What would you have done differently?

[MFToes]

I am 26 contempt with life and realized i don't need very much at all, looking to become a full timer and want to know best recommendations. What would you want/need to start and makes life the happiest. I am looking for as much information as you're willing to type all the way down to fun tips and wishes such as that second airconditioner for the bedroom and outside grill attachment, to keep it under 40', what trucks are your favorites, quiet generators, solar, capacaties. Anything at all to help me be happiest with my luanch. Most importantly can't wait to see you out there somewhere.

[greystroke]

Wow! Everyone is different. I think first you have to decide what your budget is going to be. Next you have to decide if you want to be fixed at your place of employment or do you want to travel.

After you decide then you should start attending RV shows to get a feel of whats out there.

When you think you have a rigged picked out search this forum for the models your thinking about. Try to learn about pricing and when you decide to buy know more than your salesman. Lots of info here if you search for it. By arming yourself with knowledge you can save yourself a lot of money and heartache.

Good luck. Welcome to IRV2.

[TXiceman]

I presume since you mentioned truck, you are looking for a towable....a TT (travel trailer) or a 5er (5th wheel) and not a motorhome.

One of the best suggestions I can make is to rent a motorhome for a week and see how you like and dislike things about it.

For long term use we prefer a 5er. We have had everything except a class B over the years. We are now full time in the RV and have the rig in the signature.

One thing to look for in any RV is that it have enough drawers in the kitchen and bedroom. We have seen some RVs with one lonely drawer in the kitchen and none in the bedroom.

The best way we have found to shop and try on the fit of an RV is to tell the salesman to get lost and let you spend an hour or so in the RV sort of trying it on.
-stand in the shower and make sure you fit.
-pretend that you are getting ready for bed or getting up and see how things work in the bath area.
-pretend that you are fixing a meal and see how the kitchen area works. Are there drawers for the flatware, cabinets for the dishes, etc, a decent sized pantry, counter space to prepare a meal.
-when you are relaxing on the sofa or recliner, is the TV easily seen or do you have to sit sideways.
-Check outside for storage for the grill, chairs, fishing tackle, etc.
-where do you plan to park the rig, long term, short term, summer winter. Unless you get a true four-season RV, they can be pretty miserable in sub-freezing weather.
-full-time rigs are heavier than the entry level units since they are built for heavier use.

If you are simply going to park in one place and seldom move, consider a park model rather than a regular RV.

From a financial stand point you are much better buy a 4 to 5 year old high end unit as opposed to a new entry level unit. The first year, two and three, the things depreciate and the price drops like a rock. You can get a 4 or 5 year old high end 5er for 40 to 50% of the price of a new unit.

I would not wast the time on outside grill mounted on the RV. What happens if you get a flare up and it more than smokes the side of the RV. Consider a Weber Baby Q, and an adapter to use it on larger bottles or an adapter to tap into the main bottles.

Another thing is do you plan to boondock or dry camp? Then you need to consider the size of the battery bank and possibly solar cells and/or a generator. If you do not have a RV generator built in, consider the Honda EU series or the Yamaha. DO NOT get a Home Depot contractor grade cheap-o. They will make you neighbors hate you. If you are not going off-grid, do not bother with solar cells of generator.

If you are close to 30' or longer, get a 50 amp RV and a second A/C.

Let us know a bit more about your needs. Everyone has their specific needs or favorites, so factor in your desires.

For a reference point, the rig in out signature is almost 54' long, nose to tail, with 3' added for the bike carrying basket.

Ken

[Barbaraok]

Do you want to live full time in an RV at a park, never going anywhere.

or

Do you want to be a fulltime RVer. There is a difference and it is important for you to understand the difference and to know why you would like living in an RV?

Barb