Overwhelmed: Where should I start

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jenndun

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Jan 27, 2013
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2
I'm a single mom with 5 kids. I've always wanted to rv. It was our plan until my divorce 5 years ago. I gave up the idea because the thought of a single mom on the road with her kid seemed unlikely. Even my family advised me not to do it. So I gave it up. I recently decided to start looking into it again. I work from home and the kids school from home so there is nothing keeping us here.  I believe I can do it. I'm not scared to get dirty if needed. I've been looking for months at MH in the 90's. I know they are old and will have issues but it seems to be about what I can afford and not break the bank. I'm not going to just jump on something. I've been looking for months and want to be sure it's something that will be in good condition and fit our family before I buy.

I have no idea what to look for when I go to see the MH. That's been the main reason I've not bought yet. I look and they look good but I don't want to buy a money pit without knowing it. 

Where do I learn to drive one. I live south of Ft. Worth Texas is there anywhere around here to learn.

Where do I start. I've read and read most of this site. I've searched online and read what I could.

What should I look out for.

What advice do you have for me?

Am I crazy for this. My family is trying to tell me I am.
 
Jenn....

First off, no....you're not crazy.  RVing is very fun, and very addictive.  The kids will love it too.  But you are right to do your diligence when buying a used Motorhome.  There is a checklist on what to look for when buying any used RV here on the forum.  Start with that.  My second recommendation is to have someone who already owns an RV go with you when you shop if that's possible.  Maybe a neighbor....friend of a friend....etc. 

Any RV is going to have issues...even new one.  The question is how much they cost.  Much of what breaks on the living portion you can probably learn to fix yourself.  The mechanical part of the coach will likely need a pro to work on it in your case.  That said, concentrate on one that runs well, has been used but not abused (avoid ones that have sat for a long time), and where the owner has the service history on it.

More folks will chime in.....with much more info.  Don't miss out  on doing this if it's something you really want to do. 
 
jenndun said:
Where do I learn to drive one. I live south of Ft. Worth Texas is there anywhere around here to learn.
Driving an RV is really easy, just like driving a big car. Most potential new RV owners are apprehensive about driving one but that fear goes away real quickly. They are actually fun to drive. Go visit an RV dealership and look at some RVs and then ask to take one for a test drive. Tell the salesman you have never driven an RV. One test drive should convince you that it won't be a problem.
Where do I start. I've read and read most of this site. I've searched online and read what I could.
Rent an RV for a weekend and see how you like it. Then visit some RV dealerships and check out the different types of RVs, like class A, class C, fifth wheels and trailers. Once you have an idea of what you want then start reading Craigslist ads in your area. Post any and all questions here.
What should I look out for.
Most RV salesmen will tell you anything to sell you an RV. They would lie to their own mother to make a sale. Check the date codes on any RV you are considering buying. You don't want tires that are more than a few years old. RV tires should be replaced at 7 years, no matter what the tread looks like. Also check the ceiling for water damage.
What advice do you have for me?
Don't listen to your family.
Am I crazy for this. My family is trying to tell me I am.
No you are not crazy. By "my family" I trust you are talking about mom, dad, brothers and sisters and not your kids.

I am at Disney World right now and I get asked 20 times a day where I live. I tell them I am a full timer living on the road for the last ten years traveling all over the country. Absolutely every single person I say this to tells me they are jealous and that is what they want to do some day. Go for it, just do a lot of research first. And remember, you are not making a lifetime commitment by going full time. You can go back to living in a stick and brick anytime you want to.
 
All good advice above. Living in an RV is outside the perspective of most folks, but not crazy at all. Your lifestyle will change, though, and you have to make sure your kids can deal with it. You will be living in less than 400 sq ft and probably spend a lot more time outside than most modern families are accustomed to. That's probably a good thing.  If you move around a lot, they will have to make friends quickly and be able to handle losing "best friends" as you move on. And they will need to be able to entertain themselves as well.

