Newbie to RV

Welcome... and My Thoughts
by: Coleen, the RVing editor

Hi David,

Welcome to full-time RVing! It can truly be a wonderful way to live.

I'm going to start with your last questions first. Paraphrased, you asked: Where can we find a rig equipped the way we want it? You can't.

I don't think I've ever met an RVer who bought a rig that was exactly what he wanted. And, if it was what he thought he wanted the day he bought it, a week later he had changed his mind. We all make changes to our units, some minor and others major. Those changes transform the RVs from mass produced campers to our personal, comfortable homes.

You can find a rig that will work for year round living in those very cold temperatures. We have, and so can you. The person who told you that you can't probably didn't want to. We've wintered in RVs in both South Dakota and in Alaska. Take a look at the section I'm adding on cold weather RVing.

If you have lots of time and lots of money, you can do lots of research and come up with lots of ideals. That's not the reality for most folks.

When it comes down to actually buying your rig, you'll likely choose from what is available in your area. That gets narrowed down further by price.

Unless you are knowledgeable about engines, transmissions, and vehicle repair and maintenance, you may want to have a mechanic inspect any unit you are seriously considering.

In my opinion, the floor plan shouldn't be much of a factor in choosing a rig -- yet it is a key factor for most people. For us, the cargo carrying capacity is important, because we travel with heavy tools and books.

When referring to recreational vehicles, price does not equal quality.

Buy a rig you can afford. You don't want to have to keep it forever. Living in one is an excellent way to find out what works for you and what doesn't. If you start with a less expensive rig, it is much easier to upgrade as you learn from your experience.

I think the biggest pitfall that you should be aware of is listening to naysayers who tell you that you can't do things -- or that things have to be perfect before you get started. Use some reasonable caution, yes, and like I said, if you aren't a mechanic, pay one to inspect the motorhome before you buy it, so you have some idea of what you are getting.

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Submitted by: Coleen, the RVing editor

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Hi David, Welcome to full-time RVing! It can truly be a wonderful way to live. I'm going to start with your last questions first. Paraphrased, you asked: Where can we find a rig equipped the way we want it? You can't. I don't think I've ever met an RVer who bought a rig that was exactly what he wanted. And, if it was what he thought he wanted the day he bought it, a week later he had changed his mind. We all make changes to our units, some minor and others major. Those changes transform the RVs from mass produced campers to our personal, comfortable homes. You can find a rig that will work for year round living in those very cold temperatures. We have, and so can you. The person who told you that you can't probably didn't want to. We've wintered in RVs in both South Dakota and in Alaska. Take a look at the section I'm adding on <a href="http://www.rv-life-and-travel.com/winter-rving.html">cold weather RVing</a>. If you have lots of time and lots of money, you can do lots of research and come up with lots of ideals. That's not the reality for most folks. When it comes down to actually buying your rig, you'll likely choose from what is available in your area. That gets narrowed down further by price. Unless you are knowledgeable about engines, transmissions, and vehicle repair and maintenance, you may want to have a mechanic inspect any unit you are seriously considering. In my opinion, the floor plan shouldn't be much of a factor in choosing a rig -- yet it is a key factor for most people. For us, the cargo carrying capacity is important, because we travel with heavy tools and books. When referring to recreational vehicles, price does not equal quality. Buy a rig you can afford. You don't want to have to keep it forever. Living in one is an excellent way to find out what works for you and what doesn't. If you start with a less expensive rig, it is much easier to upgrade as you learn from your experience. I think the biggest pitfall that you should be aware of is listening to naysayers who tell you that you can't do things -- or that things have to be perfect before you get started. Use some reasonable caution, yes, and like I said, if you aren't a mechanic, pay one to inspect the motorhome before you buy it, so you have some idea of what you are getting.

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