With any luck, there will be no "surprises" when we lift up the living room carpet!
Showing posts with label RV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RV. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
And A Year Or So Later...........
Bedroom done! Living room to go!
With any luck, there will be no "surprises" when we lift up the living room carpet!
With any luck, there will be no "surprises" when we lift up the living room carpet!
Friday, April 10, 2015
RV Show at the Evergreen County Fairgrounds in Monroe, WA
We are probably a year away from buying a brand new rig, but we do spend a lot of time looking at floor plans and checking out different 5th wheels. There are so many brands, and so many levels of quality. What we have determined is that if we are going to full time it for 5-10 years (that's the current plan anyway), we are going to want what we want. While cost is important, it will not be a deal breaker.
Right now we have a 2005 NuWa Hitchhiker II LS. We love the floor plan and are looking for something similar but with a W&D connection that isn't crammed into the bathroom.
For whatever reason, the dealers did not bring the "new" fifth wheels to the show. I guess the newest models won't be arriving until June. Some of the sales people we talked to said they had new rigs at their permanent locations, and we should stop by and see them there. For the ones we talked to that actually listened to what we were looking for, we will be stopping by at some point. For the ones that didn't listen, and just wanted to push whatever they had on hand, well, we won't be your customers. Your loss.
We've narrowed down our major front runners to Forest River, Arctic Fox and DRV. The Forest River models at the show were not the top of the line, and the ones that were there were used rigs, more than a few years old with floor plans that were no longer available. Arctic Fox said their new rigs would be coming in this June. We will be following up with them then. I'm one of those people that can read reviews and become educated about the quality of the finishings, but I really need to see it and get a feel for it before I can make a decision. DRV did have one rig there that I liked. If I ordered from the factory, there might be a few things I'd see if we could customize. Like I said, if I'm going to live in something full time for 10 years, then I am going to want what I want.
Here are a few pictures I took of the DRV Mobile Suites rig. I think this was a 2014 model (or maybe even a 2013). The inside pictures did not turn out as well as I would have liked, but they will do. At least it did have the rear window that we want. We would take out the couch and put in swivel recliners, so we can enjoy the view.
Not the best show I have ever attended, but it was free for us with comped tickets from the sponsors website and the parking was free. The other plus was I got in half of 10,000 steps for the day climbing in and out of the various rigs!
Our rig is still in the state of disrepair. I praying for a June finish date. In the meantime, if I can't be camping, I can certainly be dreaming about our next rig!
Right now we have a 2005 NuWa Hitchhiker II LS. We love the floor plan and are looking for something similar but with a W&D connection that isn't crammed into the bathroom.
For whatever reason, the dealers did not bring the "new" fifth wheels to the show. I guess the newest models won't be arriving until June. Some of the sales people we talked to said they had new rigs at their permanent locations, and we should stop by and see them there. For the ones we talked to that actually listened to what we were looking for, we will be stopping by at some point. For the ones that didn't listen, and just wanted to push whatever they had on hand, well, we won't be your customers. Your loss.
We've narrowed down our major front runners to Forest River, Arctic Fox and DRV. The Forest River models at the show were not the top of the line, and the ones that were there were used rigs, more than a few years old with floor plans that were no longer available. Arctic Fox said their new rigs would be coming in this June. We will be following up with them then. I'm one of those people that can read reviews and become educated about the quality of the finishings, but I really need to see it and get a feel for it before I can make a decision. DRV did have one rig there that I liked. If I ordered from the factory, there might be a few things I'd see if we could customize. Like I said, if I'm going to live in something full time for 10 years, then I am going to want what I want.
Here are a few pictures I took of the DRV Mobile Suites rig. I think this was a 2014 model (or maybe even a 2013). The inside pictures did not turn out as well as I would have liked, but they will do. At least it did have the rear window that we want. We would take out the couch and put in swivel recliners, so we can enjoy the view.
Not the best show I have ever attended, but it was free for us with comped tickets from the sponsors website and the parking was free. The other plus was I got in half of 10,000 steps for the day climbing in and out of the various rigs!
