Outside Looking In

[Akhanaton]

Hello RV people. I’m within a few years of retirement, idealizing van life, and intend to pursue it. I have a great tow vehicle but will need a TT soon (up to 7500lbs GVWR). Its early in my research so my approach at this point is to cultivate some ways to meet and/or interact with full time RV’ers. I found some RV parks at Toledo Bend Lake that also have cabins so I might rent one of those and see if there’s any gregarious RV’ers there who would share some of their experiences. Is that a valid path? Or people just want to be left alone? Really would be mostly asking about rigs that I find interesting.

 

[RV_Lee1]

A lot easier to just go to an RV show or dealership

 

[IBTripping]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[TonyL]

It's a strange thing, but for some strange reason cabin renting folk and RV'ers don't normally socialise. Permanent dwellers of park homes and full timers are definitely more gregarious.
At least from our limited experience.
You might have better results from renting an RV and whilst on site have a wander, say hi to those with a set up similar to what you are planning, mention that I/we like your rig, ask if they're pleased with it? We've met many lovely people just by having a friendly approach.

 

[CharlesinGA]

What is "a great tow vehicle"?

Many people do not understand the various ratings and limitations of a tow vehicle and how they rank in order of importance.

Charles

 

[Oldgator73]

When we were RVing I found that most folks were more than happy to chat with others about their rigs and experiences. I worked with the Forest Service one summer in Oregon conducting exit surveys. When I was tasked with doing surveys in a campground or park the folks were extremely friendly and gregarious. Several would even invite me to stay for lunch.

 

[Domo]

Rent an RV and go camping to meet folks. A simple "Hello, I'm @Akhanaton, can I ask a question about your rig?" is all you need 80% of the time.

As others have said, cabin-folks are not campers.

At an RV show you will only see high pressure sales people with no morals and potential buyers that don't want to get sucked into any situation that requires signing any paper. But you might gather information about a towable that would work for you - make sure it's written on a factory brochure, not exalted by one of the floor reps. "Why sure you can tow this - heck, you won't even know it's behind you - like a dream."

... and ask questions here.

 

[Boat Bum]

I think the right forum is a great place to get that kind of information, such as this one and others.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

Got any friends or relatives that would loan you a trailer to take out? When I got my first popup that's when I began to learn and understand the in's and out's of camper operation, and what I would want going forward. Being able to borrow one even if you know it's not your style would be valuable cockpit time to learning what you don't know and at this point what you don't know to ask.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[Domo]

I think the right forum is a great place to get that kind of information, such as this one and others.

We're so vain! (sung to the tune of Carly Simon's "You're so vain.") <-- that includes me, of course!

 

[NY_Dutch]

I think the right forum is a great place to get that kind of information, such as this one and others.

There are several current and former fulltimers on this forum, including me. Ask away!

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Showing up in an RV (rented or borrowed) is an easier entre to other RVers than as a cabin-dweller, but if you are the sociable sort you can wander around and chat up whomever is outside their rig. You will be able to tell quickly whether they are the gregarious type (many RVers) or would rather you went away.

RV shows are great places to see a lot of RV types & brands. Not so much for meeting RVers.

Forums like this one or IRV2 or a brand-related site like FROG (Forest River Owners Group) are good places to ask questions and solicit opinions. But recognize that you will be getting advice distorted by the various lifestyle-biases of the advisor. There is a wide variation in what's "good" or "right" depending on your personal wants, needs, and attitudes. And your own preferences are very likely to change or grow as you gain RV experience. Or get older.

Since you have a few years to full retirement and already own a truck of some sort, I suggest buying a modestly priced used trailer and getting some real experience via weekend trips or vacations. That's the best way to learn about RV Life and how YOU want to fit in it. Plan on replacing that starter RV in a year or two, so it doesn't need to be a perfect choice or even the type or size of RV you think you will ultimately want. RVs depreciate rapidly but reach a floor in pricing where depreciation is no longer a factor and condition is only measure of price/value. You won't lose much if you start with an older RV and sell or trade it later.

 

[Kirk]

Gary already said much of what I was about to add. I do think that it is possible to get some information by walking through the campground from a cabin and just greet people and you can quickly tell who will be willing to talk to you.

 

[Akhanaton]

A lot easier to just go to an RV show or dealership

I will check for RV shows in my area. Thanks.

