new to the RV world

Jerry,

Keep in mind most of the folks who read the RV forums are looking for info (like you), have a problem and are looking for a solution or to complain, or like to provide advice (like me). So you will only see posts from a very small group of RV'ers. The majority of RV'ers don't look at these forums.

That being said any reviews you get maybe slewed depending on if the responders have or are having problems with their RV's matching the ones you are looking at.

If you have access to large RV Resorts and campgrounds it may make more sense to drive through the resorts to see what most folks have and talk to the RV'ers with the TTs you like.

To test the waters buy a used inexpensive TT. Depreciation can be a killer so might as well let someone else absorb it.

Have you ever RV'd before? do you have an idea of what you want? What do you have for a tow veh.? How big a trailer can it tow? If it were me I'd rent a few different size trailers and different floor plans to get an idea what I'd have to have in a floor plan ( island walk around bed, size of bath room and shower, food prep. area enough counter space to make a meal) and what I could live with. Then I'd make my 1st TT a used one because down the road your going to want something different after you've done it for awhile.

John, we have a pretty good idea on what we like now(TT under 28 feet), and what we might like when we go fulltiming (new horizon 5th wheel) if they are still around in 10 years.
Have I thought about renting, yes, but really don't like that idea.
we use to love tent camping and still do, but getting to old to use pit toilets anymore or sleeping in a tent in the middle of summer.
like I was saying, I have been thinking about fulltiming for lots of years now, read a few books on it, and have been following the forums for years.
We have the money now to go ahead and buy a small TT and start learning the lifestyle, hoping to keep what we get till we are ready to go ALL IN.

Find a used one that might fit your needs and use it to get the hang of a trailers systems. Its really not too difficult as I am sure you have some mechanical ability, like changing the tire or doing a little electrical trouble shooting. Unless you have a large bank account you have to be able to maintain your rig pretty much yourself. Once you get your rig then go places 2 to 4 hours away and just enjoy the RV lifestyle. One of you may find that its really not what you expected, or you may both fall in love with it and go all in. Just start doing it now, not later.

ken56 wrote:
One of you may find that its really not what you expected, or you may both fall in love with it and go all in. Just start doing it now, not later.

My thoughts exactly ;)

Like said above, I visited RV parks and talked to various folks first.
That was the best thing I did.

Been full time for 8 years now.

When you are ready for FT, I would get a large unit with a floor plan you like.
They get pretty small after a while.

Hi Jerry, welcome! Did you go to the RV show in Indy this past weekend? Now is the time to start looking at different units and seeing what is available - leave your checkbook at home! Until we bought our current rig, we always bought used and got a lot of value for our money, so that is good advice.

There will be another show in Jan or Feb, in the meantime ask all the questions you want and keep reading the forums.

Yes I did go to the indy show, and yes I did leave the checkbook at home :-)

I might try the RV park idea, just don't know if I would feel awkward, people are a little tense now days

Many CG now have cabins you can rent. You might think about renting a cabin or taking your tent for the weekend. As mentioned take a walk around the CG. Most people sitting around relaxing are pretty friendly. A simple hello and a wave will give you a clue as to how friendly someone is. The friendly ones often like to talk about their camper's/RV's. Sharing a campfire is an age old tradition.

It's all in how you ask ;)

Enjoy the search.