Forum Discussion

ice9_us's avatar
ice9_us
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013

suggestions?

I am just divorced.
I have children in another state..
I am stuck driving between alabama and georgia now
every weekend to see my kids...
I would like to be able to just go where ever i want on weekends...
I plan on picking my kids up for travel...
I am thinking this is killing several birds with 1 stone...

Not sure how to go about this.. so i am seeking advice..
It may be best to get a economy car.. and apartment...
and tent camp if i go anywhere...
Was curious on suggestions. from people who do this sort of thing..

Living in a RV will not bother me...
I can afford a nice one.. for room..
question is .. do i get one i tow.. or drive...
then pull a tiny car behind me...

I have no idea...

8 Replies

  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Oct 05, 2013
    rockhillmanor wrote:
    Do the math of what it would cost to buy an RV, fuel, insurance, registration, and CG fee's BEFORE you take that plunge.

    Although it sounds real nice to take your children camping in the RV when you have them, you will find that renting an apartment to be way less expensive leaving you more money to do more with your children.

    Sitting in an RV every weekend gets old real quick for the kids. IMHO save your money and take them out in your car to different places.


    Just saying, do the math $'first'$! :C
    I would second this and if you want to take the kids on a trip you can rent a RV.
  • RoadLife's avatar
    RoadLife
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2013
    Before taking the "plunge", check out places convenient to your work for your rv. Price out apartment living vs rv living. After you run the numbers, you will know which makes more financial sense for your living arrangements.

    If you get an apartment, consider a trailer (less expensive) to pull behind a truck.

    If you are going to live in your rv, consider a motorhome with slides and a towed (toad). The tow capacity of your motorhome will determine your toad weight. We pulled a Ford Escape and now pull a Ford F150 crew cab.

    Good luck with whatever your plan turns out to be!!
  • hitchup's avatar
    hitchup
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    The only problem living in an RV in the Atlanta area is the lack of decent RV Parks.

    Our kids live in N.GA and we've often stayed in Twin Lakes RV Park in Cumming. There is a 2nd one just north of it, but am not sure of the name. It has more trees and we like to get a good satellite signal.

    Personally, it sounds like a decent plan if you find the right place to park and leave your site each weekend. We tend to land in one spot and have clutter to put away when we pack up and relocate. But then DH is still working and we're in a 5th wheel and it's a little slower to pack up and move the two of us.
  • JimM68's avatar
    JimM68
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    I TOTAllY disagree that it is a PIA to move an RV.
    Our 40' DP lives in a semi permanent seasonal campsite.
    When we take her on the road (and oh yes we do, every chance we get) it's less than an hour to unhook, fire up, put in the slides, hook up the jeep, and motor down the road.

    Unless you really feel the need for a permanent base (my DW does so far..) I see no reason to pay for 2 homes.
  • wannavolunteerF's avatar
    wannavolunteerF
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2013
    Depending on where your kids are in AL and their ages, you might consider getting a RV already situated in a park or on a lot somewhere.. lots of lake side RV parks and locations. Almost everytime I look at CraigsList, I see something in Eufaula area. If you do that, you can drive an economical car to pick up kids and go to RV, and if you want to go somewhere else, you may still have money left to do that.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer II
    Sep 30, 2013
    Do the math of what it would cost to buy an RV, fuel, insurance, registration, and CG fee's BEFORE you take that plunge.

    Although it sounds real nice to take your children camping in the RV when you have them, you will find that renting an apartment to be way less expensive leaving you more money to do more with your children.

    Sitting in an RV every weekend gets old real quick for the kids. IMHO save your money and take them out in your car to different places.


    Just saying, do the math $'first'$! :C
  • Eycom's avatar
    Eycom
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2013
    Points to ponder... Assuming you are employed with a traditional JOB (you intend to keep) in the Atlanta area with weekends off and a vacation of x number of weeks; I'd recommend a small house (investment) or apartment where you'll live 250 days out of the year. That's where you need the room. While some take their business on the road and others get stuck for awhile in vacation mode, it's a PIA to constantly move a big RV every week. A small Class B, C, or even a truck camper would offer you accommodations while visiting or camping with the kids. At the shorter length, you'll fit practically anywhere. Good luck and travel safe.
  • tonyandkaren's avatar
    tonyandkaren
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2013
    Look at RV parks in Alabama first because you'll need a place to stay during the week that's priced right, has the amenities that you want and is convenient to your job. You'll also need a place to stay close to the kids because they may not always be free to go on a weekend trip.

    As far as towing or driving, having never towed, the only advice that I can give is that most people who travel a lot seem to prefer a class A or C with a small car because it's a little easier to setup and break camp with that combination rather than a truck and fifth wheel or trailer.

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