Retiring to a MH or not?

[Dreamrsmom]

I am getting ready to make a life change.  My partner is a 100% disabled Veteran and has been retired since she was 40 (she turns 50, in 2014).  I work a retail job for an outdoor outfitter, I'm 54.  I'm ready to retire and downsize to a MH.  We have no idea what to look for in a MH, size, gas vs diesel, slides, no slides, etc.  I do know that we have been considering a 30+ length, diesel pusher, something with a washer/dryer and room for two golden retrievers and two cats.  I could leave the cats behind, but my partner won't.  LOL  I just don't want to have to deal with a litterbox in a motorhome with dogs.  OK, in all honesty, I just don't want cats in the MH.
Should we go to a RV show, should we visit the dealers or just cruise through the casino parking lots and talk to strangers?  BTW, we live in Las Vegas.
Any advise or input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Ann~

 

[halfwright]

you are lucky in more ways than one. You have the oppoutunity to learn all about RV's, ways to travel and where to go. First, figure how you are going to travel. Are you going to move once a week or once every three months? A fifth wheel takes more time to set up, but gives more room than a travel trailer and most motor homes of the same length.  That might be nice with the litter boxes. But, traveling with pets in a pickup is not what I would want to do. Since you have am idea that you want a motor home, you need to continue with youe list of things you want. Also add things that would be nice to have and things you do not want. Then, you can research. Go to shows, dealers, private sellers, online, friends with RV's and every chance you get to look at an RV. Find one that comes closest to your dream list. Then, try to rent one similar. If not possible, spend as much time as you can in your dream RV. Look at it with a critical eye. Don't fall in love with the first one. You did not say new or used. If used, get an RV tech to go over the "house part" and a mechanic to go over the engine and chassis. After you have something (or before), read the library here on purchasing.
Good Luck and be sure to tell us how it goes.

 

[wackymac]

You sound like a lot of other people when they move, "we'll just take off and 'leave the cats behind'".  That happens too often already.  Why not take the cats and leave the dogs?  There would be more room in the motorhome.  You don't have to walk the dogs in the rain.

 

[vanbuskirk]

A word to the wise...look for a unit with kitchen counter space.  We are on our 4th MH and finally I am satisfied. 

 

[SeilerBird]

  I could leave the cats behind, but my partner won't.  LOL  I just don't want to have to deal with a litterbox in a motorhome with dogs.  OK, in all honesty, I just don't want cats in the MH.

Why is it you don't want cats in a MH? I have three of them and it makes life so much brighter.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

With two adults and 4 pets, 30 feet isn't even close to enough space unless you enjoy crawling over each other to do anything. Especially if its 30 feet and no slides.  How much space are you living in now? Count the garage and storage sheds too, cause everything you want to keep has to go into that RV somewhere.  A 30 ft RV with no slides is less than 240 square feet. Chances are your current living room is that big. A 40 foot RV with 4 slides is still only about 400 sq ft, smaller than many studio apartments.

 

[Frizlefrak]

Rent a motorhome for 2 weeks.  Take everything you can't live without if you were full timing, including all the pets. 

Report back in 2 weeks if you still want to do this or not.

 

[jje1960]

Only having experience with ONE cat and multiple vacations every year.... I can't imagine less space than what we have.  Small Toy Hauler with 2 adults.... One pet is enough!  Although, I would not think of leaving home without that darn cat....