Seven Years...And Now Always Itching To Go

Today is our first anniversary! One year ago today we bought the RV. Oh, and it's our 7th wedding anniversary, too. That's right. For our anniversary last year, we went RV shopping. We had been waiting for Bill to retire which he'd done earlier that month. After tons of research we had narrowed down our choices. We were set on a fifth wheel, a floor plan, the length, weight, price and brand. Just to make sure we really wanted to do this, we had rented a 25' class C and taken a short trip to D.C. and Gettysburg. That trip sealed the deal. We were  finally ready to take the plunge and couldn't think of a better way to spend our special the day.

The show was in Suffern, NY, a pleasant two hour drive from home. We had been there before, but back then we were just browsing. This time we were ready to buy. We didn't count on finding what we were looking for, but we were hopeful. The fact that we could buy if we found something we liked was very exciting. As it turned out, and lucky for us, the model we had in mind was not on display that day. When does anything ever go as expected? It didn't matter, though. We never tired of checking out those that were. We learned something new from each one. 

Then we walked into "The One." We spotted it from a distance. It had a new feature we'd heard about but had never seen before. It was a 2015 Cougar High Country 338PAT. What a beauty! We loved the decor, wood floors and cabinets, leather furniture, center island, stainless steel sink, extra large fridge, fireplace, washer-dryer hook up, full-sized shower. It was everything we wanted and more. But, the most amazing part...the rear of the rig was a modified toy hauler that converted to a patio with an outside kitchen.

Bill was sold immediately. I wasn't. The problem - it was 6' longer, 3,000 lbs heavier, and more expensive than we had planned. We were first timers. Did we really want to take on that much vehicle right out of the gate? The dealer was Chuck Neer of C. Neer RV. He took us through the rig showing us all its features. It was clear he knew his stuff. I trusted him and the more he talked the more enamored I became. However, I was still concerned about the size, weight and price. Chuck answered all our questions and addressed all our concerns with great patience. I finally came around. You know how it ends. After some discussion and a brief negotiation, we bought her.

Best. Anniversary. Ever!

- Diane 

P.S. I took these pictures immediately after the purchase. I don't know who these people are (expect for that guy in the kitchen), but I remember thinking at the time, "Stop walking through my baby! You're gonna mess her up!" Apparently, in those very early moments, my alternate RV persona had already begun to manifest itself.

P.S.S. And the RV even sent me an anniversary card. It's true love indeed.

So Many RVs...So Little Time

When we started looking at RVs one of our first stops was a local RV show. Until that day we had no idea how many different types there were and this new found knowledge left us feeling overwhelmed. There are so many options that deciding on type, tow option, floor plan, length, weight, make and model can make your head spin. Fortunately, because we did not plan to buy until Bill retired, we had time. On and off, over a five year period, we shopped around and educated ourselves before finally making our purchase.

Wherever you land when traveling in your RV, most of you will need a get-around vehicle. So, you either need to tow said vehicle behind your rig or tow your rig with that vehicle. Deciding which you prefer will determine the type of RV you buy. If you choose to tow the RV, the length and weight will determine whether or not you can tow it with a car, SUV or a pick-up truck and the size and type of pick-up. In order to choose you need to understand the different types.

Class A Motorhome:
Commonly referred to as the conventional motorhome, the Class A is entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed, motor vehicle medium duty truck chassis, or in many cases, on a custom undercarriage. They are spacious and available with every conceivable luxury. The engine may be gas or diesel. Sizes ranges from 21 to 38 feet* and can sleep up to 10 people. They may or may not have slide-outs (which allow a portion of the RV's exterior wall to slide outward as much as 4 feet to enlarge the living area). No special license is required for operating a Class A.  

Class A Motorhome

Class B Motorhome:
Commonly referred to as the van camper or van conversion, Class B motorhomes are fully self-contained, with a refrigerator, sink, hot water, air conditioning, heater, and sleeping facilities. The engine may be gas or diesel. Sizes range from 16 to 22 feet* and can sleep up to 4 people. They are the most economical, versatile and maneuverable of the motorized RVs. Many have showers and toilet facilities including holding tanks for fresh and waste water. They make a good towing vehicle for small camping trailers, boats or other small towable toys.

Class B Motorhome

Class C Motorhome:
Commonly referred to as a mini motorhome or just mini, Class C motorhomes are built on a custom automotive manufactured van frame including an attached cab section. They provide all the conveniences of a larger motorhome in a smaller version and at a lower price point. Sizes range from 20 to 39 feet* and can sleep up to 10 people. They usually have a sleeping quarter over the cab in addition to a bedroom in the rear and sometimes allow more sleeping space then a Class A. They are normally equipped with kitchen, dining and bathroom facilities. They may or may not have slide-outs.