Our rig is still in the state of disrepair. I praying for a June finish date. In the meantime, if I can't be camping, I can certainly be dreaming about our next rig!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Mega RV Countdown
Last night, we watched Mega RV Countdown (Sturgis) on The Travel Channel. Lots of cool rigs. But who ARE these people? Who gives their son a tricked out motor home for a high school graduation gift? Such craziness. And honestly, who wants their rig to look like a spoiled rich kid's bachelor pad from the 80's? I guess I am just more simple folk. To each his own. And I suppose I will be watching more episodes just to see how the mega rich (or mega in debt) people spend their money.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Snowball in August (or How Trailer Repairs Can Get Out Of Hand)
I know this has nothing to do with snow, but this project has grown like a snowball rolling downhill.
It all started when I noticed one of the seams across the front of the 5th wheel trailer, under the overhang where it meets the vertical front panel, would gape open when resting on the front landing gear and close when hitched to the truck. You'd think it would be just the opposite, gape open when hitched, close when resting on the landing gear.
That started an internet search which led to Lippert Frame Flex problems. Apparently it is not all that uncommon. In Lippert's defense, they do supply 80% or more of the frames to the entire RV industry. On the other hand, if you look at some of the welds they are definitely questionable.
I looked on our trailer where others reported having issues and lo and behold, I found the frame was cracked at the welds for the pinbox. Not the welds failing, but the frame metal itself is cracking.
Now back to the snowball reference. While gutting the bedroom to give the welder access to the frame to repair the welds and beef up the frame I found wood rot in the walls and floor. The bedroom slide room front outer corner is rotted top to bottom as is the floor where it attaches to the wall. I had found that leak a couple years ago and fixed it with eternabond tape but it appears the damage was already done.
Now it appears I also have some water damage in the front right corner above the overhang. This is probably why the front seam was gaping. There are a number of lag screws, both vertically and horizontally securing the side wall to the frame, and between rotten wood and frame flexing, the lag screws are either sheared off or not holding.
So far, as mentioned, I have the bedroom and closet gutted and the floor and part of the wall in the slide removed. I just purchased some lumber today and will be starting to re-frame the walls. I found a source for the 1" OSB board for the slide room floor (Midway Plywood Co.) and found an RV dealer (Paulsbo RV in Everett, WA) who could order the black vapor barrier cloth that is on the bottom of the flooring. Not easy stuff to find. Mobile home suppliers have it but it is only about 2 mil thick as opposed to the stuff on the RV which is more like 12 to 14 mil thick. There is also a special tape called floor scrim repair tape. I saw one person's repair online and he used the tape to reinforce the vapor barrier cloth where it contacted the rollers when extending and retracting. I think I'll do that, too.
I also removed the under belly panels. The ones that look like corrugated plastic. It's called Coroflex. I wanted to see what was under the trailer and look for any signs of water incursion from below. I also have some water damage to the big slide and surrounding floor and don't know if it is related to the water damage I described above, but water leaks are hard to track and I need to be sure I fix the leak or I'll be doing this again. Actually, no, I won't. I'll trade it in on a new rig.
We've already cancelled leaving for warmer weather in October to make sure we have the frame flex problem fixed and all the rotten wood up front taken care of. On the plus side. I've justified buying a bunch of new tools with some of the money we've saved by my doing the work myself. It's a little scary because I'm learning as I go but I come from a long line of DIYers so I've had years of experience doing the odd job.
I've started a photo album on PhotoBucket to document the project as it progresses.
http://s1276.photobucket.com/user/torzach/library/
Kim
It all started when I noticed one of the seams across the front of the 5th wheel trailer, under the overhang where it meets the vertical front panel, would gape open when resting on the front landing gear and close when hitched to the truck. You'd think it would be just the opposite, gape open when hitched, close when resting on the landing gear.
That started an internet search which led to Lippert Frame Flex problems. Apparently it is not all that uncommon. In Lippert's defense, they do supply 80% or more of the frames to the entire RV industry. On the other hand, if you look at some of the welds they are definitely questionable.
I looked on our trailer where others reported having issues and lo and behold, I found the frame was cracked at the welds for the pinbox. Not the welds failing, but the frame metal itself is cracking.
