, Have spen... moreGrew up tent camping with my parents as a child. Stared with a crank-up hard-top camper when my own children were small. Moved up to a 21' TT until children were grown. Now in a new life situation , retired and stepped up to a 34' HR Admiral MH, Have spent only 30 nights aboard so far in our own province of NL as a "staycation" during 2020. Bucket list includes a cross-Canada lengthy trip and the Alaska Highway to the Yukon. Hopefully 2022. (Personalized the beast with the name of a cabin-cruiser (boat) we once owned. Simply added the ("II"). less
Ron & Liz January 27, 2021Grew up camping/rving. I told my fiancé (now wife of 45 years) I camp and don’t want to change. We bought our first RV (pickup camper) in 1976 and haven’t been without an RV since. We just ended 7 years of full timing, but didn’t sell the RV. We still Ho... moreGrew up camping/rving. I told my fiancé (now wife of 45 years) I camp and don’t want to change. We bought our first RV (pickup camper) in 1976 and haven’t been without an RV since. We just ended 7 years of full timing, but didn’t sell the RV. We still Hope to travel over 100 days a year. less
Tony & ShariJanuary 27, 2021I grew up tent camping, Tony and I started out in a tent, we bought a converted bus, we bought a 1973 Class A motorhomes. Then we had a pull trailer, we bought a fifth wheel and now a Class C. I love the Class C and glamping. We had fun in our younger ... moreI grew up tent camping, Tony and I started out in a tent, we bought a converted bus, we bought a 1973 Class A motorhomes. Then we had a pull trailer, we bought a fifth wheel and now a Class C. I love the Class C and glamping. We had fun in our younger years roughing it. less
RandCRVing (Craig & Robyn)January 28, 2021I grew up camping with my family in a TT. After us kids got older my parents got a 26ft Motor Home and they kept getting bigger ones and traveled in their golden years. As my Craig & I had our family (5 kids) we would take opportunities and go with my par... moreI grew up camping with my family in a TT. After us kids got older my parents got a 26ft Motor Home and they kept getting bigger ones and traveled in their golden years. As my Craig & I had our family (5 kids) we would take opportunities and go with my parents and we would stay in a tent and they would have a couple of the kids stay with them. We continued to go as our kids grew up into adulthood on our own. We finally decided to ditch the tent 3 years ago and get our first TT,a Jayco Whitehawk, it was to small. So now we have a GD Reflection 303 RLS. Love it! Looking forward to retiring someday and maybe going full time. less
Nomady11 January 28, 2021ETA BEST ADVICE RECEIVED : Hot Water Bottles to help keep warm while sleeping during cooler temperatures. Tried it a week ago, It Works!!
I started in the 80's in a Pup tent, and occasionally in a GP Medium or Small on a cot with very limi... moreETA BEST ADVICE RECEIVED : Hot Water Bottles to help keep warm while sleeping during cooler temperatures. Tried it a week ago, It Works!!
I started in the 80's in a Pup tent, and occasionally in a GP Medium or Small on a cot with very limited amenities and noisy inhospitable neighbors. Now retired, I decided to "do it my way"; I've camped in my SUV, owned a converted Cargo trailer for a few years; recently I purchased a shuttle bus that I've partially converted and refer to as a glorified metal tent on wheels; now I enjoy my camping amenities, and neighbors. So now I'm Glampin' with joy! less
Liliane NavarroJanuary 29, 2021
I grew up camping when I was a kid. Tent camped with my entire family.
We lived in Canada and camped mostly in the states.