A mid-late 90's motorhome probably isn't a mobile disaster area if it was reasonably well maintained. You wouldn't be afraid of buying a house from the 1990's, right? You would just be cautious and check it out thoroughly to make sure you understood the condition of the major appliances, roof, etc. Same thing applies here.

Next step is to go look at a lot of RVs of all types and sizes. It's overwhelming at first, but slowly you will develop a feel for what size and layout will probably work for you. How big a bath room and where it is, galley layout, dining table, tvs etc etc etc. You are probably going to look at closer to a hundred than a dozen, so wear your comfie shoes and don't rush! Take notes and maybe pictures, make lists of what you like and don't like and over time prioritize what you list.  Things you MUST have, things that you do not want under any circumstances, and all the stuff in-between that is nice to have if the price is right. And don't get hung up on the inevitable gas vs diesel question - it's really not all that important.

Driving one is more a matter of overcoming the fear than an actual skill. And getting accustomed to the different driver view in a Class A. Often folks choose a Class C because the cab seems familiar, like a car, but it is actually harder to drive a C than an A of similar size. You can see more from the driver seat on an A, and it almost surely maneuvers better as well.

Women usually prefer a motorhome over a trailer, and I guessing that you will want a larger one to maximize space for the kids (how many and how old?).  Normally I would urge a Class A coach, but Class C's often have more family-friendly layouts, e.g. bunks and such. You won't find many 90's vintage Class A's with more than one bed. Have you thought about that aspect of  family life in an RV?
 
Your  no crazier  ::) than the rest of the planet. You are doing the right thing by seeking advice before dropping the cash. Gary is right on almost everything except the driving I went from a classA to a class C. Not really any differance with the hanlding my only advice would be You-tube and watch some videos on driving RV's. They will get you familar with the jargon IE Tail swing and tracking radius. We home school as well so that won't even be an issue for you just have a place to keep all the school stuff together with easy access to it.

Just remember  TAKE YOUR TIME don't let anyone RUSH you into to buying the RV especially at a RV dealer. If you even go that route to buy one. You might be better off getting one from a private seller even.

KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS!!!!
 
Gary touched on something VERY important.....take your time looking, and look at every RV you can possibly see before plunking down any cash.  A hundred would be a good idea.  Why?  Because you're going to discover what you like, dislike, and are indifferent to along the way.  Finding a floorplan that fits your needs as much as possible is paramount....even if the thing runs perfect and is trouble free, it won't be much fun if it doesn't fit your needs.

NOW...here's a thought.  When you narrow it down to a few you're interested in, post pictures and descriptions of each on here and let us have a look.  There is a ton of experience at your disposal right here.  If it's a Craigslist or eBay ad, we can give you some advice and maybe help you get a better deal on it. 

Private party or dealer?  Each has it benefits and downfalls.  I would look at both if I were you....just remember some people will tell you whatever they think you want to hear to close the deal....including "I have 4 other people looking at it....better get it now or you might lose it".  Be very wary of anyone trying to rush you into anything. 

And above all, don't feel overwhelmed.  This should be a fun experience....don't let it become anything else.  We're here to help you any way we can.
 
Thank everyone. I'm glad to know I might not be crazy. LOL. My kids are 8, 9, 11, 14 and a 17 year old I just took in. They are all excited. Even my daughter who I thought would put up the most fight. They don't understand why we can't move today. My family is really concerned that my income is only about 1500 a month. I figure if I get rid of my apartment, water, electric,  and car payment then that should be fine to live in an rv on. I live on it now with all the bills of living in an apartment.

Is 1500 a month reasonable if I pay cash for an RV.

I have to have internet to work. What is the best way to get internet with an rv other than stopping at wifi places to work.

I've been looking at mostly class c with the bed over the driving area. For some reason I keep coming back to those. They seem roomy but still small enough to drive.  I'm going to look at a 2003 Winnebago Minnie (31C) W/Slide soon.