Now back to the snowball reference. While gutting the bedroom to give the welder access to the frame to repair the welds and beef up the frame I found wood rot in the walls and floor. The bedroom slide room front outer corner is rotted top to bottom as is the floor where it attaches to the wall. I had found that leak a couple years ago and fixed it with eternabond tape but it appears the damage was already done.
Now it appears I also have some water damage in the front right corner above the overhang. This is probably why the front seam was gaping. There are a number of lag screws, both vertically and horizontally securing the side wall to the frame, and between rotten wood and frame flexing, the lag screws are either sheared off or not holding.
So far, as mentioned, I have the bedroom and closet gutted and the floor and part of the wall in the slide removed. I just purchased some lumber today and will be starting to re-frame the walls. I found a source for the 1" OSB board for the slide room floor (Midway Plywood Co.) and found an RV dealer (Paulsbo RV in Everett, WA) who could order the black vapor barrier cloth that is on the bottom of the flooring. Not easy stuff to find. Mobile home suppliers have it but it is only about 2 mil thick as opposed to the stuff on the RV which is more like 12 to 14 mil thick. There is also a special tape called floor scrim repair tape. I saw one person's repair online and he used the tape to reinforce the vapor barrier cloth where it contacted the rollers when extending and retracting. I think I'll do that, too.
I also removed the under belly panels. The ones that look like corrugated plastic. It's called Coroflex. I wanted to see what was under the trailer and look for any signs of water incursion from below. I also have some water damage to the big slide and surrounding floor and don't know if it is related to the water damage I described above, but water leaks are hard to track and I need to be sure I fix the leak or I'll be doing this again. Actually, no, I won't. I'll trade it in on a new rig.
We've already cancelled leaving for warmer weather in October to make sure we have the frame flex problem fixed and all the rotten wood up front taken care of. On the plus side. I've justified buying a bunch of new tools with some of the money we've saved by my doing the work myself. It's a little scary because I'm learning as I go but I come from a long line of DIYers so I've had years of experience doing the odd job.
I've started a photo album on PhotoBucket to document the project as it progresses.
http://s1276.photobucket.com/user/torzach/library/
Kim
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Somewhere Between FHUs and Boondocking
This last week, I had my first experience RVing without full hook ups for more than an overnight. Our galley gray water tank has a capacity of 28 gallons; the bathroom has a 50 gallon tank.
I admit, I am not a good water conservationist. I run a lot of water when I do dishes (and yes, I am one of "those" people that pretty much washes the dishes before I put them in the dishwasher at home). Therefore, I had to really plan and think about what I was going to cook. How much could I just do on the grill? How much could be done in the microwave in disposable bowls or on a paper towel? We elected to use mostly paper plates and bowls on this trip. We did use regular silverware. We used paper cups, except for alcohol, which IMHO requires regular glassware to be thoroughly enjoyed.
As far as showers, we had to limit them to every other day. Yes, I could have used the showers in the restrooms at the park, but that is uncomfortable for me. I'd rather just do a quick wipe down with a clean washcloth in the privacy of my own rig. I did make use of a large plastic bowl. I filled it with water I had heated in the tea kettle. I used this to soak my washcloth. When I was done, I dumped the water into the black tank. I did a similar routine on my shower days. I used the shower head to get myself wet all over. Then I turned off the water and used the bowl method for wetting down the washcloth and lathering up the soap. I turned the water back on, rinse off, and once again dumped any left over water in the bowl into the toilet.
I pleased to say that between the two of us, we managed to fill both tanks only two-thirds full over a 5 day/4 night stay.
I read blogs of people who boondock regularly, and I have to admit I am impressed. We do have a blue buddy type set up we can use, so I know I could manage if I have to. It just seems like such a large amount of work for Kim. The water conservation part would be very hard for me. I am way on the low end of that learning curve.
If you had asked me earlier this year, I would have said there was no way I would go boondocking. Then I read a blog that made me realize I really shouldn't say I don't like something until I try it. I like the idea of being out away from things and people, to sit outside undisturbed, to see the night sky without interference from street lights. I'm working my way up to giving it a try. Now I know I can do 4 nights without dumping the gray water tanks. Next step will be learning to minimalize the amount of electricity I use so that running a generator can take care of our "needs". I will have to re-define what are actually "needs". The electric tea kettle? The computers? The TV? The DVR? The satellite dish?
