BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture RV I know NOTHING about RVing!

Hello! I'm a first time visitor to this particular forum and thought I would just throw it out there:

What do I need to think about to get started? What's the best way to research?

Here's the thing. I own a Chevy Equinox that only has a 3500-pound towing capacity and my daydream is to find a small RV trailer to tow behind it so I can meander about anydarnwhere and always have a place. (And with the way my life has gone these last few years, I've been daydreaming especially about selling everything I own and just moving into one full time.)

I feel like I have so many questions and things to learn about RVing in general, but where does one even begin? I can work on calculating all of my towing essentials, but then what?

I wish I had more specific questions, but to those of you who are full or mostly full timing it out there, what is your advice to the beginning dreamers?

Thanks!

I understand your daydreams about selling it all and living in the RV. I did it once before, and will do it again when the time is right. One of the most exciting things is planning your RV escape. And living in your RV full-time is a great way to live!

It does all seem overwhelming at first. There is so much to learn. You are doing the right thing by reaching out on forums to ask fellow RVers for some advice.

How is your research going on those ultra lite RVs that might be able to be towed with your truck? There are so many more to choose from these days. You might also want to consider how your budget would take living in an RV full-time. Will you need to work? How much do you need to work on the road? Does the job you have already allow you to be mobile?

Also, one thing to keep in mind when you think about living in your RV is the weather. One of the best things we did was follow all the other Snowbirds to warmer climates when winter came, and back up north when summer arrived. It makes living in an RV a much nicer experience. You don't have to worry as much about extreme temperatures. If you really want to have some fun, install a few solar panels on your RV. It opens up your world to a whole other aspect of RVing--boondocking. Plus, it's eco-friendly living too!

You will learn a lot as you go along, mostly from fellow RVers, so really the first things you may want to focus on are your financial and living arrangements. Everything else seems to happen more organically as you embark on your journey.

Apple, with a big truck you can choose between a trailer or a 5th wheel. I've found that people who want to drive longer distances end up with 5th wheels, and people who want to drive to one area and set down for a season get long trailers.

But maybe what you want is a smaller trailer that is very easy to tow, hitch, unhitch?

I have a class A motorhome and used to have a class C, so i am not very knowledgeable about towables. I actually also do have two very tiny, dumpy vintage trailers, but i use them as storage sheds out in the bush...But if I was going to do a trailer, I'd pick something lightweight and smallish.

Would you be traveling alone? With pets? In one region mostly or all over?

If you are in MI, you can do winters straight south in Texas, or head to the Southwest, CA, or Florida. What direction is most appealing at first, for you? I can advice about the SW and CA.

Do you have family or friends you might plan your first shakedown cruise around? Some people rent an RV and do a bit of a test to see if RVing is for them before committing to the lifestyle.

Are you going to buy new, gently used from a dealer, or used from a private seller? Do you know what your budget will be for a trailer and tow ensemble?

There is so much for a newbie to learn. I'd start with these questions from Erin and myself, and start looking at actual trailers for yourself. I am a big fan of craiglist for that...and also this is the time to start attending RV trade shows to look at different trailers.

Hi, Apple Blossom,
We tow an 18-foot ultralight Shadow Cruiser with our Xterra. Its size is perfect for both RV parks as well as going out into the middle of nowhere. It has a large fridge and freezer, a separate toilet and shower, a fixed queen-size bed, a nice microwave oven, a slide-out . . . Its amenities are wonderful. We just bought it in August; the RV dealers are having amazing sales due to the economy, so we got it for a sweet price. I haven't driven the Xterra with it personally--my husband does the driving--but we've gone from state to state, in traffic, on winding mountain roads, and on the freeway with no problem. The gas mileage drops drastically, so be prepared for that. Also, we have to pay a lot more attention to the Xterra's maintenance schedule (changing out the fluids more often, checking the tire pressure and wear, etc.) since towing is always harder on the car.

Before we bought, we did some research by reading Trailer Life magazine as well as doing tons of internet searches. We shopped around a LOT for many months to figure out what would work best for us and our lifestyle. The shopping itself was a bit annoying for me (although my husband was like a kid in a candy store), but when we stepped into this one, we knew it was exactly what we wanted--it "felt" right. So I think when you find the right one, you'll know. Good luck!

Why not try an exotic RV holiday to New Zealand or Australia?

Shaann, have you done one of those RV holidays to NZ or Australia? Those must be amazing trips!

figure out what u want and need. do u want a stove and bathroom and refirgerator. are u willing to dry camp (no water, sewer or electricity) doe the equinox have a towing package..(heavy duty brakes and transmission with a fluid cooler. if u plan on full time, id suggest at least a 25 foot camper, but 3 feet of that is tongue. claustrophibia might set in unless u can handle small spaces. a 25 ft camper will weigh around 4500 lbs. and 1200 lbs allowed for camping gear and fresh water tank. weve had a 25 ft outback for 5 years and love it but we dont camp full time. i hope that halps some...good luck

I'm searching for a Mini Class C, 24 feet or under and use the RV Sales Web Sites. The photos of units will help you decide what exactly you want. If you see something you like, bookmark it for later so you can compare different configurations. Decide what's important to you. That might be interior or even exterior color.

I saw one unit where the bathroom was actually IN the bedroom, separated only by a curtain. Hello? Who thought THAT was a good idea? But if you are the only person who will ever be sleeping in it, who cares?

As you look at various RV's, you'll be able to determine what is important to you. Good luck with your venture.

Right after Christmas this year we are taking the plunge and heading for FLA and AL in our 28 ft motorhome. Hubby is retired and I walked away from a job in MI! CRAZY! But, life is short (we've been married a year) and I have a home business. I need input to great RV places reasonably priced and close to the gulf side. Also, need help taking my business (cosmetics) with me on the road. Hookups needed etc. HELP! I'm a newbie but wayyyy excited! We will be towing a small truck and bringing two small doggies.

Hi Erin Yes we have done several. Most recent was 18 days spent soley on the spectacular Coromandel Peninsular in New Zealand. NZ is quite small but there is so much to see and do if you do not spend all day driving. By concentrating on one or a few areas you really get to see the place and all it has to offer. Of course most people have limited time so want to see as much as they can within that time frame.