We think we're ready to start RVing

Another thought. I got into RVing because I like to be really in nature; the woods, by a river, in the desert, etc. Rving is a means to do that if you usually stay in public, natural campgrounds. Wake up with nature around you. I don't care a thing about sleeping and living in an RV just for the sake of doing it. Home is better. So, consider what your goal is; to be in nature or just to have a motel on wheels. Either or both is OK but, for me, motel on wheels isn't the point.

If you only 'think' you are ready, you are not ready. When you are ready you will know it.

suprz wrote:
A bit of advise that an older gentleman told me when i was looking to upgrade from our pop up to a Class C. Go bigger than smaller on the first RV you buy, if it works for you great! If it doesnt, it is a lot easier to trade in a larger rig for a smaller one than vice -versa. But we find our 31ft Class C quite comfortable. Go big, or go home! .......

A big RV might fit your lifestyle. I does not fit mine. A big RV will not fit in many forest service camping areas. In fact there are lots of national park campgrounds that are not designed for bigger RVs. A big RV typically is going to require hook ups. That is another huge and expensive limitation.

Don't buy an RV with the intention of trying it out and then trading. That is extremely costly especially if you buy a new RV.

A bit of advise that an older gentleman told me when i was looking to upgrade from our pop up to a Class C. Go bigger than smaller on the first RV you buy, if it works for you great! If it doesnt, it is a lot easier to trade in a larger rig for a smaller one than vice -versa. But we find our 31ft Class C quite comfortable. Go big, or go home! :B.
PS... We also try to remember something else about enjoying ourselves while RVing. "You are not promised tomorrow".

We differed from others as we jumped right in, purchasing a new 17' KIWI TT in 2000. We never looked back since. To me the most important things are a comfortable place to sit in the evening to watch TV, and a walk around bed.

In September take an extended weekend trip to Hershey PA for the RV show. If you can't find one to your liking at that event, give it up!

I appreciate everyone's advice. It is doubtful that we would rent prior to a purchase. As for a truck, I am long overdue for an upgrade. That not only would be something to tow an RV with, but for daily use as well. We have checked out some campgrounds on the coast and found some we thought were ok and others not so much. We are very deliberate in making decisions so nothing will be happening for a few months at the earliest. We did very much enjoy visiting our local RV dealership recently and looking at different models.

Deb and Ed M wrote:
If you don't rent an RV - at least drive through some State Park and private campgrounds, to get the feel for what RV camping is like. It can be noisy, muddy or dusty, cramped, etc. ........ :-)

This is partly what I mean by deciding the type of RV experience you are interested in and then buying an RV that is suitable for that lifestyle.

I don't go to RV parks. I avoid State or private campgrounds that are similar. I avoid any place with hook ups. I avoid staying at or near water.

I like going to beautiful, unspoiled, and uncrowded areas. That can be virtually impossible towing a big trailer.

If you don't rent an RV - at least drive through some State Park and private campgrounds, to get the feel for what RV camping is like. It can be noisy, muddy or dusty, cramped, etc. Not everyone enjoys rubbing elbows with their neighbors who might be only 15' away. There ARE shrieking kids and barking dogs.

That being said, you will NOT find a hotel tucked into a beautiful forest or wake to singing birds. You won't discover lovely hiking trails and scenic little places off the beaten path. We have camped in places so beautiful it took our breath away.

And to learn more - this forum is invaluable. Just read, and learn from others.

Personally? I will camp until I am physically unable to :-)

Buy more truck than you think you need or go lighter than you think you'd like.

Wish I had a duramax or had a trailer coming in at 3,000 less pounds.

I am another who sees little value in renting. Trying to get used to a rental is not going to give you a valuable experience. If you do get an RV plan on spending some time customizing and getting used to living in it. I also recommend you stay at least 20 feet away from any RV salesperson. Instead think through what you really plan on doing with an RV. If your intention is to go to a beach resort area and save some money, you might want to reconsider. Resort RV parks can be expensive and you will need to pay for the RV and a suitable truck.

Again think about what you really want to do and what type and size of RV will be suitable. Staying small is a great idea, but unless you stay really small a half ton truck might not be enough.

I would start by listing what is really needed. A/C? Wet or dry bath? Microwave? Oven? Hook ups or solar with or without generator? Full size Queen bed? Etc, etc. Then start by looking at the smallest units that are suitable. Try to avoid adding more and more and try to avoid the influence of a salesperson pushing more and more features. You can get a tremendous amount of information off the internet. Look at manufacturer webpages and study floor plans and features before hitting the dealerships.