Very new to RVing and posting

[FOXBACK]

Wow! This is actually the first time I have ever posted on the forum. And I really do not know what to expect, but so far it has been good. I really do not know how forms work. But it does feel like I just got welcomed into a community of people that are interested in the same thing and I am currently.

So I guess I will tell you a little bit about myself. I am in the army and currently stationed in Hawaii. Where there are no RV dealers at all. And I would even almost guess that there is a law against RVs in Hawaii, we have so many homeless hear that if you give them RVs there's just not enough space for everybody.

But like I said I am in the army and will be moving to Alabama soon. I am on the last leg of my time in the army and will be retiring soon. I don't exactly know what I'm going to do when I get out so we're keeping lots of options open.

However as far as my RVing experience goes I have zero. My plans are to fly into San Antonio by a suitable truck and rig and then live in an RV with my wife and daughter while we renovate houses InAlabama. I have never really considered RVing until now. We renovated one in Hawaii that definitely needed it and the worst thing we hated about it is we had to live in the renovations. My interest in RVing is so we do not have to live in the renovations. Well that little bit of interest has to develop into a, hey we could full-time! We are super excited about downsizing and we have to downsizing segments one leaving Hawaii and then once moving into an RV we will downsize again. So currently we are looking at Riggs to semi full time and with a six-year-old daughter. Little did I know secretly my wife was already planning living in an RV but I guess she wanted me to get the satisfaction of coming up with the "great idea"!

So I guess my first question would be has anybody used an RV rating service?
I used RV reviews.net. And currently I'm not happy with them. The review that I paid for was very slim on information. And I am pretty thorough type of a guy.
As I do not own an RV and a rig that can pull one currently however when I move back in February I will be buying everything for the first time. We are very excited about this and do much more research then we probably should. There is still stuff I have to do around this house to get it ready for sale. Plus the army says there is a small trip to Indonesia I have to go on.

So far it seems like RVs are like houses little things break and you have to fix them. However we are looking for an RV to full-time in. If anybody can also recommend some brands that we can full-time in that would be helpful. Currently we are looking at brands like Evergreen, and heartland. I would like to stay around $50,000 and I need a bunkhouse, and second bathroom. If I can get a second full bathroom that would be best. Any suggestions I would definitely take them into consideration.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community I hope to become a valued member.

Shawn

[DieselTech39]

Shawn, for your service. Glad you're aboard. Keep researching what you think you want for a RV. Lots of opinions here I'm sure. 5ers are probably a good choice if you need a vehicle to get around with while not on the road. Be safe in Indonesia and enjoy your adventures when you return to the mainland.

[greystroke]

Welcome Shawn.

I suggest you look over the site menus and see what each one is for.

When you post or reply to a thread make sure you "subscribe" to it under additional options. That way you will get an e-mail when someone responds.

When you start looking at RV's and you find one you like do a search on the forum and read all the threads about your possible purchase. If your going to get a trailer make sure your tow vehicle can tow it. Someone here can help you. Don't accept as the truth what a salesman tells you. Check it out.

Oh thanks for serving. I did 20

[Hudgens]

Welcome to the irv2 gang, Shawn! Glad you decided to join these forums. And, thanks for your service to our country.

Folks here in these forums are very helpful and can cover a whole range of topics. If I understand correctly, you plan to purchase a truck in San Antonio and maybe a trailer/5th wheel there? Budget is up to $50,000. Need bunk beds and at least bath and a half, but prefer 2 full baths. You are looking at Evergreen and Heartland, but would consider other options.

If those things are correct, I'm sure you will be getting some good advice on things to look for both in the truck and the TT. It sounds like you are really handy and can handle some repairs or upgrades yourself, but you will probably want to minimize repairs so you are free to do renovations.

I'll leave the detailed expertise to others. I don't have a TT or a gas/diesel truck and that's the info it sounds like you are interested in. Good luck and safe travels. (And we should probably wish you good luck with the storms headed toward Hawaii.)

[Fred1609]

Hi Shawn...Thank you for your service sir. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. If your choice is to RV full time there are good 5ers that can meet your needs. A class A is a more expensive option. And I think dollar wise for a family a 5er will work well. Do a lot of research, much of which can be done by using the search window at the top of the page. There's been a lot of threads about full time rigs and which ones are better and there are rigs that are better constructed and suitable for full timing. When we were looking for a new 5er we spent about a year checking out specs and recommendations of other RVers before buying ours. There are some bunk models out there which also have a separate bathroom(toilet and sink). Again lots of research to find the one unit that suites you and your family.

[JohnRR]

Good luck with your plans.

[TonyDi]

Glad to have you here with us. Good luck with your search and Happy Traiils!!!

[Rcandvicki]

Welcome aboard!
Sounds like you have a lot of home work! At least while your on your tour overseas, you can do a lot of research to occupy your off duty time. Thanks for your service to our country!
USN 74-82

[FOXBACK]

Thank you for the warm welcome! It sounds like this is good company!

[Chiefbvfd]

Welcome aboard and good luck with your decision....

[bdickson]

[kiki310]

Hi Shawn, thank you for your sevice and congrats on your upcoming retirement!

~ Kristen

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Shawn! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you found us!

Hope you find the perfect RV for your needs! Enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!



Thank you for your service to our country!

[Gadget63]

Howdy from SC and welcome to the forums. Glad you found us and thank you for your service to this wonderful country!