Hopefully not a complete rehash of the usual noob questions

While you haven't spent much time in RVs since the 70s I'd encourage you to do a lot of research on different models, focusing upon the size you might want to live in for extended periods. There is nothing wrong with comfort so be sure to consider what you might want to relax in, especially on those cold and/or rainy days. In our previous smaller 5th wheel we found that after taking out one of the uncomfortable fold-out couches and installing a couple of La-z-boys was the way to go. Removing a couch and putting in a lounge chair will give you more room too.

Depending upon what you might want to take along with you storage will be a premium. Make sure you have room for what you need and for things you like to do.

Also, since you'll be cooking don't overlook the fridge size and counter space for prepping your meals. Believe me, this will come in handy when you're eating at "home" 7 days a week. Of course, a small grill will help with cooking outside.

If you want to take a kayak or bike you can rig your tow vehicle (if you have a travel trailer) to haul both of those items fairly easily. In fact, if I was in your position I'd lean toward a pickup with a cap on it and tow a trail trailer in the 24'-28' range. The capper on the pickup can store a lot of stuff. A 3/4 ton pickup will cover any possibility that you might decide to go to a larger RV at a certain point. I like my diesel, but they cost more.

Research potential areas of the country where you'd like to spend your time. Now is a good time to follow the campgrounds forum for info on different parts of the country. I used to copy & paste certain comments from fellow forum members and put them into different Word documents titled by what areas of the country they best fit. I then used these to plot out some of our trips knowing some good campgrounds, sights to see, routes to travel, weather, etc. Plus it will give you something to do while contemplating your retirement. Then it will all happen before you know it. Enjoy this beautiful country. There is a lot to experience.

When you talk of "making and unmaking", I'm assuming you mean those "jack knife" beds and not slide outs?

By the way, regarding the classes: they are only defined by what general type of chassis the maker started with, nothing else.

A class A is built on a bare chassis or as a fully custom chassis, with the motorhome maker providing all the bodywork.

A class C is built on a cutaway or cab and chassis, so the cab area comes from the chassis maker (Ford in my case) and the rest of the body comes from the motorhome maker.

A class B is built inside a cargo van, often with a raised roof added. Basically all the body comes form the vehicle maker, with the motorhome maker just fitting out the interior. This means that class B's are generally rather small.

There are some units advertised as "class B+" which is merely marketing speak for a smallish class C, often without a bunk over the cab. Bus or motor coach conversions are usually considered to be class A motorhomes, even though I tend to think it would be more logical to call them large class B's.

Some good advice here (and some that's IMHO so-so).

I wouldn't be too scared off with the size of a motorhome for driving. The length, in particular, is probably the least important dimension for how the driving goes; the back end will dutifully follow the front, whether it's 20 feet or 40 feet away. The width and height of a motorhome do take some getting used to, as of course does the weight and general lack of agility, but that's more or less true for most any motorhome.

I have a 32' class C. I don't full time, not by a long shot. So far, I've generally averaged between 7.5 and 8 mpg, probably closer to 7.5 mpg. Tires ran about $1000 to replace six. Larger tires such as many class A's have are of course a good bit more expensive. The tire companies generally recommend professional annual inspection (or just replacement) starting at around 6-7 years, regardless of mileage, and replacement at 10 years. (I'm not sure where ng2951 got three years from.)

Fuel expenses of course vary with how frequently and how far you move. Campground fees vary with where you stay and what kind of amenities they have. $2000 a month certainly sounds doable to me offhand, though I haven't sat down to really crunch the numbers.

How big a unit you need to comfortably live out of really varies with how much stuff you "need" and how much space you "need." I would probably look for something with at least a permanent bed, as making and unmaking a dinette or a couch every night would get old pretty quickly.

Good advice. I've already gleaned that diesel engines are preferable to gasoline ones. I wasn't planning on towing a car (though come to think of it, the Forester will be paid off soon) and just using a bicycle or maybe a scooter to run errands.

Now, the sales guy was explaining that Class A really had more to do with the shape of the RV. A continuous roofline from front to rear, while a C had the camper-ish "cabover" thing. Some of what I'm seeing is A is sorta synonymous with the big 'bus' type RVs. Again, I'm really thinking smaller, under 30'.

