New to RVs -- Planning for First One
Hello,
I just joined this forum. I'm a former sailor who has made a major change in his future plans -- instead of seeing the world from the deck of a sailboat, I'm going to see the United States from an RV. I'm going to be working full time in the beginning, but I work remotely for my employer, only requiring a high-speed Internet connection. Later (I'm 51 now), I might look into doing the work camper thing.
I would appreciate any advice and suggestions for choosing an RV based on the following criteria:
1. I will have $18,000 to spend. I want to pay cash and not finance anything. I'm very handy, so I don't mind doing some work to fix something up. I have the skills to repair and add mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fixtures/gear. I'm definitely going to be buying used, both the trailer and the tow vehicle.
2. I will be spending about three to four months in each location, moving as the seasons change to experience the weather I enjoy: 50 to 75 degrees daytime highs, low humidity, clear, sunny skies.
3. For living space: a bed that can remain permanently set up (don't want to be converting a dinette or pull-out sofa into the bed each night); a bathroom with a toilet, sink, shower, and holding tank; a kitchen with fridge, oven/range, double sink, and microwave; a comfortable seat/chair; a permanently arranged dinette for eating meals. I don't need a lot of space. I lived aboard a 28 foot sailboat for a year and a half; it was tiny.
4. I've pretty much ruled out a motor home, because I will occasionally need to drive a considerable distance to visit family. I would like to be able to leave the "home" where it is, and drive a more fuel efficient vehicle. So I'm considering either a travel trailer or a fifth wheel.
I think what would be most helpful to me right now is to first decide which would be preferable based on my criteria: a travel trailer or a fifth wheel.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
Jay
I just joined this forum. I'm a former sailor who has made a major change in his future plans -- instead of seeing the world from the deck of a sailboat, I'm going to see the United States from an RV. I'm going to be working full time in the beginning, but I work remotely for my employer, only requiring a high-speed Internet connection. Later (I'm 51 now), I might look into doing the work camper thing.
I would appreciate any advice and suggestions for choosing an RV based on the following criteria:
1. I will have $18,000 to spend. I want to pay cash and not finance anything. I'm very handy, so I don't mind doing some work to fix something up. I have the skills to repair and add mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fixtures/gear. I'm definitely going to be buying used, both the trailer and the tow vehicle.
2. I will be spending about three to four months in each location, moving as the seasons change to experience the weather I enjoy: 50 to 75 degrees daytime highs, low humidity, clear, sunny skies.
3. For living space: a bed that can remain permanently set up (don't want to be converting a dinette or pull-out sofa into the bed each night); a bathroom with a toilet, sink, shower, and holding tank; a kitchen with fridge, oven/range, double sink, and microwave; a comfortable seat/chair; a permanently arranged dinette for eating meals. I don't need a lot of space. I lived aboard a 28 foot sailboat for a year and a half; it was tiny.
4. I've pretty much ruled out a motor home, because I will occasionally need to drive a considerable distance to visit family. I would like to be able to leave the "home" where it is, and drive a more fuel efficient vehicle. So I'm considering either a travel trailer or a fifth wheel.
I think what would be most helpful to me right now is to first decide which would be preferable based on my criteria: a travel trailer or a fifth wheel.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
Jay