Right now, given the choice, I would choose full hook ups. However, I am willing to give other options a try ..... from time to time anyway.
I admit, I am not a good water conservationist. I run a lot of water when I do dishes (and yes, I am one of "those" people that pretty much washes the dishes before I put them in the dishwasher at home). Therefore, I had to really plan and think about what I was going to cook. How much could I just do on the grill? How much could be done in the microwave in disposable bowls or on a paper towel? We elected to use mostly paper plates and bowls on this trip. We did use regular silverware. We used paper cups, except for alcohol, which IMHO requires regular glassware to be thoroughly enjoyed.
As far as showers, we had to limit them to every other day. Yes, I could have used the showers in the restrooms at the park, but that is uncomfortable for me. I'd rather just do a quick wipe down with a clean washcloth in the privacy of my own rig. I did make use of a large plastic bowl. I filled it with water I had heated in the tea kettle. I used this to soak my washcloth. When I was done, I dumped the water into the black tank. I did a similar routine on my shower days. I used the shower head to get myself wet all over. Then I turned off the water and used the bowl method for wetting down the washcloth and lathering up the soap. I turned the water back on, rinse off, and once again dumped any left over water in the bowl into the toilet.
I pleased to say that between the two of us, we managed to fill both tanks only two-thirds full over a 5 day/4 night stay.
I read blogs of people who boondock regularly, and I have to admit I am impressed. We do have a blue buddy type set up we can use, so I know I could manage if I have to. It just seems like such a large amount of work for Kim. The water conservation part would be very hard for me. I am way on the low end of that learning curve.
If you had asked me earlier this year, I would have said there was no way I would go boondocking. Then I read a blog that made me realize I really shouldn't say I don't like something until I try it. I like the idea of being out away from things and people, to sit outside undisturbed, to see the night sky without interference from street lights. I'm working my way up to giving it a try. Now I know I can do 4 nights without dumping the gray water tanks. Next step will be learning to minimalize the amount of electricity I use so that running a generator can take care of our "needs". I will have to re-define what are actually "needs". The electric tea kettle? The computers? The TV? The DVR? The satellite dish?
Right now, given the choice, I would choose full hook ups. However, I am willing to give other options a try ..... from time to time anyway.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Odds and Ends: Pedicures, Outside TVs, And Other Random Thoughts
I've read a number of blogs where people new to the RV lifestyle ask about how their lives will be different. Part of it always seems to be wishful thinking (i.e. I'll be able to do this and this and this) and part of it is fear based thinking (the dreaded what-ifs). While I still consider myself a virgin in the world of RVing, I do have some experience. This is our second long trip (greater than 7 weeks) and we did live full time in our rig (for 15 months) while it was parked in our driveway and later at a local park, because our daughter and her family were renting our home. The thing I have learned is that what you do in your own home, you will do in your RV. You might be just a tad bit more adventurous; you might be a little more lax in your housekeeping; you might sleep in a bit or stay up later than usual; however, if you are a couch potato, you will stay a couch potato; if you are someone who loves to be out doing things, you will find things to be out doing.
I'm a couch potato. I love to read, watch TV, watch movies. I sketch and I paint, not well, mind you, but I enjoy doing it. I don't hike. I don't ride bikes. I don't go sightseeing (I probably would but this is one of the things my husband HATES to do, so I have let it slide and realized I will most likely never been one of those that window shops, visits little boutiques or art galleries. I can occasionally squeeze in a Visitors Center somewhere, or maybe one little shop but it will be the kind of store that will have at least one thing my husband will find somewhat interesting.
Under the heading of wishful thinking: I always intend to head off on these road trips planning to find "the place" where I will be inspired to write. I have been working on a mystery novel for years. I don't find time to write at home, why do I think I will find time or inspiration to write on the road? I read all the blogs that show great photographs of very cool looking hikes that I make note of, but honestly, if I could find my way to a paved half-mile trail with a view of something, I'd be in 7th heaven. More than a half mile on flat pavement, and I'm probably not going to do that. I don't do it in Washington (and I have the book on easy hikes in my area), why do I think I will do it anywhere else? Riding bikes at a leisurely pace always looks so much but I have never found a bicycle seat that was anywhere close to comfortable. I do manage to meet up with long time friends who are spread out around the country, and we do manage to eat some great food and laugh up a storm, but that is something I would do at home. One of my goals at some point is to attempt to boondock. I'm working my way up to it. So far I've experienced a few nights without a sewer hook up. That's as far as I've gotten. I know the next step will be to do without electricity and water.