Rednecksbaby January 29, 2021
I started dating a man who worked on the road and lived full time in a RV the difference is he was a bachelor so when I came along things changed. 🤪 My husband started needing hot water, ways to cook at home etc it was an adventure for sure. 🤪
Rednecksbaby January 29, 2021
Judd & Debra we are from Florida rarely there would love to see California definitely will look you guys up
Roger_A January 29, 2021I tent camped in Boy Scouts and as an adult. As we got older, we more and more considered an RV. We bought a small used trailer and camped several times. It developed some bad areas. I wasn’t able to fix it as I had just had shoulder surgery. We sold it a... moreI tent camped in Boy Scouts and as an adult. As we got older, we more and more considered an RV. We bought a small used trailer and camped several times. It developed some bad areas. I wasn’t able to fix it as I had just had shoulder surgery. We sold it as having found it would cost more to have it fixed than it was worth. Bought our current TT in Feb. this last year. We used it several times and are planning several camp out this year. less
Marie DunnJanuary 31, 2021
I know the dogs are happy they get to come with you now
Tom Gutzke January 29, 2021In 1981 we visited friends who owned land on a lake in northern Wisconsin. Friends of theirs were up the week before and left a pop-up trailer for us to use. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. After returning home in suburban Milwaukee I saw a used... moreIn 1981 we visited friends who owned land on a lake in northern Wisconsin. Friends of theirs were up the week before and left a pop-up trailer for us to use. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. After returning home in suburban Milwaukee I saw a used pop-up for sale. Took the wife back to see it [she had started tent camping with her parents and two brothers when she was 6 years old] and we bought it the next day. That winter we took our then three-year-old son to Disney World in Florida, see sponge diving near Tampa, and lots more. The 16 nights cost us the same as a 6-night trip to Florida flying to Orlando and with a rental car a year earlier. Seeing how much our son loved it [I enjoyed it, too] i knew that we would continue to explore the USA by RV. Wife and I stayed in and seen something in all 49 states on the continent [plus half of Canada]. We spent 17 nights in Hawaii for our 50th Anniversary in 2017. She died in November 2019 but she made me promise that I would continue to travel and see things that I missed because of her left leg above-knee amputation for the last ten years slowed us a little but didn't stop us. After the pop-up, a travel trailer, two fifth wheels, another travel trailer that was wheelchair-accessible, and now another fifth wheel. less
Gary954January 30, 2021I lived on my houseboat for past 5 years and decided that it was time for a change. I am a retired truck driver and felt the need to get back on the road and travel. I sold my boat a couple of months ago and bought my first rv. A class A National Dolph... moreI lived on my houseboat for past 5 years and decided that it was time for a change. I am a retired truck driver and felt the need to get back on the road and travel. I sold my boat a couple of months ago and bought my first rv. A class A National Dolphin. I love it! Been staying here in campgrounds at Lake Mead Nevada doing a lot of work on it. Just bought a Honda CRV to flat tow behind it. Planning on heading north by May before the triple digit heat hits. Probably spend summer near Glacier National Park then work my way towards Florida for the winter. less
Gary954January 31, 2021
With a roadmaster set up. Mounted base plate to CRV and it tows great. Still need to finish wiring but about there.
Char and cocoJanuary 30, 2021
I thought about a boat a year ago but after the big fire we had at the local marina...I decided to go with a van....I do love water but..😥hope you enjoy your RV...Fl is the best for winter...lol
Dave & Renee January 30, 2021We took our 5 young kids tent camping just once in 1997 and were immediately cured of tent camping. We bought an older 32’ Prowler travel trailer with a 4 bed bunkhouse in 98 and used the heck out of that while the kids grew up. Then we went to a used Inn... moreWe took our 5 young kids tent camping just once in 1997 and were immediately cured of tent camping. We bought an older 32’ Prowler travel trailer with a 4 bed bunkhouse in 98 and used the heck out of that while the kids grew up. Then we went to a used Innsbruck travel trailer. We graduated to a 39’ Victory Lane toy hauler 5th wheel in 2007, which the kids loved. Now that we are a bit older and empty nesters, we bought a brand new 37’ Montana High Country 5th wheel couples camper, which WE love. So, like a lot of us here, it was a slow steady progression of better campers. What’s next?? is my question. less
Marie DunnJanuary 30, 2021My husband and I started with a pop-up and our 6 mos old daughter. We did weekend as we were working full-time then. Then we got a small tt which I felt all closed up in 1992. Then nothing for a long time but house and jobs until 2016 when we got a 35 ft ... moreMy husband and I started with a pop-up and our 6 mos old daughter. We did weekend as we were working full-time then. Then we got a small tt which I felt all closed up in 1992. Then nothing for a long time but house and jobs until 2016 when we got a 35 ft used 5th wheel and truck with plans to travel full-time in a few years and our daughter was married by then. We decided to put house and land up for sale and live full-time in 5th wheel and travel. House sold and we had to move out and live somewhere in 5th wheel. Found a place in2017 and lived at the rv park to become better acquainted with all knowledge that would be helpful to be moving around a lot. Husband got very sick Thanksgiving 2017 and died Jan 2018. Needless to say we never got to travel and I sure regret it. Now I live in a park but older 5th wheel had some roof damage and I was forced to get whatever I could afford to live in. I was able with the help of friends and the old insurance damage claim to get a tt 2018 but had to get rid of large truck as didn’t think I could pull a 35ft 5tth wheel. Have lived full time in the tt and sure regret not just jumping into it and traveling when we could. My goal is to win the lottery, buy just the right class C and travel to places I would like to see, but so far haven’t hit the lottery. My husband did teach me how to take care of old trailer, so I’m not at all helpless but need neighbor man strength once in a while. I live with my 2 dogs and really want you couples to know how blessed you are to be together and enjoy traveling. Life is never promised less
Char and cocoJanuary 30, 2021
What a great outlook you have, such a inspiration to us..thank you for sharing,,,so sorry about the lose of your husband....❤️❤️🙏🙏may you have many more happy years in your home
Roger_A January 30, 2021I'm so sorry of the loss of your husband and the loss of your dream. It just goes to show that we need not waste our precious time and follow our dream when we can. I'm happy you are getting along alone, but sad your guy isn't there to share. God bless yo... moreI'm so sorry of the loss of your husband and the loss of your dream. It just goes to show that we need not waste our precious time and follow our dream when we can. I'm happy you are getting along alone, but sad your guy isn't there to share. God bless you and put peace in your heart.
