New here. 100% disabled Female combat Veteran Looking to buy RV to be Fulltime RVer

[MaraZen]

Not to pry-- Keeping up with an RV is a lot of work. physically demanding at times. Roof inspections, re-sealing, even just dumping tanks or hooking up water could be something that you can't physically do/bend/unscrew, what have you if you have some mobility issues. Be sure you know that you can keep it up, not just drive it before you get in over your head.

Also, if you think your neighbors are weird, wait until you meet campground neighbors. LOL

Not afraid of anyone due to being in Iraq for a year, People trying to kill me every day. I am a farm girl through and through. I like to fix things myself, Took a car engine apart as an adult on my kitchen floor to clean it and to fix it, put it back together and put it in and car ran. I already fix things in my home I own. I understand RV will need things fixed. I have no mobility problems, if I did, I would not be on the road let alone own my own property like I do now. I know weird and crazy because I am. So are people I have met in the 11 states I have lived in and the Countries overseas I have been in also. Are you trying to discourage me being a female.... cause it is not working. Everyone living on earth is going to have mobility problems someday, but you have to divide and conquer from whatever and wherever your situation is regardless of where you live, house or RV. I have been in a lot of bad situations not by my own fault and I have gotten through them. I do not hold myself back because something in my life "could" be a problem. I adjust to everything I come across because I can... and learn from everything too. I hope that everyone knows anything is possible if you set your mind to it, no matter what happens. If I can't figure something out, there are millions of people out there that have a lot more knowledge and wisdom to fix it or suggest what to do. Life is short and there is always going to be a situation bad or good, it is how you deal with it that matters. Not every RVer is male and know how to take an engine apart and still make the car run. LOL. Just saying, lol. Not trying to be a mean lady but I do not mind a challenge. I am a Female Army Combat Vet. We are tough whether anyone believes it or not. Even if you are trying to keep me from going out to do something adventurous like you are doing, lol. I still appreciate your advice. LOL.

 

[wildebill308]

I know several lady's who travel in RVs and several who are good mechanics so I don't see a problem.
By the way there is a school in Texas where you can learn how to fix/use your RV, they have a home study course to. National RV Training Academy - RV Maintenance and Repair Training
Did you say you were in Texas? Where are you located?
Ok for a mailing address and a way to have a address for your drivers license ect. I would look at Escapees RV Club | Your Total Support Network on the Road. They specialize in full timers.
When looking Be shure what you buy has the capacity to haul what you want to take and you will need a toad to tow behind you. That is something I haven't seen any comments on. I have traveled without a toad and I found you give up over 80% of what you can see and do. It is also a supper pain to go to the store or anything once you are set up in a campground. You have to tear down and pack up then when you get back re set up your camper/campsite. It doesn't take many times in the rain after dark to decide it isn't fun.
Let me know what have you looked at so far.
Bill

 

[MaraZen]

I know several lady's who travel in RVs and several who are good mechanics so I don't see a problem.
By the way there is a school in Texas where you can learn how to fix/use your RV, they have a home study course to. National RV Training Academy - RV Maintenance and Repair Training
Did you say you were in Texas? Where are you located?
Ok for a mailing address and a way to have a address for your drivers license ect. I would look at Escapees RV Club | Your Total Support Network on the Road. They specialize in full timers.
When looking Be shure what you buy has the capacity to haul what you want to take and you will need a toad to tow behind you. That is something I haven't seen any comments on. I have traveled without a toad and I found you give up over 80% of what you can see and do. It is also a supper pain to go to the store or anything once you are set up in a campground. You have to tear down and pack up then when you get back re set up your camper/campsite. It doesn't take many times in the rain after dark to decide it isn't fun.
Let me know what have you looked at so far.
Bill

Thank you Bill and bless you for being patient with me. I know I may be getting on someone's nerves because I keep asking for information. I will not learn if I don't ask. I will be towing. I will be looking up the sites you gave me. Every site anyone offers me I write it down and go look at them. I live outside of Dayton Texas on some property with home. In my life I have looked at several RVs but only the really old ones. I have a better budget now, lol. This last 2 years I have done more research, looked at New ones, several makes, models, Etc. Too many to remember. This time I have been writing ones down and plan to look at Class A and Class C in the next couple of weeks Near Houston, Texas. Making sure they can tow my vehicles. Less appliances, they can add up in weight and other needs, Etc. Maybe even see what they have to offer in making an RV for what I need. I do not need all the bells and whistles, lol. I am sort of a minimalist. I am getting closer to " Picking the one" lol. woohoo. A new adventure. Also, getting my Free Military Lifetime Pass to the National Parks, etc. Is tv, Internet hard to get? Have a blessed day from the Texan, lol.

