Solos just conversation

[smiybrneyes]

I have been lurking for awhile but have decided to make myself known. I am middle 60's, widow, and have dreamed of traveling this country for several years now. I have an older model 24' MH, class C, which is large enough for just me. I have taken several short trips with my mother and my aunt, but dream of taking a trip on my own to meet up with other singles. I had planned to take off right after the holidays to spend Jan. and Feb. in warmer weather but circumstances have delayed my travels until end of Feb. or early March. How about all you singles plan a get together to meet somewhere in early spring? Doesn't have to be a big to-do, but just meet at the same campground for a few days. Anyone interested?

[okmunky]

Originally Posted by justsue

Thanks! What kind of vehicle do you pull behind?

Sue, I tow a Smart Car. It's perfect for us Solos -- light weight, easy to tow. Many people mistakenly think it's small inside, but it's not. It's just half of a car, LOL. no backseat or trunk.

[okmunky]

Originally Posted by smiybrneyes

How about all you singles plan a get together to meet somewhere in early spring? Doesn't have to be a big to-do, but just meet at the same campground for a few days. Anyone interested?

Welcome to the Solos group! Where will you be in early Spring? I'll probably be in the Tampa, FL area or just starting my trek to Seattle. With gas prices what they are it's hard to go too far for just a few days. There are several regional groups that have regular get togethers. The Texas Boomers have one most months.

[Rick Long]

Got up at 4:30am ... and yes thats kinda my normal time to get up, turned on the water to make my coffee and WHAT!!! NO WATER! Did the park have a problem.. oh wait... it's cold as heck out side.. 27*.. duh the hose froze!!! Luckily I had a pitcher of water in the fridge. ahh coffee.

[okmunky]

Rick, have you considered a warmer climate? If not, you might have to learn to like ICED coffee.

[tamaridge]

Hi Smiybrneyes,
I will be in Tampa mid february and plan to be in fla. for several months. I too would like to meet up with other singles. I'm planning to join FMCA solos, and I am a member of the wandering Individuals Network (WINS) . Escapees also have a singles group and RVW has many singles in it. Somebody will be in the southwest. Let me know where you will be.
Linda

[justsue]

Originally Posted by okmunky

Sue, I tow a Smart Car. It's perfect for us Solos -- light weight, easy to tow. Many people mistakenly think it's small inside, but it's not. It's just half of a car, LOL. no backseat or trunk.

I looked into the Smart Car idea and like the price and size.

I never did really introduce myself here so here goes:

Am just recently 65, divorced many years ago - and plan to stay that way for many more - and fully retired. I am full-time in a 2010 Wildcat 5er at an RV Resort in New Braunfels, Tx. I got the RV about 5 months ago, and ended up having to have a number of things fixed on it - from the water heater to the propane tanks and much in between. I was really bummed by the results of my first attempt to purchase a good RV.

Other than that, it is really beautiful and will have everything in good shape, or new, when I sell it (do unto others, ya know, and I need good karma for what I am going to undertake!).

I am looking to buy a Class C so I can travel. And now thinking about towing a Smart Car to run around it (I also checked out the Elite ReadyBrute RV Tow bar). Since I am solo, and quite unprepared to do any heavy maintenance myself) I will probably only travel in the southwest for a while - and try to travel when the weather is good.

One of my sons (and his family) lives here in Tx - see them often - and the other son (and family) lives in Las Vegas. I want to go there first, take my time and stay in a few places on the way.

I hope the process goes smoothly, but after the issues with the Wildcat, I have to say I am a bit gun-shy about committing to a Class C with the extra promise that the "engine/transmission could go wrong too" while I am living full time in it. Visions of spending the night in a maintenance bay at Camper's World haunt me! LOL!

I am hanging on every word that I read here, hoping to ramp myself up for this.

[tamaridge]

Justsue,
Ask alot of questions about the manufacturer and the recalls. Find out what engine it has and any recalls on it. Look for rust! Try out every system first. Talk to other owners about their past concerns, and use this forum before you buy. I have spent many nights in repair bays and months in repair. Buy your coach from the chassis up not the interior down. I wish you good RV Karma!
Linda

[okmunky]

Hi Sue,

I chose a motorhome because I felt it was safer for a solo female -- if something spooks me I can leave in 30 seconds if I had to. I chose a class C because that fit my budget, I chose new because I have had too many bad repair experiences with motor vehicles in the past.

If this was 2 years ago when I was looking for a MH I would consider the deal Winnebago has on their 2013 Vista 26HE.
Winnebago Motor Homes - 2013 Vista

I realize that $70,000 may not be inside your budget, but at only $20,000 more than what I spent, the quality and features are worth it in my opinion. AND, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won't get stranded somewhere is worth it to me.