Roger. less
David & Fawn Beck January 31, 2021I echo Rodger. Our camping group had several people who have lost spouses. please look for a group that is inclusive of widowers and single folks. ours is and it gives them alot of enjoyment and comrades in RVing.
Secondly find some friends here... moreI echo Rodger. Our camping group had several people who have lost spouses. please look for a group that is inclusive of widowers and single folks. ours is and it gives them alot of enjoyment and comrades in RVing.
Secondly find some friends here on Rvillage that have home bases that are willing to let you moochdock for a while to get better acquainted. We plan on doing this ourselves in our future home base in Texas. so make friends with us! less
Judy HowardJanuary 31, 2021Road warriors and Widows is a great group to check out . I see the group here in Rv RV Village and also on Facebook. Wonderful group!! You don't need the lottery. My mantra is "What the mind perceives, it will achieve!" My story is not your... moreRoad warriors and Widows is a great group to check out . I see the group here in Rv RV Village and also on Facebook. Wonderful group!! You don't need the lottery. My mantra is "What the mind perceives, it will achieve!" My story is not yours although I did lose my husband 17 years ago and began my solo experience. But my first book I wrote is called COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST.
www.judyhowardpublishing.com. You might enjoy it! Anyway you got this girl!! Go for it! Heart first...the rest will follow! less
MartiLJanuary 31, 2021You've got this! Not the same as you, but I cared for my mom after my dad passed. She was an introvert and I am an extrovert like my dad. I felt cooped up, but was working - so worries. I kept telling her we were going to travel when I retired, and sh... moreYou've got this! Not the same as you, but I cared for my mom after my dad passed. She was an introvert and I am an extrovert like my dad. I felt cooped up, but was working - so worries. I kept telling her we were going to travel when I retired, and she would never go! I took care of her until she passed telling myself I was going to buy a motor home and take off across the USA. I did, and couldn't be happier, even though I'm by myself with 2 labs and 2 cats.. Keep and eye out for something like a small class C or B - and I'm sure people in your area will help you transition. I've met such wonderful people just since I left in November. I will return to sell the house and continue on my wandering path, see nature at it's finest. less
Judd & DebraJanuary 30, 2021
Sorry for the loss of your husband and the plans you guys made. This really is a reminder that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. I hope the rest of your journey is a happier one.
Squirrel x2 January 31, 2021I never thought about it that way but I guess I did to. We moved in our travel trailer from Massachusetts to Florida when I was 1 until almost six. My real camping days stared with a tent and my wife (of 36 yrs) which we used until 2014. Bought our first ... moreI never thought about it that way but I guess I did to. We moved in our travel trailer from Massachusetts to Florida when I was 1 until almost six. My real camping days stared with a tent and my wife (of 36 yrs) which we used until 2014. Bought our first ‘camper’ Forest River hard side pop up (a tepee on wheels😃) and now to our ‘new to us’ 2011 Forester class c we acquired last April. Love the freedom and security!! less
Nick Diane January 31, 2021I started going to Northern Michigan in a TT every summer as a boy. As I got older we took the old Shasta on many other trips. After marriage, my wife and I did the tent camping thing. We did that for more than 35 years, taking our kids with us. Our d... moreI started going to Northern Michigan in a TT every summer as a boy. As I got older we took the old Shasta on many other trips. After marriage, my wife and I did the tent camping thing. We did that for more than 35 years, taking our kids with us. Our daughter was just 7 weeks old the first time (and she loved it). We moved to a popup camper for about 5 years when we got tired of putting up a tent every time we moved camp. We finally decided the popup was almost as much work and it still didn't have a bathroom. All the older guys out there can appreciate the value of an indoor bathroom overnight. We've had our 25' Minnie Winne for 3 years now and love it. We can't wait to go when the weather is better.