I'm also looking at a 2001 Four Winds International Infinity (M33SL) W/Slide which is a class A. It seems to have more storage and is only a little bigger then the other one and 3k cheaper.



 
Wow - you and 5 kids are going to need some special consideration for sleeping space.

Can you live on $1500/month?  Living in an RV isn't necessarily cheaper than an apartment but the rent usually includes the water and electric. However, the cheaper monthly rates are typically without electric, so figure that in if you get a long term rate. Fuel is also a major cost for an RV, but if you don't travel around much that goes to near-zero. And remember its a vehicle, so you will have insurance to pay (probably no worse than your car, though).

you mentioned getting rid of your car, but most people keep a car so that you don't have to take the RV to the store, which means "breaking camp" each time you need to go somewhere.  Have you given thought to where you will stay in the RV, how you will get to the store, cost of fuel, and things like that?
 
jenndun said:
Is 1500 a month reasonable if I pay cash for an RV.
Absolutely. I did just that for my first seven years. But then again I didn't have 5 rug rats. The key is not having any debts. There are lots of RV parks where you can stay for under $400 a month. What area of the country do you live in?
I have to have internet to work. What is the best way to get internet with an rv other than stopping at wifi places to work.
An air card from Verizon is probably the best, it is $50 a month.

 
Where do I learn to drive one. I live south of Ft. Worth Texas is there anywhere around here to learn.


Look at all of the 7 Parts of this driving course.
This is where I learned many of the points which enabled me to drive my Class A.

http://www.betterrving.com/article/rv_tips/rv_driving_course_adjusting_mirrors

Let us know how you make out.
 
winnie32v said:


Look at all of the 7 Parts of this driving course.
This is where I learned many of the points which enabled me to drive my Class A.

http://www.betterrving.com/article/rv_tips/rv_driving_course_adjusting_mirrors

Let us know how you make out.


AWESOME Video. I learned a lot!! Now I need to know what the E-350 wheel cut is and buy a good sharpie. ::)
 
I don't intend to be a naysayer, but I would take a real hard look at what the reality will be on that kind of budget.  I don't know if the $1500 a month includes any kind of child support or public assistance such as WIC (and I don't need to know or pry into your personal finances) or if you have other resources to make ends meet over and above the $1500, but if that is your total budget, I don't think that budget is going to support much, if any, travel.  I assume one of your goals for moving into an RV is to travel, but to keep under $1500 with 5 kids, I think the reality is going to be sitting around a trailer park for long periods of time in very cramped quarters with very limited transportation. 

For a look at a the actual annual budget of a full-timing couple, you can go to this page: http://www.rv-dreams.com/2013-Budget.html  .  They have some expenditures that would be considered luxuries, such as satellite TV and a second vehicle besides their truck and 5th wheel, but they don't have kids and generally live pretty frugally. 

If you do decide to go full-time, make sure you have a substantial cash reserve so that you are prepared in the event of a major mechanical breakdown.  I wish you the best in your decision.
 
Jenndun,
Don't be scared.  You probably have read all the great info supplied per your request.  It's all true.  And the video supplied by Winnie32v I thought to be very informative.  I have never driven a coach and I am permanently parked in a TT!  BUT, I am a trucker by trade and have many years of pulling 53' trailers around.  As well as shorter, single unit  vehicles that don't "bend in the middle".  If a MH is something you wish to persue, you can do it.  No doubt.  As mentioned before, it's a learned skill.  You have to start somewhere.  Convince yourself you can get started.