 

[Akhanaton]

Showing up in an RV (rented or borrowed) is an easier entre to other RVers than as a cabin-dweller, but if you are the sociable sort you can wander around and chat up whomever is outside their rig. You will be able to tell quickly whether they are the gregarious type (many RVers) or would rather you went away.

RV shows are great places to see a lot of RV types & brands. Not so much for meeting RVers.

Forums like this one or IRV2 or a brand-related site like FROG (Forest River Owners Group) are good places to ask questions and solicit opinions. But recognize that you will be getting advice distorted by the various lifestyle-biases of the advisor. There is a wide variation in what's "good" or "right" depending on your personal wants, needs, and attitudes. And your own preferences are very likely to change or grow as you gain RV experience. Or get older.

Since you have a few years to full retirement and already own a truck of some sort, I suggest buying a modestly priced used trailer and getting some real experience via weekend trips or vacations. That's the best way to learn about RV Life and how YOU want to fit in it. Plan on replacing that starter RV in a year or two, so it doesn't need to be a perfect choice or even the type or size of RV you think you will ultimately want. RVs depreciate rapidly but reach a floor in pricing where depreciation is no longer a factor and condition is only measure of price/value. You won't lose much if you start with an older RV and sell or trade it later.

Thanks. That makes sense. Ditch the cabin idea, just rent an RV. Will do. Ditto for RV shows. I'm fine to buy a used RV - been looking at used Lance travel trailers, seem to hold their value a lot better than others for some reason, which isn't great if you're the buyer.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Welcome to the forum. Allot of great advice given already. Renting a rv is a good way to try before you buy. Get an idea on size you think you want. Rent one and spend the weekend at a rv park. Floor plan is key during your search. If you do go to a rv show, just browse. Don’t buy anything. Good luck on your search.

 

[VinceM]

Shows are filled with salespeople. They are there to sell you what they have. I think the ‘go to campgrounds’ route is best. I’m a relative newbie, but I’ve yet to meet an RV’er who is reluctant to talk about their current rig and every other they have had, want,or wouldn’t take as a gift. Shows can have aggressive pricing, if you know what you want. Campgrounds and forums will give you the best- straight - information.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

If you have the time, go to Quartzite in January and camp in the BLM hinterlands. You can wander aimlessly for days and never see the same RV twice. There is everything from people sleeping in cars to $1M+ coaches. The rally proper will have lots of display units on site but if there's a particular brand or model you're interested, see if you can find if they're having a meetup there. It's quite a sight and experience if you're new to RV'ing.

Quartzsite, AZ

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[JudyJB]

There is no reason you cannot take a tent into a state park somewhere and do some camping that way to meet people. But if you want to chat with folks who are full or most-timers, you should go slightly off season when the campers are mostly adults, not families with kids. Weekdays are less busy. Families with kids will be very busy with managing them and doing stuff, while us old folks are much more likely to be sitting outside relaxing and will be willing to chat. I have met hundreds of people on the road who like to talk about why they chose their rig, and what they would do differently, etc.

I am one of the folks who are always willing to share experiences, but maybe that is because I am a "lonely old lady" as one of my kids once called me! But I have 13 years of living in a motorhome and driving all over the place.

Also, beware of all those "idealized van life" blogs! RVing can be expensive because of repair costs and other things, so you will need a backup fund for such things. I did it by working two jobs before i retired and putting money from my extra job aside.

 

[Larry N.]

If you have the time, go to Quartzite in January and camp in the BLM hinterlands. You can wander aimlessly for days and never see the same RV twice. There is everything from people sleeping in cars to $1M+ coaches. The rally proper will have lots of display units on site but if there's a particular brand or model you're interested, see if you can find if they're having a meetup there. It's quite a sight and experience if you're new to RV'ing.

Quartzsite, AZ

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

Quartzsite, AZ is, indeed, a unique place in January, with rock and mineral shows, cars shows and RV shows and sales lots galore. There are many campgrounds there, some of which often have sites available on short notice. But most folks there are in the BLM long term areas or just almost anywhere in the boonies, with literally thousands and thousands of RVs camping in the area.

This forum generally has a get-together there for just over a week starting in mid-January -- it's been a fun time for many years. Roam through the Rallies, Shows & Events section of this site to find a LOT of information about this.

And, of course, there is lots of good info above.