Community Forums

iflyskyhigh · 05-09-2010, 03:45 PM

Hey! I came across your website today while doing my due diligence so I thought I would join and see what I could see.

I'm a professional pilot and I live in Scottsdale, AZ, with my wife and two children. I am currently based in Grand Rapids, MI, and commute back and forth. My family and I have decided that we are going to spend the summer in Grand Rapids to save me the commute and get out of the heat of the AZ.

To do this we've made the decision to GO RVing and I'm trying to gather as much information as I possibly can. Rving is something I have always wanted to do and this was the prefect excuse to take the leap. I have these grandiose images of someday traveling the country with my family seeing all these great places for myself that to this point I have only seen in pictures. You would think as a pilot that I would see all these great places, but in reality I don't see much but the insides of airports and hotels. Furthermore I hate air travel with the family and would much rather take a road trip if given the choice.

I have never owned, used, or towed an RV so I'm looking to learn everything I can before I buy the rig. When I first started this research I was completely overwhelmed, it was difficult to even find a place to start. After three and half months of reading everything I could find and visiting several RV lots I think I'm finally ready to start. I realize that I still, for the most part, don't know much at all so I'm willing to listen to anyone who has anything they would like to tell me. After all the a fore mentioned research I have chosen a used 2010 Keystone Cougar 298BHS. I will be pulling it with a 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited CrewMax 5.7L V8. I still need a weight distribution/sway control hitch so I am looking for advice on this purchase.

We will be staying at the Woodchip Campground on the southwest side of Grand Rapids, anyone with any experience here I would like to hear about it.

After the family goes home at the end of the summer I will leave the trailer in Grand Rapids to use through the winter for the times I can't make it home to Scottsdale. Thus I'm also looking for advice on surviving a MI winter in a travel trailer.

I'm really excited and can't wait to get starting camping!

Gary RVRoamer · 05-10-2010, 06:52 AM

Welcome to iRV2, skyhigh. We will be glad to help you out in any way we can, so feel free to ask questions. Make use of the Search function too - lots has already been discussed on the topics you mentioned.

iflyskyhigh · 05-10-2010, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Roamer [Gary]

Welcome to iRV2, skyhigh. We will be glad to help you out in any way we can, so feel free to ask questions. Make use of the Search function too - lots has already been discussed on the topics you mentioned.

Thank you much. Already received lots of great help.

**Petro** · 05-10-2010, 07:08 AM

Ryan;

Welcome to iRV2. We are glad you found us. You have come to the right place for answers to your questions so don't be afraid to ask. I believe the joy of the camping experiences with your children will last a life time for both the parents and the children. Our first RV was an exciting time for my wife and I which we will never forget.

Don

iflyskyhigh · 05-10-2010, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petro

Ryan;

Welcome to iRV2. We are glad you found us. You have come to the right place for answers to your questions so don't be afraid to ask. I believe the joy of the camping experiences with your children will last a life time for both the parents and the children. Our first RV was an exciting time for my wife and I which we will never forget.

Don

Thanks Don. I'm really looking forward to it. My wife is still a little apprehensive about the whole deal. She a real city mouse. But my 6 year old is excited and my 15 month old, well he doesn't know any better yet? I think my thinks that we are going "camping", but I've tried to explain to her that the trailer we getting is by no means roughing it. I'm taking to see the RV this week so I'm sure that will help.

iflyskyhigh · 05-12-2010, 11:16 AM

Thanks for all the advice. I will investigate all your suggestions.

I ended up going with a used 2010 Keystone Cougar 298BHS. It has better than average insulation values, and a fully enclosed and heated underbelly.

I ordered the Reese Straight Line System (WDH/Sway Control).

I'm picking up the trailer next Wednesday and installing the hitch at that time.

I'll then make the final 250 miles of the trek out from Phoenix up to Grand Rapids pulling the trailer.

Thanks to everyone for all their help. I will make sure and let you know how it goes, on all counts (hitch install, hitch performance, and the Tundra towing the big fat TT).

Ryan