Community Forums

Chief Deputy · 07-03-2020, 04:32 PM

Hi all!
My wife and I are now retired and planning to sell our home and full time in a motor home.

We own a 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie 4 X 4, which weighs in at 6200 lbs. Because of this we have ditched looking at Class A gas coaches and focusing on diesel pushers 35’ to 40’. We haven’t completely ruled out a class C if we found a floor plan we like.

All that said, we are looking to rent a motor home this fall to drive from south MS to Smoky Mountain NP for a week.

We are looking at RvShare site for the rental and still up in the air about which RV park. We are not too interested in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge shopping and shows as much as seeing the beauty of the NP and spending time in the motor home. Oh, and we have a 100 dog that’s like our child.

Is RvShare the way to go or are there other options? Which RV park in that area would be best? Would love to be near a creek. Nice sites, not on top of each other are more important than amenities.

I’ve never driven a class A but I have driven a 40’ bus and 2 1/2 ton trucks while in the army years ago. Not sure if this is an issue with renting a class A.

DeWat · 07-03-2020, 04:43 PM

As for the RV park question, Anchor Down RV Resort near Knoxville is a beautiful spot for getaways (New RV Resort, Breathtaking Views, Fireplaces, BathHouse, STAY WITH US). It's not in the mountains, but you're not far away. It's also not near a creek, but it is right on a river They allow pets, and of course have a pet policy which you can see under the rules on their site.

zman62 · 07-03-2020, 04:50 PM

Check out Goss Rv. They have everything from a provost and on down

jacwjames · 07-05-2020, 07:24 AM

Renting an RV may be the way to go. Make sure you get a good walkthough and explanation of all the workings. It could be daunting especially on newer rigs with all the bells and whistles.

Driving the RV shouldn't be a problem, we had a smaller class C and the Class A we have now is easier to drive with better visibility and more comfortable. Watch yourself in tight quarters, filling stations & parking lots, take wide turns and watch your tail wag.

We've traveled with large dogs, always kenneled while under way, it's safer them and you. If the dog has any signs of separation anxiety it would better to keep them kenneled while away or might be paying for damage when you get back.

Look at campgrounds in Townsend or Walland, they are further off the beaten path with not as much traffic as Pigeon Forge. Easy access to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

van-gogh · 07-08-2020, 06:00 AM

congratulations on retirement and jumping into RVing as there is a lot of selections and types of RVs. Some folks select the 5th wheel so they can load the motorbikes in the back of the Toyhaler. Sounds like you have some time behind the wheel and all the past skills will all fall back into place for you. So the big thing seems to be finding the right Class A, now that can become a bit fun and challenging. Sounds like you on the right track, do you plan on the wife having some time behind the wheel? As that may be something you would both want to think about. But hey have fun and congratulations on a lot of fronts. Retirements, RVing full time, RV selections, and grandchildren. TRY and relax when you BOTH can enjoy time together and your new life on the roads while RVing. Be safe and have fun.