 

[DennisT]

I barely moved to Texas. How does a person get their mail or have a "address" if you don't have property or rent somewhere for your permanent address if you are a Fulltimer?

With FL being full time RVer friendly you don’t need physical property for a legal address. Our legal address is the mailing address we have through the service.

Our mail goes to that address and they scan the envelope - we get notified when things come in.

They will send it wherever you are if needed or open and scan the contents then you can pull the file down.

 

[DennisT]

Funny you say that about the dishwasher... I never used one. lol. Also, I am going to get rid of everything I can and to not have a storage unit. annual site... is that where you have a permanent address for legal drivers license.

Our annual site is to have a place to go just in case. Where we go in FL for the winter it is actually less expensive to have an annual sit than pay monthly if you are there more than about 4 1/2 months a year.

See the other post but our drivers license is tied to our mailing address and not the RV park one.

 

[MaraZen]

With FL being full time RVer friendly you don’t need physical property for a legal address. Our legal address is the mailing address we have through the service.

Our mail goes to that address and they scan the envelope - we get notified when things come in.

They will send it wherever you are if needed or open and scan the contents then you can pull the file down.

Wow that is awesome. I am kind of a paranoid person to have someone else open my mail. But if they can hold it and send it to me where ever I am that is great. Thank you

 

[MaraZen]

Our annual site is to have a place to go just in case. Where we go in FL for the winter it is actually less expensive to have an annual sit than pay monthly if you are there more than about 4 1/2 months a year.

See the other post but our drivers license is tied to our mailing address and not the RV park one.

Thank you for letting me know. I will look into the annual sit.

 

[DennisT]

Wow that is awesome. I am kind of a paranoid person to have someone else open my mail. But if they can hold it and send it to me where ever I am that is great. Thank you

Yeah, that is a concern but all the employees are bonded etc that work there. Have only had them do that a couple times though.

The other nice part is that junk mail just goes away . Anything you don’t need gets shredded as well.

 

[MaraZen]

Yeah, that is a concern but all the employees are bonded etc that work there. Have only had them do that a couple times though.

The other nice part is that junk mail just goes away . Anything you don’t need gets shredded as well.

I love the NO JUNK MAIL, lol. Thank you.

 

[Dean Cook]

Mara Zen thank you for your service and sacrifice. Ex Air Force is what I am. 73-79 . Middle east to SEA. Been to a few places and situations. So I know what you mean on allot of different things. I am not a full time RV. I bought a Class B year 2000 Leisure Travel Van Freedom wide body. I and my wife wanted to go travel around the country. But first we feel that we needed to learn some of the ropes first. What things do we really need to take with us. What size of RV is going to be to small or to big. I highly suggest going to a dealer and looking at some of the RV units or renting an RV. I would look into a Small Class C with sliders to start with. Then class A's. Your going to want the room. Have them slide the sliders out. That is walls that slide out. So you have that room for your crafts. It does not hurt to look. After all you are planning for this to be your new home. AND DO NOT SETTLE for LESS THAN YOU WANT. You will regret that if you do. Second. I would decide about gas or diesel. Canada makes the best insulated RV's. Our RV during the winter, we have to be care full our Grey water tank lines do not freeze. Your also going to be limited at going to some places because of the size of your RV. Some of the parks have size and age restrictions. Some fancy parks will not rent a space to you if your RV is over a certain age even if yours is in perfect condition. Some camping sites also have size restrictions. I am thinking that you have a disability rating so you can also check on staying at Military bases. Examples, Travis AFB CA. charges $25 a day. Seal Beach Navel Weapons Station CA. charged $64 a day. Holiday Fam Camp off base from McCord AFB WA. charges $33-55 a day. But point is The military has camping and RV sites on and off base. There are web sites on finding military camp sites also. You will just need your Military ID Ret. or VA Card showing disability. Look at some of the You tube full time RV'ers. There are even some who are doing it in a van. Any questions ? Just ask.