Oh, and I'm currently a brigade S-1 HR NCO, so I'm familiar with Tricare, Space A travel, etc.

I'm assuming "famcamps" are like KOAs? What I'm envisioning is 1) chasing the warmth (I am sick of WV weather LOL), and 2) seeing what I can see...mainly natural stuff.

The biggest cost you will have is when you you have your A or C on the road. Figure 5 MPG then add the cost of fuel (and oil) and it all starts to add up.

Periodically you have to change out fuel and oil filters and class A diesels take oil by the gallon (really a lot of litres). Figure oil changes every 10,000+ miles (depends on the diesel engine) fuel filters every 25K+/- miles.

I am not sure what class A tires cost, but even if you don't wear them out you have to replace them every 3 years or less.

If you are going with a class A or C you are goind to have think about a toad. That is the car you see being dragged behind the class A, C.

Maintenance is another expense. Class A is really a bus. I am guessing you can get away with a few years of minimal maintenance. At some point you are going to have to have some major maintenance. I have no idea what that costs.

The other maintenance is going to be the RV itself. Every year you want the roof checked, slidelouts inspected, anode rods changed every other year, awning inspected (awning will probably need to be replaced every 3-5 years)

You could shop used. Depreciation is huge on any RV (A,B,C,TT,TC,5ver, hybrid). An RV (toyhauler) we bought that was 3 months old had lost a third of its value. Be aware that used are sold as is and if you discover a major problem after you sign, gues what?

Also if you purchase at the end of the season you can save more money.

It is rare that a trailer can be worth more than you paid for it. They aren't like houses and they do wear out.

The other option is to look at travel trailer or 5ver. The advantage here are that TV (tow vehicle) and trailer are separate. If you have trouble with either you can leave it at the shop. With a class A or C the whole rig is in the shop.

If you have trouble with the TV, you can always replace it. That is a little tough to do with an A or C.

If you are still going to keep a home, you can always use the RV as a lifeboat. We have hurricanes around here. If the power gets knocked out we fire up the gensets and live in the RV until the power comes back on. If we are having a party or family get together, we have extra fridge space and ovens, burner space as well.

Hopefully you'll get lots of replies for your questions.

For beginners...Lots of people (including retired military) have less than $2000 a month coming in. IMO that doesn't leave much $$$ and a tight budget is in order but very doable and many do so.

Learn all you can about Tricare. Learn about RVing and "famcamps" and have fun.

Even though we have a house also...learn ins and outs of Space A. And the ridiculous prices they now charge for billeting, for when you want to go somewhere for change of pace.

Fuel is ongoing major expense. We know a couple that doesn't leave AZ. They go to northern part in summer and southern part in winter. Another couple we know that spend about 4 to 6 months camping all the way from Mich to AZ. They move as the weather moves, trying to stay in 70 degrees weather. Lots of "full time" info and blogs to check out.

We enjoy Penfed credit card for 5 percent rebate on gas/fuel. That's 5 percent on purchase price, not 5 cent on gallon. Big difference.

We don't go out of our way for famcamps anymore as their prices not like they used to be. Like anything else some are good some not so good. Lots of American legion and VFW's have rv spots. But we find most of our time is spent at out of the way campgounds and pull into a thousand trails to do wash and get batteries caught up. After about a week of being around lots of people, break out the map and see where to go to next.

One of your problems will be keeping the passenger seat empty, then again I hate to cook:)

Funny you say that....while looking at the RVs yesterday (mostly Thor products....Axis, Hurricane, Four Wind) I found myself wondering where I'd stick the kayak and bike.

Oh, and I'm not sure what I'd do. I prefer outdoorsy stuff, though I would certainly take advantage of whatever the military might have. "Boondocking" sounds good. :B

Are you planning to stay at Military RV Campgrounds, Boondocking, staying at RV Parks, staying at Rv campgrounds that offer no amenities? If I were in your position I would be thinking of a camping trailer or 5th wheel @ truck. Gives you the opportunity to explore the local area while your camper stays at the campground. Also, a truck camper would be convenient to travel around in. Yes, the $2000.00 should be possible depending on your rig and where you land. Don't forget the kayaks and fishing gear.:B Lars

There are numerous people who full time on small units. From class B to class A and even truck campers. All depends on what you can deal with.