Which brings us to fear based thinking. What, no TV, no internet? My husband assures me that I can learn to go without a shower every day. He's pretty sure we can plan meals that will not require using every pot and pan we own (which would then require washing). He even says our generator will provide enough electricity to run the TV and the computers. I think he is lying. Eventually, I will have to give it a try. How can I know I won't like it, if I don't try it. I never thought I'd like living in an RV or staying in RV Parks, etc., but here we are. And trust me, if I didn't like it, I would not be doing it.
And speaking of TVs, I always thought those rigs that had the TVs outside were so cool. In my mind, I pictured watching football or baseball games while sitting outside....like tailgate party with all the comforts of home. I didn't think about people sitting outside watching TV at night, with the volume turned up pretty loud. Yes, we are parked next to someone who does that. If I had not experienced this, I would not have known how annoying it is. I could easily see myself doing the same thing. And I'm a TV addict. I watch all sorts of crap along with the good stuff. OMG, how awful it would be to be camped next to me, if I had an outside TV. No fears, dear readers, the outside TV is now off my wish-list for our next rig. I am holding out for one with two toilets though.....and wouldn't a dishwasher be nice? I have one with two legs, and he does a very nice job, but for him, I'd wish for an automatic one. So much for boondocking......it was a nice thought.
And pedicures - are you wondering what I have to share about those? I saw a sign in the window of a rig a few weeks ago advertising pedicures for $10 and manicures for $15. The manicures I can understand, but pedicures? I'm wondering if this gal (and I just assumed it was a gal) had one of those vibrating massage chairs with the foot basins in her rig, or if it was just a rubbermaid bucket of warm soapy water? The price was right, that's for sure. I think if we go back to that park, I will check it out.
We are off to the in-laws for some extended visiting. Thank God my DirecTV DVR will be doing it's thing, recording all those wonderful shows for me to watch when we get back. Lord I love FHUs!
I'm a couch potato. I love to read, watch TV, watch movies. I sketch and I paint, not well, mind you, but I enjoy doing it. I don't hike. I don't ride bikes. I don't go sightseeing (I probably would but this is one of the things my husband HATES to do, so I have let it slide and realized I will most likely never been one of those that window shops, visits little boutiques or art galleries. I can occasionally squeeze in a Visitors Center somewhere, or maybe one little shop but it will be the kind of store that will have at least one thing my husband will find somewhat interesting.
Under the heading of wishful thinking: I always intend to head off on these road trips planning to find "the place" where I will be inspired to write. I have been working on a mystery novel for years. I don't find time to write at home, why do I think I will find time or inspiration to write on the road? I read all the blogs that show great photographs of very cool looking hikes that I make note of, but honestly, if I could find my way to a paved half-mile trail with a view of something, I'd be in 7th heaven. More than a half mile on flat pavement, and I'm probably not going to do that. I don't do it in Washington (and I have the book on easy hikes in my area), why do I think I will do it anywhere else? Riding bikes at a leisurely pace always looks so much but I have never found a bicycle seat that was anywhere close to comfortable. I do manage to meet up with long time friends who are spread out around the country, and we do manage to eat some great food and laugh up a storm, but that is something I would do at home. One of my goals at some point is to attempt to boondock. I'm working my way up to it. So far I've experienced a few nights without a sewer hook up. That's as far as I've gotten. I know the next step will be to do without electricity and water.
Which brings us to fear based thinking. What, no TV, no internet? My husband assures me that I can learn to go without a shower every day. He's pretty sure we can plan meals that will not require using every pot and pan we own (which would then require washing). He even says our generator will provide enough electricity to run the TV and the computers. I think he is lying. Eventually, I will have to give it a try. How can I know I won't like it, if I don't try it. I never thought I'd like living in an RV or staying in RV Parks, etc., but here we are. And trust me, if I didn't like it, I would not be doing it.
