Learning from Others (or Creating a Network)

When the thought of buying an RV (recreational vehicle) started seriously crossing my mind, I started doing a lot of research on the Internet.  I also mentioned my thought to everyone I saw or talked to (except my sister because I knew she would think I was crazy).  I wound up with a significant network and some new friends.

My initial thought was a big 5^th wheel.  Many of the floor plans were appealing, and the price seemed reasonable.  Next I started looking at the cost of the truck to pull the 5^th wheel.  Whew!  Then I thought about the logistics of getting the cat from the truck to the trailer, or deciding I was some place I didn’t want to be and having to go outside to get to the driver’s seat.  That drove me towards a motorhome. I could tow a car and wind up with a smaller vehicle to get around town while on the road.

I really wanted a washer/dryer so I wouldn’t have to go out to do laundry.  I also wanted ample living space and a separate bedroom so it felt like I wasn’t living in a box.  Based on my Internet research, it seemed that Class A and at least 35 feet long was the minimum requirement. 

I looked at price.  My budget was no more than $100,000.  That drove me towards Class A motorhomes with gasoline engines.  I picked out a 2017 37-foot Thor Challenger located in St. Augustine, FL.  A potential purchase would have meant a flight down, looking, and driving home if it looked right.  (Given that I had never driven a big vehicle like that or stayed in an RV park, that seemed overwhelming.)

Meantime, I was building my network.  I saw an article in the church newsletter about a person who had just picked up a brand-new Class C Winnebago and stayed on the author’s driveway for a night.  I contacted my church friend who connected me with Nomad JuJu by email.  Nomad JuJu’s blog is here.  Nomad JuJu recommended smaller so that camping in national and state parks would be possible.  I was set on the washer/dryer and living space more than I was interested in staying in a national park.   

I mentioned my interest to a friend in Book Club.  She connected me with her sister who had just purchased a new trailer.  Sylvia introduced me to Sisters on the Fly and connected me with another friend who was living in her RV full time.  I connected with Diane on Facebook.  We had a great conversation on the phone.  We later met in person when I wound up parked in her winter town.

I mentioned my interest to friends in the Society of Women Engineers (specifically the Late Career and Retiree Affinity Group). They pointed me to another SWE member, Fran, who traveled with her husband in a large Class A RV for several years. Fran had a lot of good advice. I have visited Fran twice now. She has a 50-amp hookup and water at her house, and she is a fount of information on all things RVing.

I mentioned my interest to a friend on the Ad Astra Kansas Foundation Board; he and his wife live in their RV full time.  Ken convinced me that I really must get a diesel pusher – more power for mountains, engine braking for coming down the mountains, and more basement space (accessible through doors underneath the living space) because there is no drive train running through the center of the bus.

I didn’t go to Florida to look at the Thor Challenger.  My requirement changed to diesel pusher.  Based on my research, it seemed that I would have to go up to at least $120,000 and be happy with older.

I gave a speech called “Crazy Problem Solving” at Toastmasters that laid out my problem statement, desires, possible options, and concluded that a motorhome is the best solution.  I learned that our President Dane owns an RV.  We had a really good conversation about the tradeoffs between new and old coaches. 

With a clear idea of what I wanted, it was time to shop.  Stay tuned for that fun in my next blog post.