I second Ron. Rent for a week or two. Yes, it will not be cheap, but you are making a big jump. Since you are in So. California (like me), I would recommend El Monte Rents. They are a good outfit that started out local and now is international. Their LA outlet is in So. El Monte last time I looked. They have a very complete website.
For a sampler trip I would recommend January and the desert. Take two weeks. First week do Anza Borrego Desert State Park in Borrego Springs. I like the Palm Canyon RV Resort there. Nice place -- swimming pool, spas, and restaurant. Jeep tours are available.
Second week, take I-10 and join the RVForum over in Quartzite, AZ for our annual rally there. See the topic over in Ralleys, Shows and Events. There you will meet the gang and more than a few full timers. You can talk over the prospects with them. You will be camping with no services (boondocking) so let El Monte know that in renting you a unit. The camping fees are zilch, just the BLM fee which was $25 for 14 days the last time I was there.