Newbie introduction (and some general questions)

[dbwiddis]

Hi, everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster, and soon to be first time RV owner.

Our family has been tossing the idea of RV ownership around for about 5 years, ever since we moved into a house with RV parking. (Gotta fill it with something, right?) Over the last year we've gotten serious about figuring out what we want to do and over the past week we're actually taking steps toward buying one. We shopped around a few places yesterday and plan to return to one on Saturday to close out a deal.

I'm posting my general outline of a plan here with an open invitation for you more experienced types (I've heard you're friendly, so don't disabuse me of that notion!) to offer comments, criticisms, opinions, and helpful suggestions.

About us:
- Family of 5, kids aged 6, 7, and 12.
- I telecommute and can work from anywhere with internet.
- Kids are home schooled so we have flexibility to take school anywhere in the country and actually learn about places by being there instead of reading about it in a book.
- We've done a few 1-2 week "road trips" in our minivan (with cargo carrier and cargo rack) but really tired of the cramped conditions, perpetual unpack/pack routine, and dining+hotel expense/variable quality.

The long term plan:
- We are probably eventually Class A types, but aren't quite sure what we would want/like yet and that's a significant expense to throw down until we learn more. We want to dip our toes into it with a Class C until we better learn our preferences.
- Comparing the costs of renting for our upcoming planned trips vs. buying a used vehicle, we're going the ex-Rental (El Monte) used route, looking mostly at 2006-2008 31-footers at this point. We plan to try to sell it again in 2-3 years when we "upgrade"... not much investment to lose even if we practically give it away. (And we have friends who would probably want it.)

Question 1: Is the above a reasonable expectation/pattern to follow?

The near term plan:
- We live in Las Vegas. We have family in Colorado we want to visit for Christmas, and a week at Disney World (Orlando) in January that we plan to drive to. The whole road trip will be about 4 weeks. In order for that to not be our first trip, we also planned an overnight about 2 hours away in early December.

Question 2: Is 4 hours of driving and one overnight at an RV campground a few weeks before "the big trip" enough of an introduction, or should we plan a longer trip?

Question 3: We have no set route or plan to get from Colorado to Florida, but plenty of time. Is it reasonable to make impromptu plans/same day reservations at campsites? We are looking into a KOA membership. Are there other similar types of memberships we can/should consider as alternatives? I am retired military, and understand that military bases also offer alternatives sometimes? (OK, multiple questions but on the same theme!)

Question 4: We don't plan on towing/bringing any other vehicle. We reason if we really need a smaller car anywhere we can't fit our RV we can try to rent one. Is this reasonable, or should we really look into towing options before this trip?

Question 5: We don't have any "gear" yet. I've read the FAQ (as much as I can comprehend) but am interested in a short list "must have" things for a newbie to buy just to survive... we'll get more as time goes on and we know what we need. Also, should we decide while we're on the road that we need something, where are the best places to buy RV parts? Do most big stores with automotive sections (e.g., Walmart, etc.) have things or should we seek out RV/camping stores?

Question 6: Purchase process questions. When you buy a new car you generally drive it off the lot the same day. I am assuming that this is not the case with an RV... you make the purchase, but you give them a few days to get everything ready for you? In that time you line up financing, insurance, road protection, etc.? Any other biggies I'm missing? I've seen the "Good Sam" stuff all over this forum and assume it's a good idea for some options, any other ideas for one-stop-shopping on things like roadside assistance, campgrounds, etc.?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice! Look forward to getting past the newbie stage and asking more complicated questions the next time! 🙂

[MarkTwain]

Welcome to RV.net.



Our family has been tossing the idea of RV ownership around for about 5 years, ever since we moved into a house with RV parking. .


About us:
- Family of 5, kids aged 6, 7, and 12.
- I telecommute and can work from anywhere with internet.
- Kids are home schooled so we have flexibility to take school anywhere in the country and actually learn about places by being there instead of reading about it in a book.
.