And speaking of TVs, I always thought those rigs that had the TVs outside were so cool. In my mind, I pictured watching football or baseball games while sitting outside....like tailgate party with all the comforts of home. I didn't think about people sitting outside watching TV at night, with the volume turned up pretty loud. Yes, we are parked next to someone who does that. If I had not experienced this, I would not have known how annoying it is. I could easily see myself doing the same thing. And I'm a TV addict. I watch all sorts of crap along with the good stuff. OMG, how awful it would be to be camped next to me, if I had an outside TV. No fears, dear readers, the outside TV is now off my wish-list for our next rig. I am holding out for one with two toilets though.....and wouldn't a dishwasher be nice? I have one with two legs, and he does a very nice job, but for him, I'd wish for an automatic one. So much for boondocking......it was a nice thought.
And pedicures - are you wondering what I have to share about those? I saw a sign in the window of a rig a few weeks ago advertising pedicures for $10 and manicures for $15. The manicures I can understand, but pedicures? I'm wondering if this gal (and I just assumed it was a gal) had one of those vibrating massage chairs with the foot basins in her rig, or if it was just a rubbermaid bucket of warm soapy water? The price was right, that's for sure. I think if we go back to that park, I will check it out.
We are off to the in-laws for some extended visiting. Thank God my DirecTV DVR will be doing it's thing, recording all those wonderful shows for me to watch when we get back. Lord I love FHUs!
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Trip Home
We left Cheney on Wednesday. Packed up fairly quickly. Got on I-90 headed west without problem. A few miles down the road, we noticed the ice chest and the outdoor carpet in the bed of the truck were bouncing around. We pulled off so Kim could tie them down with the extra bungee cords we had packed. He went into the 5th wheel to get a few bottles of water for the cab of the truck. Back on the freeway. Oops, left the handrail folded open. Pulled off at the next exit to fix that. Back on the road. Going all, listening to a book on cd. Kim looked back and even though it was tied down, the ice chest was flopping around again. Pulled over again, unhook the ice chest, stow it in the basement. Re-secure the carpet. Back on the road.
We decided to stop and pull into the scenic outlook to the Gingko Petrified Forest just before the bridge at Vantage. Took a stroll down to read the information plaques (affirming that we would meet no rattlesnakes on the trail) and enjoy the lovely view. Back on the road. I suggested stopping at the rest area at Vantage for lunch, but apparently the rest area was moved. As a kid, I had made many trips to Moses Lake and Spokane, and I could have sworn the rest area was right there in Vantage. Whether they moved the rest area, or my memory is faulty (God forbid), it was up at the top of the hill. BTW, this is a very long hill. We had to slow down to about 40-45 mph. Made it to the rest stop. Way too windy to eat outside, so we quickly made some sandwiches and ate in the truck.
Just outside of CleElum, we look back, and the box with the TV satellite is bouncing around in the bed of the truck. Pull over again, at the next exit, get box, put inside of RV. Get back on freeway. Oh oh - looked in the mirror - Handrail is out again. Pull over, again, at the next exit, secure handrail. Vow to make checkoff list for future trips.
We managed to make the rest of the drive without stopping. We are home for 2 weeks, and then head to Blaine/Birch Bay, for our second practice trip.
We decided to stop and pull into the scenic outlook to the Gingko Petrified Forest just before the bridge at Vantage. Took a stroll down to read the information plaques (affirming that we would meet no rattlesnakes on the trail) and enjoy the lovely view. Back on the road. I suggested stopping at the rest area at Vantage for lunch, but apparently the rest area was moved. As a kid, I had made many trips to Moses Lake and Spokane, and I could have sworn the rest area was right there in Vantage. Whether they moved the rest area, or my memory is faulty (God forbid), it was up at the top of the hill. BTW, this is a very long hill. We had to slow down to about 40-45 mph. Made it to the rest stop. Way too windy to eat outside, so we quickly made some sandwiches and ate in the truck.
