Community Forums

mikerb · 10-17-2013, 08:54 PM

Been a member for about 5 hrs. Soo late getting involved.
My wife and I are a couple of years from retiring. We feel when we retire we want to sell our home and get a motorhome and see the country. Anyone out there been thru this? I've been researching motorhomes etc. Would love to hear from some folks that have been thru this. Do we start with a good sized pusher or start smaller gas and move up from there?

Please share thoughts from some that have been thru this.

Thanks!

**JohnRR** · 10-17-2013, 09:42 PM

Good luck with your search.

Bruce C · 10-18-2013, 04:56 AM

from NH. Many have done this but bear in mind everyone has different wants and needs, so read the forums and perhaps they will help you in your decision. Good luck. Let us know how you move forward.

bdickson · 10-18-2013, 05:22 AM

We've been down the same road you are considering and we have absolutely no regrets.

Kdsgone2dogs · 10-18-2013, 06:43 AM

Welcome to the forum! There are many on this forum that have done just what you are planning and they will be a huge help to you! We don't full time, but do stay out 2-3 months at a time. My suggestion would be to visit campgrounds in your area and talk with RV'rs about their rigs...we are great for talking about our "babies"

Also, go to RV shows! But be careful at shows..you get the "I wants" really bad...I know, our first RV was from the Tampa RV show...
We also visited a local dealer and had a very nice sales lady that asked us one simple question...how do you plan on using your RV? Full time, local travel only, more than the 2 of you (yes...two large dogs!), staying out for extended periods of time, is lots of storage important....etc. She was the only sales person to ask us that question BTW...You already know your answer. So go to some dealers and test drive all the different kinds.....just don't fall in "love at first site" . Have fun in your search and take good notes when the full timers give you suggestions.
Hope to see you on the road

becks · 10-18-2013, 06:58 AM

We have done what you plan to do. Good advice above. Large diesel pusher would be my recomendation for fultiming. Take your time looking. There are many lightly used DP's for sale at great prices. Good luck.

Selah · 10-18-2013, 07:37 AM

Been there, in the process. Our first coach was a gasser because we were not sure how much we would use it. Planned on a couple of months a year. Picked it up last December and didn't go home until mid April. A couple more 2 week trips convinced us that we would like to go full time. Traded our eight month old gasser for a DP, close on our house next month, got a mail service, and then we will officially full time.
Since you are starting off with the possibility of full time I would get a DP. Primary consideration should floor plan and how it feels when you first walk in. Size is less important as a 35 foot is going to handle about the same as a 40 foot. Larger than 40 usually have tag axles, they are a little more stable in high winds and have more cargo carrying capacity.
New or used... There are vehement supports of each and I mean vehement, buy what you feel comfortable with.
Some things I think you should consider: heat pumps, save on propane or diesel. Stacked washer/dryer, again you will get different opinions but for us it is mandatory. Three air conditioners if your going to spend much time in high temp areas of the country. The little fake fireplace in some units, at first we thought they were silly but after having one their great to take that initial chill off in the morning.
This is all overly simplified so keep researching and asking questions.

Medico · 10-18-2013, 09:56 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

You will find many threads on this question is this and other forums. If you read through the various threads you will get more info than you expect. Have a ball. We accomplished exactly what you are looking at earlier this year. We could not be happier.

CampDaven · 10-18-2013, 10:06 AM

We have been F/T for 2 years in a 33 ft with 2 short slides, front diesel. What we aint got, we dont need, and we have extra storage space.

Some folks need 45 ft with 4 slides. They may just have more stuff that they cannot do without, or just want bigger.

Once you figure out how much stuff you need aboard, just find something it will fit inside of with a floorplan you like.

Best wishes!

MSHappyCampers · 10-18-2013, 10:59 AM

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

Can't help with your question since we don't have the guts to sell the house and go fulltime! Hope it works out for you! Enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!