The long term plan:
- We are probably eventually Class A types, but aren't quite sure what we would want/like yet and that's a significant expense to throw down until we learn more. We want to dip our toes into it with a Class C until we better learn our preferences.


Question 1: Is the above a reasonable expectation/pattern to follow?

The near term plan:
- We live in Las Vegas. We have family in Colorado we want to visit for Christmas, and a week at Disney World (Orlando) in January that we plan to drive to.

Vegas to Florida is approx. 2300 miles, 40 hrs and @ 6 hrs. per day driving @ 60mph, it will take about 7 days one way or 14 round trip. Most of us drive approx. 6 hrs. per day and then start looking for an RV park for the night. Driving longer days could be hard on the kids to just sit for that many hours. Especially with kids, I would suggest you stop at every rest stop to let the family get out and stretch. This leaves you about 14 days to visit, sight see etc etc. Leaving in Dec. will mean you will be driving in snow/winter weather which means you just have to allow for slower speeds, more time and days traveling.
Alternative plan, fly to Colorado for the holidays. Return to Vegas and drive south to I-10 to avoid as much of winter weather as possible, drive east to Florida.

Question 2: Is 4 hours of driving and one overnight at an RV campground a few weeks before "the big trip" enough of an introduction, or should we plan a longer trip?

1. This should be ample time to learn all the operational systems of the RV. Turn off/on every system in your RV. Be sure there is an operation manual with the rig. I would suggest you start using and operating the systems as soon as you get the RV home. Take the time to show/explain to the family how to use the bathroom and need to conserve H20 when showering.
2. Buy an Emergency Road Side Assistance Plan. Cheap price for peace of mind. Get the Good Sam Platinum plan.
3. Take the RV to a Tire shop you trust and have them inspect all tires. Check the DOT dates on the tires, if they are over 4 yrs. old replace them regardless on how the tread looks. Ask the tire shop to also give you a set of good chains. Ask the dealer you are buying the rv from to give you all the service records for the rv.




Question 3: We have no set route or plan to get from Colorado to Florida, but plenty of time. Is it reasonable to make impromptu plans/same day reservations at campsites?

There are 2 schools of thought on reservations: 1. no reservations, play it by ear and hope for the best 2. Use the Good Sam trip planner on the web site and ask it to list All the RV parks along your route, call and make reservations for each day. You can always cancel if you want to. Many military bases have RV parks but I would call each base along your trip route to be sure. KOA, at least in Calif. is high priced:( You also want to make sure the RV park you want is open in the winter months. Good Sam members get a discount on most RV parks. Some organizations like the Eagles and the Elks have RV accommodations throughout the United states but you have to be member to stay there.

Question 4: We don't plan on towing/bringing any other vehicle.
For your Florida 1 month trip, you can get back without a tow vehicle but it can be less than ideal when you need to run down to the store in town. Once you get your Class A pusher, I would look at getting a tow car.

Do most big stores with automotive sections (e.g., Walmart, etc.) have things or should we seek out RV/camping stores?

I would get as many of the RV parts you need before you leave on your trip. Stores other than RV stores tend to have a limited amount of parts.
1. water hoses (white only)
2. sewer hoses (2 10' hoses)
3. change the water filters.
4. basic set of tools, lug wrenches
5. Optional but important to me: 1. CB radio - for road conditions, accidents or alternative routes if road is blocked ahead 2. set of walki talkies so others can be of assistance when you are backing up your RV in the rv park.
6. Good GPS i.e. Garmin
7. Good Sam RV Directory for RV parks information and phone numbers.

Question 6: Purchase process questions.

You want the dealer to go through the complete RV to verify that all systems are working. Make sure the tech person spends about an hour with you showing and explaining how everything works on the RV. Make him actually operate the systems while you are watching.

I've seen the "Good Sam" stuff all over this forum and assume it's a good idea for some options, any other ideas for one-stop-shopping on things like roadside assistance, campgrounds, etc.?

Good luck and tell us about what RV you buy. Email me privately if you want more detailed RV information.