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So what's your take on this article?
Retirement trailer living
Is it a good and fulfilling life, or just a gilded trailer park for seniors waiting for the great egress?
I've been in enough 55+ parks to have seen both the good and bad side of the lifestyle. I do think the good outweighs the bad much more then this very long article paints.
Now that most snowbirds are back in our summer places, what do you think about "Pismodise"? Is this where you would want to be (or recommend) in your later years when snowbirding is not an option?
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John&Joey
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05/19/13 07:18am |
Snowbirds
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RE: NEW "I'm not sure I'd normally post this..." THREAD
I wish I had the words. Just know that you and your family is in my heart.
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John&Joey
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05/17/13 05:44pm |
Full-time RVing
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RE: 3,500 max tow capacity.
For all of the input to this point. THANK YOU. It saves me a lot of time in researching.
The post that RockHill made on SUV's was pretty much my gut feeling on what would happen. At this point I'm attempting to decide if we even have the option of a small TT with the Highlander.
I currently do not have a pull truck, but pay someone to pull the 5'ver to the Gulf from inland when I need it. I don't like all of the rust issues that the Class A had from the salt air. Just too many moving parts to go wrong.
With fuel costs and my Class A getting long in the tooth I'm attempting to come up with a better solution to working my way down south and back. To all those that are helping, thank you very much for your knowledge based on what you've learned.
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John&Joey
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05/17/13 06:51am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 3,500 max tow capacity.
I certainly didn't mean to be insulting.
OMG you did not John. I appreciate the help you've given me in this and prior posts. Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated.
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John&Joey
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05/17/13 06:40am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: When the Snowbirds are Gone
Florida parks are funny like that. Some of them are so packed with RV's that you can barely stretch your arms between them. Might explain why so many are in a hurry to leave in the spring. Always amazes me why someone with a half million dollar plus coach would spend the winter packed in like that trying to save condo costs.
We enjoy COE parks and Casino RV parks. The midwest has a bunch of both all nicely spaced out. Makes our slow migration down and back very enjoyable.
Now this is my idea of a snowbird park (which is on the edge of hill country in Texas.) Nice place to hang out on either side of Jan/Feb.
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z157/JJNowak/RVNet/DSCN2430.jpg
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John&Joey
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05/17/13 06:27am |
Snowbirds
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RE: 3,500 max tow capacity.
I maybe misunderstanding some of the posts but I am not sure why you would care what the GVWR of the trailer is. Rule of thumb is always the bigger the better. It is a rating not a weight. However you should be looking at net weight and then calculate realistically what you will add including everything that goes through the door, goes in the tanks and gets put on the tounge. Leave yourself a little leeway and make sure you do a test tow before buying. You will be able to get a good feel of how it pulls even if it is empty but have the delaer fill the water tank to simulate at least some of the weight.
John, I have ZERO knowledge when it comes to TT's and what is out there. Looking to see if there are any real options out there based on those that went before me. Otherwise there is hours and hours of research.
For those that need to know it's a Toyota Highlander, and I currently own a Class A and 33 foot 5'ver. Between those two we're camping about six months. So no more :Z insults from the peanut stand please. To everyone else thank you for your input.
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John&Joey
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05/16/13 07:31pm |
Travel Trailers
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3,500 max tow capacity.
In our pursuit of fine tuning our snowbird lifestyle we're getting down to a tow vehicle. DW has her heart set on a SUV that can tow 3,500 lbs max.
All we need is a TT for 2-4 (max) weeks down south and then back. We have a place once we get there for long term. The question I have for you TT experts is do I have any viable TT options open to me given that weight? It would only be 2 people who never boondock except when forced into it.
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John&Joey
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05/16/13 05:45pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Wintering in San Antonio area
...snip...We lived in San Antonio for 25 years in a stick house (instead of an upper end RV) and I can tell you that it gets cold there in Jan and Feb. Daytime highs in the 60s may be reached by 3 or 4 p.m. and some nights in the 20s or 30s. Of course you can have 75 the next day. It's all what you seek....
You just put a smile on my face. Right now those are the current temps up north here for the last few days. The non-snowbirds are walking around in shorts enjoying the sunny days after coming out of a brutal winter. The snowbirds are all bundled up like they are going on a polar expedition. Like you said, it's all what you seek (or are use too.)
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John&Joey
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05/11/13 09:50pm |
Snowbirds
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RE: the worse built motorhome you can think of
It was a valid question IMO.
I think where the rub comes in is some enjoy working/looking on/at their rigs more then they enjoy using them. Once you start going cross country or spending more then 3 nights in them then the question of poor quality, poor construction, and poor maintenance starts to really become a major factor in your life and pocketbook.
Good question from a new member on limited RV budget who wants to get good in his new hobby due to his planning on using his Class A for what it was really designed to do. You just keep asking those questions and don't let the "driveway queens" ruffle your feathers.
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John&Joey
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05/11/13 08:08am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 1995 28ft Georgie Boy, Chevy 454, P30 chassis
Something about that name,,, makes me wonder Are they well built? I always wondered about how good a Georgie Boy is. are they metal framed walls or wood?
