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Diver4242's avatar
Diver4242
Explorer
May 13, 2020

I Have One Chance

Hello team (always know when someone uses that phrase they're going to ask for something!)

Looks like my wife and I will retire at the end of this year. I've had an RV in my previous marriage and loved it. I always dreamed of snowbirding in retirement, someplace warm.

My wife was always dubious, no RV experience. To get her on board, a few years ago I rented a small class c sight unseen from a well known national RV rental place and we flew to Miami, picked it up and drove through the keys for ten days. It was cramped and crappy RV, too hurried with lots of driving, so it didn't go over well! I really screwed that up.

So now,she's coming around to the idea and agreed as a trial run we can rent one in January for a month or so before deciding to buy.

This time I want to do it right. I'm thinking a nicer class A, not huge, and perhaps mostly stationary either in the Tampa area or southwest in some nice RV resorts to see some sights, relax and enjoy.

Any hints and tips as far as where to rent, stay, how to pull this off? Is it too late for reservations? I don't think lazy-days in Tampa rents RVs anymore. I don't want to drive a lot once we're there, or be totally stationary. I'm guessing I couldn't rent in PA that time of year as rigs would be winterized, so have to fly and drive?

Any help appreciated!
  • In the Orlando area there are several places that rent RVs and will set them up for you and pick them up when you are through. Most of this is done for Disney World but I bet they would be able to suggest some other less crowded, more snowbird type campgrounds in the surrounding areas.
  • Braces wrote:
    In the Orlando area there are several places that rent RVs and will set them up for you and pick them up when you are through. Most of this is done for Disney World but I bet they would be able to suggest some other less crowded, more snowbird type campgrounds in the surrounding areas.


    Something like this and the other park-rental idea would be good, but in the southwest or Tampa area in a really nice RV resort.

    Thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming!
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Is it the "snowbirding" or long term living in an RV?

    Just wondering, because if it is just about an RV, why do you HAVE to do it in January? Just wait until Spring.

    Better yet, what about taking a week or two off this Fall and explore New England a bit during leaf season?

    I do not know what a "snowbird" campground is like down south, but there are plenty of very nice "resort" campgrounds in New England you could a rent camper (or a cabin) at this summer to check things out.

    There are always options.

    Good luck, and have fun exploring what you guys want to do, and how you want to do it!