Class C Motorhome

Travel Trailer:
Designed to be towed by a pick-up truck, SUV or a car (for ultra lite weight trailers) by means of a bumper or frame hitch, Travel Trailers are available with all the modern conveniences of home for sleeping, showering, cooking, and dining. Sizes range from 12 to 39 feet* and can sleep up to 10 people. As with all towables, the unit can be detached at any time allowing you to use the tow vehicle for other things.. They offer many different floor plans and options. They may or may not have slide-outs.

Travel Trailer

Fifth Wheel:
Designed to be towed by a pick-up truck with a special hitch in the truck bed, Fifth Wheels are split level and can provide the most living space of all towable RVs making them extremely popular with full-timers. Sizes range from 20 to 45 feet* and can sleep up to 10 people. They can be unhitched at any time freeing up the tow vehicle for other uses. With the main bedroom and the bathroom located over the truck bed, there is more room in the living section of the trailer. Most models offer at least one slide-out. Due to the special hitch, all fifth wheels require a properly equipped full-size pick-up truck or a custom tow vehicle. They offer a wide range of features and appliances from the basics to the high end including fireplaces, dishwashers, washers and dryers, etc. Firth Wheel toy haulers provide rear storage space for large "toys" such as dirt bikes, motorcycles, and ATVs. In some states, if the combined weight of the fifth wheel and tow vehicle exceed a certain weight limit, a CDL license may be required. 

Fifth Wheel

Folding Camping Trailer (Pop-Up):
A lightweight RV with sides that collapse for towing and storage, Folding Tent Trailers offer a kitchen area, dining and sleeping facilities and may contain amenities such as stoves, refrigerators and showers. Sizes range from 8 to 13 feet* when closed and 15 to 25 feet* when open and can sleep up to 8 people. The low price and easy storage appeals to many new RVers. The relative low weight allows for towing by most vehicles (check with your dealer). These units generally have very limited storage space. 

Pop-Up

Truck Camper:
A camping unit mounted on the bed of a pick-up truck, Truck Campers offer a full range of amenities such as refrigerator, stove, air conditioning, and full bathroom facilities and are especially popular as rental units. Sizes range from 18 to 21 feet* and can sleep up to 6 people. The camper is removable to allow full pick-up truck usage. You can take this type of RV just about anywhere your truck will go, so they are a good alternative to motorhomes and travel trailers, especially for those new to RVing. 

Truck Camper

While I hope this brief over view helps, I realize that it may only serve to render you as overwhelmed as we once felt. Don't get discouraged. The more you shop around the more you'll learn about each type, what they offer and what works best for you. I did a lot of perusing online at sites like eBay (http://www.ebay.com) and RV Trader (www.rvtrader.com). That combined with our RV show visits helped us sort if all out. We are careful people. Research is a must for us. It allows us to be comfortable with our decisions. We may over do it at times, but I am convinced purchasing an RV is not one of those times. I can not stress strongly enough how important it is to take your time and learn all you can before making a choice. The end result will be worth all the effort.

-Diane

* The lengths and sleeping capacities provided are an approximation as RV lengths and accommodations vary by type and manufacturer and are ever changing. Custom units, especially, may exceed these specifications.

Dare To Dream

Driving along a familiar road, the kind you take for granted because you travel it so often, we passed a local RV campground. Located off a busy main street, its part of a local state park and from the road it doesn’t look like much more than a parking lot with beach access. It’s not the most luxurious or secluded, but it once helped fuel our dreams of becoming RV owners. We would drive by and longingly gaze upon the RVs parked there and say to ourselves, “One day.”

This time, as we drove by, it brought me back to the days when we were still just dreamers. As we often did in the past, we admired the rigs wondering where they came from, where they were going, remembering when we once envied them so. It’s almost a year since we bought our RV and I still have to pinch myself.

As the anniversary nears, I find my self feeling nostalgic. I recall the first time we discussed the idea. How the seed of that idea grew. How we researched and educated ourselves. How we saved and planned. How we attended every RV show within driving distance. How we talked about it with anyone who would listen. All the while, deep down, trying to ignore a nagging doubt that it would ever really happen.

But it did happen, and now when I pass that park I see it differently. I am no longer the kid with her nose pressed against the glass of the candy store window wishing for that sweet treat. I’m now the candy store owner.

Dreams really do come true.

- Diane

Home Ain't Bad Either

Maybe we can't RV full time just yet, but that's OK, because where we live is pretty awesome, too.

We spent the first day of September living like the Summer would never end...

The Seafood Shack (Tobay Beach, NY)

Sunset on the Great South Bay

Fire Island Lighthouse

Fire Island Lighthouse