IMO, they were at the top of the entry level rig prior to '99. Lot of bang for the buck. After '98 Coachman bought out the family business and I've heard things went down hill. YMMV
Hopefully the below picture will show correctly for you. If it does, you'll see the cage is welded aluminum, with a powder coated steel basemen. As a sidebar note GBM did a good job at tank placement, my old F53 drives as nice as any bread truck/UPS frame can.
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z157/JJNowak/RVNet/Schematic.jpg
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John&Joey
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05/10/13 06:50am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 1995 28ft Georgie Boy, Chevy 454, P30 chassis
...snip...
I'm just wondering if there is any thing special I should be looking at or for as far as problems with these units.
I have a '96 Cruise master. Well built rig for the money. Just came off the road with it this spring after having ZERO issues all winter.
The spot you need to watch out for is the front end cap/rubber roof connection. Make sure that area is well sealed and not spongy from a prior leak. Mostly on the passenger side.
BTW, why in the world are you giving up your current rig for a smaller entry level gas one? Just wondering.
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John&Joey
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05/10/13 06:33am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Dicor Roof Coating
The white on a rubber roof is just a coating to begin with. Meant to reflect the sun/heat. Seen many RV's down around the Mexican boarder that are being FT'ed in (but never move) with mostly black roofs and no leaks.
Did my 5'ver last winter with good results, total cost was $80 for two gallons of rubber roof coating. Time will only tell if it was a good solution or not. Trick is to make sure the coating can handle "ponding." All RV's will have some area that will hold water. Many of those coatings that are water clean up will dissolve if ponding occurs.
Removed everything but the AC. Used a brush to get under it as best I could then roller around that. First thing I did was resealed with Dicor lap sealant to make sure the roof was in water tight condition.
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John&Joey
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05/10/13 06:23am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: the worse built motorhome you can think of
IMO, all RV's are cheaply made. You just have to keep looking hard enough to find it on some of them.
Given enough time and road miles:
Any motorhome whose cage is made out of wood (vs metal) is going to have problems. Any metal cage that is not welded will have problems (best on two sides.) Any motorhome whose basement cage is steel and not rustproofed will have problems. Any motorhome whose floor is chip wood vs plywood will have problems. Any motorhome that has end caps will have problems. Any motorhome that has a flat roof vs an arched will have problems.
Now you can have all of the above, and still have a good rig. But it's going to be because of the owner, and not the manufacturer.
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John&Joey
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05/10/13 05:56am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Dometic AC Unit Install
Could always run a hose up there and test. Have someone down below watching for any leaks.
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John&Joey
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05/10/13 04:54am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Wintering in San Antonio area
I think this once again depends on what you're in or what will be one day. A park model or an upper end RV (i.e auqahot, double pane windows, etc...) would not be an issue. Sleep in late, coffee and paper, then enjoy the day in the sun and out of the wind.
On the other hand if you're a mobile RV'er in something without floor heat, then I think Rockport is right. Head further south and gain 10-15 degree's. You'll have more hours per day to be outside.
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John&Joey
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05/06/13 09:06pm |
Snowbirds
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RE: TX Gulf Coast insects in winter
True story,
Spent the month of December in Rockport, right after it rained 12 inches (yes 12 as in one foot.) The first week there were tiny mosquitoes everywhere, second week I was swatting at them, third and forth week it was a blood letting as soon as I left the MH. BTW, This is from someone from MN, we know our mosquitoes.
I mentioned this to another snowbird/fisherman (we were fishing at the time) that those 12 inches of rain must have created the current mosquito problem, and that locals were telling me it has never been that bad before. His reply to me was the locals have been telling him the same thing for the last three winters (since he's been coming to that area) and he was going somewhere else next winter because he was sick of it. I decided to move on, and not waste any more time there after his statement. YMMV
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John&Joey
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05/01/13 04:46pm |
Snowbirds
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RE: A little scary
Still have it safety checked. It will give you peace of mind.
After that, take the steering wheel and let your husband be the passenger. It would do you both a world of good.
More then once has a husband got a heart attack while on the road leaving the wife to fend for herself.
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John&Joey
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04/30/13 07:51pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Atwood water heater question.
ON EDIT
Sorry misread your post about the problem causing this edit.
Given what you stated I would get the kit, but first I would ensure your current ones are set firmly against the tank. If they are not then they can not do their job.
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John&Joey
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04/30/13 06:57pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: A little scary
Not Ford chassis---it's Chevy.
My knowledge is mostly ford, but in your case I would have someone who knew what they were doing inspect the bell crank. Regardless, take the unit in and have it safety checked.
Nothing worst then getting use to something that can be fixed. If it checks out OK, then onto the next steps.
On edit:
Also, if that thing has helper airbags, check them to see if they are holding pressure.
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John&Joey
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04/30/13 05:00pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: First RV for Retired Couple
FWIW, When you go the class A route you are also setting yourself up with another drive train that requires work and money. Then if you do travel (like you said) you will want a tow car. You may have one already, if not that's another expense.
5'th wheels are nice if you already have a larger truck. Towables are the cheapest way to go, but they may not be the best form for carefree cross country driving.
Just spent two weeks in Carthage/Joplin, MO that has to be a mecca for RV sales. You could always take a drive there and tour your options. Maybe something will pop out at you.
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John&Joey
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04/30/13 06:45am |
General RVing Issues
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