I'm a "baby" RV'er...

[Newbi2]

Hi, I'm happy to join what appears to be a helpful, friendly group of folks who are into RV dwelling. I hope I qualify with a conversion van??? I just got my van about a month ago (used) and still working out the kinks. I've never done anything like this before-I only camped once in my life! Not because I don't love the outdoors and "roughing it", but life just didn't provide the opportunities. I've always loved being out, I'm kind of a restless type who is used to change. After kids were all grown and on their own, life seemed so dull and cramped. I have a nice apartment, convenient to everything, etc., but its starting to drive me a little nuts, if that makes any sense. If this all works out, I hope to get rid of the apartment and make the road my permanent home. After researching many options over the past year, I decided a big van would meet my needs without things being too complicated. I don't have the wherewithal to make all kinds of tricky repairs and what not, so the van will work better for me than the rigs with all the bells and whistles. I need things to be simple. I'm looking forward to learning from you all and hopefully will also have something to share. I'm a fairly good improviser! Blessings to all.

[530ktm]

Well my son is just leaving for college this weekend and then I will have the empty nest situation too. Enjoy your adventures and after spending some time you may find that a larger rig will serve you better. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[Arch Hoagland]

We have a friend who just retired last year.

She bought a Roadtrek class B before retirement and then after a year she moved up to a 24' class C.

She now travels all over the western U.S. with her dog. She joined a RV club for single women and has a blast.

So I think you'll do fine.

[MSHappyCampers]

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Bruce C]

[hal1phx]

Enjoy the adventure

[Newbi2]

I really appreciate all the supportive replies!!! I'm facing a lot of criticism from folks here, haha! I've decided to stop even talking about it. Did any of you ever have to deal with that? Maybe its because I'm single, or have lame friends, haha! Anyway, I've researched this for about a year and have planned very carefully.

My resources are on the lean side, but its not like staying where I'm at is going to change that, so I figure why not change my happiness level? I'm just not happy staying put in an apartment in a part of the US that gets such crappy winters that last so long. That was a major deciding factor for me-I can't take these winters anymore. Snow and ice and below zero temps. And with the hills here, the snow and ice is always a monster to deal with.

So, as my dear grandma used to say, "Nothing beats a failure but a try"! I spent the last month working to make repairs and organize my van and for the second time the other night I slept in it, just to get the hang of it. I'm a hands on learner so I'll be spending more time "living" in the van to help me figure out whatever else I need before I hit the road.

I appreciate any advice or tips any of you have-like inexpensive or free places to boondock, where to get repairs, safety, etc. I'm going to look into that RV club for women. I hope I get to meet some of you in person on my travels-you sound like a good bunch of folks!

[Newbi2]

I've been an empty nester for about 8 years. I knew it would be hard on me-my kids were my life, I enjoyed raising them-and I was right! Now they have their own busy lives, etc. I enjoy when we can get together and seeing the grandkids, but its few and far between, so I realized I have to kind of start a new life because this one isn't cutting it for me. I'm pretty busy and involved in a lot of things, but the winters are killing me! And, I'm just restless, sooo...here I go! My kids aren't exactly surprised, they kind of figured they didn't have a conventional mom some time back, haha! I figured if I'm not too old to feel restless, I'm not too old to give something new a try!

[Newbi2]

Would you happen to know the name of that RV club for women? Sounds interesting...

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by Newbi2

Would you happen to know the name of that RV club for women? Sounds interesting...

Yes, here is their website. My friend says you will really enjoy these people.

RVing Women

[Gordon Dewald]

Welcome

Living happily ever after is not a fairy tale - it is a state of mind.

[Newbi2]

Thanks, Arch-I'll look into it!

[Newbi2]

Gordon, you're right. Can you give me directions to that state? I'd like to take my mind to it! : )

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by Newbi2

Gordon, you're right. Can you give me directions to that state? I'd like to take my mind to it! : )

It's in the state of confusion...