2 OkiesJanuary 31, 2021We had a nice pop up camper - a Forest River /with a bathroom - but you are right; it was too much work/trouble for my husband who is 70. Got rid of it quick and now have a kind of "Retro" 27 ft. motor home. We have to do some inside work on it which is... moreWe had a nice pop up camper - a Forest River /with a bathroom - but you are right; it was too much work/trouble for my husband who is 70. Got rid of it quick and now have a kind of "Retro" 27 ft. motor home. We have to do some inside work on it which is almost done, and can't wait for our first outing in it!. less
Nick Diane January 31, 2021Fun fact. We're from Ohio and by the end of this summer (hopefully, depending on closings) I will have visited every state except California and, oddly enough, your state, Oklahoma. I actually flew into LAX and transferred planes, but my wife won't let ... moreFun fact. We're from Ohio and by the end of this summer (hopefully, depending on closings) I will have visited every state except California and, oddly enough, your state, Oklahoma. I actually flew into LAX and transferred planes, but my wife won't let me count it. less
2 OkiesJanuary 31, 2021
I haven't got any pictures I can download yet, but I'll work on it. It is 31 ylrs old - or did I already tell you that?! Getting old - me
Bleich'sJanuary 31, 2021
As a couple we started camping in a tent, even did some winter tent camping with two small kids up north, Then she said no more canvas even pop outs as they are bear takeout windows, so now we camp in style with our boler and take out the grandkids.
OneUpJanuary 31, 2021I started camping at a young age, going on weekend trips with both the cub scouts and Boy Scouts. Later on, I got to camp in the Army.
My wife grew up camping with her family. They had a travel trailer.
While dating, and later marrying, we d... moreI started camping at a young age, going on weekend trips with both the cub scouts and Boy Scouts. Later on, I got to camp in the Army.
My wife grew up camping with her family. They had a travel trailer.
While dating, and later marrying, we did a lot of tent camping with our children. Our adventures were just like that having 5 boys.
About 10 years ago we decided that we just weren’t cut out to sleep on the ground anymore in a tent. While the pop-up was nice, it was small and cramped.
Five years ago, I found a nice cabin up in the Sierra’s. While it wasn’t camping per se, we were out in nature so it was a very comfortable type of camping. Unfortunately, the cabin burned down last September in the Creek Fire.
I thought about rebuilding, but I was so devastated by the loss that I just couldn’t bring myself to rebuild.
So instead, I bought a new Class C Entegra Odyssey 29K. We’re still on lockdown so I haven’t really gotten on the road yet, but our first trip is coming soon! I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my life. less
MartiLFebruary 1, 2021
I'm so sorry for the loss of your cabin, happier adventures ahead. BTW - campgrounds are open, I'm in CA, and everyone here is social distancing and wearing masks.
RVCouple (Tim&Deb)February 1, 2021My husband said lets buy a RV, I said we aren't RV People and I don't know where to even camp. Lol Well, we bought a class A and now we love it. We are part timers due to the business but we go multiple times a year. We started little over 3 years ago and... moreMy husband said lets buy a RV, I said we aren't RV People and I don't know where to even camp. Lol Well, we bought a class A and now we love it. We are part timers due to the business but we go multiple times a year. We started little over 3 years ago and wished we started earlier. ~ Deb less
Vol FanFebruary 1, 2021
Grew up camping with my parents in a pop up back in the late 60's. My wife and I bought our first camper, a pop up, in the early 90's and been camping every since. We now have a fifth wheel and hope to retire soon.
DeeperStillFebruary 1, 2021I camped a lot as a child but once I was married, my spouse was not interested in camping or an RV.
It became a dream for me. After 42 years of marriage and a divorce, I started finding myself again. An RV became a reality in 2020. Now I am cautio... moreI camped a lot as a child but once I was married, my spouse was not interested in camping or an RV.
It became a dream for me. After 42 years of marriage and a divorce, I started finding myself again. An RV became a reality in 2020. Now I am cautiously stepping out by myself. I have been living full time in my RV for 6 months. It's scarey yet exciting. I love having my home wherever I may go. It's also a challenge learning how to maneuver and fix things that need fixing. God has been good to me always providing help along the way. I do not know how long this adventure will last. Maybe until I find the place where I never want to leave after 2 months. less
Carole CFebruary 1, 2021
So glad your enjoying your new life, many happy trails to you!