 

[wildebill308]

Thank you Bill and bless you for being patient with me. I know I may be getting on someone's nerves because I keep asking for information. I will not learn if I don't ask. I will be towing. I will be looking up the sites you gave me. Every site anyone offers me I write it down and go look at them. I live outside of Dayton Texas on some property with home. In my life I have looked at several RVs but only the really old ones. I have a better budget now, lol. This last 2 years I have done more research, looked at New ones, several makes, models, Etc. Too many to remember. This time I have been writing ones down and plan to look at Class A and Class C in the next couple of weeks Near Houston, Texas. Making sure they can tow my vehicles. Less appliances, they can add up in weight and other needs, Etc. Maybe even see what they have to offer in making an RV for what I need. I do not need all the bells and whistles, lol. I am sort of a minimalist. I am getting closer to " Picking the one" lol. woohoo. A new adventure. Also, getting my Free Military Lifetime Pass to the National Parks, etc. Is tv, Internet hard to get? Have a blessed day from the Texan, lol.

You have a great place to look at used RVs. PPL is a consignment dealer. I have done business with the one in Cleburne Texas View all of our locations in Texas | PPL Motor Homes.
Suggestion, When you go look at different RVs don't just walk through them. You should sit down and just lean back and see how it feels how would it work for you.
I am an advocaat of a Class A even a older diesel for what you are planning. You have more storage and more load capacity than a "C" class. Something like this Pre DEF and Pre exhaust filter coach. Look at this one. 2007 Newmar Dutch Star | D108EL | by PPL Motor Homes.
Let me know what you think.
Bill

 

[MaraZen]

You have a great place to look at used RVs. PPL is a consignment dealer. I have done business with the one in Cleburne Texas View all of our locations in Texas | PPL Motor Homes.
Suggestion, When you go look at different RVs don't just walk through them. You should sit down and just lean back and see how it feels how would it work for you.
I am an advocaat of a Class A even a older diesel for what you are planning. You have more storage and more load capacity than a "C" class. Something like this Pre DEF and Pre exhaust filter coach. Look at this one. 2007 Newmar Dutch Star | D108EL | by PPL Motor Homes.
Let me know what you think.
Bill

I liked it, it was nice. Lots of open space. I was hoping it had an overhead bunk. I wrote the PPL Motor Homes down. Thank you for giving that info.

 

[MaraZen]

Welcome @MaraZen and thank you for your service from a prior USAF A-10 guy As to RV selection it obviously depends on budget and your desires. Floor plan is crucial, you have to enjoy the space. Pick brands that have a better reputation in quality. The pre-owned market is flooded, it's a buyers' market, take your time and be careful with selection, consider inspections prior to purchase, etc. The gang here will gladly help.

Does anyone think it would be a good idea to go to a cold state in their winter so buying RV would be cheaper during off season? Cuz I live in South Texas and it seems prices are high all year round.

 

[wildebill308]

Does anyone think it would be a good idea to go to a cold state in their winter so buying RV would be cheaper during off season? Cuz I live in South Texas and it seems prices are high all year round.

You would think that but buying in the winter up North adds a whole extra layer of cost and hassle. You have to de winterize it to see if everything works and probably pay to have it winterized again.
I think the best time for deals when more are for sale is in the fall at the end of camping season where rather than pay for storage and winterization people will sell.
But some just make the decision to sell for different reasons any time.
Bill

 

[redbaron]

Thank you Bill and bless you for being patient with me. I know I may be getting on someone's nerves because I keep asking for information. I will not learn if I don't ask. I will be towing. I will be looking up the sites you gave me. Every site anyone offers me I write it down and go look at them. I live outside of Dayton Texas on some property with home. In my life I have looked at several RVs but only the really old ones. I have a better budget now, lol. This last 2 years I have done more research, looked at New ones, several makes, models, Etc. Too many to remember. This time I have been writing ones down and plan to look at Class A and Class C in the next couple of weeks Near Houston, Texas. Making sure they can tow my vehicles. Less appliances, they can add up in weight and other needs, Etc. Maybe even see what they have to offer in making an RV for what I need. I do not need all the bells and whistles, lol. I am sort of a minimalist. I am getting closer to " Picking the one" lol. woohoo. A new adventure. Also, getting my Free Military Lifetime Pass to the National Parks, etc. Is tv, Internet hard to get? Have a blessed day from the Texan, lol.

Your signature mentions that you want to tow a toyota Tundra. I am not sure if you have looked into this, but that vehicle requires a drive shaft disconnect to tow. Remco offers a quick solution for this but it is pricey.