We are 1/2 way through year 2 of ft. The stick and brick is long gone. The one thing I can tell you without a doubt, rvs are not for everyone. Whether ft or vacations long and short.
There has been some discussion about renting, both pro and con. The one thing I would tell by best friend or worst enemy is.... Do not under any circumstances buy a new rig. If you love your first rv and keep it forever. You will be in a very small minority. Most change rigs several times before hitting on the "right one". All rvs are an abundance of compromise.
If you plunk down 150k on a new rig, go 200 miles, one night, and she absolutely hates it.....it will be expensive and not good for martial bliss.
Here are 2 ideas that might help. In both cases you should start with a single goal of finding out if you both enjoy the lifestyle. Worry about how you enjoy the travel not if it's homey enough. That will come later. If you love it like we do (the lifestyle) making it a home comes later.
1st way, rent. Rent a large enough rig to get at least one slide. Go some place cool Green Bay in winter is not it, nor the Grand Canyon in August. Make sure to insist on a thorough walk through so you have a good grasp of how the systems work. Nothing will sour a newbie like no hot water, no heat, or can't get the tv to work.
2nd choice. (This is how we got back into rvs after a long hiatus)
Bought a 6 year old 3/4 ton diesel pickup. Bought a used 28 ft 5th wheel, total investment 15 k. Drove 13k in 3 months, saw a shuttle launch, a Nascar race, kill devil hills and much more. We began upgrading after that. The point our loss at trade in was minimal.
Lastly watch RV with Robin Williams it will help with emotional side of rv ing and what's important in life!
Good luck in your ventures