MartiLFebruary 1, 2021DeeperStill - I've wanted to do this forever. After my father passed, I was left with the care of my mom. I tried (as did he) and tried to get her to travel with me. Well, at 99 and 8 months she passed after a very long illness. I took my retirement, ... moreDeeperStill - I've wanted to do this forever. After my father passed, I was left with the care of my mom. I tried (as did he) and tried to get her to travel with me. Well, at 99 and 8 months she passed after a very long illness. I took my retirement, bought a motor home and just drove across the USA. I knew nothing, and still need to learn a lot. Going back home in the Spring to sell my house, stuff I want in storage. I have a 2 year goal to decide if I want to buy another "house". <3 less
Jan and Fred Waggoner February 1, 2021Camped with my parents and 8 siblings when I was growing up. Our dad rebuilt the interior of a trailer he got from his work place for our large family and would pull it to wherever he was stationed for his 2 week Army Reserve duty. He’d stay with his men ... moreCamped with my parents and 8 siblings when I was growing up. Our dad rebuilt the interior of a trailer he got from his work place for our large family and would pull it to wherever he was stationed for his 2 week Army Reserve duty. He’d stay with his men and we kids would stay with our mom in the trailer. In 1963 Daddy took off from his electrician job and took on a trip from our home in MA to CA and back. This photo is from that trip - taken in Yellowstone while we were on our way back to MA. less
Jan and Fred Waggoner February 1, 2021Yes - so many memories! By the way, on that epic trip, Mom was 44 and pregnant with #9 so he always says he “remembers” the trip too! 😀 In addition, Mom and Daddy bought a van after we all grew up and camped all over the US visiting friends and family for... moreYes - so many memories! By the way, on that epic trip, Mom was 44 and pregnant with #9 so he always says he “remembers” the trip too! 😀 In addition, Mom and Daddy bought a van after we all grew up and camped all over the US visiting friends and family for two decades. They set a high standard for us to follow! Here’s an article written about that MA-CA trip less
Milo & Cheryl February 2, 2021
Camped some with my parents as a kid in a camper that slides into the box of a truck. Then hubby and I bought an older camper, found how much we love to camp and bought a new camper, also got a Can Am to take with us on trips for cheap, easy transportation.
Wandering PennyFebruary 2, 2021Well, when I was growing up. Our family rented a Winnebago. Just once, that was my only experience with RVing. He grew up in a family that vacationed, camped etc. As an adult he trailer camped all the time with his family. We bought a little C class... moreWell, when I was growing up. Our family rented a Winnebago. Just once, that was my only experience with RVing. He grew up in a family that vacationed, camped etc. As an adult he trailer camped all the time with his family. We bought a little C class when we got together. Through the years we talked about full timing. We bought a used Monaco Knight and are fixing it up to live in fulltime. We are excited to be apart of the RV life style. less
Mann of MaineFebruary 2, 2021As a scout I did a lot of camping with the organization and with neighborhood peers. My skills helped in the late 70's when I hitchhiked up and down the east coast.I didn't get back to camping until we met, my wife and I, and started tenting around Maine.... moreAs a scout I did a lot of camping with the organization and with neighborhood peers. My skills helped in the late 70's when I hitchhiked up and down the east coast.I didn't get back to camping until we met, my wife and I, and started tenting around Maine. We bought a new pop-up in 2003 but dreamed of going to a solid "tin tent" when we retired and could spend time and go at our own pace. Covid brought about an early retirement. Together we have been soaking up as much information we can and can't wait till Spring. less
OldelevatormanFebruary 2, 2021Camped with my folks in the 50’s as a kid. Fast forward to the early 90’s. Wife and I bought an old Class C and went on from there to 3 Class A’s, one a diesel, 2 trailers and our current 5th wheel in which we full timed for 3 1/2 years until recently buy... moreCamped with my folks in the 50’s as a kid. Fast forward to the early 90’s. Wife and I bought an old Class C and went on from there to 3 Class A’s, one a diesel, 2 trailers and our current 5th wheel in which we full timed for 3 1/2 years until recently buying a home again. Still hoping to travel again once things get back to some kind of normal! less
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I hope we can travel more this year
We really hope they find a cure for COVID
To everyone stay safe
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Hide 1 ReplyAround 1971 dad bought what would now be a Class B Chevy van with a pop top. They used it a lot east of the Mississippi and I used it a lot up in the NE and into Canada.
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Hide 1 ReplyI retired so we sold our house and are full time now and love it.
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Hide 1 ReplyApril 2014...The weekend that started it (RV) all. “Come visit us” they said. “It’ll be fun” they said. I was obsessed after this visit. Thx for the invite Bob & Lottie!
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Hide 1 ReplyWe lived in Canada and camped mostly in the states.
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Hide 5 Replieswas literally born into this life
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