Here we are in our late 60's and just bought our first RV, (fifth wheel)and getting a little excited about taking it out. It's a used one but still new to us. There are a few little things I've fixed or replaced and now the only thing left to do is fill the propane tanks and then we're set. We've decided to go to a KOA camp ground 30 miles away and spend the weekend there to see what this RV'ing is all about.
Congratulations! You are doing the right thing to make your first trip somewhere close...just in case.
And by that, I mean that you'll get there and realize that you left the frying pan at home
On our first trip (about 1-1/2 hours away) we got ready to go to bed, and DW asked where her suitcase was??? Ooops ....sitting on the bed at home
Fortunately, we were only going for two days, and we had our son's car with us, so I went to Walmart, and got her what she needed.
Now, we keep two small duffle bags in the RV, with a weekend's worth of clothes and other items we'll need.
Have a great time!!
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
Make lots of new friends, ask lots of questions, and walk around and get ideas! Most RV'ers, of ALL size of rigs are happy to talk about and explain the modifications, improvements and repairs that they've made.
Also, don't be afraid to ask questions and bounce ideas off of the folks on this forum, as you'll get a variety of ideas and suggestions back!
Dont worry so much about what to bring on the trips. It will all show up on your first one or two trips out. You can get everything you will need from the local WALMART, LOWEs, and maybe even the camp site store.
I was always afraid I would run out out of propane on a trip but hasnt happened yet.
Dont feel like you are intruding on any of the other campers with questions. They all did the same thing the first few times they went out and you will find this to be one big happy family association. Everyone we have met over the years are real helpful folks and will look out for everyone just like we do.
Being tent campers ourselves since the early 50's we still like it best getting back off the power grid and being able to play with all the modern available toys that come on the newer trailer. You can get by just fine on a couple of batteries, smart mode charging converter/charger, led lights, and a 2KW Honda generator to recharge your batteries each day in as little as 2-3 hours when you are allowed to run your generators. Everyone now has all kinds of camping rules these days about making camping fit all the campers.
Have fun camping...
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - PM me Roy and Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS
POPUP PHOTOs-Pg52-Pg56
We're in our late 60s and have been RVing for 5 years now, up from tent camping. We love it. In fact we even snow-bird for 3 months of winter in our TT. My DH has all the conveniences he missed tent camping such as his Satellite TV, wireless home phone and Verizon MiFi. Your RV will be like your home away from home in no time at all. It's like a small apartment. Let us know how you make out.
Welcome,We are on our second Motorhome, a class C, in 1999...sold that in 2001( family situation....gave lawyers all our savings over the next 8 years for adoption of nephew......saved some money and bought a new to us Beaver Contessa 40' in Jan 2012.... did some maintenance and minor repairs.
been camping for a total of 15 days already and I am ready to go fulltime.......we will see.....this forum will give you help when needed, harass you in a friendly way, laugh at your mistakes...we have all been there one time or another.....glad you are with us and enjoy your camping days ahead!
How exciting! We did the same and had almost nothing we needed. It was still fun as we made lists for 4 days. Then I went shopping in the cupboards, the attic and WM.
If you haven't heard of the cushy rubber shelf liner trick, get some for the weekend. It keeps things from sliding around.
You're gonna love it! Like others have said, ask questions, in here or at the campground. Most of us are happy to help out others. Infact, most people we have met will give us guided tours of thier TT's. without asking. You'll find the majority of campers are a breed apart. Friendly, Helpful, and knowledgable.
We also went to a local campsite about 7 miles from our home. It is reassuring on your first few outing that home is not far away. You WILL forget a few items. Make a list as you go. After a few trips out you will want to start exploring farther from home. It's a lot less stressful knowing you have all you need before you leave the driveway. And if not, there's usually a camping store or wal mart around Enjoy!!
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....sitting on the bed at home
.JPG)