When I first started traveling by RV I knew NOTHING, but with the help of these kind and generous people on IRV2, I consider myself a successful traveling full-timer. Never be afraid of asking a question here, and don't be put off by the occassional snippy answer. We all have a bad day once in a while.
It's a really nicely laid out small Class A with 1 slide in the main area.

[okmunky]

Oops, I did a little too much cutting and pasting and lost a piece, LOL.

[RVBaby]

After reading Sue's post....I feel your pain! I have no experience at all in the rving world but it has been a dream for many years. Finally, at the tender age of 69 I decided to jump in before it's too late! I have been "looking" for a long time and learning as I went even though nothing replaces the actual experience. I visited many dealers and private sellers too looking mainly for a used class A and C. One day I ventured into (I hope I am allowed to say this...) Palmetto RV near Charleston, SC. Mike, the owner, greeted me, informed me, never hurried me, called me every week, answers all my questions etc. After several months went by he got in a 2002 Damon Intruder and I fell in love with it but because I am still waiting for my refi to close I could only put a deposit on it. I visit Mike every week with a fist full of questions. Mike remains happy to answer them, educates me and patiently puts up with me. We will conclude the purchase later this month and then he puts me through two intensive days of RV School at a local CG. (Free as part of the purchase).
So I guess what I want to say is, when "shopping" for your dream motorhome find your "Mike" and hopefully he will be the one to trust ( I am a great believer in intuitive feelings). I am pretty sure I have made a wise choice with the Damon but when those unforeseen things happen I have a "go to" person....Mike. I know he has my back and knowing that makes this great new adventure way less scary!

[smiybrneyes]

Hi, Barb and Linda, and thanks for your reply. I don't have any definite plans at this time, so I am open to any. I live in Alabama, so a trip to Florida is not that hard to plan. Barb, when do you plan to head back north and what route will you be taking? There is a great Federal park close to Pensacola, Ft. Pickens, ocean and beach on one side and bay on the other. With the Federal Seniors pass it's only $10/night. That would be one suggestion if you will be coming that way. Linda, where in Fl. will you be? I am willing to go anywhere to meet .... just to get on the road and have a destination!!!!!! I love the Tampa area and wish I could be there now. And to anyone else interested in meeting, I have a great desire for a trip to the southwest....Texas.....in particular. Make me an offer, I can't refuse!!!!!

Jan

[justsue]

Originally Posted by smiybrneyes

Hi, Barb and Linda, and thanks for your reply. I don't have any definite plans at this time, so I am open to any. I live in Alabama, so a trip to Florida is not that hard to plan. Barb, when do you plan to head back north and what route will you be taking? There is a great Federal park close to Pensacola, Ft. Pickens, ocean and beach on one side and bay on the other. With the Federal Seniors pass it's only $10/night. That would be one suggestion if you will be coming that way. Linda, where in Fl. will you be? I am willing to go anywhere to meet .... just to get on the road and have a destination!!!!!! I love the Tampa area and wish I could be there now. And to anyone else interested in meeting, I have a great desire for a trip to the southwest....Texas.....in particular. Make me an offer, I can't refuse!!!!!

Jan

I am in an RV resort in New Braunfels, Tx - between Austin and San Antonio, and close to the Texas hill country wonders. If you ever get down this way, let me know. I would love to meet up with others who are already "on the road"! I think I will be taking some of the advice I am getting here, and take time to find the right coach, and the right plan before I take off on my own.

[justsue]

Originally Posted by RVBaby

After reading Sue's post....I feel your pain! I have no experience at all in the rving world but it has been a dream for many years. Finally, at the tender age of 69 I decided to jump in before it's too late! I have been "looking" for a long time and learning as I went even though nothing replaces the actual experience. I visited many dealers and private sellers too looking mainly for a used class A and C. One day I ventured into (I hope I am allowed to say this...) Palmetto RV near Charleston, SC. Mike, the owner, greeted me, informed me, never hurried me, called me every week, answers all my questions etc. After several months went by he got in a 2002 Damon Intruder and I fell in love with it but because I am still waiting for my refi to close I could only put a deposit on it. I visit Mike every week with a fist full of questions. Mike remains happy to answer them, educates me and patiently puts up with me. We will conclude the purchase later this month and then he puts me through two intensive days of RV School at a local CG. (Free as part of the purchase).
So I guess what I want to say is, when "shopping" for your dream motorhome find your "Mike" and hopefully he will be the one to trust ( I am a great believer in intuitive feelings). I am pretty sure I have made a wise choice with the Damon but when those unforeseen things happen I have a "go to" person....Mike. I know he has my back and knowing that makes this great new adventure way less scary!

I need to find my "Mike"! I have yet to find anyone who wanted to do more than sell me a coach. It sounds to me like you really have made a wise choice! I hope you keep posting, so I can follow your adventure here too.