erwincm
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Re: To RV or not to RV, That Is The Question
I've posted questions in various forums throughout the internet over the years but never before have a I received such a overwhelming, diverse, and thoughtful response. You guys are amazing! I think the jury is in. We're going to rent an RV perhaps as early as weekend after next and do a 2-3 day trip within 50 miles of our home. I'd like to share my experience with the group afterwards if you guys think I will learn enough from a single trip to be of interest. I'm hoping the trip will sway us in our decision. I must say I am intrigued about the "RV lifestyle" after reading all of your responses. There is an underlying passion there that I did not forsee. I always thought an RV was just another means to an end but honestly never considered the RV itself was part of the adventure. I sense it is a contagious past time for those properly wired to enjoy the journey. I can't wait to find out what kind of family we are - one that enjoys the destination or one that enjoys the journey. Bless you guys for all your guidance. Talk to you again soon... Sincerely, Charles Madison, AL340Views0likes0CommentsRe: To RV or not to RV, That Is The Question
Folks, I apologize for the delayed response but I often only have a chance to check my email and posts every 2nd or third day. Rockhillmanor, thank you for your compassion my friend :) And thanks to all for investing your time and effort in trying to help out a newbie like me. I am overwhelmed by your responses! Now let me try to answer some of the major questions that have been asked: - I own a 2008 Ford F150 truck with a 5.4L Triton engine with towing capacity of 8,600lbs. The plan would be to use my truck to haul the travel trailer around. - Our plan would be to take our time traveling west (from North Alabama) to California, go north along the coastline perhaps as far as Washington state, go east to Yellowstone & Grand Tetons, then south east through Colorado and back home. Our primary destinations would be national parks. We might spend a few days in big cities but that is not our focus. We will stay anywhere from 2 nights to a week per stop depending on the grandeur of the destination. - We enjoy hiking, biking, and sightseeing but are not particular fond of setting up and tearing down a campsite or sleeping on the ground. We've done a fair amount of this in the past. It's fun for a few days but I can't imagine sticking it out for 2 months. - I am a mechanical engineer and it seems like I've spent half my life fixing things. That is to say I can do it but I sure would like to get away from it (mostly) if possible during our trip. Per the group (and my wife's) suggestion, I really like the idea of renting a similar size & style trailer soon and experiencing the lifestyle on a short local trip or two prior to our long-term trip next summer. Hopefully that exposure will sway us one way or the other. I also like the suggestion by some members to go the CG to CG route perhaps renting cabins. However, the major problem with that approach is it requires us to plan our trip down to the day since long-term reservations would likely be required for national parks. To me, that adds the stress of having to be somewhere at a particular day for the entirety of the trip. I would like to keep our schedule semi-fluid if possible in case we choose to stay somewhere longer or shorter than initially anticipated. I hope that answers most of the questions. I realize my initial question is not easy to answer but you guys have actually given me a lot to think about and have in fact answered my question in spades. Bless you for guidance. It is much appreciated. Thank You, Charles340Views0likes0CommentsTo RV or not to RV, That Is The Question
Hello folks. My wife and I are planning a once-in-a-lifetime two month long summer vacation with our two 12-year olds (twin boy & girl) next summer. We have been agonizing over our two basic options for shelter during our trip - hotels or travel trailer. We do not currently own a travel trailer and have never used one before. Aside from all the obvious questions like rent vs buy and the general economical implications of our decision, I am posting this message to solicit the answer or advice from members on the most fundamental question of all: Given our options, which choice would likely yield the most pleasurable and memorable family trip possible? I realize most folks in this forum already own an RV and enjoy the experience or you wouldn't have purchased one in the first place. Please try to answer the question from the perspective of someone who has never owned an RV and may choose not to keep the RV after the trip is over. Of course we will likely keep the RV if we enjoy the experience but I don't want this to cloud your otherwise impartial judgement. Thanks in advance for your help guys! Sincerely, Charles Madison, AL8.8KViews0likes56Comments
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