Just outside of CleElum, we look back, and the box with the TV satellite is bouncing around in the bed of the truck. Pull over again, at the next exit, get box, put inside of RV. Get back on freeway. Oh oh - looked in the mirror - Handrail is out again. Pull over, again, at the next exit, secure handrail. Vow to make checkoff list for future trips.
We managed to make the rest of the drive without stopping. We are home for 2 weeks, and then head to Blaine/Birch Bay, for our second practice trip.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
RETURN TO THE MAINLAND
Four months went by in a flash. July 28th was here before I knew it. We were headed home. Our plan was to stay with our daughter and her family for a few months. We had given ourselves that amount of time to search for an RV we could afford, and make our travel plans. We planned to explore the area between our hometown of Snohomish, WA and Phoenix, AZ, where a number of Kim’s family members lived. We figured it would take 2-3 months to find the motor-home we wanted.
Well, let me tell you, when the Universe supports your intentions, boom - things happen. The first day we went window shopping for an RV, we found one we really liked. We had started looking at Class A Motor Homes. We saw a number we really liked, but we out of our budget range. Kim had once talked about getting a 5th wheel, but I said no. I wanted to have a small tow vehicle.
Well, never say never. We were looking at various options at Poulsbo RV, in Everett, Washington. http://www.poulsoborv.com/ Bob Anderson was the salesman we were dealing with. He patiently showed us a number of options, and just as we were narrowing things down, I thought it would be a good idea to look at 5th wheels just in case. I hadn’t been in a 5th wheel rig in about 20 years, and let me tell you, things have changed.
So it was back to square one. I much preferred the feeling of a 5th wheel. We found one we liked at the Everett location. It was brand new and really maxed out our budget allotment. Bob looked online and found one he thought we’d like up at the Mount Vernon store. We took a drive up there, looked at it, and knew it was the one. The ceilings were higher, and it had a more spacious layout. It felt more like a home. A much littler home than I was used to, but a home nonetheless.
Next stop, a truck to pull it with. We made a few calls, checked a few websites, and found a Ford F-250 Super Cab LB SRW truck at Bickford Motors, right in our home town. http://www.bickford.net/ Our salesman was Dan Hudson, and before I knew it, we were the proud owners of a new (to us) truck.
A quick trip to the bank for two cashier’s checks, and we had our rig or rigs. I’m learning the lingo here. Apparently the 5th wheel is a rig. The truck itself is a rig. And together in combination the truck and 5th wheel trailer is a rig. If Kim’s Aunt Maria and Uncle Bill were travelling with us in their motor home, we would then have a traveling caravan of rigs – I guess. Like I say, I'm still learning the lingo.
And to top it all off, I knew the Universe and Angels were with us because the truck color (Arizona Beige Metallic) matched the trim on the 5th Wheel , which by the way is a NuWa Hitchhiker II 32.5 UKTG LS – translated for other virigins means it is made by NuWa, the model is Hitchhiker II and it is 32.5 feet long with a U shaped kitchen and triple glides. Glides apparently are the same thing as slide outs. We have two in the ‘living room’ and one in the ‘bedroom’.
The process of finding and purchasing the rig, which we thought would take a few months, took less than 2 weeks, from “We’ll take it” to “Holy crap – we have to drive this home now?” I actually suggested that they deliver it for us, but apparently that wasn’t in the cards. It was a matter of just jumping in and doing it. Or rather for Kim to jump in and do it, and for Betsy to follow behind in the little Ford Focus thinking there is no way in hell she will ever be driving that thing!
Well, let me tell you, when the Universe supports your intentions, boom - things happen. The first day we went window shopping for an RV, we found one we really liked. We had started looking at Class A Motor Homes. We saw a number we really liked, but we out of our budget range. Kim had once talked about getting a 5th wheel, but I said no. I wanted to have a small tow vehicle.
Well, never say never. We were looking at various options at Poulsbo RV, in Everett, Washington. http://www.poulsoborv.com/ Bob Anderson was the salesman we were dealing with. He patiently showed us a number of options, and just as we were narrowing things down, I thought it would be a good idea to look at 5th wheels just in case. I hadn’t been in a 5th wheel rig in about 20 years, and let me tell you, things have changed.
