Just Starting the Process

[Kat50]

New from CT and just starting our search. We have 2 1/2 years to find the "perfect" rig. Then a year to shake out the bugs. Then retirement and off to see the world with our pre shaken new home!!

Thank you all in advance for all your knowledge and experience!

[Petro]

Kat50;

Welcome to iRV2. You have come to the right place to start your search. There is a wealth of RV info available to you here. Browse the forums that interest you and don't be afraid to ask questions. Enjoy the forums.

Don

[beamisl]

Kat50,

Welcome to the Forum! 2 years ago someone suggested I come here to research anything and everything RV while my DH and I were trying to learn what we needed to know so we could make a good decision.

It worked! I started reading threads, how to empty tanks, about TVs, inverters, heating and cooling systems, tires, driving, and you name it, it is here. Just enter a subject in the search box and read away.

By the time you are ready to buy you will have a good amount of knowledge and not make as many mistakes as you would without this place.

Go to RV shows. Look at and sit in RVs. Do you want a MH (motorhome), 5er (5th wheel and tow truck), TT (travel trailer and tow vehicle) or trying to figure that out. Go to PPL Motorhomes web page out of Texas. It shows floor plans. This is often felt to be the most important thing for couples to decide on.

It's kind of like walking into a house, you either like it or not. The floorplan will need to work for both of you. How many slides do you need. Are you both smaller builds or tall and bigger. Can you move around in the shower and wash yourself. How much storage do you need.

Start a list now of things you would like to take with you. Add to it whenever you think of something else. What clothes will you need to take, how much storage do you need for them. Toys, kayaks, bikes, motorcycles, do you need a toy hauler (TH). Grandkids? Bunk beds for them or not. Tools, what tools will you need to take with you.

You get the idea. Start going to dealerships and tell them you are just starting, not ready to buy yet. You just want to sit in the rig a bit and look around. Do you fit on the bed or hang over, can you see the TV from seating? If you had several days of rain could the two of you get along in the rig without killing each other.

All of the above was suggested to me when I came here. It narrowed down my search a lot. Do you want used or new, pay cash or make payments. what do you absolutely need and what can you get along without and are you willing to let some things go or do you need it all?

Most of all, enjoy the search. It can be a lot of fun. Then when you walk inside the right rig you will know and you will be ready to buy. DO NOT BE IN A HURRY!

Best of luck, visit often and ask questions. Lynne

[Kat50]

Lynn and Don - Thank You!

ATM we are in Toy Hauler mode (trike) so my choices there are Newmar and Thor as I do not see a 5th wheel in my future but as life changes that may also. That also answered the gas vs diesel question .

There have been so many helpful threads here as I lurked the last couple of months and so many options we never considered. We have started to go to the dealerships to look around and I anticipate ideal home will change as we refine our wants vs needs. Next stop local camp grounds to speak with owners and RV shows.

Through the lurk we have started to define a basic "what do we need" list of stuff for the RV. Over the next two years we will start to pick up bits and pieces so we won't be shopping for stuff after our new kid comes home. A slow way to ease into it and keep the excitement up and to keep me from rushing out and making the big buy. Not that Im impulsive... much..From tire plugs to flashlights its the incidentals that kill ya.

Thank you for the welcome.

Kath

[rvtrekers]

[sdennislee]

Hi and

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[jimmy braden]

thats about how long it took me... g/l

Go to PPL Motorhomes web page out of Texas. It shows floor plans. This is often felt to be the most important thing for couples to decide on.

Caution about some of the units they sell. Have been known to see some flooding in that area..