The other issue that popped out at me was the money end of it.  I am thinking nobody on this forum wants to know your financial status.  But that issue is something you need to think about wisely.  RVing is not a cheap hobby.  You need to be prepared.  If you intend on traveling while raising and schooling the "rug rats", expenses need to be considered.  In your situation, this area is of the most concern for me.  I would hate to hear you got in over your head.  An "Emergency Fund" for breakdowns, towing, and repairs is absoulutly necessary.  A good, mechanically sound purchase of your first MH (assuming the thought) is imperative.  Normal living expenses (food for 6, some comforts of home, school supplies, household items) are not to be forgotten.  Then add fuel if traveling, maintainence, breakdowns, insurance, etc.  This all adds up.

Can you physically do this?  Yes.
Could you and your kids have a blast doing this?  Yes. 
Can you financially do this?  Maybe.  You just need to think your situation through and make a honest decision.

Whatever you decide, best of luck. 


   
 
Jenn,

I'd like to offer some encouragement, but I think you'll quickly find yourself over your head and miserable.  You'll have 6 people living in about 240 square feet.  You'll have all the responsibilities of home ownership.  When something breaks you don't get to call the building superintendent.  Even if you learn to replace the water heater yourself, you still have to buy it.  You'll get 6 to 8 miles per gallon when you drive it.  I understand the attraction of the idea, but I think it's something you should defer for a while. 
 
00Buck said:
Jenn,

I'd like to offer some encouragement, but I think you'll quickly find yourself over your head and miserable.  You'll have 6 people living in about 240 square feet.  You'll have all the responsibilities of home ownership.  When something breaks you don't get to call the building superintendent.  Even if you learn to replace the water heater yourself, you still have to buy it.  You'll get 6 to 8 miles per gallon when you drive it.  I understand the attraction of the idea, but I think it's something you should defer for a while.

That is definitely a possibility.  Rving, particularly full time, isn't for everyone.  The nice thing is, as long as you shopped prudently to begin with, you can always sell it and go back to living in sticks and bricks.  Or maybe even keep it just for weekending. 

You'll never know until you try.
 
Frizlefrak said:
That is definitely a possibility.  Rving, particularly full time, isn't for everyone.  The nice thing is, as long as you shopped prudently to begin with, you can always sell it and go back to living in sticks and bricks.  Or maybe even keep it just for weekending. 

You'll never know until you try.
Great post Frizlefrak. I see the glass as half full also. I don't think this lady is buying this RV to do a lot of traveling so gas mileage should not be an issue. If she can live on $1500 in a stick and brick I don't see why she could not live in an RV. A lot of people in this world live in conditions that are a lot worse than 6 people in an RV. It will definitely be a close knit family ;D

You'll have all the responsibilities of home ownership.
Not really. She won't have to cut the grass ;D ;D ;D, pay to have a sewer repaired or do a lot of other maintenance that RV parks take care of. And most RV parks have 4 or more showers for men and women so the entire family could take their showers at the same time. And she wouldn't have to clean up the shower. Plus cleaning an RV is about a half an hour event. It takes a lot longer to clean a stick and brick. 
 
The glass is half full?  No grass to cut . . . easy to clean . . . Sorry guys.  Bait not taken. 

Jenndun, you sound like a woman with a big heart.  Four kids and taking in another one.  Wow!  Everyone should be so caring.  You're obviously a person who knows how to manage money, but a forum for RV enthusiasts is probably not the best place for a sanity check.  You should really listen to the people around you.  When they say, "don't do it," ask them why and hear them out.  In my experience, they're often telling me what I need to hear instead of what I want to hear.  Best of Luck to you whatever you decide. 
 
00Buck said:
Jenn,

I'd like to offer some encouragement, but I think you'll quickly find yourself over your head and miserable.  You'll have 6 people living in about 240 square feet. 

I was hoping we are talking about a close knit family.  God knows we need more of them!  It is to be considered in depth and with honesty before deciding.  Good point.

I also know larger families that live in close quarters and get along just fine.  Depending on their situation, it is also very possible that they fall into that catagory.  I'm hoping so.  As a family traveling around the country sounds like so much fun to me.  The kids maybe learning about whatever, and actually being there!  I envy her and her dream.
 

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