So it was back to square one. I much preferred the feeling of a 5th wheel. We found one we liked at the Everett location. It was brand new and really maxed out our budget allotment. Bob looked online and found one he thought we’d like up at the Mount Vernon store. We took a drive up there, looked at it, and knew it was the one. The ceilings were higher, and it had a more spacious layout. It felt more like a home. A much littler home than I was used to, but a home nonetheless.
Next stop, a truck to pull it with. We made a few calls, checked a few websites, and found a Ford F-250 Super Cab LB SRW truck at Bickford Motors, right in our home town. http://www.bickford.net/ Our salesman was Dan Hudson, and before I knew it, we were the proud owners of a new (to us) truck.
A quick trip to the bank for two cashier’s checks, and we had our rig or rigs. I’m learning the lingo here. Apparently the 5th wheel is a rig. The truck itself is a rig. And together in combination the truck and 5th wheel trailer is a rig. If Kim’s Aunt Maria and Uncle Bill were travelling with us in their motor home, we would then have a traveling caravan of rigs – I guess. Like I say, I'm still learning the lingo.
And to top it all off, I knew the Universe and Angels were with us because the truck color (Arizona Beige Metallic) matched the trim on the 5th Wheel , which by the way is a NuWa Hitchhiker II 32.5 UKTG LS – translated for other virigins means it is made by NuWa, the model is Hitchhiker II and it is 32.5 feet long with a U shaped kitchen and triple glides. Glides apparently are the same thing as slide outs. We have two in the ‘living room’ and one in the ‘bedroom’.
The process of finding and purchasing the rig, which we thought would take a few months, took less than 2 weeks, from “We’ll take it” to “Holy crap – we have to drive this home now?” I actually suggested that they deliver it for us, but apparently that wasn’t in the cards. It was a matter of just jumping in and doing it. Or rather for Kim to jump in and do it, and for Betsy to follow behind in the little Ford Focus thinking there is no way in hell she will ever be driving that thing!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
THE HISTORY
In late 2008, my husband Kim and I decided to try living in Hawaii. At that time, I was the Program Administrator for Angel Therapy Inc/Doreen Virtue LLC. There were a number of classes being held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii the next year, and it appeared I would be traveling from the Seattle area to Kona almost monthly in 2009. Our children were grown and on their own. There were no grandchildren on the horizon, and we weren’t expecting any for 1-2 years. Kim, who had retired from the commercial fishing industry, and was currently working as a photocopy repair technician, left his job to come with me to Hawaii. Sounds like a dream, right? We packed up our household belongings and put them in storage. Our daughter and her family moved into our house, and we hopped a plane to Kailua-Kona, off on a new adventure.
The only thing certain in life, aside from death and taxes, is change. Two months later, change happened. I parted ways with the company I had worked for. Kim and I found ourselves scratching our heads and thinking, “Okay, what’s next?” We knew we did not want to go back to working traditional jobs. We discovered we liked the warmth and sunshine of Hawaii. The tradewinds – yes; the humidity – not so much. We had four months left on our condo lease, so we took the time to talk about our next step. Kim had always wanted to travel and see the US and Canada. I found that I didn’t like being so far away from our family and friends. After crunching some numbers, we discovered we could afford to buy a motor home and travel for a few years. Kim set about researching the full time RV lifestyle online. I primarily sat on my butt and let him. I had a number of writing projects floating around in my head, and I used my time to get some of them down on paper. After all, we still had four months to do all this planning.
The only thing certain in life, aside from death and taxes, is change. Two months later, change happened. I parted ways with the company I had worked for. Kim and I found ourselves scratching our heads and thinking, “Okay, what’s next?” We knew we did not want to go back to working traditional jobs. We discovered we liked the warmth and sunshine of Hawaii. The tradewinds – yes; the humidity – not so much. We had four months left on our condo lease, so we took the time to talk about our next step. Kim had always wanted to travel and see the US and Canada. I found that I didn’t like being so far away from our family and friends. After crunching some numbers, we discovered we could afford to buy a motor home and travel for a few years. Kim set about researching the full time RV lifestyle online. I primarily sat on my butt and let him. I had a number of writing projects floating around in my head, and I used my time to get some of them down on paper. After all, we still had four months to do all this planning.
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