Retired, first time buyer
Greetings everyone, I am recently retired and looking for my first motorhome. I'm interested in a Class C maybe 22' to 24' long. We intend to start out with some long weekend trips not too far but w...
Forum Discussion
Hey, Ric - nice first post. It's good that you're asking questions now instead of after having made the purchase.
You've listed alot of concerns, but it's a little difficult to figure out WHY you're entertaining the idea of an RV to begin with.
If it's just to save money when you travel, then you already know that the math doesn't always work out that way.
If it's to see the country (possibly several countries, actually) and bring along your family and pets and still be able to sleep in your own bed every night, that's more realistic.
Some of what you seem concerned with are just learning curve items. You say you're not so handy, and that's okay. But over time you learn that dumping tanks isn't as gross and grody as it sounds and cleaning battery terminals isn't a death-defying act if you do it right.
Stuff breaks down and when it does you have to decide if it's something you can fix yourself or if it's something you should leave to the trained professionals.
There are tons of resources (books, forums, seminars at RV shows) to build up your knowledge bank. There's a really great RV show in Tampa in January - maybe think about going?
As for staying in "tacky campgrounds", please know that they're not all like that. Check out a few in your area -Sun n Fun is resort-y and Disney's Fort Wilderness are two that come immediately to mind. There are better ones....and ones that are as you described.
Consider taking the driving course at Lazy Dayz (sp) in Seffner. Maybe rent a Class B camper van or Class C motorhome. Tons of options.
Finding out if you'd like RVing is sort of learning by degrees for some and it's a matter of plunging in head first for othes.
Good luck and please do ask lots of questions and let us know if we can help you along the way.
You've listed alot of concerns, but it's a little difficult to figure out WHY you're entertaining the idea of an RV to begin with.
If it's just to save money when you travel, then you already know that the math doesn't always work out that way.
If it's to see the country (possibly several countries, actually) and bring along your family and pets and still be able to sleep in your own bed every night, that's more realistic.
Some of what you seem concerned with are just learning curve items. You say you're not so handy, and that's okay. But over time you learn that dumping tanks isn't as gross and grody as it sounds and cleaning battery terminals isn't a death-defying act if you do it right.
Stuff breaks down and when it does you have to decide if it's something you can fix yourself or if it's something you should leave to the trained professionals.
There are tons of resources (books, forums, seminars at RV shows) to build up your knowledge bank. There's a really great RV show in Tampa in January - maybe think about going?
As for staying in "tacky campgrounds", please know that they're not all like that. Check out a few in your area -Sun n Fun is resort-y and Disney's Fort Wilderness are two that come immediately to mind. There are better ones....and ones that are as you described.
Consider taking the driving course at Lazy Dayz (sp) in Seffner. Maybe rent a Class B camper van or Class C motorhome. Tons of options.
Finding out if you'd like RVing is sort of learning by degrees for some and it's a matter of plunging in head first for othes.
Good luck and please do ask lots of questions and let us know if we can help you along the way.
