After thinking through all the options that worked for us, reviewing our finances yet again, and visiting several RV lots in town, Betty and I purchased a used, 30 foot, Four Winds Class C motor home. Because it was a former rental unit with high mileage, we also purchased two extended five year warranties that cover the engine and power train as well as all the components (A/C, refrigerator, water pump, hot water heater, roof, etc). The company sells thousands of these units each year and does a thorough job of repainting and refurbishing them. But, we both felt much better with a high level of protection against major issues.
I have joined both Good Sam Club and Passport America. We picked up a Camping World catalog. Betty went shopping for all the basic stuff we need in the RV to make it comfortable and feel like home. I bought various necessities like leveling blocks, a water pressure regulator, hose elbow, and a sewer hose support.
Our good friends gave us a painting of an old van with Betty's favorite Bible verse written across the top along with the words, Road Trip. Besides being hung in a place of honor inside the RV, it also gave us a name for our new baby: R.T., which stands for Road Trip. So, we now are proud owners of R.T. the R.V.
The next step was to book a quick trip to a nearby campground to begin to get comfortable with everything and check out all the components. Located just 30 minutes from home, Cave Creek Regional Park is a great place to start our new life. In addition to full hookups, there are miles of hiking trails and even a new Nature Interpretive Center.
As I write this we are making plans to sit under the awning of R.T. with Bailey at our feet while enjoying a late afternoon glass of wine and preparing for a sunset over the distant White Tank Mountains.
Last August I wrote about living in an RV while traveling around the country as one of three life-altering ideas I was considering. I can now check that off my list.
Thank you for all your feedback, comments, and ideas on the "Are We Nuts?" post. You really did help us take this major step. Betty and I are so excited about what new experiences we will share together.
Just as excited are our daughter, son-in-law, and three grandkids. They will use the RV for a few family vacations.
We have taken a leap into the unknown and it feels GREAT!
